a poor return on our investment
Ottawa set to increase national debt by over $100 billion: reports - Yahoo! Canada News: "The federal government is facing a series of massive deficits that together will completely reverse the past decade's paydown on the national mortgage and set Canada's finances back more than $100 billion, new forecasts suggest.
Two separate budgetary projections"
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Can we afford to look the other way?
a bad precedent
Say sayonara to good Samaratins reported by William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.
Did you feel that? It was our society sliding a little closer to the abyss. Recently, the California Supreme Court ruled that a good Samaritan who pulled an injured passenger out of a wrecked car could be sued by that passenger.
This twisted ruling represents the death of that state's law, which says that "no person who in good faith, and not for compensation, renders emergency car at the scene of an emergency shall be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission."
But now the court says that Lisa Torti can be civilly liable for the permanent spinal damage suffered by Alexandra Van Horn, the passenger she dragged from that car wreck. Van Horn is now a paraplegic, and claims her condition is Torti's fault – and Van Horn wants to sue; the fact that Torti believed she was saving Van Horn's life seems not to matter to Van Horn – or to the court.
In a decision that could only be rendered by a group of lawyers, the court ruled with Van Horn, claiming that the original state statute only applies to people providing "emergency medical care at the scene of a medical emergency." Torti's rescue of Van Horn from the car wreck doesn't count.
Nice, huh? It's true: no good deed goes unpunished.
If there's any true justice in this world – and I'm growing increasingly doubtful that there is – Van Horn will lose her lawsuit against Torti when it goes to court this coming summer. I'm hoping for a quick and unanimous decision in Torti's favor.
But regardless of the outcome of this particular trial, I'm sure that by ruling with Van Horn, the California Supreme Court has already done plenty of damage; you can be sure that people in that state – and all over the country – will be sure to think twice next time they see a chance to help someone in need. And I bet many of these people will decide that it's safer to just look the other way.
You can thank a lawyer for that.
Say sayonara to good Samaratins reported by William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.
Did you feel that? It was our society sliding a little closer to the abyss. Recently, the California Supreme Court ruled that a good Samaritan who pulled an injured passenger out of a wrecked car could be sued by that passenger.
This twisted ruling represents the death of that state's law, which says that "no person who in good faith, and not for compensation, renders emergency car at the scene of an emergency shall be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission."
But now the court says that Lisa Torti can be civilly liable for the permanent spinal damage suffered by Alexandra Van Horn, the passenger she dragged from that car wreck. Van Horn is now a paraplegic, and claims her condition is Torti's fault – and Van Horn wants to sue; the fact that Torti believed she was saving Van Horn's life seems not to matter to Van Horn – or to the court.
In a decision that could only be rendered by a group of lawyers, the court ruled with Van Horn, claiming that the original state statute only applies to people providing "emergency medical care at the scene of a medical emergency." Torti's rescue of Van Horn from the car wreck doesn't count.
Nice, huh? It's true: no good deed goes unpunished.
If there's any true justice in this world – and I'm growing increasingly doubtful that there is – Van Horn will lose her lawsuit against Torti when it goes to court this coming summer. I'm hoping for a quick and unanimous decision in Torti's favor.
But regardless of the outcome of this particular trial, I'm sure that by ruling with Van Horn, the California Supreme Court has already done plenty of damage; you can be sure that people in that state – and all over the country – will be sure to think twice next time they see a chance to help someone in need. And I bet many of these people will decide that it's safer to just look the other way.
You can thank a lawyer for that.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
mega casino a no go
Charest bail out fails
Brant MPP Dave Levac's proposal to build a new casino and sports complex in the city's northwest and hand the current gambling hall and civic centre over to Laurier Brantford to redevelop is dead.
City council on Monday rejected a request to open discussions on the idea.
"I'm saddened, but council has spoken and they drive the agenda," Levac said in an interview after councilors voted 6-3 against opening discussions with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and other potential partners about the broad strokes of his proposal.
"It was unfortunate that there was some over-exaggerated rhetoric and personal shots, but I won't play that game," the MPP p>"Having said that, I accept the decision and let's move on."
Voting in favour of the ill-fated resolution were councillors John Sless, Vince Bucci and James Calnan.
Opposing it were Mayor Mike Hancock and councillors Mark Littell, Greg Martin, Richard Carpenter, Dan Mc- Creary and John Bradford. Councillors Marguerite Ceschi-Smith and Jennifer Kinneman were not at the meeting.
Brant MPP Dave Levac's proposal to build a new casino and sports complex in the city's northwest and hand the current gambling hall and civic centre over to Laurier Brantford to redevelop is dead.
City council on Monday rejected a request to open discussions on the idea.
"I'm saddened, but council has spoken and they drive the agenda," Levac said in an interview after councilors voted 6-3 against opening discussions with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and other potential partners about the broad strokes of his proposal.
"It was unfortunate that there was some over-exaggerated rhetoric and personal shots, but I won't play that game," the MPP p>"Having said that, I accept the decision and let's move on."
Voting in favour of the ill-fated resolution were councillors John Sless, Vince Bucci and James Calnan.
Opposing it were Mayor Mike Hancock and councillors Mark Littell, Greg Martin, Richard Carpenter, Dan Mc- Creary and John Bradford. Councillors Marguerite Ceschi-Smith and Jennifer Kinneman were not at the meeting.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Frontier Centre is a source of high quality information
The Global “Go-To Think Tanks”In a world saturated with information, connected by the web and challenged by complex issues that often hit like a meteor from outer space, there is a growing need to know where to turn for high quality information and analysis on critical policy issues. Increasingly policy makers and the public are turning to the close to 5,500 public policy research organizations around the world for assistance. This report, from the January 2009 edition of Foreign Policy Magazine identifies and ranks the leading think tanks in every region of the world. The Think Tanks And Civil Societies Program releases its 2008 Report. The Frontier Centre ranks 22 of top 284 nominated North American (non-USA) think tanks. Special publication.
