Competition for better services -what a novel idea.
AIMS : AIMS Library: AIMS Library
Municipalities provide a range of expensive services often without knowing whether they are receiving full, efficient value for the public money they spend. Yet, at a time when municipal governments are struggling to make ends meet and to provide acceptable levels of services, the status quo in services provision is no longer an option. Municipal governments need to ascertain whether the cost of a service is justified, and then seek to provide that service at the most efficient price.
One way of providing services more efficiently and at lower cost would be to make them "contestable" - that is, to open up the bidding on services contracts to all interested providers, whether public, private, or a combination of the two.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Was justice served?
Twenty years ,over 100 million dollars spent, with 500 police people working on the Air India tragedy -the result not quilty. We need a public inquery. PR
News | canada.com network: "Families search for answers"
News | canada.com network: "Families search for answers"
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Ad exec defends charge
This arrogance is truly disgusting under the officially induced error or officially induced fraud category. How many of these unethical people are feeding at the public trough now? PR
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Ad exec defends charge: "MONTREAL -- An Ottawa ad exec strongly defended billing taxpayers almost $11,000 for the use of a generator by a Quebec village devastated by the 1998 ice storm. The generator was offered for free by the Bluenose II Preservation Trust which had mothballed it after a 1997 sponsorship-funded travelling museum of the famous schooner. "
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Ad exec defends charge: "MONTREAL -- An Ottawa ad exec strongly defended billing taxpayers almost $11,000 for the use of a generator by a Quebec village devastated by the 1998 ice storm. The generator was offered for free by the Bluenose II Preservation Trust which had mothballed it after a 1997 sponsorship-funded travelling museum of the famous schooner. "
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Black hole of Kyoto
Have we learned nothing from the gun registry? Another expensive nobel experiment at public expense- and you wonder why the care system does not work.PRCanadians should be deeply alarmed at the new $10-billion cost figure, which is double the last estimate. As we know only too well, the actual cost will likely wind up many times higher. We also have no idea how many jobs this ill-fated scheme will cost.
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Black hole of Kyoto: "Canadians should be deeply alarmed at the new $10-billion cost figure, which is double the last estimate.
As we know only too well, the actual cost will likely wind up many times higher.
We also have no idea how many jobs this ill-fated scheme will cost. "
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Black hole of Kyoto: "Canadians should be deeply alarmed at the new $10-billion cost figure, which is double the last estimate.
As we know only too well, the actual cost will likely wind up many times higher.
We also have no idea how many jobs this ill-fated scheme will cost. "
National Post
National Post: "PET scanners stand idle
Hospitals cannot afford to run highly sought machines
Heather Sokoloff
National Post"
Hospitals cannot afford to run highly sought machines
Heather Sokoloff
National Post"
No more federal cash for Ont.: Volpe
Interesting -here is a novel thought why not get more service from the tax money you already have by allowing competition and competitive services- Mr McGuinty? PR
Hamilton: "No more federal cash for Ont.: Volpe"
Hamilton: "No more federal cash for Ont.: Volpe"
Plan now or face crisis, city warned - Brantford Expositor
Be proactive -all taxpayers should respond with suggestions PROsprey Media Group Inc. - Brantford Expositor: "Plan now or face crisis, city warned
By Michael-Allan Marion, expositor staff
Local News - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 @ 01:00
With more responsibilities and not enough tax revenue, city hall is headed for financial crisis unless council comes up with a comprehensive strategic plan that sets priorities and establishes cost-effective programs and services. "
By Michael-Allan Marion, expositor staff
Local News - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 @ 01:00
With more responsibilities and not enough tax revenue, city hall is headed for financial crisis unless council comes up with a comprehensive strategic plan that sets priorities and establishes cost-effective programs and services. "
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Great expectations
Lets see if real choices are forthcoming with a viable and honest platform
Let's be optimistic and open and avoid the "Canadian Duck" label. PR
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Great expectations: "The Conservatives will have a chance this week to show Canadians they are made of better stuff than Prime Minister Dithers and his regime of misplaced priorities. "
The Conservatives will have a chance this week to show Canadians they are made of better stuff than Prime Minister Dithers and his regime of misplaced priorities.
Let's be optimistic and open and avoid the "Canadian Duck" label. PR
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Great expectations: "The Conservatives will have a chance this week to show Canadians they are made of better stuff than Prime Minister Dithers and his regime of misplaced priorities. "
The Conservatives will have a chance this week to show Canadians they are made of better stuff than Prime Minister Dithers and his regime of misplaced priorities.
National Post
A lot of people do not think that the government is doing a good job and are protecting their hard earned money outside of Canada- Hmm- if they can make ireland a mecca -why not Canada? PR
National Post: "$88B flees Canada: Taxes blamed as investment in offshore havens soars"
More than one-fifth of all Canadian direct investment abroad in 2003, or more than 20 cents of every dollar, went into offshore financial centres, double the proportion 13 years earlier, the report said.
National Post: "$88B flees Canada: Taxes blamed as investment in offshore havens soars"
More than one-fifth of all Canadian direct investment abroad in 2003, or more than 20 cents of every dollar, went into offshore financial centres, double the proportion 13 years earlier, the report said.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Was ticket tip point?
So what really happened in the fatal misadventure of our four brave Mounties? Shocking and sad PA
Most startling of all is the killings may have been sparked by a simple traffic ticket.
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Was ticket tip point?
Most startling of all is the killings may have been sparked by a simple traffic ticket.
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Was ticket tip point?
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Court reform
Interesting Businee week article on how to fix the Court system -PR
How to Fix The Tort System
Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_11/b3924601.htm?campaign_id=nws_insdr_mar4&link_position=link1
How to Fix The Tort System
Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_11/b3924601.htm?campaign_id=nws_insdr_mar4&link_position=link1
Friday, March 04, 2005
Did the Liberals redraw Greenbelt boundries for their friends?
Hamilton: "TORONTO (CP) -- In an unrelenting attack on the Liberals' integrity Thursday, the Conservatives raised questions about whether development interests related to the finance minister had received favourable treatment. "
Rural protest planned for Wednesday at Queen's Park Osprey Media Group Inc. - Brantford Expositor
Osprey Media Group Inc. - Brantford Expositor
Rural protest planned for Wednesday at Queen's Park
By John Paul Zronik, expositor staff
Local News - Friday, March 04, 2005 @ 01:00
Ontario farmers aren’t letting the provincial government off the hook.
The Lanark Landowners Association, based in eastern Ontario, is planning to follow this week’s protest at Queen's Park by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture with one Wednesday.
“The lambs were in to Queen’s Park yesterday, the lions will be there next week,” association president Randy Hillier said in a telephone interview Thursday.
Rural protest planned for Wednesday at Queen's Park
By John Paul Zronik, expositor staff
Local News - Friday, March 04, 2005 @ 01:00
Ontario farmers aren’t letting the provincial government off the hook.
The Lanark Landowners Association, based in eastern Ontario, is planning to follow this week’s protest at Queen's Park by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture with one Wednesday.
“The lambs were in to Queen’s Park yesterday, the lions will be there next week,” association president Randy Hillier said in a telephone interview Thursday.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Adam's fight continues on March 24
And will Justice be served in Brantford Court?
The "vindication" procedings of Developer Adam againt Revenue Canada will continue on March 24,2005. At that time Adam's new lawyer, a seasoned and competent Court of Appeal lawyer will speak and do battle on the issue. We will keep you posted.
Of interest from today's proceedings , was that the "excuse " or defense of "officially induced error" could only be used or heard after the trial and conviction of a defendant. This narrow interpretation will be heard by the presiding trial judge. It would appear that Adam has a good case for a new trial based on new information which was not made available or disclosed by the crown in the regular trial proceeding. It would appear that whatever the ruling on March 24 th the issue will be- if necessary -taken to the Court of Appeals on a number of issues which the trial judge cannot legally hear. We will keep you posted. PR
MSN Hotmail - Message
MSN Hotmail - Message: "
Here's some screwy logic: Encourage women of childbearing age (we'll call these millions of women WOCBA) to eat highly processed bread products because that's the only way many of them will get enough folic acid to avoid the risk of birth defects.
That advice comes from Anita Boles, executive director of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. Specifically, Ms. Boles is concerned that too many WOCBA may be caught up in the hype about low-carb diets. If they remove Wonder Bread from their diets (the reasoning goes), they won't be getting a sufficient amount of folic acid that refined grain products are fortified with.
Hmmm. Couldn't WOCBA just go to the store and purchase folic acid supplements?
Nope, not good enough, says Ms. Boles. Statistics show that 60 percent of the women in this group fail to take the recommended daily dose of 400 mcg of folic acid.
So let's see if I've got this straight. Since well over 50 percent of WOCBA don't take the simple step necessary to help prevent birth defects, the best solution is that they should be encouraged to eat plenty of crappy fortified carbs? Of course, those aren't Ms. Boles' words. She describes them as 'enriched grains.'
Well, call them what you want. A daily intake of highly processed grain products simply adds up to 'enriched' poor nutrition.
Happily, though, on the same day I came across the item with Ms. Boles' advice, I happened to find an article from a mainstream media outlet that actually offers some surprisingly clear thinking about carbohydrates.
--------------------------------------------
Measuring up
------------"
Here's some screwy logic: Encourage women of childbearing age (we'll call these millions of women WOCBA) to eat highly processed bread products because that's the only way many of them will get enough folic acid to avoid the risk of birth defects.
That advice comes from Anita Boles, executive director of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. Specifically, Ms. Boles is concerned that too many WOCBA may be caught up in the hype about low-carb diets. If they remove Wonder Bread from their diets (the reasoning goes), they won't be getting a sufficient amount of folic acid that refined grain products are fortified with.
Hmmm. Couldn't WOCBA just go to the store and purchase folic acid supplements?
Nope, not good enough, says Ms. Boles. Statistics show that 60 percent of the women in this group fail to take the recommended daily dose of 400 mcg of folic acid.
So let's see if I've got this straight. Since well over 50 percent of WOCBA don't take the simple step necessary to help prevent birth defects, the best solution is that they should be encouraged to eat plenty of crappy fortified carbs? Of course, those aren't Ms. Boles' words. She describes them as 'enriched grains.'
Well, call them what you want. A daily intake of highly processed grain products simply adds up to 'enriched' poor nutrition.
Happily, though, on the same day I came across the item with Ms. Boles' advice, I happened to find an article from a mainstream media outlet that actually offers some surprisingly clear thinking about carbohydrates.
--------------------------------------------
Measuring up
------------"
News | canada.com network
Bob said in response to this article" What damned successes?? Ticking off our biggest trading partner and destroying the country's beef industry? Making us an international laughing stock? Stealing taxpayer's money and lying to us about it?Just gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, doesn't it!! "It should be interesting how the leadership review people see it-vested interest and all Chukle-PR
News | canada.com network
News | canada.com network
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Farmers protest - Going broke , Overregulated, Seek help from thrifty( adscam) people
It continues to be a dithers problem -will anyone really help? Will it be another situation of more meetings of "concerned" politicians and government administrators with no real relief? What do you think based on the recent performance of the McQuinty administration? PR
Full story from Hamilton National Post
Ontario farmers rally at Queen's Park Wednesday, March 02, 2005
TORONTO -- Thousands of angry farmers have gathered on the lawn of the Ontario legislature. They're protesting what they call government neglect of a crisis in the farming sector.
Full story from Hamilton National Post
Ontario farmers rally at Queen's Park Wednesday, March 02, 2005
TORONTO -- Thousands of angry farmers have gathered on the lawn of the Ontario legislature. They're protesting what they call government neglect of a crisis in the farming sector.
What will happen next to Condo Developer Adam?
Backgrounder and reference. On March 3, our besieged developer Adam , will again be before the court to face the Crown and the Revenue Canada Golliath.
We are all waiting to see if the "officially induced error" defense will work. It normally takes more then one party to have a criminal act . The question is also why no one, at Revenue Canada, has it would seem been held to account for allowing the events to happen in the first place. Have the qualified "highly trained and knowledgeable "counter people or the auditor of Revenue Canada who approved the release of funds or whose instructions were followed , been criminally charged,as well?
Are there two sets of rules in place -one for normal or common citizens and one for "insulated from" or "above the law" government workers? What a ridiculous question. As the current Adscam inquery shows and which has shed light on other lax government due diligence creteria , we will see how "Common justice" will be "fairly" and "equally" served tommorrow and in the future.
The proceedings start tommorrow at 10 at the main Brantford Court house for those who wish to attend. We will keep you posted
We are all waiting to see if the "officially induced error" defense will work. It normally takes more then one party to have a criminal act . The question is also why no one, at Revenue Canada, has it would seem been held to account for allowing the events to happen in the first place. Have the qualified "highly trained and knowledgeable "counter people or the auditor of Revenue Canada who approved the release of funds or whose instructions were followed , been criminally charged,as well?
Are there two sets of rules in place -one for normal or common citizens and one for "insulated from" or "above the law" government workers? What a ridiculous question. As the current Adscam inquery shows and which has shed light on other lax government due diligence creteria , we will see how "Common justice" will be "fairly" and "equally" served tommorrow and in the future.
The proceedings start tommorrow at 10 at the main Brantford Court house for those who wish to attend. We will keep you posted
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Butt ban kills, hotelier warns
Twisted humour- And the researcers did not get a grant to do this-obviously does not fit the current health agenda.Chuckle Q-J
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Butt ban kills, hotelier warns: "Butt ban kills, hotelier warns
Causes murder rate to rise
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
Apparently, there are a lot of people dying for a smoke. Gary Desrosiers, a rural hotel owner who's leading a charge against Manitoba's indoor smoking ban, said yesterday he has extensive research that proves there's a direct correlation between butt bans and higher murder rates.
But the province has called into question the reliability of the data, which was gathered by Desrosiers and his brother Guy.
"This is all carefully researched stuff," said Desrosiers, owner of the Brunkild Bar and Grill. "We've known this for a long time but we wanted to make sure we had all our ducks in a row before we said anything."
Desrosiers said murders have shot up in cities that have introduced indoor smoking bans. For example, there were no murders in Fredericton, N.B., between 2000 and 2002. A smoking ban was introduced in 2003, and there were two homicides that year, according to the Desrosiers brothers.
They have similar figures for several other North American cities. The data is posted on their website, which is dedicated to convincing the province to reverse its ban on smoking in indoor public and work places.
A STRETCH
Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald said Desrosiers' conclusion may be a bit of a stretch.
