Ontario's New tax hike

Nothing is as it seems -doing something about it counts -enough is enough   

pass it on- awareness is the beginning of real accountability 

  You are about to become the victim of the largest tax hike in our 
        history. How will this affect you? Let?s start with just a few things
        that are to be charged the extra 8% and see if it will affect you or
        your family.

-----

 Ontario's new tax hike

        As a concerned taxpayer I feel it is important to have you all
        understand what the new HST or "blended tax?"means to Ontarians. It
        amazes me that this announcement has slipped by without a ripple, and
        yet when I tell people about the impact to them they are all shocked.

        The intended purpose is to blend the GST and the PST into one tax.This
        will cut down the paperwork burden for Ontario businesses and, in
        theory, lessen staff by merging both departments. This could be a noble
        attempt to cut costs. There is just one problem. Rather than just
        blending the products and services that now charge both taxes, the
        provincial government has decided that it will apply this new tax to
        almost all goods and services that you do not pay PST on now!

        You are about to become the victim of the largest tax hike in our 
        history. How will this affect you? Let?s start with just a few things
        that are to be charged the extra 8% and see if it will affect you or
        your family.

        Gasoline
        Home heating fuel
        Water
        Hydro
        Used cars
        Government and city services
        Any service you now use for your home or business such as repairs,
        professional services of any kind, construction materials etc.
        
        These are just a few.

        See this article about how the 1000.00 BRIBE they are offering will not
        even cover ½ of the increased cost to the average family. This tax hits
        Ontarians hard, but ESPECIALLY the low income ones! They will have an 8%
        increase in everyday life, and yet you will not see their benefits or
        salaries rise.

        http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/269917


        Actually almost everything currently without PST in your life except
        children's clothing, prescriptions, diapers, and feminine hygiene
        products will now cost you 8% more. Oh and here is a kicker. The fuel
        tax will slide with the increasing cost of that fuel.

        Our premier is counting on taxpayers to do what they always do when a
        new tax is added. Nothing! It is very important that you start to
        research and discuss this with your friends and family. It is not too
        late to stop this if you are willing to do something as send an email to
        the premier asking him either to a) stop the tax grab all together or b)
        do what was originally intended and blend the tax on the products that
        now have both taxes and not to extend the new tax to everything else. If
        you just sit there remember you lose the right to complain about taxes
        ever again. Get UP and start telling everyone about this injustice and
        we can stop this today. Don't think your email will not count. Most MP's
        get 10 emails, they consider it a catastrophe!

        Send your objection to:


        www.premier.gov.on.ca/feedback/feedback.asp
        <http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/feedback/feedback.asp

Today, smack dab in the middle of a tsunami of horrible economic news, the Ontario provincial Liberal government has introduced what many will see as a massive tax grab, just when we all can least afford it.

On Canada Day, July 1st, 2010, Ontarians can not only celebrate the birth of their nation, they can also celebrate a new harmonized sales tax system that will pump up the coffers of our provincial government and empty out the pockets of taxpayers. 

But don't worry people ... we have elected a compassionate and magnanimous crew down at Queen's Park. They've announced that over a two year period, you'll be receiving three rebate cheques that will total $1,000 as a hand up from your elected officials to help offset the costs you "might" incur due to the sales tax harmonization. 

What, pray tell, might those extra costs that you "might" incur be on? That KFC Wrapper you pick up for lunch; your morning cup 'o joe at Timmy's; that newspaper you read; that vet bill you willingly pay for your beloved pet; your prescription drugs; the gas you put in your car; the oil or gas you have delivered to your home to keep you and your family warm; etc. etc. 

$166 a year to drink coffee and eat snacks at work; 
$156 a year to drive your car; 
$72 a year extra to heat your home; 
$55 a year to get your hair cut, go out and see a movie and send your clothes to the cleaners; 
$33 a year to read The Star; 
$50 a year to to prevent pregnancy (The Pill); 

These are but a few that I've worked out as a starting point. As you can see, in year 1, we're already over $500 (remember the bribe the Liberals are giving us, that $1,000 rebate cheque spread over two years). As I said, this is only just a starting point and I've used very conservative figures like $20 a month for haircuts, $20 a month for dry cleaning and $10 a month for movies. 

Thinking about selling your home? Add about $2,000 to your closing costs. 

Thinking about buying a new one? In 2008, the Toronto Real Estate Board said that the average house price was about $404,000. If you were thinking about buying a newly built home for about that much (by the way, best of luck finding one for that price!) you would pay an additional $8,000 in taxes. If you had the gall to up the ante and buy a brand spanking new home for $500,000, instead of it costing you $500K that brand new home would cost you $540,000. In other words, you'd have to pay the full 8% PST, or an additional $40,000. 

So tell me, why aren't you bowing down and scrapping your forehead off the floor at the feet of Dalton McGuinty et al thanking them so much for that extra $1,000 rebate cheque (which, by the way also is only for the first two years after implementation, after that its all gravy for the government)? I know my forehead will be clean, and come Oct. 2011 when the next provincial government election happens, I will remember this and remind as many other Ontario voters as I can, thank you very much.

This opinion article was written by an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily intended to reflect those of DigitalJournal.com:

Councillors zero in on '10 budget

CITY HALL: Cap on spending, salary hikes proposed
Posted By MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION, EXPOSITOR STAFF

City councillors say they must act now to protect taxpayers through a deepening recession by ordering staff to bring in a 2010 budget with no tax increase.

They are also giving administrators marching orders to win collective agreements from unions that carry no wage increases throughout the life of any contract.

Union leaders have been told that negotiations about to begin have been postponed until council has its strategy in place.

Councillors agreed on those directives Thursday evening while they huddled with senior staff in a special finance committee session in the public library, and plotted a strategy to combat recessionary pressures on next year's budget.

As they alternated between open and closed-door sessions, several councillors said they are under no illusions that it will be tough to keep the lid on a cauldron of public demands that normally increase budgets.

They also conceded they have an enormous task on their hands to persuade public sector unions to fall in line on salaries.

"This should not be seen as a punitive measure," said Mayor Mike Hancock, anticipating an early angry response from the unions to council's strategy.

Good start to the process lets help them with their resolve Pr

Buyer Beware -- Caveat Emptor: APPEALS TO REASON ..

Buyer Beware -- Caveat Emptor: APPEALS TO REASON ..

an interesting blog promoting fair taxation practises

For 13 years now, Irvin Leroux has been in tax hell

Tax Mistake - Couple

For 13 years now, Irvin Leroux has gone back and forth with the Canadian Government in a bitter fight over his taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency insisted he owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes. Irvin Leroux disagreed. So he fought ...and fought. But as the battle continued, his bill got bigger, climbing to one-million-dollars in back taxes, penalties and interest.

