And now if we can just clean up the provincial messes and we might be in for a real service for the public or people by the government. Hmmm- lets start with an accountability act for the justice system and get our basic liberties back-food for thought . PR
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Tories earn healthy mark: "Harper took us all by surprise with his well thought out top-secret visit to rally the troops in Kandahar, where he also met with leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In mid-April, his government scored a diplomatic coup when it negotiated an end to the decades-long softwood lumber dispute with the U.S.
And in May we got a budget that, while short on the kinds of tax cuts and spending restraints we'd prefer, at least offered a variety of targeted cuts plus a $100-a-month allowance for parents with preschoolers.
We have also seen the government deliver on its key campaign promises, including a GST reduction that takes effect in a week, an accountability act to prevent a repeat of odious events like the sponsorship scandal, legislation to get tough on crime and a bill to dismantle the costly and pointless gun registry.
Opposition parties, meanwhile, have been unable to mount any kind of meaningful attack against the government. In one memorable moment they collectively dozed off and missed the passage of a budget they had vowed to fight.
Overall we'll give the Tories a B-plus for a strong first term. Liberal, NDP and Bloc Quebecois members will have to settle for a collective D. "
Monday, June 26, 2006
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Stick to the plan, Stephen
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Stick to the plan, Stephen: "We think governments, at whatever level, ought to be providing basic services and letting the private sector take care of the rest.
That approach means the government can leave more money in the pockets of ordinary taxpayers to spend as we see fit.
The alternative -- and we've seen plenty of examples how it works -- is for government to tax, tax, tax and then spend, spend, spend on programs that inevitably grow out of control. "
That approach means the government can leave more money in the pockets of ordinary taxpayers to spend as we see fit.
The alternative -- and we've seen plenty of examples how it works -- is for government to tax, tax, tax and then spend, spend, spend on programs that inevitably grow out of control. "
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Guilt beyond Guite?
And the fall guy is -take your pick ! Bureacracy the new form of despotism. As usual nobody is in charge when it comes to accepting responsibility. PR
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Guilt beyond Guite?: "Is it true?
So we'd like to hear from the Liberal candidates. Do they agree with Chretien that the 'system' is working? If not, what are they going to do when they become leader to ensure that every person responsible for AdScam, has his (or her) day of reckoning? "
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Guilt beyond Guite?: "Is it true?
So we'd like to hear from the Liberal candidates. Do they agree with Chretien that the 'system' is working? If not, what are they going to do when they become leader to ensure that every person responsible for AdScam, has his (or her) day of reckoning? "
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Tax freedom? Yeah, sure
Discusting - time for change
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Tax freedom? Yeah, sure: "In other words, when you tally up all the taxes -- income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, as well as profit taxes, health, social security and employment taxes, import duties, licence fees, sin taxes on the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, natural resource fees, fuel taxes, hospital taxes, and a host of other levies -- you turn over almost as much to various governments in a year as you keep for yourself. Or to be precise, 46%.
Is it any wonder that we taxpayers are in a grumpy mood? Particularly when we look around and see almost daily examples of how governments at all three levels are wasting our money.
Every so often they make "
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Tax freedom? Yeah, sure: "In other words, when you tally up all the taxes -- income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, as well as profit taxes, health, social security and employment taxes, import duties, licence fees, sin taxes on the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, natural resource fees, fuel taxes, hospital taxes, and a host of other levies -- you turn over almost as much to various governments in a year as you keep for yourself. Or to be precise, 46%.
Is it any wonder that we taxpayers are in a grumpy mood? Particularly when we look around and see almost daily examples of how governments at all three levels are wasting our money.
Every so often they make "
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Terror suspects strike back at anti-terrorism law
And the price of freedom is? Seurity certificates are a bad precedent.PR
Terror suspects strike back at anti-terrorism law: "Society's interest in employing the best available truth-determining mechanisms is greatly elevated in the tumultuous struggle against terrorism,'' Paul Copeland argues.
``While the courts have generally deferred to governments on the issue, the reality is that national security claims and privilege claims have frequently been made to shield government or government officials from appropriate and necessary oversight.''
In the last 25 years, the federal government has issued about two-dozen security certificates, most of which have been upheld by the Federal Court and used to deport refugees and landed immigrants alleged to have terrorist links"
Terror suspects strike back at anti-terrorism law: "Society's interest in employing the best available truth-determining mechanisms is greatly elevated in the tumultuous struggle against terrorism,'' Paul Copeland argues.