"Certainly, I can understand why people who are very anxious about the smoking ban ... might really wish to see a connection between such things," Oswald said. "I have some personal difficulty seeing the cause-and-effect relationship."
In their research, the brothers note there were 18 homicides in Winnipeg two years ago -- when the citywide smoking ban kicked in. The number of homicides jumped to 34 last year.
According to police statistics, there were 19 homicides in 2003, not the 18 claimed by the Desrosiers.
The Desrosiers also claim to have found a correlation between butt bans and incidents of rape.
"Is voluntary exposure to second-hand smoke worth an increased workload on police, longer response times for police in an emergency, more unregulated drinking and an increase in murder and rape?" reads a portion of the website.
Desrosiers said he believes smoke bans drive people to drink more at home and at house parties. Without the supervision of sober bar staff, violence is more likely to escalate, he said.
Oswald said scientists would probably conclude the research methodology isn't very sound.
"What do you want for scientific evidence?" Desrosiers said. "I don't know what more we can do."
- On the web: www.smokeouthypocrisy.com
Apparently, there are a lot of people dying for a smoke. Gary Desrosiers, a rural hotel owner who's leading a charge against Manitoba's indoor smoking ban, said yesterday he has extensive research that proves there's a direct correlation between butt bans and higher murder rates.
But the province has called into question the reliability of the data, which was gathered by Desrosiers and his brother Guy.
'This is all carefully researched stuff,' said Desrosiers, owner of the Brunkild Bar and Grill. 'We've known this for a long time but we wanted to make sure we had all our ducks in a row before we said anything.'
Desrosiers said murders have shot up in cities that have introduced indoor smoking bans. For example, there were no murders in Fredericton, N.B., between 2000 and 2002. A smoking ban was introduced in 2003, and there were two homicides that year, according to the Desrosiers brothers.
They have similar figures for several other North American cities. The data is posted on their website, which is dedicated to convincing the province to reverse its ban on smoking in indoor public and work places.
A STRETCH
Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald said Desrosiers' conclusion may be a bit of a stretch.
'Certainly, I can understand why people who are very anxious about the smoking ban ... might really wish to see a connection between such things,' Oswald said. 'I have some personal difficulty seeing the cause-and-effect relationship.'
In their research, the brothers note there were 18 homicides in Winnipeg two years ago -- when the citywide smoking ban kicked in. The num"
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Butt ban kills, hotelier warns: "Butt ban kills, hotelier warns
Causes murder rate to rise
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
Apparently, there are a lot of people dying for a smoke. Gary Desrosiers, a rural hotel owner who's leading a charge against Manitoba's indoor smoking ban, said yesterday he has extensive research that proves there's a direct correlation between butt bans and higher murder rates.
But the province has called into question the reliability of the data, which was gathered by Desrosiers and his brother Guy.
"This is all carefully researched stuff," said Desrosiers, owner of the Brunkild Bar and Grill. "We've known this for a long time but we wanted to make sure we had all our ducks in a row before we said anything."
Desrosiers said murders have shot up in cities that have introduced indoor smoking bans. For example, there were no murders in Fredericton, N.B., between 2000 and 2002. A smoking ban was introduced in 2003, and there were two homicides that year, according to the Desrosiers brothers.
They have similar figures for several other North American cities. The data is posted on their website, which is dedicated to convincing the province to reverse its ban on smoking in indoor public and work places.
A STRETCH
Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald said Desrosiers' conclusion may be a bit of a stretch.
"Certainly, I can understand why people who are very anxious about the smoking ban ... might really wish to see a connection between such things," Oswald said. "I have some personal difficulty seeing the cause-and-effect relationship."
In their research, the brothers note there were 18 homicides in Winnipeg two years ago -- when the citywide smoking ban kicked in. The number of homicides jumped to 34 last year.
According to police statistics, there were 19 homicides in 2003, not the 18 claimed by the Desrosiers.
The Desrosiers also claim to have found a correlation between butt bans and incidents of rape.
"Is voluntary exposure to second-hand smoke worth an increased workload on police, longer response times for police in an emergency, more unregulated drinking and an increase in murder and rape?" reads a portion of the website.
Desrosiers said he believes smoke bans drive people to drink more at home and at house parties. Without the supervision of sober bar staff, violence is more likely to escalate, he said.
Oswald said scientists would probably conclude the research methodology isn't very sound.
"What do you want for scientific evidence?" Desrosiers said. "I don't know what more we can do."
- On the web: www.smokeouthypocrisy.com
Apparently, there are a lot of people dying for a smoke. Gary Desrosiers, a rural hotel owner who's leading a charge against Manitoba's indoor smoking ban, said yesterday he has extensive research that proves there's a direct correlation between butt bans and higher murder rates.
But the province has called into question the reliability of the data, which was gathered by Desrosiers and his brother Guy.
'This is all carefully researched stuff,' said Desrosiers, owner of the Brunkild Bar and Grill. 'We've known this for a long time but we wanted to make sure we had all our ducks in a row before we said anything.'
Desrosiers said murders have shot up in cities that have introduced indoor smoking bans. For example, there were no murders in Fredericton, N.B., between 2000 and 2002. A smoking ban was introduced in 2003, and there were two homicides that year, according to the Desrosiers brothers.
They have similar figures for several other North American cities. The data is posted on their website, which is dedicated to convincing the province to reverse its ban on smoking in indoor public and work places.
A STRETCH
Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald said Desrosiers' conclusion may be a bit of a stretch.
'Certainly, I can understand why people who are very anxious about the smoking ban ... might really wish to see a connection between such things,' Oswald said. 'I have some personal difficulty seeing the cause-and-effect relationship.'
In their research, the brothers note there were 18 homicides in Winnipeg two years ago -- when the citywide smoking ban kicked in. The num"
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Winners are ...
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Winners are ...: "Winners are ...
By CP and Staff
Product
Soccer Season is Here! 6/9 Month Size Soccer Outfit
PriceC $3.71
soccer shoes, size 3 with new soccer ball
PriceC $18.59
REAL MADRID 'RONALDO # 9' White Soccer Jersey Football
PriceC $39.96
Pro Evolution Soccer 3 [PS2] + Update Disc. Mint Cond
PriceC $11.91
Mulberribush NWT 8 Soccer Net Tee Golden 'Spring'
PriceC $17.30
2 HOLLAND SOCCER JERSEY 1 HOME & 1 AWAY 04 MEDIUM
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SOCCER WORLD CUP 1954 RARE MAGAZINE 31 Photos !!!!!
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View all 16821 items on eBay
Lifetime Teddy award: Andre Ouellet, former head of Canada Post, who resigned last summer in a fiasco over his expense accounts. Federal government category: Lucie McClung, head of the Canadian prison system, for collecting $142,000 in travel expenses between 2001 and 2003 while 'felons are running Canada's prison system.'
Provincial government category: Saskatchewan government for an ill-fated project to establish a potato industry which ended up costing $36 million.
Municipal government category: Toronto City Hall for spending $853,000 on emergency shelter beds for homeless people that were never used"
By CP and Staff
Product
Soccer Season is Here! 6/9 Month Size Soccer Outfit
PriceC $3.71
soccer shoes, size 3 with new soccer ball
PriceC $18.59
REAL MADRID 'RONALDO # 9' White Soccer Jersey Football
PriceC $39.96
Pro Evolution Soccer 3 [PS2] + Update Disc. Mint Cond
PriceC $11.91
Mulberribush NWT 8 Soccer Net Tee Golden 'Spring'
PriceC $17.30
2 HOLLAND SOCCER JERSEY 1 HOME & 1 AWAY 04 MEDIUM
PriceC $23.56
SOCCER WORLD CUP 1954 RARE MAGAZINE 31 Photos !!!!!
PriceC $9.30
View all 16821 items on eBay
Lifetime Teddy award: Andre Ouellet, former head of Canada Post, who resigned last summer in a fiasco over his expense accounts. Federal government category: Lucie McClung, head of the Canadian prison system, for collecting $142,000 in travel expenses between 2001 and 2003 while 'felons are running Canada's prison system.'
Provincial government category: Saskatchewan government for an ill-fated project to establish a potato industry which ended up costing $36 million.
Municipal government category: Toronto City Hall for spending $853,000 on emergency shelter beds for homeless people that were never used"
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Stupid status snagged
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Stupid status snagged: "Stupid status snagged
Free crack-pipe program recognized
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
Product
SPEDEWORTH HAVOC 1992 - BANGER STOCK CAR VIDEO
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Data Cable w/ Drivers+ Case +Car Charger Motorola V220
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TOW STRAP 2' X 20' EMERGENCY / ATV / CAR/TRUCK/TRACTOR
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1953 Topps DREAM CAR Curvision Rear Engine Coupe
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AUDIOVOX 8900 8910 8920 CAR CHARGER+LEATHE CASE+HEADSET
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USB Retractable Sync Cable & Car Charger - HP H4150
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BRAND NEW MOTHERCARE CAT & DOG CAR MOBILE,GREAT VALUE!!
PriceC $11.89
View all 118145 items on eBay
Sometimes it's enough of an honour just being nominated. The free crack-pipe program run by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority was a runner-up in the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Teddy awards, which were presented yesterday.
The seventh annual spoof of the Oscars targets irresponsible and extravagant government spending.
'SO MUCH DEMAND'
'With so much demand put upon the health-care system, the CTF questions to this day why the health authority is handing out free crack pipes,' said Adrienne Batra, Manitoba director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
The awards are named for Ted Weatherill, a former bureaucrat who was fired in 1999 over bloated expense accounts he ran up as head of the Canada Labour Relations Board.
The crack-pipe program was one of four nominees in the municipal government category. The 'winner' was Toront"
Free crack-pipe program recognized
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
Product
SPEDEWORTH HAVOC 1992 - BANGER STOCK CAR VIDEO
PriceC $8.81
Data Cable w/ Drivers+ Case +Car Charger Motorola V220
PriceC $4.70
TOW STRAP 2' X 20' EMERGENCY / ATV / CAR/TRUCK/TRACTOR
PriceC $6.19
1953 Topps DREAM CAR Curvision Rear Engine Coupe
PriceC $13.84
AUDIOVOX 8900 8910 8920 CAR CHARGER+LEATHE CASE+HEADSET
PriceC $1.23
USB Retractable Sync Cable & Car Charger - HP H4150
PriceC $16.39
BRAND NEW MOTHERCARE CAT & DOG CAR MOBILE,GREAT VALUE!!
PriceC $11.89
View all 118145 items on eBay
Sometimes it's enough of an honour just being nominated. The free crack-pipe program run by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority was a runner-up in the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Teddy awards, which were presented yesterday.
The seventh annual spoof of the Oscars targets irresponsible and extravagant government spending.
'SO MUCH DEMAND'
'With so much demand put upon the health-care system, the CTF questions to this day why the health authority is handing out free crack pipes,' said Adrienne Batra, Manitoba director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
The awards are named for Ted Weatherill, a former bureaucrat who was fired in 1999 over bloated expense accounts he ran up as head of the Canada Labour Relations Board.
The crack-pipe program was one of four nominees in the municipal government category. The 'winner' was Toront"
Skimaire High Tech
There seems to be lots of money for political advertising and graft. It would be nice if some of this money could be spent on meaningful technology. SHT Comments
Skimaire High Tech
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Obscene beyond belief:
Kickbacks. Payoffs. Cabinet ministers-turned-lobbyists. Multi-million-dollar salaries. There has to be a movie in the drama playing out as the federal sponsorship inquiry unfolds in front of Justice John Gomery.
The only trouble is, it would be difficult for the filmmakers to produce anything as outrageous as the reality of a government program run amok.
The story has grown obscene beyond belief as the inquiry moved its base of operations to Montreal this week to hear from some of the ad agency executives whose firms did so well from the sponsorship program.
For the past two days the spotlight has been on Jean Lafleur, whose company hauled down more than $12 million in salaries and bonuses during a six-year span for its role in helping Quebecers feel at home in Canada.
Documents tabled at the inquiry show Lafleur himself earned more than $9.3 million between 1994 and 2000 while he ran Jean Lafleur Communication Marketing Inc., and his wife Dyane, daughter Julie and son Eric took in another $2.8 million during the same period. Not since the late 1970s have we heard the words 'Lafleur scores' this often out of Montreal.
In 2001, Lafleur sold his firm to Jean Brault, another Montreal ad executive cited in the scandal. Brault faces fraud charges in connection with the fiasco.
During the period in which his company was billing the government so heavily, Lafleur also became a major contributor to the federal Liberal party, a fact that should come as a surprise to nobody. Liberal party documents show Lafleur's firm donated nearly $100,000 to the party between 1996 and 2001.
He told the AdScam inquiry yesterday that he stayed out of politics and didn't attend fundraisers until former public works minister Alfonso Gagliano's bagman and a Liberal"
Skimaire High Tech
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Obscene beyond belief:
Kickbacks. Payoffs. Cabinet ministers-turned-lobbyists. Multi-million-dollar salaries. There has to be a movie in the drama playing out as the federal sponsorship inquiry unfolds in front of Justice John Gomery.
The only trouble is, it would be difficult for the filmmakers to produce anything as outrageous as the reality of a government program run amok.
The story has grown obscene beyond belief as the inquiry moved its base of operations to Montreal this week to hear from some of the ad agency executives whose firms did so well from the sponsorship program.
For the past two days the spotlight has been on Jean Lafleur, whose company hauled down more than $12 million in salaries and bonuses during a six-year span for its role in helping Quebecers feel at home in Canada.
Documents tabled at the inquiry show Lafleur himself earned more than $9.3 million between 1994 and 2000 while he ran Jean Lafleur Communication Marketing Inc., and his wife Dyane, daughter Julie and son Eric took in another $2.8 million during the same period. Not since the late 1970s have we heard the words 'Lafleur scores' this often out of Montreal.
In 2001, Lafleur sold his firm to Jean Brault, another Montreal ad executive cited in the scandal. Brault faces fraud charges in connection with the fiasco.
During the period in which his company was billing the government so heavily, Lafleur also became a major contributor to the federal Liberal party, a fact that should come as a surprise to nobody. Liberal party documents show Lafleur's firm donated nearly $100,000 to the party between 1996 and 2001.
He told the AdScam inquiry yesterday that he stayed out of politics and didn't attend fundraisers until former public works minister Alfonso Gagliano's bagman and a Liberal"
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Innovators wanted
For those who want to build a better tangible mousetrap -Skimaire High Tech needs and wants you. Go to add some value and have some fun at Skimaire Canada
The dream machine - help us build the prototype
The dream machine - help us build the prototype
Bottom Line's Smart Consumer
American insights -take charge QJ
Bottom Line's Smart Consumer: "
CONSUMER ALERT! Half your loved ones are about to be stiffed by their MEDICAL INSURERS!