"The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent public policy think tank whose mission is "to broaden the debate on our future through public policy research and education and to explore positive changes within our public institutions that support economic growth and opportunity."
"The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent public policy think tank whose mission is "to broaden the debate on our future through public policy research and education and to explore positive changes within our public institutions that support economic growth and opportunity."
Frontier
The Global “Go-To Think Tanks”In a world saturated with information, connected by the web and challenged by complex issues that often hit like a meteor from outer space, there is a growing need to know where to turn for high quality information and analysis on critical policy issues. Increasingly policy makers and the public are turning to the close to 5,500 public policy research organizations around the world for assistance. This report, from the January 2009 edition of Foreign Policy Magazine identifies and ranks the leading think tanks in every region of the world. The Think Tanks And Civil Societies Program releases its 2008 Report. The Frontier Centre ranks 22 of top 284 nominated North American (non-USA) think tanks. Special publication.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Gaurdians of accountable government
Frontier Centre gets well earned performance endorsements for performance from its peers and the public;
Frontier rated as the 22 top think tank in North America
Western Standard’s “Liberty 100” Top 10 for 2008
It has been said that “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” and 2008 was no exception for Canadian friends of liberty.
Many Canadians worked hard in 2008 to fight the advance of big government and the erosion of economic and personal liberty. Some worked in relative obscurity in their own communities, while others were high profile or filled leadership roles in prestigious organizations – but all were important.
The Western Standard is putting the finishing touches on “Liberty 100,” a list of 100 Canadians who distinguished themselves in 2008, or over a lifetime, in the defence of liberty.
Creating the "Liberty 100" list wasn’t difficult. Ranking the 100 friends of liberty who made this list according to the significance of their contribution has, however, been extremely difficult. The "Liberty 100" will be released soon, but we need your help. Below is our Top 10 list, but we are asking our readers to let us know who they think deserves to be recognized for their contribution to economic or personal liberty.
“Liberty 100” Top 10 list:
1. Ezra Levant
www.ezralevant.com
The issue that dominated 2008 was the attack on freedom of speech and expression by human rights commissions across Canada, and Ezra Levant was at the centre of this issue as a pro-free speech newsmaker, advocate, lawyer and blogger. Levant has written "Shakedown: How Our Government is Undermining Democracy in the Name of Human Rights." His single-minded defence of free speech makes him the Western Standard's choice for the #1 spot on our Liberty 100 list for 2008.
2. Dr. Michael Walker
The Fraser Institute
www.fraserinstitute.org
Dr. Michael Walker is a senior fellow of The Fraser Institute and president of the Institute’s Foundation. He served as executive director of The Fraser Institute from its establishment in 1974 until 2005. He has done more in his lifetime to advance economic liberty than any other Canadian.
3. Marc Emery
Cannabis Culture
www.cannabisculture.com
Marc Emery is the Vancouver-based publisher of Cannabis Culture magazine and an internationally recognized opponent of drug prohibition. He faces a possible lifetime in an US prison for openly selling marijuana seeds, should he lose his extradition hearing scheduled for early this year.
4. Mark Mullins
Fraser Institute
www.fraserinstitute.org
Mark Mullins is executive director of The Fraser Institute, Canada's largest and most important free market think tank. His efforts and the work of the Institute are essential to the freedom movement.
5. Peter Jaworski
Institute for Liberal Studies
www.liberalstudies.ca
Peter Jaworski is editor of the Western Standard, executive director of the Institute for Liberal Studies and the organizer of the annual Liberty Summer Seminar, an event that has energized the pro-liberty youth movement. He is Canada's most important and prominent libertarian activist.
6. John Williamson
Manning Centre for Building Democracy
www.manningcentre.ca
John Williamson is a Manning Centre for Building Democracy fellow and outgoing federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, resigning in 2008 for academic pursuits. Williamson continues to keep pressure on the Harper Conservatives to reduce taxes and government spending.
7. Peter Holle
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
www.fcpp.org
Peter Holle is the founding president of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. He is a consistent advocate for policy reforms that enhance personal and economic freedom.
8. Dennis Young
Libertarian Party
www.libertarian.ca
Dennis Young is leader of the Libertarian Party. A veteran of NATO operations in Bosnia, Young's personal experience as a soldier has made him a capable and credible advocate for a libertarian non-interventionist foreign policy. His law enforcement background has also made him an effective critic of the war on drugs.
9. Mark Steyn
Maclean's Magazine
www.steynonline.com
Mark Steyn is an internationally recognized columnist and the author of "America Alone." Excerpts from "American Alone" published in Maclean's magazine were the subject of a human rights complaint, which Steyn and Maclean's successfully fought. Steyn has put Canada's struggle for free speech in the international spotlight.
10. Jean-Serge Brisson
Ontario Libertarian Party
www.libertarian.on.ca
Jean-Serge Brisson is former leader of the Libertarian Party who made news in 2008 by winning his personal court case against the mandatory bilingual sign bylaw in Russell, Ontario. He was also sentenced to 90 days in prison for his ongoing refusal to wear a seatbelt while driving. He is currently serving his time on weekends.
Congratulations to the “Liberty 100” Top 10 – and thank you for your work in the defence of liberty.
Stay tuned for the complete "Liberty 100."
Frontier rated as the 22 top think tank in North America
Western Standard’s “Liberty 100” Top 10 for 2008
It has been said that “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” and 2008 was no exception for Canadian friends of liberty.
Many Canadians worked hard in 2008 to fight the advance of big government and the erosion of economic and personal liberty. Some worked in relative obscurity in their own communities, while others were high profile or filled leadership roles in prestigious organizations – but all were important.
The Western Standard is putting the finishing touches on “Liberty 100,” a list of 100 Canadians who distinguished themselves in 2008, or over a lifetime, in the defence of liberty.
Creating the "Liberty 100" list wasn’t difficult. Ranking the 100 friends of liberty who made this list according to the significance of their contribution has, however, been extremely difficult. The "Liberty 100" will be released soon, but we need your help. Below is our Top 10 list, but we are asking our readers to let us know who they think deserves to be recognized for their contribution to economic or personal liberty.