The story begins back in 1992. Mr. Leroux developed some land he owned in Valemount, British Columbia. He removed trees, sold the timber ... created lots for a subdivision and built an R-V park. The plan was that the business would support him and his wife, Jill Moore, in their retirement.

But the couple's never-ending fight over taxes ruined those plans. And even though the Canada Revenue Agency eventually admitted it made a mistake, the battle isn't over. Irvin Leroux and Jill Moore joined Anna Maria from Vancouver.


Revenue Canada made a mistake and now refuses to pay damages - is it time to make those responsible accountable? PR

Arbitrary Tax mistakes

This is a CBC investigative report that is disturbing and needs redress by all Canadians pr

Part 2: Tax Mistake - Couple

For 13 years now, Irvin Leroux has gone back and forth with the Canadian Government in a bitter fight over his taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency insisted he owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes. Irvin Leroux disagreed. So he fought ...and fought. But as the battle continued, his bill got bigger, climbing to one-million-dollars in back taxes, penalties and interest.

The story begins back in 1992. Mr. Leroux developed some land he owned in Valemount, British Columbia. He removed trees, sold the timber ... created lots for a subdivision and built an R-V park. The plan was that the business would support him and his wife, Jill Moore, in their retirement.

But the couple's never-ending fight over taxes ruined those plans. And even though the Canada Revenue Agency eventually admitted it made a mistake, the battle isn't over. Irvin Leroux and Jill Moore joined Anna Maria from Vancouver.


Listen to Part Two: Click link to hear radio interview


Part 3: Tax Mistake - Reporter

In our last half-hour, we spoke to Irvin Leroux and his wife Jill Moore. They walked us through the last 13 years of their life and their battle with the Canada Revenue Agency. It began with an audit in 1996 that found that Mr. Leroux owed $50,000 dollars. Five more audits and ten years later, the bill stood at a million dollars.

Eventually, the Canada Revenue Agency admitted it had made a mistake. But in the process, Mr. Leroux lost his business, his home and his savings. He and his wife are still fighting for compensation.

The CBC's Kathy Tomlinson has been investigating the couple's story

Senior centre seeks donations of books, puzzles and plants - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

Senior centre seeks donations of books, puzzles and plants - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

Tax Action: 22 Years of Pork

Little wonder the federal government is borrowing $93-million a day. Through extensive research, the CTF brings public exposure to unnecessary spending. Until expenditures like these are curtailed, the federal government will never balance its books.

CONTACT YOUR MP!
It’s time to end political slush funds. www.taxpayer.com
Incredibly, Prime Minister Harper — once a staunch critic of regional development funds agencies — has committed to creating two more — one for Northern Canada and for Southern Ontario. That would bring to six the number of regional development agencies. Please join us in calling for the elimination of regional development agencies in favour of broad-based tax relief.Mail, call, or e-mail your MP to demand governments prioritize their spending.

CTF-is one of the original accountaility groups -worth a look Pr

INVINCIBLE SMUGNESS

Smugness and Stupidity and Unnatural Entitlements

Thanks -here is another food for thought for you from nature . There are great parallels here . You can substitute any smug group or government institution as the golden beetle with the juice and the docile and naive public( taxpayers) whose stupidity let it happen with their own resources -the public- the industrious sanguine ants.

lessons from the wild

Vernon Eaton, commenting on the book, Ways of the Ant, by John Crompton, writes: "A pleasure-mad ( or give me free goodies )society needs to take a lesson from the Sanguine ants and their affair with the Golden-Haired beetle."

"The ants' normal diet is plain, often to the point of austerity, but they love unusual and exotic tidbits and will go to any lengths to satisfy this craving. For example, the Golden-Haired beetle exudes from the base of its golden hairs some secretion which ants find irresistible. So it is allowed to do anything it likes, even lay its own eggs, which soon turn to grubs. So besotted and obsessed do the worker ants become that they feed the beetle with food intended for their own infants, and even with food reserved for the queen."

"Worse, much worse, they allow the beetle to kill their infants and eat them. They even kill their own infants themselves and feed them to this stranger. The beetle repays them with a generous allowance of the secretion they crave…. The end is not immediate. The colony may last two years more, but the end is certain."

So how do we get the ants off the golden beetle juice before they die an unnatural death? Sieg

Here's a link to my blog: http://morleyevans.blogspot.com/2009/04/invincible-smugness.html

- Morley

WARNING! This transmission, including any attachment(s) is privileged and confidential and only intended for the individual or entity to which it is addressed above. It may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any other publication, copying, scanning, duplication, dissemination or distribution is strictly prohibited. Please contact our office if you experience transmission difficulty or received the transmission by mistake. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately via email morleyevans@morleyevans.com, and delete the original transmission without making a copy.

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FCPP Publications :: Moderate Taxes May Lead to Civilization

FCPP Publications :: Moderate Taxes May Lead to Civilization: "To know you're getting a good deal, one has to be able to compare services and costs and to choose other suppliers if prices are too high or services inadequate. But governments are often held hostage by monopolistic public sector unions. That has consequences. A few years back, a BC health care union went on an illegal strike for one week and caused surgeries to be cancelled at the BC Children's hospital.

Or there is this measurement. Data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reveals wages and benefits in the public sector are significantly higher than in similar private sector jobs: by 41.7 per cent federally, 24.9 per cent provincially, and 35.9 per cent municipally. Also, in the public health care sector, wages and benefits exceed private comparables by 19 per cent."

This is a real eye opener on why high taxes that fund high entitlement programs are bad for civilization Pr

Taxpayers' group tracks $3.9 B in western economic diversification funds - Yahoo! Canada News

Taxpayers' group tracks $3.9 B in western economic diversification funds - Yahoo! Canada News: "The taxpayer group's key findings:
-Just 51.8 per cent of taxpayer-funded loans were repaid over the 22-year period.
-Significant overlap and duplication between diversification funds, other federal departments and other governments.
-A lack of transparency, with vast sums turned over to organizations and businesses which then disburse to unnamed other groups.
-'A striking correlation' between election timing and spending spikes.
'The fact that the department funds everything from airport lighting to cemeteries doesn't help its reputation as a 'catch-all' political slush fund, either,' said Colin Craig, the taxpayer federation's Manitoba director who handled much of the data collection."