WHAT AN OUTRAGE! Our experts now estimate that more than half of all Americans will have their health claims and treatment requests denied by cost-cutting insurers. But you say you?re not surprised? Maybe they?ve already done it to someone you love? Well, here at Bottom Line, we?re not waiting to hear more excuses. Instead, we?re handing you all the weapons you need to bust any logjam, bypass any bureaucrat and...
Get the best health care money can buy, NO MATTER WHAT...
No matter what you make, how you?re insured, or even if you?re not insured. You?ll start by learning...
HOW TO FIGHT YOUR HMO (OR MEDICARE?!) AND WIN
They?re counting on you to throw up your hands, but keep reading and they?ll soon march to your tune. First, obtain a copy of the actual policy and demand a written notice of the denial. Now write down this phone number: 1-800-532-5274. That?s the toll-free hotline of The Patient Advocate Foundation. They?ll provide FREE support, intercede with the insurer if need be, or put you in touch with somebody local who can. See page 331 of your FREE-Preview book Bottom Line?s SMART CONSUMER for full instructions ? and do send for it now, because many policies give you as little as 30 days to appeal. And you won?t want to miss the details on how to:
GET FREE NURSING CARE for loved ones, regardless of whether they currently qualify for Medicaid. No three-year ?look back.? Demand it right now. Page 335
SAY 3 MAGIC WORDS that strike fear into any unfair insurer. You?re almost guaranteed they?ll reconsider. Page 332
MAKE THEM PAY FOR SPECIALISTS and special tre"
Bottom Line's Smart Consumer: "
CONSUMER ALERT! Half your loved ones are about to be stiffed by their MEDICAL INSURERS!
WHAT AN OUTRAGE! Our experts now estimate that more than half of all Americans will have their health claims and treatment requests denied by cost-cutting insurers. But you say you?re not surprised? Maybe they?ve already done it to someone you love? Well, here at Bottom Line, we?re not waiting to hear more excuses. Instead, we?re handing you all the weapons you need to bust any logjam, bypass any bureaucrat and...
Get the best health care money can buy, NO MATTER WHAT...
No matter what you make, how you?re insured, or even if you?re not insured. You?ll start by learning...
HOW TO FIGHT YOUR HMO (OR MEDICARE?!) AND WIN
They?re counting on you to throw up your hands, but keep reading and they?ll soon march to your tune. First, obtain a copy of the actual policy and demand a written notice of the denial. Now write down this phone number: 1-800-532-5274. That?s the toll-free hotline of The Patient Advocate Foundation. They?ll provide FREE support, intercede with the insurer if need be, or put you in touch with somebody local who can. See page 331 of your FREE-Preview book Bottom Line?s SMART CONSUMER for full instructions ? and do send for it now, because many policies give you as little as 30 days to appeal. And you won?t want to miss the details on how to:
GET FREE NURSING CARE for loved ones, regardless of whether they currently qualify for Medicaid. No three-year ?look back.? Demand it right now. Page 335
SAY 3 MAGIC WORDS that strike fear into any unfair insurer. You?re almost guaranteed they?ll reconsider. Page 332
MAKE THEM PAY FOR SPECIALISTS and special tre"
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: White guys not wanted
And just what is wrong with merit? Another special interest agenda which deprives
people with the necessay skills to compete by the gatekeepers- PR
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: White guys not wanted: "White guys not wanted
Buried deep in Ralph Goodale's big pile of budget documents last week is a promise to combat racism. One of the documents reiterates the pledge from last October's throne speech to 'strengthen Canada's ability to combat racism, hate speech and hate crimes.'
And so the budget earmarks $56 million over the next five years to implement an action plan that will 'reinforce the government of Canada's ongoing commitment to eliminating racist behaviours and attitudes.'
Capital idea. And we suggest that, unless the federal Liberals want to be labelled the biggest political hypocrites ever, they start by eliminating and denouncing their racist and discriminatory hiring policies, such as the one being promulgated by Correctional Service of Canada, which is rejecting any job applications that don't come from visible-minority and aboriginal candidates.
Michele Pilon-Santilli defended the policy, saying that 'representation is an integral part of today's public service, as is education, experience and linguistic capabilities.'
Fine. We think it's laudable for employers to strive for fair representation of all segments of society, and to promote and encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for positions -- as the City of Winnipeg is attempting to do with aboriginals.
But we draw the line at a quota-based system, where targets are achieved through exclusionary hiring practices in which the right to apply is denied to citizens who may be the best-qualified applicants. It's a sledgehammer approach that can only be described as blatantly racist and discriminatory.
This officially sanctioned discrimination isn't confined to Correctional Service of Canada, either. The Jobs Canada website operated by the federal government is chock"
people with the necessay skills to compete by the gatekeepers- PR
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: White guys not wanted: "White guys not wanted
Buried deep in Ralph Goodale's big pile of budget documents last week is a promise to combat racism. One of the documents reiterates the pledge from last October's throne speech to 'strengthen Canada's ability to combat racism, hate speech and hate crimes.'
And so the budget earmarks $56 million over the next five years to implement an action plan that will 'reinforce the government of Canada's ongoing commitment to eliminating racist behaviours and attitudes.'
Capital idea. And we suggest that, unless the federal Liberals want to be labelled the biggest political hypocrites ever, they start by eliminating and denouncing their racist and discriminatory hiring policies, such as the one being promulgated by Correctional Service of Canada, which is rejecting any job applications that don't come from visible-minority and aboriginal candidates.
Michele Pilon-Santilli defended the policy, saying that 'representation is an integral part of today's public service, as is education, experience and linguistic capabilities.'
Fine. We think it's laudable for employers to strive for fair representation of all segments of society, and to promote and encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for positions -- as the City of Winnipeg is attempting to do with aboriginals.
But we draw the line at a quota-based system, where targets are achieved through exclusionary hiring practices in which the right to apply is denied to citizens who may be the best-qualified applicants. It's a sledgehammer approach that can only be described as blatantly racist and discriminatory.
This officially sanctioned discrimination isn't confined to Correctional Service of Canada, either. The Jobs Canada website operated by the federal government is chock"
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
I agree with this assessment -we are improving but taxes which inhibit market growth should be reduced . PR
Frontier Centre for Public Policy: "What is your verdict on the federal budget? E-mail from Ross F. Smith, Winnipeg.
The 2005 federal budget contained some positive policy tweaks. Raising personal tax exemptions, minor corporate tax reductions and raising RRSP contribution limits will all have positive effects. Eliminating restrictions on foreign pension investments is a smart reform. But the budget is too light on tax reductions, with too much individual relief backloaded five years down the road.
It?s the reverse for spending, most of it into areas of provincial jurisdiction, and in the bloc-funding style, with no incentives for improving policy outcomes. Spending is up by 44% since 2000 and a staggering 12% in this budget. More money into the healthcare monopoly and into unaccountable aboriginal bureaucracies, merely raises inputs with no assurance of increased outputs. Ditto for more equalization, which swells government spending in ?have-not? provinces; it further politicizes those economies in a world where competitive taxes and efficient services are the recipe for success. Federal child care programs and Kyoto-related items like windmill subsidies are emerging as major boondoggles.
That said, the budget is in balance. Canada remains the enviable creator of surpluses, even if that substantial fiscal dividend is often poured into ineffective, wasteful policy models. Had federal spending been held to inflation plus population growth since 2000, Canada could have cut the personal income tax by 30%. With surpluses intact"
Frontier Centre for Public Policy: "What is your verdict on the federal budget? E-mail from Ross F. Smith, Winnipeg.
The 2005 federal budget contained some positive policy tweaks. Raising personal tax exemptions, minor corporate tax reductions and raising RRSP contribution limits will all have positive effects. Eliminating restrictions on foreign pension investments is a smart reform. But the budget is too light on tax reductions, with too much individual relief backloaded five years down the road.
It?s the reverse for spending, most of it into areas of provincial jurisdiction, and in the bloc-funding style, with no incentives for improving policy outcomes. Spending is up by 44% since 2000 and a staggering 12% in this budget. More money into the healthcare monopoly and into unaccountable aboriginal bureaucracies, merely raises inputs with no assurance of increased outputs. Ditto for more equalization, which swells government spending in ?have-not? provinces; it further politicizes those economies in a world where competitive taxes and efficient services are the recipe for success. Federal child care programs and Kyoto-related items like windmill subsidies are emerging as major boondoggles.
That said, the budget is in balance. Canada remains the enviable creator of surpluses, even if that substantial fiscal dividend is often poured into ineffective, wasteful policy models. Had federal spending been held to inflation plus population growth since 2000, Canada could have cut the personal income tax by 30%. With surpluses intact"
From the trough news
Ottawa Citizen - canada.com network: "Lafleurs took in $12.1M during contract heyday
Inquiry can't prove family was paid directly by sponsorship program"
Inquiry can't prove family was paid directly by sponsorship program"
Monday, February 28, 2005
NEWS STORY
News | canada.com network: "NEWS STORY
Military planners pore over options
Consider new ships, helicopters"
Military planners pore over options
Consider new ships, helicopters"
Sunday, February 27, 2005
CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Illegal tobacco smuggled from S. America, U.S.
And it starts -high taxes cause black markets to re=emerge. Nothing learned from past experience. Govt makes a billion dollars more but at what cost in sponsering new criminal enterprizes. Prohibition worked or did it? Food for thought. PR
CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Illegal tobacco smuggled from S. America, U.S.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Illegal tobacco smuggled from S. America, U.S.
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: An insult to Canadians
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: An insult to Canadians: "Sun, February 27, 2005
An insult to Canadians
Four cents a day. That's what the Liberal tax cut, which doesn't kick in until next year, means to the average Canadian.
It's a tax cut so small that most Canadians won't notice it. It's a tax cut that's delayed so long that we honestly wonder why the Liberals even bothered.
And it's insulting to any Canadian who has been waiting patiently for meaningful tax relief from Ottawa. In an era of massive government surpluses, the Liberals can afford to make real tax cuts that Canadians will actually notice. Instead, starting in 2006, the Liberals will raise the basic personal exemption -- the amount of money Canadians can earn tax-free -- by a whopping $100. "
An insult to Canadians
Four cents a day. That's what the Liberal tax cut, which doesn't kick in until next year, means to the average Canadian.
It's a tax cut so small that most Canadians won't notice it. It's a tax cut that's delayed so long that we honestly wonder why the Liberals even bothered.
And it's insulting to any Canadian who has been waiting patiently for meaningful tax relief from Ottawa. In an era of massive government surpluses, the Liberals can afford to make real tax cuts that Canadians will actually notice. Instead, starting in 2006, the Liberals will raise the basic personal exemption -- the amount of money Canadians can earn tax-free -- by a whopping $100. "
News | canada.com network
Another innovation of our health system - take the mentally sick and put them in jail. How approbriate -just one massive inept institution feeding another .Human recyclying - How innovatively discusting! PR
Click link News | canada.com network: "Prisons overloaded with mentally ill
Inept justice system offers little or not treatment: report"
Corrections Canada must spend more on doctors and facilities to treat as many as 1,500 prisoners who need urgent help each day, the internal study concludes.
"The criminal justice system continues to be used to catch those who fall through the gaps in Canada's social safety net," says the Corrections Canada report, obtained under the Access to Information Act.
Click link News | canada.com network: "Prisons overloaded with mentally ill
Inept justice system offers little or not treatment: report"
Corrections Canada must spend more on doctors and facilities to treat as many as 1,500 prisoners who need urgent help each day, the internal study concludes.
"The criminal justice system continues to be used to catch those who fall through the gaps in Canada's social safety net," says the Corrections Canada report, obtained under the Access to Information Act.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
In response to Ontario McGuinty 's whine of not fair and not getting our fair share
The fiberal, who promised not to increase taxes and did, -has very little wiggle room or credibility when he asks others to honour their obligations and get more taxpayer spoils.The mismanagement and misguided leadership of McGuinty is making us a laughing stock and Ontario a point of derision. - Why is he so afraid to take issues to the people with plebescites? 3 more years and counting . PA
Hamilton
Hamilton
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Private jail operator getting workers' wages during strike
Interesting -so where is the money going? Is there anyone in charge-makes one wonder about giving McGuinty more federal money -so that he can spend it where?
Private jail operator getting workers' wages during strike
Private jail operator getting workers' wages during strike
OPSEU going to arbitration over health care premiums
Intersting even the unions -the front line workers are not happy with McGuinty 's health tax . What will happen next?
OPSEU going to arbitration over health care premiums
OPSEU going to arbitration over health care premiums
Public sector workers will pay for new Liberal promises
Fewer layers sounds good to me - less bouncing people from box to box for forms that can be done on the Internet also sounds like a step in the right direction. Lets not be afraid of progress -innovation is normal and healthy. Competitiveness is healthy and normal- the golden rice bowl days should be gone. PR
Public sector workers will pay for new Liberal promises
Public sector workers will pay for new Liberal promises
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Really, Mr. Harper?
More cuts and less government would certainly be better -I agree.
Pay the debt down, we still have 500 billion to go. A 200 billion dollar per year government is too large. PA
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Really, Mr. Harper?
Pay the debt down, we still have 500 billion to go. A 200 billion dollar per year government is too large. PA
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Really, Mr. Harper?
Budget Plan, 2005
Can we do more? -We can compete and compete -well . CAn the money spent by the government in the 200 billion dollar range annually be fine tuned ? Just like Hockey players get little sympathy for inflated salary demands or expectations - it is no different for government service providors. Where are the benchmarks or measurement creteria to ensure best use of these public funds PR
Could the average Canadian use more then the daily coffee money given in the recent budget?
Could the average Canadian use more then the daily coffee money given in the recent budget?
Budget Plan (Budget 2004)
Posted for purposes of comparison Q-J We do have improvements to be proud of as Canadians - including paying down the debt.
Budget Plan (Budget 2004)
Budget Plan (Budget 2004)
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - No whites need apply?
It amazes me that we still have discrimination in this country-in difiance of the Charter of rights - and by the government. PR
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - No whites need apply?
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - No whites need apply?