“Liberty 100” Top 10 list:
1. Ezra Levant
www.ezralevant.com
The issue that dominated 2008 was the attack on freedom of speech and expression by human rights commissions across Canada, and Ezra Levant was at the centre of this issue as a pro-free speech newsmaker, advocate, lawyer and blogger. Levant has written "Shakedown: How Our Government is Undermining Democracy in the Name of Human Rights." His single-minded defence of free speech makes him the Western Standard's choice for the #1 spot on our Liberty 100 list for 2008.
2. Dr. Michael Walker
The Fraser Institute
www.fraserinstitute.org
Dr. Michael Walker is a senior fellow of The Fraser Institute and president of the Institute’s Foundation. He served as executive director of The Fraser Institute from its establishment in 1974 until 2005. He has done more in his lifetime to advance economic liberty than any other Canadian.
3. Marc Emery
Cannabis Culture
www.cannabisculture.com
Marc Emery is the Vancouver-based publisher of Cannabis Culture magazine and an internationally recognized opponent of drug prohibition. He faces a possible lifetime in an US prison for openly selling marijuana seeds, should he lose his extradition hearing scheduled for early this year.
4. Mark Mullins
Fraser Institute
www.fraserinstitute.org
Mark Mullins is executive director of The Fraser Institute, Canada's largest and most important free market think tank. His efforts and the work of the Institute are essential to the freedom movement.
5. Peter Jaworski
Institute for Liberal Studies
www.liberalstudies.ca
Peter Jaworski is editor of the Western Standard, executive director of the Institute for Liberal Studies and the organizer of the annual Liberty Summer Seminar, an event that has energized the pro-liberty youth movement. He is Canada's most important and prominent libertarian activist.
6. John Williamson
Manning Centre for Building Democracy
www.manningcentre.ca
John Williamson is a Manning Centre for Building Democracy fellow and outgoing federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, resigning in 2008 for academic pursuits. Williamson continues to keep pressure on the Harper Conservatives to reduce taxes and government spending.
7. Peter Holle
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
www.fcpp.org
Peter Holle is the founding president of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. He is a consistent advocate for policy reforms that enhance personal and economic freedom.
8. Dennis Young
Libertarian Party
www.libertarian.ca
Dennis Young is leader of the Libertarian Party. A veteran of NATO operations in Bosnia, Young's personal experience as a soldier has made him a capable and credible advocate for a libertarian non-interventionist foreign policy. His law enforcement background has also made him an effective critic of the war on drugs.
9. Mark Steyn
Maclean's Magazine
www.steynonline.com
Mark Steyn is an internationally recognized columnist and the author of "America Alone." Excerpts from "American Alone" published in Maclean's magazine were the subject of a human rights complaint, which Steyn and Maclean's successfully fought. Steyn has put Canada's struggle for free speech in the international spotlight.
10. Jean-Serge Brisson
Ontario Libertarian Party
www.libertarian.on.ca
Jean-Serge Brisson is former leader of the Libertarian Party who made news in 2008 by winning his personal court case against the mandatory bilingual sign bylaw in Russell, Ontario. He was also sentenced to 90 days in prison for his ongoing refusal to wear a seatbelt while driving. He is currently serving his time on weekends.
Congratulations to the “Liberty 100” Top 10 – and thank you for your work in the defence of liberty.
Stay tuned for the complete "Liberty 100."
fix health or you could lose your life
The future consequences of uncontrollale inflated health costs
Government questions the dollar value of human life
Dear Friend,
Recently, a depressing story from England provided a glimpse into America's not-too- distant (and oh-so-grim) healthcare future as it could be in the looming Age of Obama. A cancer patient in Britain was denied the drug that could have held his kidney cancer at bay for six months, because treatment was deemed to be too expensive by British healthcare authorities.
And you thought life was a priceless gift from God. Guess again. In Britain, at least, the "priceless gift" has a price tag. And to the British government, Bruce Hardy's life is not worth the $54,000 cost of cancer treatment.
The drug in question is Pfizer's Stutent, which according to clinical trials, can delay the progress of cancer for as much as half a year.
This shocking decision was made by the British government agency called the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (which creates the incredibly ironic acronym of "NICE," even though this particular decision is anything but). According to the guidelines set by this agency, the British government can only "afford" about $22,750 to prolong a person's life – except in rare cases.
Of course, only true apparatchiks could so dispassionately make such an outrageous statement in public, and there's been massive public protests over the ruling throughout the UK – as there should be.
Government questions the dollar value of human life
Dear Friend,
Recently, a depressing story from England provided a glimpse into America's not-too- distant (and oh-so-grim) healthcare future as it could be in the looming Age of Obama. A cancer patient in Britain was denied the drug that could have held his kidney cancer at bay for six months, because treatment was deemed to be too expensive by British healthcare authorities.
And you thought life was a priceless gift from God. Guess again. In Britain, at least, the "priceless gift" has a price tag. And to the British government, Bruce Hardy's life is not worth the $54,000 cost of cancer treatment.
The drug in question is Pfizer's Stutent, which according to clinical trials, can delay the progress of cancer for as much as half a year.
This shocking decision was made by the British government agency called the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (which creates the incredibly ironic acronym of "NICE," even though this particular decision is anything but). According to the guidelines set by this agency, the British government can only "afford" about $22,750 to prolong a person's life – except in rare cases.
Of course, only true apparatchiks could so dispassionately make such an outrageous statement in public, and there's been massive public protests over the ruling throughout the UK – as there should be.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
PM had 'no choice' but to appoint senators: Greene Raine
lets see what happens in 8 years.... Pr
PM had 'no choice' but to appoint senators: Greene Raine: "In a release, Harper said all incoming senators had promised to support eight-year term limits and other Senate-reform legislation. Harper said he made the appointments at this time to prevent a potential Liberal-NDP coalition government from getting the opportunity to fill the seats."