``While the courts have generally deferred to governments on the issue, the reality is that national security claims and privilege claims have frequently been made to shield government or government officials from appropriate and necessary oversight.''
In the last 25 years, the federal government has issued about two-dozen security certificates, most of which have been upheld by the Federal Court and used to deport refugees and landed immigrants alleged to have terrorist links"
Monday, May 15, 2006
Osprey Media. - Brantford Expositor
With all the real health services that they could fix- the ministry of health parasites have decided to go after farmers markets and other "free"markets". Stop them now before they cause more damage and hardship-PR
Osprey Media. - Brantford Expositor: "
Province Targets Farmers' Markets
James Wallace for the Osprey News Network
Queens Park - Saturday, May 13, 2006
On any given weekend, thousands of Ontario families hike out to a local farmers' market to shop for vegetables, crafts, meats, furniture, maple syrup and the usual soup to nuts piled on wooden stands and displayed under linen tents.
They have been enormously popular with urban and rural consumers for decades, serve as important tourist attractions in many communities, contribute significantly to regional economies and put a few bucks into the pockets of farmers, craftsmen and local merchants.
So it should come as absolutely no shock whatsoever that the provincial government is contemplating plans to regulate, red tape and otherwise drive farmers' markets out of existence.
Proposed food safety guidelines in a 48-page draft document prepared in March for the Ministry of Health will require farmers' markets to meet the same stringent measures applied to restaurants, grocery stores and large scale commercial food producers and distributors.
They contemplate, for example, lab tests for home-made jelly, that honey made by local bees contain no more than 17 per cent moisture, recommendations that every market have two bathrooms (one for staff, one for the public), sinks and hand-washing facilities, log books to record food thermometer temperatures during cooking and that farmers and merchants take courses to become certified food handlers.
Bob Runciman, the MPP for Leeds Grenville, said the reach of the proposed measures also won't end at farmers' markets.
'It's pretty expansive,' Runciman said. 'They'll be"
Osprey Media. - Brantford Expositor: "
Province Targets Farmers' Markets
James Wallace for the Osprey News Network
Queens Park - Saturday, May 13, 2006
On any given weekend, thousands of Ontario families hike out to a local farmers' market to shop for vegetables, crafts, meats, furniture, maple syrup and the usual soup to nuts piled on wooden stands and displayed under linen tents.
They have been enormously popular with urban and rural consumers for decades, serve as important tourist attractions in many communities, contribute significantly to regional economies and put a few bucks into the pockets of farmers, craftsmen and local merchants.
So it should come as absolutely no shock whatsoever that the provincial government is contemplating plans to regulate, red tape and otherwise drive farmers' markets out of existence.
Proposed food safety guidelines in a 48-page draft document prepared in March for the Ministry of Health will require farmers' markets to meet the same stringent measures applied to restaurants, grocery stores and large scale commercial food producers and distributors.
They contemplate, for example, lab tests for home-made jelly, that honey made by local bees contain no more than 17 per cent moisture, recommendations that every market have two bathrooms (one for staff, one for the public), sinks and hand-washing facilities, log books to record food thermometer temperatures during cooking and that farmers and merchants take courses to become certified food handlers.
Bob Runciman, the MPP for Leeds Grenville, said the reach of the proposed measures also won't end at farmers' markets.
'It's pretty expansive,' Runciman said. 'They'll be"
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Tax relief is needed- PR
Sun, May 14, 2006 Time for gov't gouging to stop By TOM BRODBECK
If you want to find out how much the federal government has been over-charging us as taxpayers, check out the latest 2006 budget papers.
There's a whole section on how Ottawa has consistently been racking up massive budget surpluses since it balanced the books in 1997.
That in itself is no great secret. We've heard about larger than anticipated surpluses for years.
But what the budget does this year is take a closer look at the issue, including what can be done to end this perpetual over-charging.
Every year since 1997, the federal government has projected a modest surplus, including a $3-billion contingency fund which, if not used, went to pay down the debt.
It was good policy. And debt has been paid down to some extent (although we've still got a very long way to go).
Trouble is, because of high taxation -- including more than a decade where tax brackets weren't indexed to inflation -- and the massive employment insurance surplus racked up every year, Ottawa was taking in billions more a year than it projected.
Which simply means we were over-taxed.
On average, since 1997, the federal government's surplus was a staggering $5.6 billion more than projected. Over eight years, that's nearly $45 billion.
It's a massive amount of money. And it came right out of our pockets.
Instead of giving it back, though, they spent most of it, usually in a year-end frenzy to shore up political support.