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Feds should repay us extra EI money
There is a lot of room for giving money back to the people
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Feds should repay us extra EI money: "The way I see it, the federal government owes me $1,937, payable immediately -- tax-free. As a working stiff who has paid into employment insurance for years (and never taken a dime in benefits, by the way) that would be my share of the $46 billion Ottawa has robbed from working Canadians by over-charging them on EI premiums"
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Feds should repay us extra EI money: "The way I see it, the federal government owes me $1,937, payable immediately -- tax-free. As a working stiff who has paid into employment insurance for years (and never taken a dime in benefits, by the way) that would be my share of the $46 billion Ottawa has robbed from working Canadians by over-charging them on EI premiums"
Budget watch - reduce taxes improve living conditions
We know from their track record that Liberals high-handedly dispute the assertion we Canadians are notoriously overtaxed. But the backbreaking burden we shoulder from taxes is not a conservative fantasy. Toronto-Dominion Bank's chief economist, Don Drummond, released a report last month showing living standards of the average Canadian have hardly risen in 15 years.
read sun comment:
read sun comment:
FCPP Events :: Should Canada Permit More Private Health Care?
FCPP Events :: Should Canada Permit More Private Health Care?: "Should Canada Permit More Private Health Care?
An economic review of countries that allow private hospitals and insurance systems
Guest Speaker: Dr. Philippe Cyrenne, Professor of Economics, University of Winnipeg
The Canadian healthcare system differs in one important respect from other major democracies that offer universal access and public financing. Delivery and financial systems in those countries integrate private-sector involvement on a much larger scale. Dr. Cyrenne?s recent book considers whether hospital services in Canada should be privatized to the same degree as physician services and assesses the success of countries that have moved further along that path. He also considers how the use of parallel private insurance coverage affects waiting times and service quality in public systems. Pdf flyer"
An economic review of countries that allow private hospitals and insurance systems
Guest Speaker: Dr. Philippe Cyrenne, Professor of Economics, University of Winnipeg
The Canadian healthcare system differs in one important respect from other major democracies that offer universal access and public financing. Delivery and financial systems in those countries integrate private-sector involvement on a much larger scale. Dr. Cyrenne?s recent book considers whether hospital services in Canada should be privatized to the same degree as physician services and assesses the success of countries that have moved further along that path. He also considers how the use of parallel private insurance coverage affects waiting times and service quality in public systems. Pdf flyer"
Monday, February 21, 2005
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Liberals' nanny state
More on the budget - interesting thought why not let parents take care of their own kids -what a novel idea.Lets do another study to confirm this and defer needed action -chuckle.
Click to read
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Liberals' nanny state: "A survey of 2,000 Canadians conducted by the Vanier Institute of the Family in 2003 found that day-care centres were in fact only the fifth choice of parents with small children.
Most would rather (1) look after their own children at home; (2) have their parents do it; (3) have another relative do it; (4) have access to some other form of home-based care.
Given that 47% of Canadian children are today being looked after by stay-at-home parents, how will Ottawa's plan help them?
What about parents who use some form of child care other than day-care centres? Why is the entire $5 billion going to create day-care centres when they look after only one in four children in Canada?
And given that many parents must use day-care centres, will there be any help for those who use private facilities as opposed to public ones?
The Vanier Institute noted that 'if, as many researchers claim, high quality 'professional' child care has the potential to contribute more to children's well-being than parents seem to realize, a much better job needs to be done of showing (them) why that's the case.'
Better yet, Ottawa could use the $5 billion to lower the huge tax burden it imposes on all families.
That would give parents more disposable income to make their own choices about how to care for their children. "
Click to read
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Liberals' nanny state: "A survey of 2,000 Canadians conducted by the Vanier Institute of the Family in 2003 found that day-care centres were in fact only the fifth choice of parents with small children.
Most would rather (1) look after their own children at home; (2) have their parents do it; (3) have another relative do it; (4) have access to some other form of home-based care.
Given that 47% of Canadian children are today being looked after by stay-at-home parents, how will Ottawa's plan help them?
What about parents who use some form of child care other than day-care centres? Why is the entire $5 billion going to create day-care centres when they look after only one in four children in Canada?
And given that many parents must use day-care centres, will there be any help for those who use private facilities as opposed to public ones?
The Vanier Institute noted that 'if, as many researchers claim, high quality 'professional' child care has the potential to contribute more to children's well-being than parents seem to realize, a much better job needs to be done of showing (them) why that's the case.'
Better yet, Ottawa could use the $5 billion to lower the huge tax burden it imposes on all families.
That would give parents more disposable income to make their own choices about how to care for their children. "
Federal Budget 2005 | canada.com Network
Hold your breath folks the budget is coming. We are all going to be interested to see what the Feds deem to be fair. How about getting rid of some of the boondoogles like the gun registry -which does not work and nobody including the police cheifs want- and channeling the savings into needed programs - P-R
click for story Federal Budget 2005 | canada.com Network
click for story Federal Budget 2005 | canada.com Network
Osprey Media Group Inc. - Brantford Expositor
Osprey Media Group Inc. - Brantford Expositor: "Name: Bill
Comment: Re: mcguinty
The liberals are planning on building a multi million dollar research facility at Trent University for the MNR to study rabies. Rabies are a non issue in the province of Ontario and has been a non issue for a number of years. This is the kind of waste your tax dollars are going to. The MNR is a waste in itself. They do nothing to protect or preserve our resources unless it has a direct impact on fishing and especially hunting. A very small percentage of our population is involved in this 'sport' but a extremely large sum of money is spent to run this organization that does not even do half of what their responsibilities are. These MNR is not accountable. Boondogle anyone?
Brantford, Ontario
Date: 2/20/2005 "
Comment: Re: mcguinty
The liberals are planning on building a multi million dollar research facility at Trent University for the MNR to study rabies. Rabies are a non issue in the province of Ontario and has been a non issue for a number of years. This is the kind of waste your tax dollars are going to. The MNR is a waste in itself. They do nothing to protect or preserve our resources unless it has a direct impact on fishing and especially hunting. A very small percentage of our population is involved in this 'sport' but a extremely large sum of money is spent to run this organization that does not even do half of what their responsibilities are. These MNR is not accountable. Boondogle anyone?
Brantford, Ontario
Date: 2/20/2005 "
Yahoo! News - Waist Circumference Predicts Heart Disease Risk
Yahoo! News - Waist Circumference Predicts Heart Disease Risk: "Waist Circumference Predicts Heart Disease Risk
1 hour, 31 minutes ago Health - Reuters
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The circumference of your waist correlates more closely with several known risk factors for heart disease than does your body mass index (BMI) -- the measure of weight in relation to height -- according to a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (news - web sites).
Yahoo! Health
Have questions about your health?
Find answers here.
The findings are based on an analysis of data from 10,969 subjects who participated in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1998 to 1994.
Dr. Shankuan Zhu, from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, and colleagues found that waist circumference was more strongly tied to cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels than was BMI.
Among men, the circumferences that were equivalent in terms of cardiovascular risk to being overweight or obese were highest for whites, lowest for blacks, and intermediate for Mexican Americans. By contrast, the waist measurement cutoffs among women varied little by ethnicity.
Combining the data from the three ethnic groups, waist measurements of 89 and 101 centimeters (35 and 40 inches) in men conferred a cardiovascular risk comparable to BMIs of 25 (overweight) and 30 (obese).
The waistlines with the corresponding risks for women were 83 and 94 cm (about 33 and 37 ins).
'The present study reports waist circumference cutoffs that correspond to well-established BMI cutoffs, recommended by the World Health Organization (news - web sites) and the National Institutes of Health (news "
1 hour, 31 minutes ago Health - Reuters
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The circumference of your waist correlates more closely with several known risk factors for heart disease than does your body mass index (BMI) -- the measure of weight in relation to height -- according to a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (news - web sites).
Yahoo! Health
Have questions about your health?
Find answers here.
The findings are based on an analysis of data from 10,969 subjects who participated in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1998 to 1994.
Dr. Shankuan Zhu, from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, and colleagues found that waist circumference was more strongly tied to cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels than was BMI.
Among men, the circumferences that were equivalent in terms of cardiovascular risk to being overweight or obese were highest for whites, lowest for blacks, and intermediate for Mexican Americans. By contrast, the waist measurement cutoffs among women varied little by ethnicity.
Combining the data from the three ethnic groups, waist measurements of 89 and 101 centimeters (35 and 40 inches) in men conferred a cardiovascular risk comparable to BMIs of 25 (overweight) and 30 (obese).
The waistlines with the corresponding risks for women were 83 and 94 cm (about 33 and 37 ins).
'The present study reports waist circumference cutoffs that correspond to well-established BMI cutoffs, recommended by the World Health Organization (news - web sites) and the National Institutes of Health (news "
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Cost to clean up sponsorship mess soars
Gosh Mr Dithers when is it going to end and when is the bleeding at the public trough going to stop- 70-80 million is a lot of money which could be spent for such unimportant priorities as health . However we agree that political accountability is important as well- PR
click here for story News canada.com network
click here for story News canada.com network
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Mr. Dithers goes global
More on Mr Martin or Mr Dither of the fiberals -chuckle - It looks like the name will stick
P-A
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Mr. Dithers goes global: "Sun, February 20, 2005
Mr. Dithers goes global
By Bill Rodgers
It's a politician's worst nightmare -- a disparaging name that sticks. For Dalton McGuinty's Ontario Liberals, it's Fiberals. Now, Prime Minister Paul Martin just can't shake the nickname Mr. Dithers. The prestigious British mag, The Economist -- a Martin cheerleader when he was finance minister -- has shifted gears, publishing an article last week under the headline 'Mr. Dithers and his distracting fiscal cafeteria.'
The magazine says Martin's solution to every problem he confronts as PM is to throw money at it, adding, he is preoccupied with courting popularity 'by parading a generous social conscience.'
In the Commons on Friday, the opposition jumped all over the Mr. Dithers moniker. Conservative Deputy Leader Peter MacKay gave it a workout while demanding the government produce a plan to reduce air pollution.
Here's a sample: 'We've had the Mad as Hell tour, the What the Hell tour and now Mr. Dithers Goes Global. While the prime minister his gaseous emissions minister continue to dither, emissions are rising. When will the dithering stop and some decisiveness begin?"
-click on link for full story "
P-A
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Mr. Dithers goes global: "Sun, February 20, 2005
Mr. Dithers goes global
By Bill Rodgers
It's a politician's worst nightmare -- a disparaging name that sticks. For Dalton McGuinty's Ontario Liberals, it's Fiberals. Now, Prime Minister Paul Martin just can't shake the nickname Mr. Dithers. The prestigious British mag, The Economist -- a Martin cheerleader when he was finance minister -- has shifted gears, publishing an article last week under the headline 'Mr. Dithers and his distracting fiscal cafeteria.'
The magazine says Martin's solution to every problem he confronts as PM is to throw money at it, adding, he is preoccupied with courting popularity 'by parading a generous social conscience.'
In the Commons on Friday, the opposition jumped all over the Mr. Dithers moniker. Conservative Deputy Leader Peter MacKay gave it a workout while demanding the government produce a plan to reduce air pollution.
Here's a sample: 'We've had the Mad as Hell tour, the What the Hell tour and now Mr. Dithers Goes Global. While the prime minister his gaseous emissions minister continue to dither, emissions are rising. When will the dithering stop and some decisiveness begin?"
-click on link for full story "
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Kyoto hit could be a whopper
Watch your wallets folks -another boondoggle is coming -P-A
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Kyoto hit could be a whopper: "Kyoto hit could be a whopper
The Kyoto Protocol came into effect last week and despite much speculation, Canadians still don't really have a clue what it's all about.
In a very short press release on the eve of the big day, Environment Canada urged Canadians to, er ... stay tuned for further details.
Could this be the protocol Jean Chretien belligerently fought for tooth and nail for many years? The same protocol which his successor Paul Martin grasped and raised high for all Canadian Kyotoists to salute?
Last week we learned the government wouldn't unveil its full Kyoto strategy before the protocol's start date or even when the budget comes down Feb. 23 -- but some time after that. So instead of a tangible policy or regulations, we got only some flowery words from Environment Minister Stephane Dion.
'Achieving our climate-change goals provides an opportunity to transform our economy,' said Dion.
'Making our industrial sectors the cleanest in the world, making our consumers the most energy-efficient and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Canadian economy.'
We thought Dion was supposed to be cutting greenhouse gas emissions, not adding to them!
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says the unrealistic plan to cut emissions by 6% from 1990 levels will cost the average household a whopping $3,000 a year.
Indeed, taxpayers could be on the hook for a boondoggle that will make the gun registry look cheap and efficient.
In a little-noticed story from early February, the House of Commons environment committee heard testimony that strongly suggests the federal government has become Chicken Little on climate change. Not only is the sky falling, but it will not hear any evidence to the contrary.
Prof. Timothy Patterson of Car"
Winnipeg Sun Editorial: Kyoto hit could be a whopper: "Kyoto hit could be a whopper
The Kyoto Protocol came into effect last week and despite much speculation, Canadians still don't really have a clue what it's all about.
In a very short press release on the eve of the big day, Environment Canada urged Canadians to, er ... stay tuned for further details.
Could this be the protocol Jean Chretien belligerently fought for tooth and nail for many years? The same protocol which his successor Paul Martin grasped and raised high for all Canadian Kyotoists to salute?
Last week we learned the government wouldn't unveil its full Kyoto strategy before the protocol's start date or even when the budget comes down Feb. 23 -- but some time after that. So instead of a tangible policy or regulations, we got only some flowery words from Environment Minister Stephane Dion.
'Achieving our climate-change goals provides an opportunity to transform our economy,' said Dion.
'Making our industrial sectors the cleanest in the world, making our consumers the most energy-efficient and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Canadian economy.'
We thought Dion was supposed to be cutting greenhouse gas emissions, not adding to them!
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says the unrealistic plan to cut emissions by 6% from 1990 levels will cost the average household a whopping $3,000 a year.
Indeed, taxpayers could be on the hook for a boondoggle that will make the gun registry look cheap and efficient.
In a little-noticed story from early February, the House of Commons environment committee heard testimony that strongly suggests the federal government has become Chicken Little on climate change. Not only is the sky falling, but it will not hear any evidence to the contrary.
Prof. Timothy Patterson of Car"
Why not just recall McGuinty- he is not up to the task of leading the largest province
Let's see he promised not to increase taxes and then he did, he arrogantly said that the voters can have their say 4 years from now- so much for accountablity- he fights with everyone that we need to have on our side- he avoids making necessary decisions to improve service to the public by breaking poor performing government monopilies-if this keeps up under his doctrinaire and shrill leadership we will not have a province of note- . Mr McQuinty-show some leadership call for a public referendum , or an election to see what your constituents think P-R
McGuinty started asking for the extra cash after the federal government's recent agreement to allow Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to keep all their offshore oil and gas revenues without a clawback in equalization payments.