Why we need more public eyes on the spending ball Pr

Moderate Taxes May Lead to Civilization

Mark Mike's article reflects what most people suspect that improvements can be made in getting better value for their taxes = the imbalance is causing hardship

Moderate Taxes May Lead to Civilization High taxes kill it and jobs
In Brief:
"Taxes are the price we pay for civilization."
When Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. wrote his quip in 1927, taxes as a percent of the economy, both in the U.S. and Canada, were much lower than now. Without context, simplistic arguments result.
A good example of such simplification appeared recently in an anti-tax relief study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
To claim, as the CCPA dies, that some Canadians have it good because other people pay for a chunk of their government services isn't a measurement of a good deal; it's just another way of saying governments redistribute money.

"Taxes are the price we pay for civilization," said Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., an accurate observation on the surface but one often quoted without context: when Holmes wrote his quip in 1927, taxes as a percent of the economy, both in the U.S. and Canada, were much lower than now. Without context, simplistic arguments result.
A good example of such simplification appeared recently in an anti-tax relief study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The nub of the CCPA's claim is that many Canadians receive more in government benefits than they pay in taxes.
In other words, taxes redistribute income. No kidding.

The study was financed by government unions who have an interest in higher taxes and more government spending but that doesn't disqualify it; everyone has an initial bias. They key is to ask whether conclusions are fairly drawn and if something is missing in a particular claim. It is on this latter test that the tax-happy crowd are often wrong and where the CCPA study in particular fails.
The CCPA study creates a false choice: it's either taxes and civilization (and preferably high and punishing!) or no taxes and no civilization. Except that no one with a scintilla of nuance thinks that's the choice. The debate should revolve around the question of what sort of government is desirable and what's the best way to pay for that.

Assuming most of us want jobs and appreciate the role entrepreneurs play in the creation of the new companies and the employment that comes from the same, a useful question to ask is: what are the optimal taxes and tax levels for such an end, i.e., when do taxes destroy opportunity?
But the CCPA study ignores all that and also whether taxpayers receive good value. Instead, the study claims government programs are a "quiet bargain." But to claim some Canadians have it good because other people pay for a chunk of their government services isn't a measurement of a good deal; it's just another way of saying governments redistribute money.
To know you're getting a good deal, one has to be able to compare services and costs and to choose other suppliers if prices are too high or services inadequate. But governments are often held hostage by monopolistic public sector unions. That has consequences. A few years back, a BC health care union went on an illegal strike for one week and caused surgeries to be cancelled at the BC Children's hospital.
Or there is this measurement. Data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reveals wages and benefits in the public sector are significantly higher than in similar private sector jobs: by 41.7 per cent federally, 24.9 per cent provincially, and 35.9 per cent municipally. Also, in the public health care sector, wages and benefits exceed private comparables by 19 per cent.

The CCPA study also ignores how governments waste money. Think of $182 billion in corporate welfare over 12 years instead of provincial and business tax reductions which would have allowed allow more entrepreneurs to flourish.
There is this other omission in the CCPA's work: how various groups seek and receive tax dollars for their own agendas.
Back in the dying days of the BC NDP government in early 2001, that government awarded an untendered "contract" to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The contract was to stretch from 2001 and 2005, a four-year period to coincide with the expected term of the B.C. Liberals who were a sure bet to win the election in 2001 (and did).
Besides that tax-funded gift, the government-owned insurance company also bought 50 "subscriptions" to CCPA materials during the NDP time in office, even though the information was available free on the web. And the BC Ministry of Finance purchased an "enhanced" subscription to CCPA materials.
All told, during the NDP period, the CCPA received over $410,000 in tax-funded support from BC's taxpayers—significant for any small think tank; the CCPA also received money from the Manitoba NDP government, and later, in 2002, $900,000 from the federal government. I know all this because I filed many of the Freedom of Information requests that uncovered the BC information.

When groups claim that tax relief is bad for you, and that government delivery and especially non-competition are desirable, it's not just their public sector patrons who may benefit from such arguments; it may be the groups themselves.
Related Items:
More new ideas on Tax Policy

Buy local movement now on the map - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

Buy local movement now on the map - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Brant MPP Dave Levac said that the group behind the map represents an example of a grassroots movement that moved the message upward through the system.
'We've heard you and we're responding,' he said.
He delighted the gathering by announcing that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has approved a $45,000 grant toward the project's $90,000 budget.
'This is not simply a whim, it's a science,' Levac said of the map and other features in the ongoing project to promote local agriculture. 'It's also tourism and an economy that we've lost track of and we have to get it back.'
Sandra Vos, co-ordinator of the Bountiful Brant project and vice-president of the Brant County Federation of Agriculture, thanked Levac for the province's support.

Excellent example of a green project that is win -win -win . Congratulations to all who made this a reality for Brant - PR "

Brantford.com - Local Brantford News, Brantford Restaurant Listings, Events, Hotels, Attractions, Shopping, Movies, Bars, Clubs, Nightlife, City Guides, Harmony Square, blogs - Sent Using Google Toolbar

Local Brantford News,The membership of the Brant Conservative Party
Electoral District Association has chosen a new executive and board.
Following a report from MP Phil McColeman at the association's annual
meeting at the Bodega Inn recently, Craig Surette was announced as
president, Dave Smith (1st vice-president), Bill Harding (2nd
vice-president), Singe Ludlow (secretary) and Barb Herron (financial
agent). Elected as directors by the 423 members were Gordon Brain,
Lorie Dixon, Stephane Gagnon, Sabih Uddin, Ennio Trignani, Greg Josey,
Karen George, Bill Jones, Mike Quattrociocchi and Kevin Magee

A novel idea:employees have to perform to keep their jobs

Dan Ferris on ExxonMobil's extraordinary employee pay structure Monday, April 20, By Dan Ferris in Extreme Value:

ExxonMobil filed its proxy statement with the SEC last week. It's a better read than you might guess. For example, I bet you didn't know ExxonMobil executives get none of the safety net provisions that are standard among public companies' compensation packages:

• No employment contracts; all employment is "at will."
• No severance agreements.
• No change of control provisions. Equity compensation must be held beyond retirement, which can be forfeited "in case of detrimental activity, unapproved early termination, or material negative restatement of financial or operating results."

Without executive safety nets, employees have to perform to keep their jobs. If they don't perform, they risk forfeiting substantial amounts of equity compensation if they get fired. Even if they don't get fired, a restatement of results is enough to wipe out a large portion of their pay, perhaps a fourth or more. Executives have to get results that stick. I realize ExxonMobil's executive compensation program has a mediocre reputation. I think it's important ExxonMobil doesn't have the standard safety nets and encourages its employees to be risk-averse and take long-term outlooks. The oil business is plenty risky. Avoiding unnecessary risk is what leads ExxonMobil to its strong contrarian business strategy. I believe that's the only way to make money in natural resources.