Polite way
"This reduced the scope for parliamentarians and Canadians to have an informed debate on how these fiscal dividends were allocated," the 2006 budget says.
That's a polite way of putting it.
Another way of putting it is that taxpayers were screwed.
We paid far more than we should have.
There are valid reasons why government can have unanticipated surpluses. The economy can do better than expected, for example, generating more tax revenue than estimated.
That's fine. It's going to happen.
But when it happens every year, and at such high levels, there's a systemic gouging going on that has to stop.
The explanation in the budget, based on an independent review by the International Monetary Fund, is that the federal government's fiscal projections have been more cautious than other countries since the mid-1990s.
In plain English, that means Ottawa was deliberately underestimating its revenues in order to keep taxes high, knowing full well that by the end of the year, they would be awash in taxpayer dough.
And why would they do that?
Because if you believe in big government, if you think government should play a significant role in people's lives, you need the money to spend on big, universal programs, such as the so-called national child-care program.
By consistently underestimating revenues, government every year had a whack of money to splurge on all kinds of federal programs, with the hope of winning political credit for their efforts.
What they should have done is used realistic projections and given us our money back by way of broad-based tax relief.
At the very least, we should have all received rebate cheques in the mail.
If you want to find out how much the federal government has been over-charging us as taxpayers, check out the latest 2006 budget papers.
There's a whole section on how Ottawa has consistently been racking up massive budget surpluses since it balanced the books in 1997.
That in itself is no great secret. We've heard about larger than anticipated surpluses for years.
But what the budget does this year is take a closer look at the issue, including what can be done to end this perpetual over-charging.
Every year since 1997, the federal government has projected a modest surplus, including a $3-billion contingency fund which, if not used, went to pay down the debt.
It was good policy. And debt has been paid down to some extent (although we've still got a very long way to go).
Trouble is, because of high taxation -- including more than a decade where tax brackets weren't indexed to inflation -- and the massive employment insurance surplus racked up every year, Ottawa was taking in billions more a year than it projected.
Which simply means we were over-taxed.
On average, since 1997, the federal government's surplus was a staggering $5.6 billion more than projected. Over eight years, that's nearly $45 billion.
It's a massive amount of money. And it came right out of our pockets.
Instead of giving it back, though, they spent most of it, usually in a year-end frenzy to shore up political support.
Polite way
"This reduced the scope for parliamentarians and Canadians to have an informed debate on how these fiscal dividends were allocated," the 2006 budget says.
That's a polite way of putting it.
Another way of putting it is that taxpayers were screwed.
We paid far more than we should have.
There are valid reasons why government can have unanticipated surpluses. The economy can do better than expected, for example, generating more tax revenue than estimated.
That's fine. It's going to happen.
But when it happens every year, and at such high levels, there's a systemic gouging going on that has to stop.
The explanation in the budget, based on an independent review by the International Monetary Fund, is that the federal government's fiscal projections have been more cautious than other countries since the mid-1990s.
In plain English, that means Ottawa was deliberately underestimating its revenues in order to keep taxes high, knowing full well that by the end of the year, they would be awash in taxpayer dough.
And why would they do that?
Because if you believe in big government, if you think government should play a significant role in people's lives, you need the money to spend on big, universal programs, such as the so-called national child-care program.
By consistently underestimating revenues, government every year had a whack of money to splurge on all kinds of federal programs, with the hope of winning political credit for their efforts.
What they should have done is used realistic projections and given us our money back by way of broad-based tax relief.
At the very least, we should have all received rebate cheques in the mail.
Focus on Outcomes - Rev. Harry Lehotsky - Outcomes a better measure of success
Ecellent idea for making government work PR
winnipegsun.com - Rev. Harry Lehotsky - Outcomes a better measure of success: "Things will never change if we don't start focusing more on outcomes than process.
I felt like shouting 'Amen!' But I wasn't in church, and such enthusiasm for common sense seemed like it might not be appropriate.
This Wednesday I attended the 10th anniversary of Opportunities for Employment -- an employment training program that embodies what happens when you focus more on outcomes than process.
The organization was founded on a revolutionary principle. The agency would make itself as accountable for their performance with their clients as their clients would have to be in the workforce. Opportunities for Employment would get paid only if their clients succeeded in holding a full-time job for at least six months. "
winnipegsun.com - Rev. Harry Lehotsky - Outcomes a better measure of success: "Things will never change if we don't start focusing more on outcomes than process.