McGuinty also said a $400-million funding announcement made earlier this week for Casino Windsor was justified because the money it generates is reinvested in the province's schools and hospitals.
"We are in a very tight competition with the Americans when it comes to casinos," he said.
"Sometimes you got to spend money to make money."
NEWS STORY
Help for Ont. aids Canada: McGuinty ( Why not ask the people to help you help Ontario)News | canada.com network
McGuinty started asking for the extra cash after the federal government's recent agreement to allow Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to keep all their offshore oil and gas revenues without a clawback in equalization payments.
McGuinty also said a $400-million funding announcement made earlier this week for Casino Windsor was justified because the money it generates is reinvested in the province's schools and hospitals.
"We are in a very tight competition with the Americans when it comes to casinos," he said.
"Sometimes you got to spend money to make money."
NEWS STORY
Help for Ont. aids Canada: McGuinty ( Why not ask the people to help you help Ontario)News | canada.com network
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Sex extorted from immigrants?
Another unfortunate example of the abuse of power or how you are being served and protected by the people you pay with your tax dollars- disgusting-PR
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Sex extorted from immigrants?: "TORONTO -- An Immigration Canada investigator boasted his mistress was 'a sex toy' whom he was paid by taxpayers to satisfy, a Superior Court heard Thursday. The investigator met the woman when he was assigned to arrest her husband, who was facing deportation to Guyana. He later described to the husband the graphic details of their liaison after the affair ended in September 2001. She testified her ex-husband, who was eventually deported and later killed himself, taped a call the investigator had made to him.
'God has put me on this earth to make love to your wife and show her what a real man is like,' the woman quoted the investigator as saying. 'Your wife was my sex toy and I was getting paid by my employer to play with her.'
She is now suing the investigator and his employer, the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, for damages.
The woman also testified the investigator admitted having numerous affairs with abused women whose tormentors were facing deportation. "
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Sex extorted from immigrants?: "TORONTO -- An Immigration Canada investigator boasted his mistress was 'a sex toy' whom he was paid by taxpayers to satisfy, a Superior Court heard Thursday. The investigator met the woman when he was assigned to arrest her husband, who was facing deportation to Guyana. He later described to the husband the graphic details of their liaison after the affair ended in September 2001. She testified her ex-husband, who was eventually deported and later killed himself, taped a call the investigator had made to him.
'God has put me on this earth to make love to your wife and show her what a real man is like,' the woman quoted the investigator as saying. 'Your wife was my sex toy and I was getting paid by my employer to play with her.'
She is now suing the investigator and his employer, the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, for damages.
The woman also testified the investigator admitted having numerous affairs with abused women whose tormentors were facing deportation. "
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Shutdown demanded
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Shutdown demanded: "Sat, February 19, 2005
Lets see - what employs 750 government health workers, services 400 people
and is about to cost 40 million dollars more- and the customers do not want it? The development centre -appears to be another misguided health spending action by your government with your money. - this is a "take for granted" form of institutional terrorism -Proactive Rants
Shutdown demanded
Protesters want centre for the disabled closed
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
More than 200 angry protesters descended on the legislature yesterday demanding the Doer government shut down a Portage la Prairie facility for those with developmental disabilities. But Family Services Minister Christine Melnick said there are no plans to do that. The province still plans to spend $40 million renovating the Manitoba Developmental Centre, she said.
'FREE THE PEOPLE'
The protesters -- many of whom were disabled -- hoisted signs that read Inclusion and Exclusion, Hell No, We Won't go and Free the People.
Rally organizer Shelley Rattai, also a spokeswoman for People First Canada, said the $40 million would be better spent helping the residents of the centre learn to live in the community.
'We'd like to see individual plans made for people to return to communities and live in houses and be part of the community"
Lets see - what employs 750 government health workers, services 400 people
and is about to cost 40 million dollars more- and the customers do not want it? The development centre -appears to be another misguided health spending action by your government with your money. - this is a "take for granted" form of institutional terrorism -Proactive Rants
Shutdown demanded
Protesters want centre for the disabled closed
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
More than 200 angry protesters descended on the legislature yesterday demanding the Doer government shut down a Portage la Prairie facility for those with developmental disabilities. But Family Services Minister Christine Melnick said there are no plans to do that. The province still plans to spend $40 million renovating the Manitoba Developmental Centre, she said.
'FREE THE PEOPLE'
The protesters -- many of whom were disabled -- hoisted signs that read Inclusion and Exclusion, Hell No, We Won't go and Free the People.
Rally organizer Shelley Rattai, also a spokeswoman for People First Canada, said the $40 million would be better spent helping the residents of the centre learn to live in the community.
'We'd like to see individual plans made for people to return to communities and live in houses and be part of the community"
Government should protect agriculture- less taxes,less paperwork - Brantford Expositor
Osprey Media Group Inc. - Brantford Expositor: "Larry Davis, Brant?s representative, said the provincial organization is planning the rally because farming is becoming less and less viable while the Ontario government is legislating farmers to death.
?If farming is viable, farmers protect the air, water, soil and green space because they can afford to do it,? Davis said. ?It doesn?t happen any more because farms are being trashed by a lack of income.?
Davis said provincial environmental legislation has cost farmers money they don?t have, as well as cost them time filling out paperwork.
?They ask us for more and give us nothing back,? Davis said. ?We need to get the message out that we can?t continue things on the road they?re heading.?
Provincial politicians should be listening to the message OFA president Ron Bonnett has been attempting to send ? that Ontario farming is in serious trouble.
?When he speaks, he carries 40,000 voices behind him and the government should realize this is serious,? Davis said. ?It shouldn?t take the force of a rally.?
Those who wish to make the trip on a federation bus or want more information about the rally should call Hill at 445-2953 by Feb. 25. The federation is asking for a $10 donation to cover busing expenses. "
?If farming is viable, farmers protect the air, water, soil and green space because they can afford to do it,? Davis said. ?It doesn?t happen any more because farms are being trashed by a lack of income.?
Davis said provincial environmental legislation has cost farmers money they don?t have, as well as cost them time filling out paperwork.
?They ask us for more and give us nothing back,? Davis said. ?We need to get the message out that we can?t continue things on the road they?re heading.?
Provincial politicians should be listening to the message OFA president Ron Bonnett has been attempting to send ? that Ontario farming is in serious trouble.
?When he speaks, he carries 40,000 voices behind him and the government should realize this is serious,? Davis said. ?It shouldn?t take the force of a rally.?
Those who wish to make the trip on a federation bus or want more information about the rally should call Hill at 445-2953 by Feb. 25. The federation is asking for a $10 donation to cover busing expenses. "
Friday, February 18, 2005
Hello from The Canadian Government Beavers
00FUN.com The Beavers Humour. The "government challenged " beavers are always in meetings doing the best for you- it takes time , lots of money, to get things right , relevant and perfect for you. Enjoy -Proactive Rants
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
NEWS STORY"Crown corporations operate on own"
WE need more accountability please -PRNews | canada.com network: "Crown corporations operate on own"
What are your comments on the auditors report?
We would be happy to send your comments and suggestions to the people in charge. Please post your comments or send them to respondfeedbacknow@yahoo.ca- PR
Summary highlights of the Fraser report
While some improvements has been made , we still have a long way to go to achieve a well managed and accountable federal service structure-PR
News | canada.com network:
"The government is making progress in laying the groundwork for reforming the way it manages staff. "
News | canada.com network:
"The government is making progress in laying the groundwork for reforming the way it manages staff. "
Billions of dollars out of scruitiny- Where is the accountability?
''Given the significant sums involved, I am concerned about the lack of adequate accountability to Parliament,'' Fraser wrote.
''Important gaps remain in the external audit regime and ministerial oversight.'' From auditor genersl Fraser's review. What could the taxpayer do with $ 9 billion. -PR respondfeedbacknow@yahoo.ca
Article link click News canada.com network
''Important gaps remain in the external audit regime and ministerial oversight.'' From auditor genersl Fraser's review. What could the taxpayer do with $ 9 billion. -PR respondfeedbacknow@yahoo.ca
Article link click News canada.com network
CiDa can't Moinitor Millions in Handouts
We seem to not have learned much at the adscam -it is business as usual at the government. where is the accountablity? -PO
News | canada.com network
News | canada.com network
Sunday, February 13, 2005
McGuinty Negotiation tactics -the Hamilton Rant
Our fearless provincial leader is making more noise to improve services by getting more money form the FEDs rather then revamping or allowing the health service to be more effective. Again deflecting attention from his dismal performance record to date.
What a disappointment. What a change from his promise to reach consensus before he was elected. What other promise can he possibly breach in the next 3 years ? Please call an election and see what your constituents think. Enough is enough.
Hamilton: "McGuinty drags Que. into war with feds
Wants Ottawa to review equalization payment program
Colin Perkel Canadian Press February 12, 2005
TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty dragged Quebec into his dispute with Ottawa on Saturday as he continued to attack the federal government over how the country's wealth is distributed among the provinces.
In a speech to more than 300 provincial Liberals, McGuinty noted that Ottawa gives Quebec almost four times as much money for each immigrant as it gives Ontario.
'How can that be fair?' McGuinty asked. 'We're just asking for a bit of fairness.'
The crowd gave McGuinty a standing ovation as he portrayed himself as a proud Canadian standing up to injustice.
On Friday, the Ontario premier served notice of a 'strong campaign' against the federal Liberals over the country's fiscal arrangements. The final straw, he said, was the royalty agreement for off-shore resources that Prime Minister Paul Martin struck recently with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
In his speech Saturday, McGuinty repeatedly noted the '$23-billion gap' between what Ontario contributes to federal coffers and how much it receives in return.
The missing money, he said, is critical to the province's ability to fund services for immigrants, post-secondary education and other social programs.
'A gap this massive just doesn't make sense, especially when Ottawa sits on a huge surplus funded largely by Ontarians,' he said.
Only a prosperous Ontario can continue to be the 'economic engine' and 'heart' of Canada, he told the crowd.
'When we make this argument now with our friends over at the federal government, it's about buil"a stronger win-win for our fellow Canadians."
Other provinces, such as Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and British Columbia, have also begun to criticize the country's system of equalization payments in light of the deal struck with the two Atlantic provinces.
Speaking to reporters afterward, McGuinty said he was looking for a "healthy discussion" with the Martin Liberals.
He said raising the unfairness of immigrant funding was another step in the campaign but other issues, such as post-secondary education, were also on the agenda.
"We have a responsibility to make this argument," the premier said. "The federal government has no choice but to listen to us. The facts are on our side. It's a very compelling argument."
McGuinty came to office 16 months ago promising to move beyond the acrimony that developed between Ontario and Ottawa under the previous provincial Conservative government.
His increasingly vocal criticism of Ottawa this past week indicates a complete change of tack.
Asked if he was simply trying to deflect attention from problems his government is facing, he said he was just standing up for his own province.
Among those problems is a $5.5-billion budget deficit and bubbling dispute with the province's doctors, who have become increasingly vocal in their attacks on McGuinty's Liberal government.
What a disappointment. What a change from his promise to reach consensus before he was elected. What other promise can he possibly breach in the next 3 years ? Please call an election and see what your constituents think. Enough is enough.
Reader feed back : This is a "F" outrage. Ontario is no longer the economic engine that drives the Canadian economy.If this asshole didn't f----- up everything he touched, we wouldn't have a fiscal problem
Hamilton: "McGuinty drags Que. into war with feds
Wants Ottawa to review equalization payment program
Colin Perkel Canadian Press February 12, 2005
TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty dragged Quebec into his dispute with Ottawa on Saturday as he continued to attack the federal government over how the country's wealth is distributed among the provinces.
In a speech to more than 300 provincial Liberals, McGuinty noted that Ottawa gives Quebec almost four times as much money for each immigrant as it gives Ontario.
'How can that be fair?' McGuinty asked. 'We're just asking for a bit of fairness.'
The crowd gave McGuinty a standing ovation as he portrayed himself as a proud Canadian standing up to injustice.
On Friday, the Ontario premier served notice of a 'strong campaign' against the federal Liberals over the country's fiscal arrangements. The final straw, he said, was the royalty agreement for off-shore resources that Prime Minister Paul Martin struck recently with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
In his speech Saturday, McGuinty repeatedly noted the '$23-billion gap' between what Ontario contributes to federal coffers and how much it receives in return.
The missing money, he said, is critical to the province's ability to fund services for immigrants, post-secondary education and other social programs.
'A gap this massive just doesn't make sense, especially when Ottawa sits on a huge surplus funded largely by Ontarians,' he said.
Only a prosperous Ontario can continue to be the 'economic engine' and 'heart' of Canada, he told the crowd.
'When we make this argument now with our friends over at the federal government, it's about buil"a stronger win-win for our fellow Canadians."
Other provinces, such as Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and British Columbia, have also begun to criticize the country's system of equalization payments in light of the deal struck with the two Atlantic provinces.
Speaking to reporters afterward, McGuinty said he was looking for a "healthy discussion" with the Martin Liberals.
He said raising the unfairness of immigrant funding was another step in the campaign but other issues, such as post-secondary education, were also on the agenda.
"We have a responsibility to make this argument," the premier said. "The federal government has no choice but to listen to us. The facts are on our side. It's a very compelling argument."
McGuinty came to office 16 months ago promising to move beyond the acrimony that developed between Ontario and Ottawa under the previous provincial Conservative government.
His increasingly vocal criticism of Ottawa this past week indicates a complete change of tack.
Asked if he was simply trying to deflect attention from problems his government is facing, he said he was just standing up for his own province.
Among those problems is a $5.5-billion budget deficit and bubbling dispute with the province's doctors, who have become increasingly vocal in their attacks on McGuinty's Liberal government.
Send a meaningful Valentine
"http://www.pickup.msn.americangreetings.com/msn/p/947/375466947-2951.html reference
(copy and paste into your browser)
Over 300,000 people have died in the wave . We can help alleviate some of the damage.
We have a business relationship with Durakit which can provide emergency housing. Be part of the direct help solution. One 40 foot shipping container contains 32 houses , a house costs $1500 and can be up in 1 day. (2 hours to assemble)
See http://www.durakit.com/profile.htm- or the actual unit view http://www.durakit.com/Disaster_relief.htm There is a federal non profit that would give tax receipts.
Durakit has a request for 37,000 house from the Minister of Finance in Bangladesh-but needs to get funded. Give this some thought-how we can provided direct help to the wave victims.