" This is food for thought for those that want to improve results and outcomes. The Ferris review of Exxon indicates that entitlements ,such as safety nets, do not necessarily improve performance but could actually hinder results " Pr

Air Safety Round Table to Voice Concerns Over Airline Deregulation

Air Safety Round Table to Voice Concerns Over Airline Deregulation

Few Canadians realize that Transport Canada is attempting to pass legislation that would make air carriers responsible for managing and inspecting their own safety systems, with minimal government involvement or oversight. This type of deregulation flies in the face of all the lessons learned from previous airline tragedies and is opposed by industry experts, unions and pilots as a dangerous strategy which is likely to have tragic consequences.

" This is a citizen watchdog note from FAIR click the link if you would like to participate " Pr

Tax info online - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA

Tax info online - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA: "Tax info online
Posted By DAILY NEWS STAFF
Posted 5 hours ago

" making the system more user friendly and convenient-another first for chatham -thumbs up" -PR

The municipality says its online property tax service has simplified the process for those seeking information.
Sixty-six per cent of all property tax certificates are now delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on the municipal website at www.chatham-kent.ca.
Chief administrative officer Rob Browning credited staff for the initiative, which has been in place for eight months.
'This service makes Chatham-Kent a national leader in this kind of customer service,' he said in a release. 'Municipal employees saw an opportunity to combine financial systems with information technology and come up with a major improvement.'
Anyone can buy a one-year $100 subscription to access general property tax information. Of the customers, 49 per cent are law firms, 43 per cent are realtors and eight per cent are financial firms.
A $40 charge is applied for each official statement of taxes.
The municipality stated it is the only Ontario jurisdiction to offer an online, self-service, real-time delivery, tax certificate program.
For more information, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/taxesor call 519-360- 1998."

Looking for a few good men and women -the governance process

golden opportunity Posted By BRUCE CORCORAN

Chatham-Kent is looking for a few good men and women. Six to be exact.

Hopefully the decision process will be a nightmare, for all the right reasons.

The municipality is seeking six Chatham-Kent residents to form a governance task force to help with the corporate review process.

Think of it, these six lucky individuals will have a say in how to improve how the municipality operates. From ward boundaries to the size of council, this task force will have a say, but subject to council's ultimate approval, however.

Judging by how many people take issue with the day-to-day operations, from tree cutting on streets such as Victoria Avenue in Chatham, to the equipment supplied to councillors and top administrators, to the condition of our roads and bridges, plus a host of other areas, including our property taxes, thousands of Chatham-Kent residents will be signing up to have their say.

That would be wonderful, albeit a nightmare for Chatham-Kent administration personnel who will be tasked to sift through the list of applicants for the volunteer positions.

What shouldn't occur is a light list of people interested in the position. So many people have spoken up over the years, either by letters to the editor, open protest, by delegation to council, or in countless coffee shops across the municipality, it's time to put up or shut up.

How the six positions will be formed -- and ultimately council would like to see one from each ward -- is somewhat flawed, but not much can be done about it. Administration will choose the volunteers through a blind or anonymous process.

This isn't as simple as picking bingo numbers. Qualifications must be examined, and the best people picked for the task force. Unfortunately, even with names deleted from the process, the qualifications and backgrounds listed could very well give away the identities of many potential candidates. This isn't Toronto and its massive population; this is Chatham-Kent, municipality of 106,000. And when breaking down into wards, the population pools shrink even further.

As a result, it's possible past history with a nameless but obvious applicant could cloud administration's judgment. But there isn't much that can be done to get around this, other than to trust in the selection process.

Despite facing the potential hurdle of being known to administrative personnel making the selections and the reality council has the final say on any recommendations made by the task force, the opportunity to provide such important input should be too great a draw to avoid for our outspoken citizens. If you care about your community and think you know of ways to improve how the folks at the Civic Centre run things, get involved; apply.


Forms must be submitted by April 30. For more information, call Dawna Urquhart at 519-352-8401, ext. 3011, or e-mail CKcao@chatham-kent.ca.

"The natives are getting restless and want to be more involved in the spending-governance . Getting them involved in the process makes sense -and more eyes on the ball can only help the public accountability and governance process . This is a model that should be endorsed in every community by the Taxpayers " PR

Letters to the editor - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

Letters to the editor - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Putting off expropriation has cost city plenty
Over the course of decades, I have written extensively respecting two interrelated matters; overall economic development in Brantford and the sad state of the core. I also discussed these issues during the last election.
My fear for the core has always been that city council was consistently postponing the inevitable (expropriation) with respect to the south side of Colborne Street. I proposed the investigation of a residential development that would have an embedded athletic facility. With the Sanderson Centre, major banks, the trails, (and now Harmony Square), I always contended that this or some other form of tax-generating facility would both eliminate the blight while providing a needed positive tax flow.
This concept did not get much attention due to the lethargy of"

Interesting comments -indicating that a change in thinking is needed -Pr

Residents rally to get officers fired - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

Residents rally to get officers fired - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Residents rally to get officers fired
Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF

What is reasonable force? Why pay thugs who do not serve their community ? shocking PR


Tempers flared during a protest against police brutality outside the Six Nations police station Tuesday morning.
The family and supporters of a man who says he was beaten by native police officers exchanged sharp words with the family of one of the officers who is accused of the beating.
The family of Elgin Butler is demanding Six Nations police fire three officers who were involved in an altercation with Butler on Saturday.
A one point, police Chief Glenn Lickers came out to address and calm the crowd in Veterans Park, adjacent to the police station.
Butler has a bruised and battered face that was featured on several placards carried during the protest. One eye was almost swollen shut and blood red. Butler's face was covered with small cuts and abrasions from when he said it was rubbed in gravel during his arrest.
The 40-year-old man said he and an officer exchanged words on Saturday. Then he said he was beaten by one constable, while two others held him down.
Butler's mother says the community has had enough of such incidents."