PM had 'no choice' but to appoint senators: Greene Raine: "In a release, Harper said all incoming senators had promised to support eight-year term limits and other Senate-reform legislation. Harper said he made the appointments at this time to prevent a potential Liberal-NDP coalition government from getting the opportunity to fill the seats."
Thursday, December 18, 2008
speaking outon faceook
Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA: "Spinning wheels on laws
Posted By SUN MEDIA
Posted 2 mins ago
The politics of protest works just fine in Ontario, especially if it's done over a keyboard.
After the announcement backing off on some restrictions planned for young drivers, we now know which way the Ontario Liberals will go when there are political tradeoffs to be made.
The decision by Transportation Minister Jim Bradley to back off on some restrictions proposed for young drivers was based on backlash, not on the merits of driver safety, which, ostensibly, was the reason for making the changes in the first place.
Not that young protesters didn't have a point, but the province didn't exactly blink on this one -- it withered."
Posted By SUN MEDIA
Posted 2 mins ago
The politics of protest works just fine in Ontario, especially if it's done over a keyboard.
After the announcement backing off on some restrictions planned for young drivers, we now know which way the Ontario Liberals will go when there are political tradeoffs to be made.
The decision by Transportation Minister Jim Bradley to back off on some restrictions proposed for young drivers was based on backlash, not on the merits of driver safety, which, ostensibly, was the reason for making the changes in the first place.
Not that young protesters didn't have a point, but the province didn't exactly blink on this one -- it withered."
Monday, December 15, 2008
Home values seen losing over $2 trillion during 2008 - Yahoo! News
Home values seen losing over $2 trillion during 2008 - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK (Reuters) – Homes in the United States have lost trillions of dollars in value during 2008, with nearly 11.7 million American households now owing more on their mortgage than their homes are worth, real estate website Zillow.com said on Monday.
U.S. homes are set to lose well over $2 trillion in value during 2008, according to an analysis of recent Zillow Real Estate Market Reports."
What next hyper deflation? Wake up people-the getting more for doing less as illustrated by " protected" interest groups in all sectors of the economy is over. Perform or pay the consequences - merit and economic supply and demand rules will once again rule - Pr
U.S. homes are set to lose well over $2 trillion in value during 2008, according to an analysis of recent Zillow Real Estate Market Reports."
What next hyper deflation? Wake up people-the getting more for doing less as illustrated by " protected" interest groups in all sectors of the economy is over. Perform or pay the consequences - merit and economic supply and demand rules will once again rule - Pr
Business News - Southern auto workers resent bailout - ArcaMax Publishing
Business News - Southern auto workers resent bailout - ArcaMax Publishing: "Southern auto workers resent bailout
SMYRNA, Tenn. (UPI) -- Efforts to provide a federal bailout to U.S. automakers in Detroit have stirred resentment among non-union autoworkers in the U.S. South, observers say.
The Bush administration has indicated it may dip into the $700 billion financial industry bailout funds appropriated by the U.S. Congress to help Detroit's 'Big 3' automakers after Republican senators, mainly from the South, killed a separate, $14 billion auto industry bailout bill.
The GOP senators, led by Bob Corker of Tennessee, demanded unionized Detroit autoworkers take pay cuts to level their wages with those earned by non-union counterparts in Southern plants owned by Japanese automakers Nissan, Honda and Toyota. That position has strong support among the workers at those plants, The Washington Post reported Sunday.
'Over here, we're taking days off without pay to keep the company going, but the unions for the Big Three aren't willing to do that,' Kathy Ward, 54, who has worked 27 years at the Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tenn., told the newspaper. 'Everyone has to give a little in times like these.'
Union opponents 'use the phrase, 'You don't want the Yankees telling you what to do,'' a Southern organizer told the Post."
SMYRNA, Tenn. (UPI) -- Efforts to provide a federal bailout to U.S. automakers in Detroit have stirred resentment among non-union autoworkers in the U.S. South, observers say.
The Bush administration has indicated it may dip into the $700 billion financial industry bailout funds appropriated by the U.S. Congress to help Detroit's 'Big 3' automakers after Republican senators, mainly from the South, killed a separate, $14 billion auto industry bailout bill.
The GOP senators, led by Bob Corker of Tennessee, demanded unionized Detroit autoworkers take pay cuts to level their wages with those earned by non-union counterparts in Southern plants owned by Japanese automakers Nissan, Honda and Toyota. That position has strong support among the workers at those plants, The Washington Post reported Sunday.
'Over here, we're taking days off without pay to keep the company going, but the unions for the Big Three aren't willing to do that,' Kathy Ward, 54, who has worked 27 years at the Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tenn., told the newspaper. 'Everyone has to give a little in times like these.'
Union opponents 'use the phrase, 'You don't want the Yankees telling you what to do,'' a Southern organizer told the Post."
reportonbusiness.com: Working for nothing, but getting something
reportonbusiness.com: Working for nothing, but getting something: "Working for nothing, but getting something"
use talent that is available-real people doing real things with their time
use talent that is available-real people doing real things with their time
Monday, December 08, 2008
Dion leaves gracefully?
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/08/dion-replace.html?ref=rss
Dion will bow out early to clear way for successor
Last Updated: Monday, December 8, 2008 4:55 PM ET
CBC News
Embattled Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion announced Monday he will step down earlier than planned, leaving his potential successors to battle over who will steer the party ahead of a possible election.Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, seen at a news conference on Oct. 20, said Monday he would step down earlier than planned. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)
Dion originally planned to stay on as a caretaker leader after the party's dismal election results until his successor was chosen in early May. But he has faced growing pressure from his party to leave due to his handling of the recent political crisis and his widespread unpopularity among voters.
"I have decided to step aside as leader of the Liberal party effective as soon as my successor is duly chosen," Dion said in a release. He did not specify a date.