1. Let each school commit to a house - we will give them a plaque and recognition
2. Let each church commit to a house - we will give them the same
3. Let each local organization commit to a house -same recognition
4. let your 'suggested organization ' commit-your help and thoughts are appreciated
Your comments please- this is a case where it is better to give then to receive. These people need help.
Warm regards Sieg"
(copy and paste into your browser)
Over 300,000 people have died in the wave . We can help alleviate some of the damage.
We have a business relationship with Durakit which can provide emergency housing. Be part of the direct help solution. One 40 foot shipping container contains 32 houses , a house costs $1500 and can be up in 1 day. (2 hours to assemble)
See http://www.durakit.com/profile.htm- or the actual unit view http://www.durakit.com/Disaster_relief.htm There is a federal non profit that would give tax receipts.
Durakit has a request for 37,000 house from the Minister of Finance in Bangladesh-but needs to get funded. Give this some thought-how we can provided direct help to the wave victims.
1. Let each school commit to a house - we will give them a plaque and recognition
2. Let each church commit to a house - we will give them the same
3. Let each local organization commit to a house -same recognition
4. let your 'suggested organization ' commit-your help and thoughts are appreciated
Your comments please- this is a case where it is better to give then to receive. These people need help.
Warm regards Sieg"
Saturday, February 12, 2005
How to deal with the Doctors shortage-practical tips
Useful article an tips -but why do we not get the Medical schools to open the gates, or allow Doctors trained from other accredited medical schools(international) to practise in Canada. Why can we not make it easier to practise medicine in Canada by getting rid off the obstacles put in place by the multiple "Ministry Health" aministrations?
How to deal with the doctor shortage Stephen Kaladeen, MD
o, I'm sorry. Dr. K. is not taking any new patients at this time."
I have heard my secretary say these words hundreds of times over the past four years. And every time, I feel regret. The callers are simply asking for something that we have taken for granted for decades – access to a family physician. Ten years ago, when I started working in the small town where I currently reside, there was no doctor shortage. But today, I'm one of only nine practising in the area instead of the 20 that used to work here.
This past decade has brought changes in the delivery of health care across Canada. These changes are the result of growing concerns by government about the cost of medical care and how medical practitioners now choose to work – as fee-for-service providers or salaried doctors. As a result, the number of family doctors available to the public has been reduced. Part of this problem is because of cutbacks in medical school enrolment and the restrictions on how a doctor can practise. Another significant fact is the emigration of doctors to the United States.
Concerns regarding the ever-increasing health care budget are certainly valid. The various levels of government, however, never really anticipated the increased demand for medical services as our demographics changed and a large group of citizens moving into their 50s required additional medical resources. The other unexpected problem was that doctors, having been trained in larger urban centres, would prefer to stay in those larger centres, leaving smaller, rural communities desperately struggling to attract family doctors. To compound the problem even further, family medicine as a medical specialty has become less attractive to medical students; specialty training seems to offer a more secure job and a better lifestyle.
The result has left large parts of Canada urgently looking for family doctors and communities competing with each other for this finite human resource. Various incentives and inducements have been offered to doctors, and the competitive game continues to up the ante into thousands of dollars in recruitment packages. Despite these packages, the number of doctors remains limited.
So what do you do if you've just lost your family doctor or you've moved to a new community outside of the city and need to find a physician who is taking new patients? Here are a few things you can do to get the care you need.
If you are moving to a retirement community from a larger city, retain your current doctor. It may be easier to drive to the city than to find a new physician, especially if you have a good relationship with that doctor.
If you have friends or relatives in the area, ask them to approach their doctor about taking you on as a patient.
If the community has a walk-in clinic, use it. However, try to establish a relationship with one of the doctors who works there. If possible, get that doctor's schedule and try to build a relationship with him or her.
Get to know your local pharmacist. This professional may be aware of doctors in neighbouring towns who may be taking on new patients.
If you haven't found a doctor and you've run out of your medication, go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. The best time to go is just before eight o'clock in the morning when the staff changes shifts. You will wait less and the department is usually less busy at that time.
If you or a member of your family has a chronic disease such as arthritis or Alzheimer's disease, contact community support organizations, such as the Alzheimer Society. They usually offer connections to local area experts and home-care nursing assistance.
Make use of the numerous health services offered within the community, such as free blood pressure and diabetes clinics at the health unit or pharmacy. Also, mammogram and flu vaccine clinics available through the public health unit or at the hospital usually don't require a doctor's referral.
If the community is trying to recruit a doctor, get involved. This may give you some first-hand contact that will help to eventually get the service you need.
Remember that you are the most important determinant of your health. Exercise, watch your weight and don't smoke. Much of what family doctors do is preventative, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can enhance this aspect of your health.
© April 2004 50Plus Magazine
How to deal with the doctor shortage Stephen Kaladeen, MD
o, I'm sorry. Dr. K. is not taking any new patients at this time."
I have heard my secretary say these words hundreds of times over the past four years. And every time, I feel regret. The callers are simply asking for something that we have taken for granted for decades – access to a family physician. Ten years ago, when I started working in the small town where I currently reside, there was no doctor shortage. But today, I'm one of only nine practising in the area instead of the 20 that used to work here.
This past decade has brought changes in the delivery of health care across Canada. These changes are the result of growing concerns by government about the cost of medical care and how medical practitioners now choose to work – as fee-for-service providers or salaried doctors. As a result, the number of family doctors available to the public has been reduced. Part of this problem is because of cutbacks in medical school enrolment and the restrictions on how a doctor can practise. Another significant fact is the emigration of doctors to the United States.
Concerns regarding the ever-increasing health care budget are certainly valid. The various levels of government, however, never really anticipated the increased demand for medical services as our demographics changed and a large group of citizens moving into their 50s required additional medical resources. The other unexpected problem was that doctors, having been trained in larger urban centres, would prefer to stay in those larger centres, leaving smaller, rural communities desperately struggling to attract family doctors. To compound the problem even further, family medicine as a medical specialty has become less attractive to medical students; specialty training seems to offer a more secure job and a better lifestyle.
The result has left large parts of Canada urgently looking for family doctors and communities competing with each other for this finite human resource. Various incentives and inducements have been offered to doctors, and the competitive game continues to up the ante into thousands of dollars in recruitment packages. Despite these packages, the number of doctors remains limited.
So what do you do if you've just lost your family doctor or you've moved to a new community outside of the city and need to find a physician who is taking new patients? Here are a few things you can do to get the care you need.
If you are moving to a retirement community from a larger city, retain your current doctor. It may be easier to drive to the city than to find a new physician, especially if you have a good relationship with that doctor.
If you have friends or relatives in the area, ask them to approach their doctor about taking you on as a patient.
If the community has a walk-in clinic, use it. However, try to establish a relationship with one of the doctors who works there. If possible, get that doctor's schedule and try to build a relationship with him or her.
Get to know your local pharmacist. This professional may be aware of doctors in neighbouring towns who may be taking on new patients.
If you haven't found a doctor and you've run out of your medication, go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. The best time to go is just before eight o'clock in the morning when the staff changes shifts. You will wait less and the department is usually less busy at that time.
If you or a member of your family has a chronic disease such as arthritis or Alzheimer's disease, contact community support organizations, such as the Alzheimer Society. They usually offer connections to local area experts and home-care nursing assistance.
Make use of the numerous health services offered within the community, such as free blood pressure and diabetes clinics at the health unit or pharmacy. Also, mammogram and flu vaccine clinics available through the public health unit or at the hospital usually don't require a doctor's referral.
If the community is trying to recruit a doctor, get involved. This may give you some first-hand contact that will help to eventually get the service you need.
Remember that you are the most important determinant of your health. Exercise, watch your weight and don't smoke. Much of what family doctors do is preventative, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can enhance this aspect of your health.
© April 2004 50Plus Magazine
Friday, February 11, 2005
We all look forward to the commissioners report
And they say the justice system is blind - not anywhere as blind as the old Minister of Finance. Check it out -is this not a great way to spend our Money -chuckle . Be outraged -these people have no excuse for the public defrauding .
News canada.com network: "Martin, the first sitting prime minister to testify publicly in over 130 years, also testified Thursday that he:
Had no involvement with the ad agencies that got money through the program.
Didn't know until 1996 about a secretive unity reserve fund Chretien controlled that was used as startup funding for the sponsorship program, even though it was included in federal spending plans the previous year.
Wasn't involved in doling out grants in Quebec even though he was the Liberal lieutenant for the province.
Martin said he was absorbed with slashing the deficit and dealing with an international economic crisis in the mid-1990s - not focusing on sponsorship. "
News canada.com network: "Martin, the first sitting prime minister to testify publicly in over 130 years, also testified Thursday that he:
Had no involvement with the ad agencies that got money through the program.
Didn't know until 1996 about a secretive unity reserve fund Chretien controlled that was used as startup funding for the sponsorship program, even though it was included in federal spending plans the previous year.
Wasn't involved in doling out grants in Quebec even though he was the Liberal lieutenant for the province.
Martin said he was absorbed with slashing the deficit and dealing with an international economic crisis in the mid-1990s - not focusing on sponsorship. "
The South-East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami Blog
This is a good reference for those that want to offer direct help .
The South-East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami Blog
The South-East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami Blog
A " one day study session" in bad public service
Again the customer , the general public is held up for ransom and abuse . The "service providors are having a dispute "or tiff at the public's expense . Who cares which one is right - Smitherman or the doctors. What about the patients?
Why is it that those that need the service are always disdainfully held up for ransom - in this low delivery health system of ours? We need choice and options .
Do you think it is time for some alternatives? Maybe -some competition and care alternatives would make the "government" service providors less arrogant or indifferent to their customers needs. Who gets the tax money in our overpriced " Care" monopoly anyway- the customer you jest.
Sympatico / MSN : News : CTV.ca Ont. anesthetists' job action delays surgeries
Why is it that those that need the service are always disdainfully held up for ransom - in this low delivery health system of ours? We need choice and options .
Do you think it is time for some alternatives? Maybe -some competition and care alternatives would make the "government" service providors less arrogant or indifferent to their customers needs. Who gets the tax money in our overpriced " Care" monopoly anyway- the customer you jest.
Sympatico / MSN : News : CTV.ca Ont. anesthetists' job action delays surgeries
He said he would resign if he was involved-the election promise
Paul Martin has testified . What will happen next? Good that the press is keeping the promise made in public view
News | canada.com network
News | canada.com network
Good Things Come to Those Who Ask
This is a common sense refresher in how to communicate to get better service.
Good Things Come to Those Who Ask
Good Things Come to Those Who Ask
Ask Questions -improve your effectiveness
Asking questions smartly is effective. Action oriented questions yield results in the accountability quest. " Public organizations have nothing to hid or do they? "
Questions shine the light of transparency on them.
Source : Leeds Special from Bottom Line/PersonalPublished: September 15, 2001
Many people believe asking questions makes them look vulnerable... or stupid... or as if they are challenging authority. When they do ask questions, they elicit little information.
Here's how to use smart questioning to communicate more effectively, make better decisions and solve problems faster -- in your business and personal life.
QUESTIONS AT WORK
Get employees and clients to persuade themselves. No one wants to be talked into anything. Rather than use a canned sales pitch or formal directive, pose questions that let the other person make your argument for you.
Example: A client converted his company's database to a complicated new software program. As often happens when new technology is introduced, everyone hated it. Rather than try to convince them to stick with it, however, he asked his staff, Would you like to go back to the old system? When they responded no, he asked Why not? Their answers highlighted all the advantages of the new system that they had overlooked because of the difficulties of the changeover.
Begin conversations with open-ended questions. Closed-ended questions yield short answers and reveal limited information. Open-ended questions encourage people to explain themselves thoughtfully. Examples...
Closed-ended: Do you want a domestic or imported car? Two- or four-door?
Open-ended: What kind of car are you looking for?
Begin questions with phrases such as describe, illustrate and walk me through. Such language stimulates clients or colleagues to think in interesting ways.
Example: Tell me what you like and don't like about the car you're driving now and how that will affect what you are going to buy.
Close deals with closed-ended questions. Many people become tentative when it is time to secure a sale or an agreement. Asking a closed-ended question can help you gauge if the prospect accepts the ideas you discussed.
Examples: Does what we've discussed make sense to you?... Have I addressed all of your concerns?
Follow up with questions that seek a definitive answer.
Examples: Is it a deal?... Can we agree on a contract now?
Let subordinates solve their own problems. Avoid simply giving them advice. Instead, use questions that probe the problem and its causes. That lets subordinates find their own answers. Examples...
Tell me what you have done to deal with the problem so far. How has that worked?
Tell me how your view would change if you were on the opposite side of this problem. Does that suggest any steps you might consider?
Have you ever dealt with a similar problem? What happened in that case?
Build meetings around answering questions. Meetings are the bane of contemporary business. That's because they are bogged down with mundane information. One person usually winds up doing most of the talking. To improve meetings...
Before the meeting, circulate a memo listing topics to be discussed. Ask participants to prepare questions that need to be answered.
Start the meeting with these prepared questions. Encourage participation from everyone.
During the meeting, ask more than you tell. Constantly spur discussions.
To test ideas: Suppose we did it this way -- what would happen?
To advance a discussion logically: What is the next step to ensure this proposal will be carried out?
To broaden a discussion: What other factors are important besides the ones already mentioned?
To bring out opinions and attitudes: How would you feel if you were confronted by this sudden change?
End the meeting with summary questions.
Examples: Did we answer the questions we set out to address? Have any new questions arisen as a result of this meeting? What are we going to do about them?
Use self-questioning to monitor your own work. The former CEO of pharmaceutical giant Warner-Lambert, Lodewijk J.R. de Vink, asks himself four questions as part of his daily mental regimen...
In the morning: Where do I want to be?... Am I on track to get there?
In the evening: What did I accomplish today?... What could I have done better?
QUESTIONS AT HOME
Seek information from family members without being intrusive.
Discuss sensitive topics at a neutral time. That helps separate the problem from the emotions surrounding it. Asking questions when one or both of you are agitated almost always fails.
Watch your body language. If you take an aggressive posture -- standing over someone, hands on hips -- the other person is likely to clam up. Some of the most effective questioning takes place when people are not facing each other directly, such as in a car or while preparing dinner.
Disagree -- but with respect. Avoid being judgmental.
Example: If your teenager is doing poorly in school, you can question him/her about his study habits. But do not say, How can you be scared of tests? That's just stupid.
Leave wiggle room. People hate being told what to do -- even if they know you are right. Allow others the option of not accepting your advice. Do this by making "soft" suggestions.