FULL DISCLOSURE - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

FULL DISCLOSURE - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "FULL DISCLOSURE

Good questions - we will try to find out- There is nothing free in life - the added funds is particularly galling PR

Posted By
So now we know what the plans for the South Side of Colborne Street are.
I question if this could have been put together so quickly after the By-law to expropriate had been passed?
I question whether or not the Task force had this knowledge and knew that the parties involved intended to approach the City for funding?
Is that why the amendment to prevent parties from coming back for more money was defeated? Was the plan already in place?
Council wonders why people question their ideas and motives, it is because there is seldom full disclosure of what is going on behind closed doors
So the 11$ million deal, plus interest to be paid on the borrowed funds, plus all the additional costs, and now the request for us to fund part of it?
The list of spending is getting bigger, the cost will be borne by the taxpayers in next years budget, maybe someone on council can take the time to review all this spending and see what this is translating too, I am sure most taxpayers would like to know now what the anticapted cost to them of all these 'pre-election' goodies is going to cost.
With 'Full Disclosure' people will be able to make the right choices come 2010!!!
May O'Grady Brantford"

Trustee arrogance

"This is arrogance to deny the public their public right to information and choice for their children " PR

Public trustees oppose website Posted By ELLWOOD SHREVE, THE DAILY NEWS

A new school finding tool on the education ministry website has prompted the Lambton Kent District School Board to state its disapproval in writing.

Trustees voted unanimously to send a letter to the ministry and premier stating their opposition to the website that provides demographic information such as the number of special needs students, education level of parents as well as income levels, and number of immigrants. The site also compares scores on the Education Quality Accountability Office (EQAO) testing.

Chatham Trustee David Goldsmith raised the issue, stating: "I see potential havoc coming."

He is worried what impact this could have on transportation and school boundaries if parents decide to try to shop around for a school.

Sarnia Trustee Paul Millman said the website has "stigmatized our students . . . it's not right."

Gayle Stucke, LKDSB director of education, said the website "was deliberately set up to shop" for schools.

She said there was an indication the site was being created, but "there was never any understanding that it would be to this degree."

She noted all of the information is available in the public domain, but added, "it is the comparator factor that is of particular concern."

Stucke said it has long been the LKDSB's position that "there's been nothing to be gained by rating and comparing schools."

She added comparing data is only valuable in terms of helping to find ways for a school to improve.

Viable leadership options- Hudak a Harris alternative

He is intelligent,dynamic, and is a viable worthy alternative to be considered Pr

Hudak pledges to energize party for election victory
Posted By MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION, EXPOSITOR STAFF

Ontario Conservative leadership candidate Tim Hudak says he wants to energize the party to defeat Dalton McGuinty's government in the 2011 election.

Judging by the reaction of local party faithful at Moose Winooski's on Thursday, the candidate lived up to that promise.

To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.

"It seems he's got what it takes," said Terry Shelhas, a millwright recently laid off from a Cambridge company. "I just met the man today and I like what I see so far."

Hudak, the Niagara West- Glanbrook MPP, is facing three other contenders for the party's leadership: Whitby-Ajax MPP Christine Elliott, Newmarket- Aurora MPP Frank Klees and Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington MPP Randy Hillier.

"We need to get the economy rolling again," said Shelhas, who used the occasion to hand out business cards advertising all his skills and qualifications as a tradesman.

"Since I'm looking for work, the economy is what's most important to me."

Liz Martin, a longtime party worker, said she likes Hudak because "he brings a certain energy" to a room.

She said she had a chance to watch his rapport with an audience at a party policy convention in Niagara Falls in February.

"There was a large contingent of youth there," she recounted. "They absolutely loved him. They had a certain confidence and optimism with him. I find that very encouraging."

Riding association president Mike Quattrociocchi said that Hudak, the first candidate to visit Brant, bodes well for the party's future.

Continued After Advertisement Below

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"He seems articulate, excited and ready to fight an election," he said. "But we have to listen to all four candidates, and it would be prudent for all of them to come. We need a good vision and a strong leader to rebuild our party."

Hudak's visit to Brant came one week after he launched his campaign.

On Thursday, he paid tribute to Dan McCreary, a city councillor who carried the standard for the Tories in Brant in the last provincial election, and four-term Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett, who travelled to Brantford in support.

"We are facing very difficult times," Hudak told the gathering. "Under Dalton McGuinty, Ontario is in decline. Whoever could have imagined that Ontario would be dead last in job creation? Whoever would have imagined that Ontario would become a have-not province under Dalton McGuinty?"

He said he believes the road to success in bad economic times is to speak plainly and develop policies that stick to core Conservative values: looking after families, lowering taxes, rewarding ingenuity, living within one's means.

He spoke of his Czechoslovakian grandparents, who lived by those values when they came to Canada.

"If we speak to that shared Conservative vision, we can defeat Dalton McGuinty and have enduring Conservative governments again."

If Hudak is new Harris, why go backwards? - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

If Hudak is new Harris, why go backwards? - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "If Hudak is new Harris, why go backwards?
Posted By Peter Takacs Brantford
Posted 7 mins ago


Re: 'Hudak pledges to energize party' by Michael-Allan Marion (April 11, 2009).
'To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.' I read the start of the article and found that observational sentence by Mr. Marion very ironic. I am sure it would interest people to know that one of Mr. Hudak's top campaign supporters for his leadership campaign is Mr. Mike Harris himself."

Harper's policies lay egg with voters - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

Harper's policies lay egg with voters - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Harper's policies lay egg with voters By GREG WESTON

As the Conservative government continues its relentless campaign to woo voters with their own money and many press releases, recent opinion polls suggest increasing numbers of ungrateful Canadians are instead giving Prime Minister Stephen Harper the cold shoulder."

At home, the Conservatives are in trouble even on their traditionally safe files such as law and order. Perhaps the clearest sign of desperation is the bill to kill the rifle registry, recently introduced in the Senate. It is a sure-fire vote-loser in the cities where the Liberals are gaining ground.
And therein lies what may be Harper's biggest problem of all. Ever since Michael Ignatieff became Liberal leader in the infamous bloodless coup before Christmas, the Harper brain trust has been waiting for the Grits to screw up.
Instead, Ignatieff has wisely spent his time bringing money, talent and discipline to his party, keeping a relatively low profile, and leaving Harper and Co. to get run over by the economy.
As Harper looks at what lies ahead this Easter, he may be wishing he could hippity-hop down the bunny trail and right out of Dodge.

The 60 billion doesn't seem to have much traction Now what -should they try talent and discipline? Pr

Emailing: Federal funding comes with its share of strings - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA

Looking a gift horse in the mouth

At this point in time, federal infrastructure funding is in pie-in-the-sky phase for Chatham-Kent, to the tune of more than $220 million. But the funding could bring with it substantial luggage.

By no means does council wish the Building Canada Fund (BCF) and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) to turn on the cash taps for all projects put forward after Monday's council meeting. We couldn't afford it.

That's one caveat -- projects will require a municipal funding component possibly even to the point of matching the contributions of senior levels of government dollar for dollar.