Dion will bow out early to clear way for successor
Last Updated: Monday, December 8, 2008 4:55 PM ET
CBC News
Embattled Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion announced Monday he will step down earlier than planned, leaving his potential successors to battle over who will steer the party ahead of a possible election.Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, seen at a news conference on Oct. 20, said Monday he would step down earlier than planned. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)
Dion originally planned to stay on as a caretaker leader after the party's dismal election results until his successor was chosen in early May. But he has faced growing pressure from his party to leave due to his handling of the recent political crisis and his widespread unpopularity among voters.
"I have decided to step aside as leader of the Liberal party effective as soon as my successor is duly chosen," Dion said in a release. He did not specify a date.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Canadians-lets help the Governor general
Another negative first for Canada that can be avoided? We have a situation where the Bloc or separatists are the king makers to Canada's political rule. It is ironic that Canadians paid the way for this situation to happen. Without our public subsidy-and left to there own fund raising efforts from their own Quebec constituents- they would never have been able to reach this level of ccntrol or influence. Dion ,the champion of clarity -"do you want to separate"-under the Liberal Chretein government is now beholden to the Bloc to capture and maintain power from the elected conservative government.
Tragically-when the Conservatives called for economic restraint in these acknowledged hard times - cutting special interest subsidies to poitical parties - the knives came out. The hypocrasy is blatant. The proposed political hyjacking of parliament by the coalition ,Liberals,NDP and Bloc Quebeois is a potential reality that needs the Governor General's approval. The stakes are high. We are now potentially forced to be governed by a unelected special interest group of people with questionable skills to weather the economic storm.
Governer General -Why not ask the Canadian people-in the form of a plebicsite what they wish you to do? In the public interest , a plebicsite could add clarity and direct democratic credibiity to the situation.
Tragically-when the Conservatives called for economic restraint in these acknowledged hard times - cutting special interest subsidies to poitical parties - the knives came out. The hypocrasy is blatant. The proposed political hyjacking of parliament by the coalition ,Liberals,NDP and Bloc Quebeois is a potential reality that needs the Governor General's approval. The stakes are high. We are now potentially forced to be governed by a unelected special interest group of people with questionable skills to weather the economic storm.
Governer General -Why not ask the Canadian people-in the form of a plebicsite what they wish you to do? In the public interest , a plebicsite could add clarity and direct democratic credibiity to the situation.
help the Governor general
Another negative first for Canada? We have a situation where the Bloc or separatists are the king makers to Canada's political rule. It is ironic that Canadians paid the way for this situation to happen. Without our public subsidy-and left to there own fund raising efforts from their own Quebec constituents- they would never have been able to reach this level of ccntro; or influence. Dion the champion of clarity -do you want to separate-under the Liberal Chretein government is now beholden to the Bloc to capture and maintain power from the elected conservative government.
Tragically-when the Conservatives called for economic restraint in these acknowledged hard time - cutting special interest subsidies to poitical parties - the knives came out. The hypocrasy is blatant. We are now potentially forced to be governed by unelected special interest people with questionable skills to weather the economic storm.
Governer General -Why not ask the Canadian people-in the form of a plebicsite what they wish you to do? In the public interest , a plebicsite could add clarity and democratic credibiity to the situation.
Tragically-when the Conservatives called for economic restraint in these acknowledged hard time - cutting special interest subsidies to poitical parties - the knives came out. The hypocrasy is blatant. We are now potentially forced to be governed by unelected special interest people with questionable skills to weather the economic storm.
Governer General -Why not ask the Canadian people-in the form of a plebicsite what they wish you to do? In the public interest , a plebicsite could add clarity and democratic credibiity to the situation.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
FISCAL STORM
This perfect fiscal storm has been brewing for months.
Elementary teachers have been holding out on signing a new contract. This financial statement is like a big stick to get them to sign. How popular will teachers be if they strike at a time when everyone else is feeling the financial pain?
Worse, the public service is growing out of control. It's the monster that swallows our tax dollars.
While the private sector is growing only marginally, more and more people are joining the province's not-so-exclusive club of people making $100,000 on the public purse.
If the province wants to hold the line, the first place to start is with a freeze on pay increases on civil servants making $100,000 or more.
Instead, the first cuts will come with a delay in implementation of things like a dental plan for low income families and a delay in hiring more nurses.
What a mockery Wednesday's statement made of Duncan's much-ballyhooed plan to divvy up budget surpluses among municipalities. Remember when he announced that shell game back in March?
He told us any time there was more than an $800 million surplus, instead of paying down the province's massive $169-billion total accumulated debt as was the law, only the first $600 million would go to pay down the debt. The rest would be distributed to the province's 445 municipalities based on population. The amount to be allocated is capped at $2 billion.
Back then, Duncan estimated the minimum amount that would be allocated would be $200 million.
Oops. Now we have a $500 million deficit.
Back then, local politicians tripped over themselves to gush over Duncan's hypothetical cash windfall.
Better not hold your breath getting that pothole fixed. And better check the bridge before you drive over it, fellas.
He said the government wouldn't try to spend its way out of the recession. That's a relief. Then again, you could make a very strong argument they have pretty well spent their way into it.
He did acknowledge, though, the importance of infrastructure investments, "which create jobs and improve competitiveness for tomorrow."
Presumably that means some of the big ticket transit programs are still on the table. That's good. There's no need to panic on projects that benefit everyone.
IMPRUDENT
You have to ask: Is this just the thin end of the wedge? Is this half-billion-dollar deficit truly manageable? Or is Duncan setting us up for more bad news in his budget next spring?
What we need is a little fiscal austerity here.
Duncan is fond of using the word "prudent." His budget projections are "prudent." His fiscal policy is "prudent."
Well, I had a cat called Prudence once. She met a nasty end when she carelessly -- and imprudently -- ran in front of a car.
The point is even though I called my cat Prudence, she still did foolish things.
I have a horrid feeling Duncan's economic statement is a bit like that. He can call it prudent if he wants. It won't make a lick of difference when we are all so much financial road-kill.
Christina Blizzard covers Queen's Park for Sun Media. She can be reached at christina. blizzard@tor. sunpub.com.