Examples: Would you think about trying this way?... How would you feel if you did it my way this time?
Involve children in solving family problems. Criticizing kids or rendering judgment when there is a problem makes kids feel defensive.
Example: A client ran late every morning because her 10-year-old son was slow to get ready. Rather than yelling, she said, We need to talk about morning time and cooperation. I need your help here because what I'm doing is not working.
Then she asked...
What ideas do you have about reorganizing our morning routine? How about laying out your clothes the night before? What would you think about a five-minute warning before it's time to leave?
How do you think it makes my boss or your teacher feel when we're late?
Asking these questions helps your child empathize with what you are going through instead of just listening to you lecturing.
Avoid asking negative, unanswerable questions. It may help you vent frustration to ask, Why do you always do this to me? or How could you be so thoughtless? But it's almost impossible for a friend or family member to answer such questions.
Stick to action-oriented questions in which the other person can do something tangible to improve the situation.
Questions shine the light of transparency on them.
Source : Leeds Special from Bottom Line/PersonalPublished: September 15, 2001
Many people believe asking questions makes them look vulnerable... or stupid... or as if they are challenging authority. When they do ask questions, they elicit little information.
Here's how to use smart questioning to communicate more effectively, make better decisions and solve problems faster -- in your business and personal life.
QUESTIONS AT WORK
Get employees and clients to persuade themselves. No one wants to be talked into anything. Rather than use a canned sales pitch or formal directive, pose questions that let the other person make your argument for you.
Example: A client converted his company's database to a complicated new software program. As often happens when new technology is introduced, everyone hated it. Rather than try to convince them to stick with it, however, he asked his staff, Would you like to go back to the old system? When they responded no, he asked Why not? Their answers highlighted all the advantages of the new system that they had overlooked because of the difficulties of the changeover.
Begin conversations with open-ended questions. Closed-ended questions yield short answers and reveal limited information. Open-ended questions encourage people to explain themselves thoughtfully. Examples...
Closed-ended: Do you want a domestic or imported car? Two- or four-door?
Open-ended: What kind of car are you looking for?
Begin questions with phrases such as describe, illustrate and walk me through. Such language stimulates clients or colleagues to think in interesting ways.
Example: Tell me what you like and don't like about the car you're driving now and how that will affect what you are going to buy.
Close deals with closed-ended questions. Many people become tentative when it is time to secure a sale or an agreement. Asking a closed-ended question can help you gauge if the prospect accepts the ideas you discussed.
Examples: Does what we've discussed make sense to you?... Have I addressed all of your concerns?
Follow up with questions that seek a definitive answer.
Examples: Is it a deal?... Can we agree on a contract now?
Let subordinates solve their own problems. Avoid simply giving them advice. Instead, use questions that probe the problem and its causes. That lets subordinates find their own answers. Examples...
Tell me what you have done to deal with the problem so far. How has that worked?
Tell me how your view would change if you were on the opposite side of this problem. Does that suggest any steps you might consider?
Have you ever dealt with a similar problem? What happened in that case?
Build meetings around answering questions. Meetings are the bane of contemporary business. That's because they are bogged down with mundane information. One person usually winds up doing most of the talking. To improve meetings...
Before the meeting, circulate a memo listing topics to be discussed. Ask participants to prepare questions that need to be answered.
Start the meeting with these prepared questions. Encourage participation from everyone.
During the meeting, ask more than you tell. Constantly spur discussions.
To test ideas: Suppose we did it this way -- what would happen?
To advance a discussion logically: What is the next step to ensure this proposal will be carried out?
To broaden a discussion: What other factors are important besides the ones already mentioned?
To bring out opinions and attitudes: How would you feel if you were confronted by this sudden change?
End the meeting with summary questions.
Examples: Did we answer the questions we set out to address? Have any new questions arisen as a result of this meeting? What are we going to do about them?
Use self-questioning to monitor your own work. The former CEO of pharmaceutical giant Warner-Lambert, Lodewijk J.R. de Vink, asks himself four questions as part of his daily mental regimen...
In the morning: Where do I want to be?... Am I on track to get there?
In the evening: What did I accomplish today?... What could I have done better?
QUESTIONS AT HOME
Seek information from family members without being intrusive.
Discuss sensitive topics at a neutral time. That helps separate the problem from the emotions surrounding it. Asking questions when one or both of you are agitated almost always fails.
Watch your body language. If you take an aggressive posture -- standing over someone, hands on hips -- the other person is likely to clam up. Some of the most effective questioning takes place when people are not facing each other directly, such as in a car or while preparing dinner.
Disagree -- but with respect. Avoid being judgmental.
Example: If your teenager is doing poorly in school, you can question him/her about his study habits. But do not say, How can you be scared of tests? That's just stupid.
Leave wiggle room. People hate being told what to do -- even if they know you are right. Allow others the option of not accepting your advice. Do this by making "soft" suggestions.
Examples: Would you think about trying this way?... How would you feel if you did it my way this time?
Involve children in solving family problems. Criticizing kids or rendering judgment when there is a problem makes kids feel defensive.
Example: A client ran late every morning because her 10-year-old son was slow to get ready. Rather than yelling, she said, We need to talk about morning time and cooperation. I need your help here because what I'm doing is not working.
Then she asked...
What ideas do you have about reorganizing our morning routine? How about laying out your clothes the night before? What would you think about a five-minute warning before it's time to leave?
How do you think it makes my boss or your teacher feel when we're late?
Asking these questions helps your child empathize with what you are going through instead of just listening to you lecturing.
Avoid asking negative, unanswerable questions. It may help you vent frustration to ask, Why do you always do this to me? or How could you be so thoughtless? But it's almost impossible for a friend or family member to answer such questions.
Stick to action-oriented questions in which the other person can do something tangible to improve the situation.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Picture the Performance Challenges
The government service challenge as perceive by the customer
- Cloudy and hidden "non visible, non accountable" decision making
- Predatory retaliation fears
- Not allowed to que jump but must stay in line,be a number to get any service at all
- You are an inconvenience to the office culture of coffee breaks and socialization perks
Monday, February 07, 2005
Investigative reporter responds to the David versus Goliath Rant
We have received a careful and colorful reply(s) from investigative reporter,Bill Dunphy of the Spectator that should be shared on this blog as we have nothing to hide and no conspiracies but the truth to protect. We will knock ourselves out to ensure proper public accountability and that everyone gets equal and fair treatment-chuckle.
Whistle blowing for rights can be fun but career dangerous , that is why we have anomynity here for your protection. Truth seekers and players should expect barbs back from those with a vested interest or other personal points of view . Great -bring it on -Dialogue, visibility and exposure of the issues is what this blog is all about. Enjoy the scrum ! We are interested in your opinion.
Subject: RE: ProActive Rants: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga
Siegfried,
So you have a first name. And multiple last names. And a blog that is unsigned with an empty personal profile.
Although I have a great deal of experience doing investigative reporting, what I wrote about Adam was a column, an opinon piece, covering that day's events in court.
The information was accurate, the opinions based on facts, and overall was fair in its treatment of Adam. In your rant reproduced below you've misunderstood or misrepresented what I wrote and that, coupled with the aforementioned reluctnace to honestly identify yourself led me to dismiss your note.
I'm glad you feel he's a cause worth championing. Knock yourself out.
And if you ever uncover anything that truly justifies your apparent belief that this is a man wronged by authorities, instead of someone who systematically engaged in financial practices that I would characterize as unethical at best - well then let me know.
I've read through the rather lengthy materials he sent me and so far I see nothing but a man failing to take responsibilities for his own failings - or frauds.
Bill Dunphy
Sent: Monday, February 7, 2005 1:22 PM To: Dunphy, Bill Subject:
RE: ProActive Rants: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga
I sent you this RED note on 1/29/05 . You did not respond although you had my e-mail address . Investigative indeed! I appreciate your professional caution but not your arrogance . You can reach me at email My name is Siegfried . "Slaying dragons is part of my namesake -chuckle " I will post your comments to the blog .
Have a nice day S.H ( Any accountability investigations at Revenue Canada-yet ?)
I read the even and fair minded or neutral comment by the Expositor reporter . I would like to comment on your article in the Hamilton Spectator. As an investigative reporter with some knowledge of the situation , I expected more from the investigative side of you. You correctly pointed out some of the facts of the Hamilton Loft project and had obviously read some of the information. Your article indicated that the project failed because there was no demand for the loft units- this is not true and you should verify your information before you publish it. Why do you think there is a 25 million dollars lawsuit on the project before the civil not criminal court? Check it out and then comment please.
You indicated to me " the David Goliath Supporter" (see blog attached) that the press was a potential objective friend of truth , justice and the underdog. Public Information was given to you based on your press inference of being a champion for the underdog and a group which believed in making public interest issues both clear and visible. I fail to see how you can comment on failed development projects , with no development experience or better investigative homework.
Let's see you go get information from your publisher ,follow his instructions, have a formal review of your work and be approved to proceed with an expanded budget. You meticulously fill out the required reports as suggested by your publishers control system. After 3 years, the publisher, has a new editor- the new investigative editor denies all your work, accuses you of taking the money , fires you from your position and then drags you into court on criminal charges before you can be heard by the internal review group. Destitute but not humble, faced with 3 years of jail- I am sure that you would put up a good defense ,convinced of the truth of the facts, vexatious or otherwise , and seek to clear both your name and reputation. Visibility of the situation and the facts would truly be your ally.
While following orders or instructions or "officially induced error", went out as a pure and unassailable defense at the Nuremberg trials -it still has merit. The question to ask is who at Revenue Canada is, or has been made accountable for this.
Best regards and good better investigative reporting S.
-----Original Message----- From: Dunphy, Bill [mailto:BDunphy@thespec.com] Sent: Monday, February 07, 2005 11:45 AM To: 'S' Subject: RE: ProActive Rants: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga
Dear S.
I've learned not to trust people who post things on anonymous blogs and send e-mails that seek to sheild their identity.
And given that it comes from a supposed supporter of someone awaiting sentencing for fraud, I'm even less inclined to waste much time on it.If you have something to say, identify yourself, and simply say it.
Bill Dunphy The Hamilton Spectator
---------- From: S Sent: Saturday, February 5, 2005 8:55 AM To: BDunphy@thespec.com Subject: ProActive Rants: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga
S has sent you a link to a wobbles:
Thought you might find this perspective interesting. The press is the shield to protect the common people from being bullied by those special " government" interests that have the power and the agenda but not the color of right on there side
Blog: ProActive Rants Post: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga Link: http://makeaccountable.blogspot.com/2005/01/will-justice-be-served-David-against.html
Whistle blowing for rights can be fun but career dangerous , that is why we have anomynity here for your protection. Truth seekers and players should expect barbs back from those with a vested interest or other personal points of view . Great -bring it on -Dialogue, visibility and exposure of the issues is what this blog is all about. Enjoy the scrum ! We are interested in your opinion.
Subject: RE: ProActive Rants: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga
Siegfried,
So you have a first name. And multiple last names. And a blog that is unsigned with an empty personal profile.
Although I have a great deal of experience doing investigative reporting, what I wrote about Adam was a column, an opinon piece, covering that day's events in court.
The information was accurate, the opinions based on facts, and overall was fair in its treatment of Adam. In your rant reproduced below you've misunderstood or misrepresented what I wrote and that, coupled with the aforementioned reluctnace to honestly identify yourself led me to dismiss your note.
I'm glad you feel he's a cause worth championing. Knock yourself out.
And if you ever uncover anything that truly justifies your apparent belief that this is a man wronged by authorities, instead of someone who systematically engaged in financial practices that I would characterize as unethical at best - well then let me know.
I've read through the rather lengthy materials he sent me and so far I see nothing but a man failing to take responsibilities for his own failings - or frauds.
Bill Dunphy
Sent: Monday, February 7, 2005 1:22 PM To: Dunphy, Bill Subject:
RE: ProActive Rants: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga
I sent you this RED note on 1/29/05 . You did not respond although you had my e-mail address . Investigative indeed! I appreciate your professional caution but not your arrogance . You can reach me at email My name is Siegfried . "Slaying dragons is part of my namesake -chuckle " I will post your comments to the blog .
Have a nice day S.H ( Any accountability investigations at Revenue Canada-yet ?)
I read the even and fair minded or neutral comment by the Expositor reporter . I would like to comment on your article in the Hamilton Spectator. As an investigative reporter with some knowledge of the situation , I expected more from the investigative side of you. You correctly pointed out some of the facts of the Hamilton Loft project and had obviously read some of the information. Your article indicated that the project failed because there was no demand for the loft units- this is not true and you should verify your information before you publish it. Why do you think there is a 25 million dollars lawsuit on the project before the civil not criminal court? Check it out and then comment please.
You indicated to me " the David Goliath Supporter" (see blog attached) that the press was a potential objective friend of truth , justice and the underdog. Public Information was given to you based on your press inference of being a champion for the underdog and a group which believed in making public interest issues both clear and visible. I fail to see how you can comment on failed development projects , with no development experience or better investigative homework.
Let's see you go get information from your publisher ,follow his instructions, have a formal review of your work and be approved to proceed with an expanded budget. You meticulously fill out the required reports as suggested by your publishers control system. After 3 years, the publisher, has a new editor- the new investigative editor denies all your work, accuses you of taking the money , fires you from your position and then drags you into court on criminal charges before you can be heard by the internal review group. Destitute but not humble, faced with 3 years of jail- I am sure that you would put up a good defense ,convinced of the truth of the facts, vexatious or otherwise , and seek to clear both your name and reputation. Visibility of the situation and the facts would truly be your ally.
While following orders or instructions or "officially induced error", went out as a pure and unassailable defense at the Nuremberg trials -it still has merit. The question to ask is who at Revenue Canada is, or has been made accountable for this.
Best regards and good better investigative reporting S.
-----Original Message----- From: Dunphy, Bill [mailto:BDunphy@thespec.com] Sent: Monday, February 07, 2005 11:45 AM To: 'S' Subject: RE: ProActive Rants: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga
Dear S.
I've learned not to trust people who post things on anonymous blogs and send e-mails that seek to sheild their identity.
And given that it comes from a supposed supporter of someone awaiting sentencing for fraud, I'm even less inclined to waste much time on it.If you have something to say, identify yourself, and simply say it.