I felt like shouting 'Amen!' But I wasn't in church, and such enthusiasm for common sense seemed like it might not be appropriate.
This Wednesday I attended the 10th anniversary of Opportunities for Employment -- an employment training program that embodies what happens when you focus more on outcomes than process.
The organization was founded on a revolutionary principle. The agency would make itself as accountable for their performance with their clients as their clients would have to be in the workforce. Opportunities for Employment would get paid only if their clients succeeded in holding a full-time job for at least six months. "
Getting our ship in order Strong dollar speaks volumes
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Strong dollar speaks volumes: "Under Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien and finance minister Paul Martin, the Canadian dollar sank to less than 63 cents US at various times. What a disgrace. How embarrassing. No wonder financial experts around the globe talked about us having a 'northern peso.'
We had one of the largest federal accumulated debts in the industrialized world, our combined federal, provincial and municipal taxes were the highest in the G-7 -- and on average 20% higher than in the U.S. Coincidentally, our productivity was 20% lower than in the U.S., which certainly told a story. "
It is no coincidence our 90-cent dollar has arrived just three months after Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives won the Jan. 23 federal election and just a week after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty unveiled his first budget.
From New York to Zurich to Hong Kong, the world now knows we are getting our ship in order.
We had one of the largest federal accumulated debts in the industrialized world, our combined federal, provincial and municipal taxes were the highest in the G-7 -- and on average 20% higher than in the U.S. Coincidentally, our productivity was 20% lower than in the U.S., which certainly told a story. "
It is no coincidence our 90-cent dollar has arrived just three months after Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives won the Jan. 23 federal election and just a week after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty unveiled his first budget.
From New York to Zurich to Hong Kong, the world now knows we are getting our ship in order.
Friday, May 12, 2006
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - The right to judge judges
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - The right to judge judges: "The rule of law requires judges to uphold unwritten constitutional norms, even in the face of clearly enacted laws or hostile public opinion. There is certainly no guarantee or presumption that a given list of constitutional principles is complete, even assuming the good faith intention of the drafters to provide such a catalogue ... Judges have the duty to insist that legislative and executive branches of government conform to certain established and fundamental norms, even in times of trouble.'
Some might say McLachlin was simply saying judges must follow the spirit as well as the letter of the law and rule based not on what is popular, but on what is constitutional.
Others might say she was defending such controversial decisions as the Supreme Court 'reading in' sexual orientation into the charter, which many people saw as judges improperly exercising 'godlike' power.
That's the view Vellacott expressed and it's a valid one.
At least it would be, if our politicians truly believed in another charter right -- free speech. "
Some might say McLachlin was simply saying judges must follow the spirit as well as the letter of the law and rule based not on what is popular, but on what is constitutional.
Others might say she was defending such controversial decisions as the Supreme Court 'reading in' sexual orientation into the charter, which many people saw as judges improperly exercising 'godlike' power.
That's the view Vellacott expressed and it's a valid one.
At least it would be, if our politicians truly believed in another charter right -- free speech. "
Tories smell new scandal over gun registry costs
At least we can clean it up-no meetings just do it PR
Tories smell new scandal over gun registry costs: "'When they gave out that $273-million contract, they broke every rule in the book,' Breitkreuz said, echoing the phrase that Fraser made famous in her audit of the $250-million sponsorship program."
Tories smell new scandal over gun registry costs: "'When they gave out that $273-million contract, they broke every rule in the book,' Breitkreuz said, echoing the phrase that Fraser made famous in her audit of the $250-million sponsorship program."
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
globeandmail.com : Attack on judiciary shatters strategic silence
What are the unwritten constitional principles? PR This will make for a livly debate in the future.
globeandmail.com : Attack on judiciary shatters strategic silence: "Mr. Vellacott was apparently drawn out by a speech Chief Justice McLachlin delivered in New Zealand in December. It explored the notion of 'unwritten constitutional principles' -- principles thought to be so fundamental to society that judges may occasionally use them to underpin a ruling.
Chief Justice McLachlin reasoned that laws cannot encompass all possible situations. 'In sum, the rule of law requires judges to uphold unwritten constitutional norms, even in the face of clearly enacted laws or hostile positive opinion,' she said.
To those of conservative mind, the speech was a red flag to a bull; a declaration that all manner of cases can be justified by reference to vague, 'unwritten constitutional principles.'
Ironically, Chief Justice McLachlin is widely seen as being loathe to strike down legislation under the Charter of Rights, often taking pains to bow in the direction of Parliament and its legislative agenda.