While heavy outside funding for the variety of projects -- from a new recreation complex, to sewers to bridge and road upgrades to downtown revitalization -- is appreciated, too much "stimulus" would put too much pressure on local tax dollars.

The ISF cash is only available for projects that would begin in 2009 or 2010, and be completed by the end of March in 2011. That makes for a rather tight window for any large-scale projects. From planning to completion, the window is less than two years.

Preference will also be given to projects that likely wouldn't have been done had the federal government not ridden in and doled out the cash, thus providing the feds with no shortage of white knight stories and photo ops.

While the federal government hasn't released any defining criteria for the BCF's Major Infrastructure Component -- the section for which Chatham-Kent is eligible, general parameters indicate the money is intended for big-ticket projects, with a minimum project cost of upwards of $30 million.

So municipalities must go big or go it alone at a future date.

That's some luggage. But that said, erecting a recreation complex for as little as a third of the cost to local ratepayers is very attractive. Ditto for any other project on the municipal wish list.

Since this is federal money, Chatham-Kent will be lucky to get a hit on just one o

 

Why not slice number of city councillors in half?

Why not slice number of city councillors in half?


RE: Who's looking out for the taxpayer

Mr. Philp's article and proposal of having an auditor-general is a very interesting one. In these difficult times, both private and public sectors have had hiring freezes and downsizing. While we hear of endless studies regarding committees and proposals, the city should definitely study the justification of having two councillors per ward in a city the size of Brantford. There are endless examples of larger cities that have a single councillor responsible for larger wards and a greater number of residents.

A single councillor per ward, with the mayor would equal six votes on council; in order to break a tie, the candidate with the most votes that did not get elected could be installed as an at-large member. An increase in responsibilities, pay and a part-time staffer would attract and keep the good and popular councillors and attract a new type of candidate and instil a greater sense of commitment to one's ward.

In the last five years, two ward-mates thought so little of their commitment to council that they ran (unsuccessfully) for higher office after being elected with a mandate in Ward 3. Another interesting note is the fact that in the 2006 election, the three councillors who received the most votes in the city beat their current ward-mates by an average of 1,316 votes.

Brantford residents would no longer have to call two councillors for services or concerns and city workers would no longer have to deal with two sets of phone calls or e-mails for a single problem. This would produce a more efficient council with shorter meetings, less speeches and save trees due to the decrease in paperwork.

It would also save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. Like Mr. Philp, I am not optimistic of a city council taking this seriously, but would be interested in the results of a poll or study of popular opinion on this proposal.

Jorge Gomez Brantford

An interesting assessment of improving the effectiveness of our cities spending habits. I agree with the need and am a proponent of the auditor general function as suggested by Tim Philips. The suggestion that the elected members or councillors be reduced in the name of effeciency by Mr. Gomez needs reviewing and is counter intuitive to the taxpayers interest.

The councillors are our public watchdogs, and attempt to the best of their ability and time resources to ensure that the non-elected and highly paid administrators and staff spend our money wisely and according to agreed to plans. They are our oversight group and can be removed by public vote if they are not effective. If we removed just one of the 100K club administators , we could increase this oversight group by a factor of 5, and increase the
potential public accountability factor . More eyes on the tax spending ball ,not less public eyes, seems to make sense. Pr

FCPP Publications :: Undermining Competition

FCPP Publications :: Undermining Competition: "Undermining Competition
The tax-free advantage—and unfairness—of Crown corporations in Canada

In Brief:
One of the most egregious examples of tax inequity and unfairness in Canada is the constitutional tax exempt status afforded Crown corporations, particularly those engaged in commercial activities; this affords them an unfair advantage in the marketplace over private sector competitors.
The choice by Canadian governments to not eliminate this tax inequity is reinforced by the decisions of our courts. This is to be contrasted with the approach of American courts who have not allowed such status to apply to state entities engaged in commercial activity.
Governments in Canada could eliminate this tax inequity and unfairness using legislation. A good template exists in the form of legislation passed by the British Columbia legislature in 2003 which eliminated such status for the BC Ferry Corporation.


This is a fair assessment" Imagine if you went to the trouble of starting a small business, including finding the seed money, working long hours and successfully turning a profit each year. You then, of course, paid all taxes every year and on time. Imagine then that the government excused your competitor from paying those taxes. That would violate any notions of equity, neutrality and fairness which should be the highlights of any tax regime." Lets equalize the playing field -not help inefficient producers-PR

A legal solution is readily at hand; the question is whether governments have the political will to do so." read more

Put the Breaks on Big Auto Bailouts

We are a non-partisan citizens' group dedicated to lower taxes, less waste and accountable government.

Driving Taxpayers off the Cliff:NoBailouts.ca Launched to Put the Brakes on Big Auto Bailouts

As both US and Canadian governments ramp up handouts to Big Auto, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has launched an online petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/.

In addition to the $782-million received by the big three automakers in Canada from federal and provincial governments over the past five years, GM and Chrysler will now receive an additional $4-billion in “short-term loans," $185-million to back new car warranties and a further $700-million to support the auto parts industry. Is this how politicians think we want our taxes spent?With the strong prospect of another $6-billion being readied to pour down the proverbial tank, it’s time for taxpayers to slam on the brakes. Don’t let big unions and big corporations get away with this.Your financial support allows us to slam the breaks on wasteful government spending and other issues important to taxpayers.

Public opinion polls show a majority of Canadians oppose these costly, bottomless handouts. It’s time politicians hear from the taxpayers paying the bills, and not from special interests feeding at the trough. One angry taxpayer may not be heard, but tens-of-thousands of bailout-paying citizens speaking with one voice cannot be ignored. The CTF is already leading the charge -- earning headlines from coast-to-coast in opposition to auto bailouts.

Sign our petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/ and forward it onto everyone you know! Your friends, family and co-workers all pay taxes. Let’s get the attention of our politicians.