FISCAL STORM
This perfect fiscal storm has been brewing for months.
Elementary teachers have been holding out on signing a new contract. This financial statement is like a big stick to get them to sign. How popular will teachers be if they strike at a time when everyone else is feeling the financial pain?
Worse, the public service is growing out of control. It's the monster that swallows our tax dollars.
While the private sector is growing only marginally, more and more people are joining the province's not-so-exclusive club of people making $100,000 on the public purse.
If the province wants to hold the line, the first place to start is with a freeze on pay increases on civil servants making $100,000 or more.
Instead, the first cuts will come with a delay in implementation of things like a dental plan for low income families and a delay in hiring more nurses.
What a mockery Wednesday's statement made of Duncan's much-ballyhooed plan to divvy up budget surpluses among municipalities. Remember when he announced that shell game back in March?
He told us any time there was more than an $800 million surplus, instead of paying down the province's massive $169-billion total accumulated debt as was the law, only the first $600 million would go to pay down the debt. The rest would be distributed to the province's 445 municipalities based on population. The amount to be allocated is capped at $2 billion.
Back then, Duncan estimated the minimum amount that would be allocated would be $200 million.
Oops. Now we have a $500 million deficit.
Back then, local politicians tripped over themselves to gush over Duncan's hypothetical cash windfall.
Better not hold your breath getting that pothole fixed. And better check the bridge before you drive over it, fellas.
He said the government wouldn't try to spend its way out of the recession. That's a relief. Then again, you could make a very strong argument they have pretty well spent their way into it.
He did acknowledge, though, the importance of infrastructure investments, "which create jobs and improve competitiveness for tomorrow."
Presumably that means some of the big ticket transit programs are still on the table. That's good. There's no need to panic on projects that benefit everyone.
IMPRUDENT
You have to ask: Is this just the thin end of the wedge? Is this half-billion-dollar deficit truly manageable? Or is Duncan setting us up for more bad news in his budget next spring?
What we need is a little fiscal austerity here.
Duncan is fond of using the word "prudent." His budget projections are "prudent." His fiscal policy is "prudent."
Well, I had a cat called Prudence once. She met a nasty end when she carelessly -- and imprudently -- ran in front of a car.
The point is even though I called my cat Prudence, she still did foolish things.
I have a horrid feeling Duncan's economic statement is a bit like that. He can call it prudent if he wants. It won't make a lick of difference when we are all so much financial road-kill.
Christina Blizzard covers Queen's Park for Sun Media. She can be reached at christina. blizzard@tor. sunpub.com.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Set up a corporate whistleblower program
Say “whistleblower” to some execs and the reaction your likely to get is one of fear and loathing. It shouldn’t be that way. Whistleblowers can help keep your company out of trouble by catching fraud and corruption – things harmful to your company’s reputation and bottom line over the long haul – early on. But many companies do not have a whistleblowing program in place.
Earlier this month, the International Chamber of Commerce, a free trade organization founded in Paris in 1919, issued a set of comprehensive whistleblowing guidelines for anyone to use.
“Fraud remains one of the most problematic issues for business worldwide, no matter the country of operation, industry sector, or size,” Francois Vincke, Chair of ICC’s Anti-Corruption Commission, said in a statement on the organization’s website. “While whistleblowing programs are a highly effective way to flag fraud early on, many companies do not have these schemes in place due to cultural or legal differences. ICC’s guide is the first set of practical tools that takes these factors into account, no matter the jurisdiction.”
For more, see the ICC Guidelines on Whistleblowing. Thanks to EthicsWorld for bringing this to our attention.
Earlier this month, the International Chamber of Commerce, a free trade organization founded in Paris in 1919, issued a set of comprehensive whistleblowing guidelines for anyone to use.
“Fraud remains one of the most problematic issues for business worldwide, no matter the country of operation, industry sector, or size,” Francois Vincke, Chair of ICC’s Anti-Corruption Commission, said in a statement on the organization’s website. “While whistleblowing programs are a highly effective way to flag fraud early on, many companies do not have these schemes in place due to cultural or legal differences. ICC’s guide is the first set of practical tools that takes these factors into account, no matter the jurisdiction.”
The website also noted a 2007 KPMG study fond that “25 percent of the incidents of fraud uncovered among 360 incidents analyzed came to light thanks to a whistleblowing system put into place by companies.”
The ICC recommends an eight-step plan for implementing a whistleblowing program that protects your company and your employees:
- Create a whistleblowing program as part of internal integrity practices
- Handle reports early on, in full confidentiality
- Appoint a high-level executive to manage the whistleblowing unit
- Communicate in as many languages as there are countries of operation
- Abide by external legal restrictions
- Allow reporting to be anonymous or disclosed, compulsory or voluntary
- Acknowledge, record and screen all reports
- Enable employees to report incidents without fear of retaliation, discrimination, or disciplinary action
For more, see the ICC Guidelines on Whistleblowing. Thanks to EthicsWorld for bringing this to our attention.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
topical survey of issues
Threats to our way of life
Article By: Elizabeth Rogers
Food crises, water shortages, pandemics and other disasters -- what do they mean for our future? More news from ideaCity 2008.
It seems the daily news is a maelstrom of new research and innovation mixed with dire warnings against impending crises. It's confusing at best, and alarming at times. Are things getting better, or are they getting worse? Can we find reasons to be happy (and hopeful) in the face of such threats as food prices spiralling out of control, water running out and pandemic illnesses potentially wiping out part of our population
Article By: Elizabeth Rogers
Food crises, water shortages, pandemics and other disasters -- what do they mean for our future? More news from ideaCity 2008.
It seems the daily news is a maelstrom of new research and innovation mixed with dire warnings against impending crises. It's confusing at best, and alarming at times. Are things getting better, or are they getting worse? Can we find reasons to be happy (and hopeful) in the face of such threats as food prices spiralling out of control, water running out and pandemic illnesses potentially wiping out part of our population
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Canadian Rant -
Canadian Rant.... I AM CANADIAN
I am in the minority in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and every casino in this country. I was born in the sixties, yet I am somehow responsible for some First Nations people being screwed out of their land in the 1700's! I pay import tax on cars made in Ontario. I am allowed to skydive and smoke, but not allowed to drive without a seat belt. All the money I make until mid July must go to paying taxes. I live and work among people who believe Americans are Ignorant.... These same people cannot name this country's new territory.