The best-known use of unwritten principles in recent years was the Quebec Secession Reference ruling, where the court cited four unwritten principles -- federalism, democracy, the rule of law and respect for minorities -- to create a blueprint for the possible partition of Canada.
However, University of Toronto law professor Sujit Choudhry noted that in a 2005 ruling pitting the B.C. government against several tobacco companies, the court also took a strong position against 'trivializing' the Constitution with extravagant interpretations of unwritten principles.
Mr. Vellacott's attack brought a highly unusual retort from Chief Justice McLachlin: She categorically denied his allegation that she had ever referred to judges as having 'almost God-like powers.'
Prof. Levy said the response can b"
globeandmail.com : Attack on judiciary shatters strategic silence: "Mr. Vellacott was apparently drawn out by a speech Chief Justice McLachlin delivered in New Zealand in December. It explored the notion of 'unwritten constitutional principles' -- principles thought to be so fundamental to society that judges may occasionally use them to underpin a ruling.
Chief Justice McLachlin reasoned that laws cannot encompass all possible situations. 'In sum, the rule of law requires judges to uphold unwritten constitutional norms, even in the face of clearly enacted laws or hostile positive opinion,' she said.
To those of conservative mind, the speech was a red flag to a bull; a declaration that all manner of cases can be justified by reference to vague, 'unwritten constitutional principles.'
Ironically, Chief Justice McLachlin is widely seen as being loathe to strike down legislation under the Charter of Rights, often taking pains to bow in the direction of Parliament and its legislative agenda.
The best-known use of unwritten principles in recent years was the Quebec Secession Reference ruling, where the court cited four unwritten principles -- federalism, democracy, the rule of law and respect for minorities -- to create a blueprint for the possible partition of Canada.
However, University of Toronto law professor Sujit Choudhry noted that in a 2005 ruling pitting the B.C. government against several tobacco companies, the court also took a strong position against 'trivializing' the Constitution with extravagant interpretations of unwritten principles.
Mr. Vellacott's attack brought a highly unusual retort from Chief Justice McLachlin: She categorically denied his allegation that she had ever referred to judges as having 'almost God-like powers.'
Prof. Levy said the response can b"
globeandmail.com : PM's spring cleanup casts pall over Ottawa
globeandmail.com : PM's spring cleanup casts pall over Ottawa: "PM's spring cleanup casts pall over Ottawa
JANE TABER
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail
Ottawa � The Harper government's new accountability measures are creating an atmosphere in political Ottawa where accepting free tickets to gala concerts, fundraising dinners and other cultural events is frowned upon."
JANE TABER
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail
Ottawa � The Harper government's new accountability measures are creating an atmosphere in political Ottawa where accepting free tickets to gala concerts, fundraising dinners and other cultural events is frowned upon."
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Brault sentenced to 30 months for sponsorship fraud
Brault sentenced to 30 months for sponsorship fraud: "Ad man Jean Brault got 30 months in prison after a judge condemned him Friday as one of the greedy masterminds who became rich off sponsorship fraud.
Brault, 52, was sentenced for stealing at least $1.2 million from money meant to raising the profile of the federal government in the wake of the 1995 referendum. "
Brault, 52, was sentenced for stealing at least $1.2 million from money meant to raising the profile of the federal government in the wake of the 1995 referendum. "
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Tory Budget
globeandmail.com: "For him, Mr. Flaherty and Mr. Harper score 6.5 out of 7 in being good conservatives. The budget, he said, passes the conservative test by cutting taxes; assuming that people can spend their money more effectively than the state; allocating serious money toward debt reduction; planning to withdraw from areas of provincial jurisdiction; reining in runaway spending; and funnelling tax relief to promote a more competitive economy."
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Lighten our load, Mr. Harper
Relief please- We need the money more then you do PR
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Lighten our load, Mr. Harper: "Anyone who thinks Canadians aren't ready for major tax relief in today's budget -- the first federal Conservative budget in 13 years -- needs a reality check.
Most taxpayers are more than ready -- as indicated by the Fraser Institute study released last week showing that the total tax hit is now approaching 50% of the average Canadian family's income. And these aren't 'rich' people.
They're average families earning just under $61,000 per year, who now pay $28,467 in total taxes, more than they spend on food, shelter and clothing combined. "
winnipegsun.com - Editorial - Lighten our load, Mr. Harper: "Anyone who thinks Canadians aren't ready for major tax relief in today's budget -- the first federal Conservative budget in 13 years -- needs a reality check.