I agree -think about all the other things we could do with our money- PR

Information age fails among feds - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

Information age fails among feds - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Drapeau feels that the 25-year history of the act is being ignored. A 40% turnover of access to information investigators, and the elimination of most of the executives in the commissioner's office, has meant a loss of corporate memory and sacrifice of invaluable experience.
Delays are the nightmare for information applicants. Among the biggest government stonewallers in providing timely information are the Department of National Defence, RCMP, Health Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Public Works and Government Services. Marleau complains about their tardiness.
In his last annual report as information commissioner (1998-2006), John Reid noted that 'the name of the game, all too often, is how to resist transparency and engage in damage control by ignoring response deadlines.'
Things are worse now than they were then. While Marleau would like to correct the obstacles, his 12 recommendations which would give him more power, would also remove him from direct contact with people and give him sole power to investigate or not to investigate a complaint -- discretionary power that could lead to abuses"

This is an important tool for accountability- it should be fast, not arbitrary and visible -Canadians should not be satisfied with excuses of why it does not work - push your MPS to get performance- PR

$100K earners double - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

This is ridiculous -have your services increased by a 100% -another first for Brantord on the negative side of the performance sheet- lets do something about it- to be continued" PR


$100K earners double
EXTRA! Local list of top pay-getters grows to nearly 300 names Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF

Brantford blew past the provincial increase in the $100,000 Club by doubling the number of names on the list of well-paid public servants.
$100,000 club:Check out the complete local list onPage A7
This year's list of 53,572 names, culled from ministries, municipalities and provincially funded organizations across the province, is up 28% from the previous year

But, in Brantford, the number leapt to 298 names from 146 -- a 104% increase.

As usual, the man in charge of the emergency room at the Brantford General Hospital was the top earner on the city's list.
Dr. Gene Jarrell drew $404,309 in 2008. He was joined by other emergency room physicians Dr. Eric Irvine at $284,022, Dr. Anna Jocic at $260,882, Dr. Andrea Unger at $181,269 and Dr. Brian Colborne at $147,302.
Five registered nurses made the list this year, while retiring hospital president and CEO Rick Woodcock made $223,040 and his vice-president, Joseph Buller, drew a $181,959 salary.
"With nurses moving onto the list, that's definitely a change, but they're on pay grids and as you move along with experience you increase your remuneration," said BGH spokesman Gary Chalk.
For hospital managers, Chalk noted that responsibilities have dramatically increased over the last five years.
"A 40-hour work week is nonexistent and managers don't get overtime," he said. "We often find it almost impossible to use vacation time before you lose it from year to year and we're dealing with issues that are certainly significant."
Top-earner Jarrell is more than welcome to his salary, said Chalk, since he all but lives in the hospital's emergency department.

"When I'm on my deathbed, give me Gene Jarrell," said Chalk. "Many times he's responsible for 30 patients all at the same time and he takes that responsibility seriously. Combine that responsibility with his long hours and you see he earns the money."
Chalk said that Woodcock, who retired in 2008, was hired back on a contract basis until the end of 2009 to give the board more time to conduct a search for a new president. Some of Woodcock's remuneration reflects his salary, vacation bank and retirement payout.

In 2007, there were 20 workers on the list from the hospital, while last year there were 28.
City workers on the list doubled to 69 from 35.

Much of that is attributed to arbitration settlements for police officers and firefighters.
In fact, it pays to be in law and order:
There are 16 city police sergeants, inspectors and managers on the list and 28 employees with the fire department.
Police Chief Derek McElveny earned $171,040, while his deputy chief, Jeff Kellner, brought in $159,375.
At the fire department, fire chief Garth Dix earned $129,566, while his platoon chiefs made between $107,000 and $112,000.

Over at the courthouse, four provincial judges got a 15% boost with a raise to $264,368.
Crown attorney Bob Kindon's income almost hit $200,000 last year, while the assistant Crown attorneys earned between $125,000 and $161,000.

Ten OPP workers are on the list -- almost the same number as last year but with few of the same people.
Commander David Durant's $123,636 salary was surpassed by Const. Kevin York's $142,847.
Much of the burgeoning list is due to salary increases at both local boards of education.
With 33 principals joining the list for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, their list soared to 42 from eight..

"An increase in salaries caused people to exceed the $100,000 limit," said Wally Easton, association director for the Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board.
Easton said one thing that helped tip several salaries onto the list was that, through a quirk of the calendar, there were 27 pay packages in 2008 instead of the normal 26.
"The salary disclosure legislation is based on your T4 salary, not necessarily the annual salary that a person gets."
The Grand Erie District School board's list also jumped substantially, to 86 from 31, welcoming 56 principals and vice-principals to the list.
There was a substantial drop in the remuneration for the executive director of the Brant Children's Aid Society. Andrew Koster's salary was listed last year at $166,615 but dropped to $139,500.
At Laurier Brantford, new president Max Blouw earned $362,093 compared to outgoing president Robert Rosehart's $366,711 the previous year and three local faculty members moved onto the list.
Similarly, at Mohawk College, five faculty members moved onto the list.

With the establishment in Brantford of the health integration network for this area of Southern Ontario, five new positions were added to the list, including CEO Pat Mandy, earning $279,453.

At the Brantford casino, a new manager moved into place, but just three employees are on the list.

The full salary disclosure list -- which can be found at www.tinyurl.com/d494ez-- looks at all those substantially funded by the taxpayer, amounting to about a million workers.

About 6% of them make the $100,000 list.

Auditor general has lots of praise - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

We need more public oversight to get value for our money PR

Auditor general has lots of praise

Posted By GREG WESTON Posted 1 day ago

The cavernous hall in the federal conference centre was full of long faces yesterday as reporters digested the auditor general's report on government waste and ineptitude.

Sheila Fraser's latest tales from the trough are actually updated progress reports on several federal agencies outed as delinquents in previous audits.

As usual, there were a few horror stories, such as the mind-numbing perennial revelation mobsters and drug-traffickers are slipping through federal security screening and getting jobs in the most sensitive areas of Canada's airports.

But what put frowns on the faces of so many journalists pondering Fraser's handiwork earlier this week was a phenomenon we get to report all too infrequently.

A majority of the sample departments Fraser checked had significantly cleaned up their act.

The auditor general gave thumbs-up, for instance, to an overhaul at Passport Canada after the agency all but came apart at the seams two years ago.

Fraser had previously warned the agency wasn't prepared for new American security rules in 2007 that made passports mandatory to enter the U. S. by air.

Sure enough, the agency was caught with its service down when more than 500,000 Canadians applied for passports in the first month after the U. S. regulations came into effect.

The result was a Canadian traveller's nightmare of day-long lineups at the passport office, processing times of more than a month, and in many cases, cancelled vacations and other trips.

The next big rush is already starting as the U. S. prepares to extend its passport requirements to Canadians crossing the border by land or sea, starting this June.

But this time, Fraser says, the passport office seems far better prepared for the onslaught.

"We are pleased at the extensive action Passport Canada has taken to fix the problems it had, and to be better prepared this time," Fraser said this week.

She lauded the agency for having "put a lot of effort" into making life better for consumers, including an exhaustive PR campaign to encourage Canadians not to wait until the last minute to get a passport.

Fraser cautions only "time will tell" if Canadians are smart enough to heed the advice.

The auditor general also had good things to say about Indian and Northern Affairs, a department that rarely gets to the bureaucratic podium.