On April 1st, 1999, the map of Canada changed for the first time in 50 years with the creation of Nunavut Territory. The Northwest Territories was split and approximately 2 million square kilometres of the central and eastern arctic became 'Nunavut'. Although I am sometimes forced to live on hamburgers and don't have a pot to piss in, I sleep well knowing that my taxes helped purchase a nice six figure home in Vancouver for some unskilled refugee. Although they are unpatriotic and constantly try to separate...Quebec still provides most of my nation's prime ministers.95% of my nation's international conflicts are over fish.I'm supposed to call black people African Canadians, although I'm sure none of them have ever been to Africa for that matter.
I am being told that paying a 200% tax on alcohol is fair. I am also being told that the same tax on gasoline is also fair.
Even if I have no idea what happened to that old rifle my Grandfather gave me when I was 14, I will be considered a criminal if I don't register it. I am being told that spending $15 billion to promote the French language in the rest of Canada is fair when the province of Quebec doesn't support or recognize the English language.
I am being told that paying $1million for 3 Stripes ("The Voice of Fire painting in Ottawa) by the National Art Gallery was a good purchase, even though 99% of this country didn't want it or will ever see it.
When I look at my pension and realize that I take home a third of what I actually make, I say "Oh well, at least we have better health care than the Americans."I must bail out farmers when their crops are too wet or too dry because I control the rain.I must bail out big corporations who drive their business into the ground and say yeah that's ok when they move all their manufacturing plants and jobs to a third world country and say no problem.
My National Anthem has versions in both official languages. Canada is the highest taxed nation in North America, the biggest military buffer for the United States, and the number one destination for fleeing terrorists.
I am not an angry white male. I am an angry taxpayer who is broke. I am Canadian !!!
I am in the minority in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and every casino in this country. I was born in the sixties, yet I am somehow responsible for some First Nations people being screwed out of their land in the 1700's! I pay import tax on cars made in Ontario. I am allowed to skydive and smoke, but not allowed to drive without a seat belt. All the money I make until mid July must go to paying taxes. I live and work among people who believe Americans are Ignorant.... These same people cannot name this country's new territory.
On April 1st, 1999, the map of Canada changed for the first time in 50 years with the creation of Nunavut Territory. The Northwest Territories was split and approximately 2 million square kilometres of the central and eastern arctic became 'Nunavut'. Although I am sometimes forced to live on hamburgers and don't have a pot to piss in, I sleep well knowing that my taxes helped purchase a nice six figure home in Vancouver for some unskilled refugee. Although they are unpatriotic and constantly try to separate...Quebec still provides most of my nation's prime ministers.95% of my nation's international conflicts are over fish.I'm supposed to call black people African Canadians, although I'm sure none of them have ever been to Africa for that matter.
I am being told that paying a 200% tax on alcohol is fair. I am also being told that the same tax on gasoline is also fair.
Even if I have no idea what happened to that old rifle my Grandfather gave me when I was 14, I will be considered a criminal if I don't register it. I am being told that spending $15 billion to promote the French language in the rest of Canada is fair when the province of Quebec doesn't support or recognize the English language.
I am being told that paying $1million for 3 Stripes ("The Voice of Fire painting in Ottawa) by the National Art Gallery was a good purchase, even though 99% of this country didn't want it or will ever see it.
When I look at my pension and realize that I take home a third of what I actually make, I say "Oh well, at least we have better health care than the Americans."I must bail out farmers when their crops are too wet or too dry because I control the rain.I must bail out big corporations who drive their business into the ground and say yeah that's ok when they move all their manufacturing plants and jobs to a third world country and say no problem.
My National Anthem has versions in both official languages. Canada is the highest taxed nation in North America, the biggest military buffer for the United States, and the number one destination for fleeing terrorists.
I am not an angry white male. I am an angry taxpayer who is broke. I am Canadian !!!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
how to avoid a retirement home
How to Avoid the Nursing Home
As my aunt hits her mid-eighties, she has no intention of moving from the house she and my uncle bought when he came home from World War II. She's far from alone in this wish, as an AARP poll indicates that nine out of 10 older Americans prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, rather than go to an assisted living or nursing facility -- and really, who could argue? As our nation's demographic shifts upward, we need to develop more effective, affordable and widely accessible programs and services that enable older people to remain safely and comfortably at home.
I read recently about Beacon Hill Village -- which is known as an "intentional aging-in-place" organization helping people in Central Boston spend their later years at home. Local residents determined to stay in familiar surroundings with friends and family nearby created and funded a nonprofit organization that works like a virtual retirement community. Members pay an annual fee ($580 for individuals, $850 for households) for regular services such as food shopping, drivers to take them where they need to go, and a schedule of outings, exercise classes and lectures. Additional services such as home repair and in-home care are also available for an extra fee as needed. Vendors are carefully screened and discounts are negotiated for members.
This is a growing trend, with more than 100 aging-in-place communities established and more in the works. The first ones grew from grass roots efforts spearheaded by residents, and now government and social service agencies are getting involved as well. Peter Notarstefano, director of Home and Community Based Services at the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), told me that setting up these organizations can be a lot of work, but those who do so find the rewards well worth the effort.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: AFFORDABILITY
Money, for funding an organization as well as paying individual fees, is the biggest barrier to establishing aging-in-place communities, and indeed most of the existing ones are in affluent areas populated by well-educated and well-connected professionals. However, some government and social service agencies are beginning to step up and share funds and expertise. United Jewish Communities, a national nonprofit, has used federal grant money to develop 45 "Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities" (NORCs: http://www.norcs.com/) as demonstration projects in neighborhoods or buildings where many older people live, including those who lack the means to join fee-based ones. These programs can take advantage of existing services like Meals on Wheels, and fitness classes and outings sponsored by local organizations such as senior centers and YMCAs. Then they focus on filling in identified gaps, such as providing affordable housing for those who can no longer physically or financially manage a large house but want to remain in their community... funding physical adjustments such as ramps and handrails to support mobility challenges... and providing supportive services, such as case managers.