Most taxpayers are more than ready -- as indicated by the Fraser Institute study released last week showing that the total tax hit is now approaching 50% of the average Canadian family's income. And these aren't 'rich' people.
They're average families earning just under $61,000 per year, who now pay $28,467 in total taxes, more than they spend on food, shelter and clothing combined. "
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Senate Panel Says FEMA Is Beyond Repair - Yahoo! News
Senate Panel Says FEMA Is Beyond Repair - Yahoo! News: "Senate Panel Says FEMA Is Beyond Repair By LARA JAKES JORDAN, Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 40 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Hurricane Katrina turned FEMA into a 'symbol of a bumbling bureaucracy' so far beyond repair that it should be scrapped, senators said Thursday. They called for creation of a new disaster relief agency as the next storm season looms on the horizon.
ADVERTISEMENT
The push to replace the beleaguered agency was the top recommendation of a hefty Senate inquiry that concluded that top officials from New Orleans to Washington failed to adequately prepare for and respond to the deadly storm, despite weather forecasts predicting its path through the Gulf Coast.
'The first obligation of government is to protect our people,' said Sen. Susan Collins (news, bio, voting record), R-Maine, chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs investigation. 'In Katrina, we failed at all levels of government to meet that fundamental obligation.'
She added: 'We must learn from the lessons of Katrina so that next time disaster strikes, whether it's a storm that was imminent and predicted for a long time, or a terror attack that takes us by surprise, government responds far more effectively.'
The bipartisan report's executive summary gives President Bush a mixed review for his performance. It credits him for declaring an emergency before the hurricane's landfall, but faults him for waiting until two days after it hit to return to Washington and convene top officials to coordinate the federal response."
And the message here is if it is broken fix it - bungling is not an option - accountability is PR
1 hour, 40 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Hurricane Katrina turned FEMA into a 'symbol of a bumbling bureaucracy' so far beyond repair that it should be scrapped, senators said Thursday. They called for creation of a new disaster relief agency as the next storm season looms on the horizon.
ADVERTISEMENT
The push to replace the beleaguered agency was the top recommendation of a hefty Senate inquiry that concluded that top officials from New Orleans to Washington failed to adequately prepare for and respond to the deadly storm, despite weather forecasts predicting its path through the Gulf Coast.
'The first obligation of government is to protect our people,' said Sen. Susan Collins (news, bio, voting record), R-Maine, chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs investigation. 'In Katrina, we failed at all levels of government to meet that fundamental obligation.'
She added: 'We must learn from the lessons of Katrina so that next time disaster strikes, whether it's a storm that was imminent and predicted for a long time, or a terror attack that takes us by surprise, government responds far more effectively.'
The bipartisan report's executive summary gives President Bush a mixed review for his performance. It credits him for declaring an emergency before the hurricane's landfall, but faults him for waiting until two days after it hit to return to Washington and convene top officials to coordinate the federal response."
And the message here is if it is broken fix it - bungling is not an option - accountability is PR
winnipegsun.com - Manitoba - Drinking, drugging cost big
winnipegsun.com - Manitoba - Drinking, drugging cost big: "Drinking, drugging cost bigSubstance abuse adds up
By ADAM CLAYTON, STAFF REPORTER
A new study suggests substance abuse is setting Manitobans back a whopping $324 million a year.
A national study reveals the total annual cost of substance abuse --including alcohol, illegal drugs and tobacco -- was $281 for each person in Manitoba in 2002. The study, conducted on behalf of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and other organizations, examined the direct impact of substance abuse on health care and law enforcement as well as indirect costs such as loss of productivity.
Across Canada, the total cost of substance abuse increased from $18.5 billion in 1992 to $39.8 billion a decade later.
The study found 61% of that amount stems from productivity losses from death or illness caused by substance abuse.
LEGAL DRUGS
By comparison, the provincial budget for Manitoba in 2002 was $6.9 billion.
John Borody, CEO of the Addictions Foundation, said most people think substance abuse mainly affects 'street people' when it in fact costs each and every Manitoban.
'They don't realize it's also people wearing business suits, it's people working in manufacturing -- it affects us all,' he said. 'And sometimes it's your family member.'
The study showed approximately 80% of the costs of substance abuse stem from the use of legal drugs -- alcohol and tobacco. Borody said most individuals seeking treatment through AFM have alcohol problems.
The study found that health-care costs attributed to alcohol abuse were nearly $114 million in Manitoba in 2002. An estimated 30% of all recorded criminal offences were alcohol related, at a cost of $28.5 million.