Bill Dunphy The Hamilton Spectator
---------- From: S Sent: Saturday, February 5, 2005 8:55 AM To: BDunphy@thespec.com Subject: ProActive Rants: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga
S has sent you a link to a wobbles:
Thought you might find this perspective interesting. The press is the shield to protect the common people from being bullied by those special " government" interests that have the power and the agenda but not the color of right on there side
Blog: ProActive Rants Post: Will Justice be served -the David against Goliath Saga Link: http://makeaccountable.blogspot.com/2005/01/will-justice-be-served-David-against.html
Power of the Pen: Secrets of Effective Complaint Letters
Power of the Pen: Secrets of Effective Complaint Letters
Making people aware of the problem is 90% of the problem. A well written letter can put service organizations on notice and gives them the opportunity to deliver a acceptable solution. A letter calls for accountability! A simple letter can take down a shoddy service organization particularly if your friends write one too.
Give it a try. Lots of action for the price of a stamp. Chuckle - S
People make a good living writing letters .
Rarely does a day go by when most of us do not have to deal with surly salespeople, cheaply made products, or vast and indifferent bureaucracies. Most of us endure this with a stoicism worthy of Seneca himself. After all, what's the use of complaining? It all seems to fall on deaf ears, anyway.
But the world needn't be like this, according to Ellen Phillips, consumer consultant and founder of Ellen's Poison Pen, Inc. Since 1988, Phillips has been helping frustrated consumers to get refunds and apologies from everyone from the corner druggist to massive insurance agencies. In her book, Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed!, Phillips shares the secrets of writing letters of complaint that get results. The first few chapters cover the general dos and don'ts of writing effective letters of complaint (remain calm, use polite language), along with useful advice from legal experts (don't embellish, stick to the facts).
The chapters that follow target specific problems we all face at some time in our lives, ranging from getting bumped from a flight to the secrets of successfully dealing with your HMO. Each chapter contains bullet points, illustrative anecdotes, and a number of example letters, most of which were based on actual letters sent on behalf of Phillips's clients. On top of all this, Phillips also provides an appendix listing the names and addresses of over 600 major companies, government agencies, and consumer organizations. Phillips believes that we should get what we pay for, and after reading her book, you'll be able to stand up for your rights with confidence.Product Description:How to get the best of shoddy shops, crooked car-dealerships, and heartless HMOs--without having to hire an attorney.
The Miss Manners of the consumer kvetch shows readers how to go postal, with complaint letters designed to melt the heart and sting the conscience of the most obdurate, negligent, or customer-hostile corporations.
Drawing on her experience as a pen-for-hire for irate consumers--and on the advice of clients, attorneys, and CEOs--Ellen Phillips shows readers:
- Who to write to, what to say, what to ask for - The names and addresses of over 600 major companies- How to draft personal petitions covering everything from tenant-landlord disputes to workman's compensation- Suggestions on what steps to take to avoid litigation- Consumer Smarts for automobile buyers- How to protect yourself from fraudulent business solicitations- Navigating the courts to ensure the well-being of your family and children- Help in getting proper coverage from your HMO- And--because sometimes the world is on your side--how to write the perfect thank- you note.Delightfully readable, easy to use, and filled with the addresses of hundreds of corporate customer relations offices and state and federal agencies, Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! is an essential resource for anyone who wants to reach out and scold somebody.
Making people aware of the problem is 90% of the problem. A well written letter can put service organizations on notice and gives them the opportunity to deliver a acceptable solution. A letter calls for accountability! A simple letter can take down a shoddy service organization particularly if your friends write one too.
Give it a try. Lots of action for the price of a stamp. Chuckle - S
People make a good living writing letters .
Rarely does a day go by when most of us do not have to deal with surly salespeople, cheaply made products, or vast and indifferent bureaucracies. Most of us endure this with a stoicism worthy of Seneca himself. After all, what's the use of complaining? It all seems to fall on deaf ears, anyway.
But the world needn't be like this, according to Ellen Phillips, consumer consultant and founder of Ellen's Poison Pen, Inc. Since 1988, Phillips has been helping frustrated consumers to get refunds and apologies from everyone from the corner druggist to massive insurance agencies. In her book, Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed!, Phillips shares the secrets of writing letters of complaint that get results. The first few chapters cover the general dos and don'ts of writing effective letters of complaint (remain calm, use polite language), along with useful advice from legal experts (don't embellish, stick to the facts).
The chapters that follow target specific problems we all face at some time in our lives, ranging from getting bumped from a flight to the secrets of successfully dealing with your HMO. Each chapter contains bullet points, illustrative anecdotes, and a number of example letters, most of which were based on actual letters sent on behalf of Phillips's clients. On top of all this, Phillips also provides an appendix listing the names and addresses of over 600 major companies, government agencies, and consumer organizations. Phillips believes that we should get what we pay for, and after reading her book, you'll be able to stand up for your rights with confidence.Product Description:How to get the best of shoddy shops, crooked car-dealerships, and heartless HMOs--without having to hire an attorney.
The Miss Manners of the consumer kvetch shows readers how to go postal, with complaint letters designed to melt the heart and sting the conscience of the most obdurate, negligent, or customer-hostile corporations.
Drawing on her experience as a pen-for-hire for irate consumers--and on the advice of clients, attorneys, and CEOs--Ellen Phillips shows readers:
- Who to write to, what to say, what to ask for - The names and addresses of over 600 major companies- How to draft personal petitions covering everything from tenant-landlord disputes to workman's compensation- Suggestions on what steps to take to avoid litigation- Consumer Smarts for automobile buyers- How to protect yourself from fraudulent business solicitations- Navigating the courts to ensure the well-being of your family and children- Help in getting proper coverage from your HMO- And--because sometimes the world is on your side--how to write the perfect thank- you note.Delightfully readable, easy to use, and filled with the addresses of hundreds of corporate customer relations offices and state and federal agencies, Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! is an essential resource for anyone who wants to reach out and scold somebody.
How to Get Paid to Save Energy
How to Get Paid to Save Energy
If it works in the U.S why can we not follow and establish the same programs in Canada? Food for thought- more action and less hand wringing talfk would be helpful. S
If it works in the U.S why can we not follow and establish the same programs in Canada? Food for thought- more action and less hand wringing talfk would be helpful. S
Saturday, February 05, 2005
CANOE -- CNEWS - Canada: Chretien aide admits to hiding deal
CANOE -- CNEWS - Canada: Chretien aide admits to hiding deal: "Chretien aide admits to hiding deal
By JIM BROWN
And they say it is all about integrity . Hmmm -hiding information that is okay along as you are a protected member of the government . Same old -same old -different rules for different folks! When will the unfairness end
Former public works minister Alfonso Gagliano testifies at the sponsorship inquiry in Ottawa. (CP PHOTO/Tobin Grimshaw)
OTTAWA (CP) - The Gomery inquiry was rocked Friday by a startling admission from a onetime top Jean Chretien aide that after leaving the prime minister's office he created a phoney paper trail to hide details of a $125,000 sponsorship deal.
The blunt revelation from Jean Carle - who is described as having a father-son relationship with the former prime minister and once lived in his basement - places the scandal in the heart of Chretien's circle of intimates.
Carle drew a tart observation from Justice John Gomery when he described the transactions, which happened he was a senior executive at the federal Business Development Bank of Canada.
'If this were a drug deal, it would be called money-laundering,' said Gomery.
'You're not wrong,' Carle meekly replied.
His lawyer, Pierre Latraverse, had a different assessment as he later left the hearing room. He called it an 'inappropriate use of words by the judge.'
Carle, who had been director of operations for Chretien from 1993 to 1998, moved to the BDC as a senior vice-president when he left the Prime Minister's Office.
It was at the bank that he got involved in the contentious deal that revolved around funding for a TV series, called Le Canada Millennaire, by producer Robert Scully.
The bank had already given $250,000 of its own to support the series. But the bank then agreed to act as a conduit in transferring an extra $125,000 to Scully's production company, Information Essentielle.
The additional money originated with the Public Works Department"
By JIM BROWN
And they say it is all about integrity . Hmmm -hiding information that is okay along as you are a protected member of the government . Same old -same old -different rules for different folks! When will the unfairness end
Former public works minister Alfonso Gagliano testifies at the sponsorship inquiry in Ottawa. (CP PHOTO/Tobin Grimshaw)
OTTAWA (CP) - The Gomery inquiry was rocked Friday by a startling admission from a onetime top Jean Chretien aide that after leaving the prime minister's office he created a phoney paper trail to hide details of a $125,000 sponsorship deal.
The blunt revelation from Jean Carle - who is described as having a father-son relationship with the former prime minister and once lived in his basement - places the scandal in the heart of Chretien's circle of intimates.
Carle drew a tart observation from Justice John Gomery when he described the transactions, which happened he was a senior executive at the federal Business Development Bank of Canada.
'If this were a drug deal, it would be called money-laundering,' said Gomery.
'You're not wrong,' Carle meekly replied.
His lawyer, Pierre Latraverse, had a different assessment as he later left the hearing room. He called it an 'inappropriate use of words by the judge.'
Carle, who had been director of operations for Chretien from 1993 to 1998, moved to the BDC as a senior vice-president when he left the Prime Minister's Office.
It was at the bank that he got involved in the contentious deal that revolved around funding for a TV series, called Le Canada Millennaire, by producer Robert Scully.
The bank had already given $250,000 of its own to support the series. But the bank then agreed to act as a conduit in transferring an extra $125,000 to Scully's production company, Information Essentielle.
The additional money originated with the Public Works Department"
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Not hip to problem
Winnipeg Sun: NEWS - Not hip to problem: "Sat, February 5, 2005
Quality of health is an issue everywhere in Canada - lets do another study but lets not fix the problem. Same old -same old
Not hip to problem
Demand for orthopedic surgery, wait times rise
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
The Doer government has failed to make good on a promise to slash the wait list for hip and knee replacement surgeries, charge the Opposition Tories. Six months ago, Manitobans were waiting up to two years for surgery, said Tory Leader Stuart Murray. Today, there are people waiting up to three years to go under the knife, he said.
'This wait, this suffering, is not acceptable,' Murray told a news conference.
The number of people waiting in line for surgery has increased to 2,300 from 1,488 last spring, according to figures provided by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
The median wait time is 40 weeks.
DOUBLE KNEE REPLACEMENT
Winnipegger Bob Harris, 67, said he's been told he'll have to wait two years for orthopedic surgery.
He needs double knee replacement surgery.
'Why we have to wait two to three years is beyond me,' said Harris, who has difficulty walking up and down stairs and even driving his car because of his shot knees. 'If something isn't broken, don't fix it -- but this one is broken.'
Health Minister Tim Sale was not available for comment.
AGING POPULATION
Brian Postl, CEO of the WRHA, acknowledged demand for orthopedic surgery has been going up -- primarily because of the province's aging population.
'That's not unique to Manitoba,' Postl said. 'We still have favourable rates compared to other jurisdictions in the country.'
Postl said it's unusual for someone to wait as long as Harris. He said the WRHA wants to expand the number of hip and knee replacement surgeries done in W"
Quality of health is an issue everywhere in Canada - lets do another study but lets not fix the problem. Same old -same old
Not hip to problem
Demand for orthopedic surgery, wait times rise
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
The Doer government has failed to make good on a promise to slash the wait list for hip and knee replacement surgeries, charge the Opposition Tories. Six months ago, Manitobans were waiting up to two years for surgery, said Tory Leader Stuart Murray. Today, there are people waiting up to three years to go under the knife, he said.
'This wait, this suffering, is not acceptable,' Murray told a news conference.
The number of people waiting in line for surgery has increased to 2,300 from 1,488 last spring, according to figures provided by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
The median wait time is 40 weeks.
DOUBLE KNEE REPLACEMENT
Winnipegger Bob Harris, 67, said he's been told he'll have to wait two years for orthopedic surgery.
He needs double knee replacement surgery.
'Why we have to wait two to three years is beyond me,' said Harris, who has difficulty walking up and down stairs and even driving his car because of his shot knees. 'If something isn't broken, don't fix it -- but this one is broken.'
Health Minister Tim Sale was not available for comment.
AGING POPULATION
Brian Postl, CEO of the WRHA, acknowledged demand for orthopedic surgery has been going up -- primarily because of the province's aging population.
'That's not unique to Manitoba,' Postl said. 'We still have favourable rates compared to other jurisdictions in the country.'
Postl said it's unusual for someone to wait as long as Harris. He said the WRHA wants to expand the number of hip and knee replacement surgeries done in W"
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
The Frontier Centre for Public Policy
The Frontier Centre for Public Policy: "Hydro and Healthcare: Freeing Economic Motors
Speaker: Peter Holle, President, FCPP
Date: 2005-04-08
Time: 7:30 am.
Place: St. James Rotary Club, Viscount Gort Hotel, Winnipeg."
Food for thought- lets learn to make things better through knowledge
Speaker: Peter Holle, President, FCPP
Date: 2005-04-08
Time: 7:30 am.
Place: St. James Rotary Club, Viscount Gort Hotel, Winnipeg."
Food for thought- lets learn to make things better through knowledge
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Two Cows Explain The World :: Free Funny eCards
What do you think the two Canadian Cash cows would say? Humor is good for the soul ! Where are you on the list? -Todays chuckle.
Two Cows Explain The World
Two Cows Explain The World
Force Accountability -Make things visible
Accountability
Would you like to make a difference by getting involved in the process? Blow your whistle!
Make as many people aware of what is happening to you and the people around you. Complain about bad,poor or indifferent service . Turning the other check only leads to more of the same. Speak out -make work for those that are a source of indifferent service . The noisy wheel gets the attention or the grease.
One small win by many will make a big difference.
Is Canadian Justice Blind or just slow and stupid ?
Help the Innocent
Blow your whistleHow do you think the justice system could be improved? What happened to natural Justice in a timely manner? How do we make fairness and natural common sense , natural justice prevail?
Is the investigative process of the press - a positive check and balance to the justice system ?
It seems that this depends on who is doing the investigating or how motivated he is to dig for facts. We wrote the reporter in Hamilton with our comments . He told us to knock ourself out in our quest of ensuring that Adam -the David in our previous post -got fair treatment. WE will knock ourself out. -PR
Overzealous Prosecution issues . When does common sense prevail?
Court resources are expensive both on a time and dollars basis. What do you think of a case where a teenager does his laundry at his estranged mother's house- gets charged and convicted of breaking and entry of his estranged mother's house with a 6 month probationary sentence. Morality judgements aside -apart from branding the teenager with a criminal record and the long term negative effect on the teenager's life and that of the custodial parent, - is this really a good use of court time and limited court resources? The benign abusive functional maliciousness of the prosecutors "judgement"should be judged somehow- does the court meat grinder really need more fresh meat to grind?- PR
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