These are steps in the right direction but the government is not focusing on solving the core problems that would reduce costs in the long-term. Notarstefano calls the government policy on spending for the elderly "short-sighted," pointing out, for example, that Medicare won't pay for fall-preventing safety measures such as inexpensive grab bars in the bathroom, but will readily pay doctor and hospital bills resulting from a fall. Medicaid picks up most of the bills for nursing home care, which costs on average $77,745 a year, according to AAHSA. Notarstefano's conclusion: Funding and coordinating more services to enable people to stay safely in their own homes is not only kinder and gentler, in the long run, it's more cost-effective.
WHAT TO DO?
Given that there is no effective oversight of medical practices, billing or program mandates, elders are on their own when it comes to seeking non-medical industry services. Whether aging in place is a goal you want to pursue on your own -- or with like-minded members of your community -- there are many resources and organizations to tap into...
AARP (www.aarp.org). This leading nonprofit offers a wealth of resources for aging in place. For example, there's a list of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS), contractors who are specially trained in making home modifications for older people. Click on http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/ to find CAPS in your area.
The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.aahsa.org). The 5,700 member organizations of this not-for-profit offer adult day services, home health care, community services, as well as senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes and more.
The Eldercare Locator (www.eldercare.gov). This national service connects older people to resources -- such as local agencies and community-based agencies that serve seniors and their caregivers -- that help them live independently in their own communities. It is administered in part by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
The National Aging In Place Council (http://www.naipc.org). NAIPC draws together experts from all areas of expertise -- including aging, health care, financial services, legal, design and building sectors -- to help make independent living possible. Click on "A Guide to Aging in Place" for a wide range of practical and helpful tips, from promoting independence to understanding your risks.
Source(s):
As my aunt hits her mid-eighties, she has no intention of moving from the house she and my uncle bought when he came home from World War II. She's far from alone in this wish, as an AARP poll indicates that nine out of 10 older Americans prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, rather than go to an assisted living or nursing facility -- and really, who could argue? As our nation's demographic shifts upward, we need to develop more effective, affordable and widely accessible programs and services that enable older people to remain safely and comfortably at home.
I read recently about Beacon Hill Village -- which is known as an "intentional aging-in-place" organization helping people in Central Boston spend their later years at home. Local residents determined to stay in familiar surroundings with friends and family nearby created and funded a nonprofit organization that works like a virtual retirement community. Members pay an annual fee ($580 for individuals, $850 for households) for regular services such as food shopping, drivers to take them where they need to go, and a schedule of outings, exercise classes and lectures. Additional services such as home repair and in-home care are also available for an extra fee as needed. Vendors are carefully screened and discounts are negotiated for members.
This is a growing trend, with more than 100 aging-in-place communities established and more in the works. The first ones grew from grass roots efforts spearheaded by residents, and now government and social service agencies are getting involved as well. Peter Notarstefano, director of Home and Community Based Services at the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), told me that setting up these organizations can be a lot of work, but those who do so find the rewards well worth the effort.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: AFFORDABILITY
Money, for funding an organization as well as paying individual fees, is the biggest barrier to establishing aging-in-place communities, and indeed most of the existing ones are in affluent areas populated by well-educated and well-connected professionals. However, some government and social service agencies are beginning to step up and share funds and expertise. United Jewish Communities, a national nonprofit, has used federal grant money to develop 45 "Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities" (NORCs: http://www.norcs.com/) as demonstration projects in neighborhoods or buildings where many older people live, including those who lack the means to join fee-based ones. These programs can take advantage of existing services like Meals on Wheels, and fitness classes and outings sponsored by local organizations such as senior centers and YMCAs. Then they focus on filling in identified gaps, such as providing affordable housing for those who can no longer physically or financially manage a large house but want to remain in their community... funding physical adjustments such as ramps and handrails to support mobility challenges... and providing supportive services, such as case managers.
These are steps in the right direction but the government is not focusing on solving the core problems that would reduce costs in the long-term. Notarstefano calls the government policy on spending for the elderly "short-sighted," pointing out, for example, that Medicare won't pay for fall-preventing safety measures such as inexpensive grab bars in the bathroom, but will readily pay doctor and hospital bills resulting from a fall. Medicaid picks up most of the bills for nursing home care, which costs on average $77,745 a year, according to AAHSA. Notarstefano's conclusion: Funding and coordinating more services to enable people to stay safely in their own homes is not only kinder and gentler, in the long run, it's more cost-effective.
WHAT TO DO?
Given that there is no effective oversight of medical practices, billing or program mandates, elders are on their own when it comes to seeking non-medical industry services. Whether aging in place is a goal you want to pursue on your own -- or with like-minded members of your community -- there are many resources and organizations to tap into...
AARP (www.aarp.org). This leading nonprofit offers a wealth of resources for aging in place. For example, there's a list of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS), contractors who are specially trained in making home modifications for older people. Click on http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/ to find CAPS in your area.
The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.aahsa.org). The 5,700 member organizations of this not-for-profit offer adult day services, home health care, community services, as well as senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes and more.
The Eldercare Locator (www.eldercare.gov). This national service connects older people to resources -- such as local agencies and community-based agencies that serve seniors and their caregivers -- that help them live independently in their own communities. It is administered in part by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
The National Aging In Place Council (http://www.naipc.org). NAIPC draws together experts from all areas of expertise -- including aging, health care, financial services, legal, design and building sectors -- to help make independent living possible. Click on "A Guide to Aging in Place" for a wide range of practical and helpful tips, from promoting independence to understanding your risks.
Source(s):
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