The study showed approximately 80% of the costs of substance abuse stem from the use of legal drugs -- alcohol and tobacco. Borody said most individuals seeking treatment through AFM have alcohol problems.
The study found that health-care costs attributed to alcohol abuse were nearly $114 million in Manitoba in 2002. An estimated 30% of all recorded criminal offences were alcohol related, at a cost of $28.5 million.
Illegal drug use set the provincial health-care system back nearly $35 million while the cost of crime related to drug use was pegged at $24.5 million.
Interesting article .The question becomes what do we do about it. Rather then increase taxes,tack on punnative tolls with rules that do not work-ie more studies with no action -why not get better services that work or deliver their stated objectives , PR
By ADAM CLAYTON, STAFF REPORTER
A new study suggests substance abuse is setting Manitobans back a whopping $324 million a year.
A national study reveals the total annual cost of substance abuse --including alcohol, illegal drugs and tobacco -- was $281 for each person in Manitoba in 2002. The study, conducted on behalf of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and other organizations, examined the direct impact of substance abuse on health care and law enforcement as well as indirect costs such as loss of productivity.
Across Canada, the total cost of substance abuse increased from $18.5 billion in 1992 to $39.8 billion a decade later.
The study found 61% of that amount stems from productivity losses from death or illness caused by substance abuse.
LEGAL DRUGS
By comparison, the provincial budget for Manitoba in 2002 was $6.9 billion.
John Borody, CEO of the Addictions Foundation, said most people think substance abuse mainly affects 'street people' when it in fact costs each and every Manitoban.
'They don't realize it's also people wearing business suits, it's people working in manufacturing -- it affects us all,' he said. 'And sometimes it's your family member.'
The study showed approximately 80% of the costs of substance abuse stem from the use of legal drugs -- alcohol and tobacco. Borody said most individuals seeking treatment through AFM have alcohol problems.
The study found that health-care costs attributed to alcohol abuse were nearly $114 million in Manitoba in 2002. An estimated 30% of all recorded criminal offences were alcohol related, at a cost of $28.5 million.
The study showed approximately 80% of the costs of substance abuse stem from the use of legal drugs -- alcohol and tobacco. Borody said most individuals seeking treatment through AFM have alcohol problems.
The study found that health-care costs attributed to alcohol abuse were nearly $114 million in Manitoba in 2002. An estimated 30% of all recorded criminal offences were alcohol related, at a cost of $28.5 million.
Illegal drug use set the provincial health-care system back nearly $35 million while the cost of crime related to drug use was pegged at $24.5 million.
Interesting article .The question becomes what do we do about it. Rather then increase taxes,tack on punnative tolls with rules that do not work-ie more studies with no action -why not get better services that work or deliver their stated objectives , PR
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
globeandmail.com : Death and taxes ... with an emphasis on the taxes
And the institutional terror ontinues -and the peasants - the tax serfs say nothing PR
globeandmail.com : Death and taxes ... with an emphasis on the taxes: "Death and taxes ... with an emphasis on the taxes
TERRY WEBER
Globe and Mail Update
The total tax bill for Canadian families has risen 1,600 per cent over the past 45 years so that taxes now account for more of the family budget than food, shelter and clothing combined, the Fraser Institute said Wednesday.
According a report released by the public policy centre, that increase translates into an additional $26,792 in taxes for the average Canadian family.
Over the same period, the average family's expenditures on shelter rose 1,006 per cent, while food costs climbed 481 per cent and spending on clothing climbed 439 per cent.
In 1961, the average Canadian family had an income of $5,000 and paid $1,675 � 33.5 per cent � of that in taxes. In 2005, the average family income was $60,903, of which 46.7 per cent or $28,467 went to the federal, provincial and municipal coffers.
The report comes just days before Prime Minister Stephen Harper's minority Conservatives deliver their first federal budget. Tax issues are likely to be front and centre in the financial blueprint, with the Tories promising to make good on a campaign vow to cut the GST by 1 per cent.
The government has heralded the cut as the best way to deliver broad tax relief to all Canadians. Critics, however, have argued that the move is likely come at the expense of personal income-tax reductions planned by the previous Liberal government.
Wednesdays report said income taxes � while the biggest single tax paid by Canadians � account for less than half of their total tax bill.
In 2005, income taxes made up 32 per cent of the total paid by an average Canadian family.
�All those other, not so obvious, taxes accounted f"
globeandmail.com : Death and taxes ... with an emphasis on the taxes: "Death and taxes ... with an emphasis on the taxes
TERRY WEBER
Globe and Mail Update
The total tax bill for Canadian families has risen 1,600 per cent over the past 45 years so that taxes now account for more of the family budget than food, shelter and clothing combined, the Fraser Institute said Wednesday.
According a report released by the public policy centre, that increase translates into an additional $26,792 in taxes for the average Canadian family.
Over the same period, the average family's expenditures on shelter rose 1,006 per cent, while food costs climbed 481 per cent and spending on clothing climbed 439 per cent.
In 1961, the average Canadian family had an income of $5,000 and paid $1,675 � 33.5 per cent � of that in taxes. In 2005, the average family income was $60,903, of which 46.7 per cent or $28,467 went to the federal, provincial and municipal coffers.
The report comes just days before Prime Minister Stephen Harper's minority Conservatives deliver their first federal budget. Tax issues are likely to be front and centre in the financial blueprint, with the Tories promising to make good on a campaign vow to cut the GST by 1 per cent.
The government has heralded the cut as the best way to deliver broad tax relief to all Canadians. Critics, however, have argued that the move is likely come at the expense of personal income-tax reductions planned by the previous Liberal government.
Wednesdays report said income taxes � while the biggest single tax paid by Canadians � account for less than half of their total tax bill.
In 2005, income taxes made up 32 per cent of the total paid by an average Canadian family.
�All those other, not so obvious, taxes accounted f"
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
OSC warns fraud victims against becoming repeat targets in 'double-dip' investment schemes - Sympatico / MSN Finance
Private scammers -caveat emptor PR
OSC warns fraud victims against becoming repeat targets in 'double-dip' investment schemes - Sympatico / MSN Finance: "By Ontario Securities Commission (OSC)
It's Fraud Awareness Month
Toronto � The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) warns that investment fraud is a growing problem, as the latest OSC public inquiries data shows more than a 50 per cent increase last year in inquiries and complaints about investment-related fraud. Common complaints involve tax avoidance schemes, �prime bank� fraud, offshore investments, high-pressure sales tactics, Ponzi schemes, as well as fraudulent high-return, no-risk investments. Inquiries about �double-dip� schemes (scams where victims are targeted more than once) are increasing, and investors should be aware of common double-dip tactics scam artists use to manipulate their victims.
Double-dip schemes often begin with an unsolicited, persuasive phone call geared to attracting people to a fake investment opportunity. The pitch may include promises of a future stock market listing and big profits. The scam artist requests money; once received, he or she may hold onto the victim list to expand his or her scam in the future, or possibly sell it to other scam artists for profit. In either case, the same victims are contacted again (the double-dip) and are manipulated into believing an anonymous investor is ready and prepared to pay a fabulous price for the shares, as long as a transaction fee (or a fee to remove a restriction) is paid up front by the victims. In reality, the scam artist pockets this �fee� (in addition to the original �investment�) and may target the same victims several more times by requesting even more money for �fees�, �taxes� etc., turning it into a triple or quadruple-dip scheme.
Any type of financial loss resulting from in"
OSC warns fraud victims against becoming repeat targets in 'double-dip' investment schemes - Sympatico / MSN Finance: "By Ontario Securities Commission (OSC)
It's Fraud Awareness Month
Toronto � The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) warns that investment fraud is a growing problem, as the latest OSC public inquiries data shows more than a 50 per cent increase last year in inquiries and complaints about investment-related fraud. Common complaints involve tax avoidance schemes, �prime bank� fraud, offshore investments, high-pressure sales tactics, Ponzi schemes, as well as fraudulent high-return, no-risk investments. Inquiries about �double-dip� schemes (scams where victims are targeted more than once) are increasing, and investors should be aware of common double-dip tactics scam artists use to manipulate their victims.
Double-dip schemes often begin with an unsolicited, persuasive phone call geared to attracting people to a fake investment opportunity. The pitch may include promises of a future stock market listing and big profits. The scam artist requests money; once received, he or she may hold onto the victim list to expand his or her scam in the future, or possibly sell it to other scam artists for profit. In either case, the same victims are contacted again (the double-dip) and are manipulated into believing an anonymous investor is ready and prepared to pay a fabulous price for the shares, as long as a transaction fee (or a fee to remove a restriction) is paid up front by the victims. In reality, the scam artist pockets this �fee� (in addition to the original �investment�) and may target the same victims several more times by requesting even more money for �fees�, �taxes� etc., turning it into a triple or quadruple-dip scheme.
Any type of financial loss resulting from in"
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