Fraser lauded the department for a 42% increase in transferring treaty lands owed to First Nations communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Aside from the ongoing security fiasco at the nation's airports, Fraser even had some positive things to report on national policing and intelligence.

Good thing.

The last time she checked, in 2004, border watch lists for suspected terrorists and other criminals were full of errors and omissions, and didn't even include a roster of stolen passports.

While problems remain, Fraser gives the various policing and border agencies good grades for improving the reliability of the watch lists.

Fraser's report also included two chapters from her environmental counterpart, Scott Vaughan, who gave gold stars to both the federal environment and health departments.

He said Health Canada had updated drinking water standards that had not changed in more than 15 years, and the environment department had managed to produce a meaningful air pollution index.

All of which may leave ordinary Canadians wondering why it takes a mauling by the auditor general to achieve such seemingly basic levels of service.

But for now, at least, Fraser's dearth of news for reporters was good news for taxpayers.

GST/PST harmonization hides tax grab

Ontario Budget 2009: GST/PST harmonization hides tax grab

People planning how they will spend their $1000 cheque from the provincial government will have to think twice. First not everyone gets the $1000. Families with 2 or more people, this includes single parents, will get the $1000. Single people, including those 65plus, only get $300 – and it’s spread over 3 payments.


The cut-off is $166,600 for families and $82,000 for singles – those with incomes above these amounts will not receive the transitional payments.


These payments were meant to soften the blow from the increase in Retail Sales Taxes due to the new combined tax now applying to goods and services that were not taxable provincially before harmonization. Based on government analysis of consumption patterns, people could be paying from $185 to $1000 more in sales taxes due to this change. The budget papers say that even after the $300/$1000 one time only payments have stopped, taxpayers will still be ahead but that depends on believing that businesses that stand to gain the most from this change will pass their savings through to consumers.


One huge flaw in this analysis is that some products like home heating oil- which is a major expense for most families, especially older Canadians, - is not much subject to competitive pressures.


Instead of exempting essential products like home heating fuel, the government is leaving it to taxpayers to pressure businesses to pass through their savings. Increasing sales taxes is no way to stimulate consumer spending and it in fact hurts most those who have no choice but to spend on necessities.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce [OCC] was clearly delighted with being able to convince the Province to harmonize the sales taxes, calling it the “biggest single stimulus for the Ontario economy”. At Queen’s Park after the Budget speech, CARP caught up with Len Crispino, President and CEO of the OCC and asked him how this would help the single person who only gets $300 one time only but is faced with a permanent 8% increase in their home heating costs. His answer was that the improved economy would help everybody.


CARP asked Mike Colle MPP to champion the cause of people hit with the new taxes. While he was not necessarily prepared to call for an exemption for home heating fuel, he was willing to lead the charge to encourage businesses who gain from harmonization to pass those savings along to consumers. Since he is the Chief Government Whip, perhaps he can get his caucus colleagues to echo that message as well.


CARP could not get a straight answer from anyone in the lock up about whether mutual funds would now be subject to provincial sales tax but if they are, it would be one more blow for people whose retirement savings have already been hammered.

Customer King - good news -bad news

Residents rally around ER

By TREVOR TERFLOTH, THE DAILY NEWS

The good news is that the people a thousand of them- will save their hospital and are tired of listening to the MOH -LHIN piffle.
"He didn't mince words about the lengths he was willing to go to prevent a possible ER closure.
"I'm prepared to take legal action to put an injunction against it," Gilbert said.

The chief said if the CKHA and LHIN can't manage the Wallaceburg facility, they should "give it back to people who can."

Wesley said there is a high demand for the Sydenham campus and believes it is desperately needed to take pressure off the Chatham facility. See http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1499748

The bad news is that the government is going to legislate energy requirements. Smitherman the former czar of health ie the LHIN creator is now going to attempt to solve the energy challenge in the same autocratic way - ie increase taxes, build an unaccountable bureuracray , and restrict competitive market choices - teaching this challenged Czar is only possible through citizen action and those with intellect to ask the right questions and see through the propaganda and mi's -information PR 

,

-----------------------------------------------SOS

Participants in last night's forum were in no mood to answer a questionnaire about their emergency department.

More than 1,000 people attended a community meeting at Wallaceburg District Secondary School to discuss the future of the ER at the Chatham- Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) Sydenham campus.

While the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) had arranged for electronic voting technology to gather input, many in the crowd walked to the front to drop off their clicker devices.

In a report earlier this year, the Hay Group gave several recommendations, including converting Sydenham campus into an urgent-care centre.

The LHIN board is to make a decision in June.

Save Our Sydenham (SOS) chairman Jeff Wesley gave an address, as did Walpole Island Chief Joseph Gilbert, and both received a standing ovation as they entered the gymnasium.

Gilbert said he and his community fully support Wallaceburg citizens in their fight.

He didn't mince words about the lengths he was willing to go to prevent a possible ER closure.

"I'm prepared to take legal action to put an injunction against it," Gilbert said.

The chief said if the CKHA and LHIN can't manage the Wallaceburg facility, they should "give it back to people who can."

Wesley said there is a high demand for the Sydenham campus and believes it is desperately needed to take pressure off the Chatham facility.

"We are not a low-volume hospital," he said. "Quit repeating this."

Wesley said if the CKHA wants to cut costs it should begin at the administrative level.

Hospital CEO Ken Tremblay was not in attendance yesterday.

LHIN CEO Gary Switzer said he understood the emotions the community was feeling.

---------------------------------Energy

Ron Anderson, with Chatham-Kent's economic development department, said, "that's the way it has to happen. It has to become law or (companies) search the world for these products.

"It's going to help the municipality at a time it's needed, right now," he added.

Jacques Gauthier, senior vice-president and chief operating officer with Kruger Energy, sees a benefit for having domestic content rules.

"If, in fact, the government puts a little pressure on the suppliers to install some facilities here in Ontario . . . it could be savings for everybody and it's a good idea," he said.

Gauthier said a company such as Siemens has a lot of facilities in Europe, but nothing in Canada, because wind energy is a relatively new industry here.

Chatham-Kent Essex MPP Pat Hoy, who hosted Smitherman during his visit, said, "Chatham-Kent is way ahead of the wave on this and they're to be commended."

He said the minister will make the changes to require investment here which "will be to the benefit of this whole region and, indeed, Ontario."

When asked if the province has a target for the amount of wind power it wants to see developed in the province, Smitherman said a number is not being put out there because "a target is a cap in my opinion."

Instead, he said the message being sent to investors is that Ontario seeks to be "a world leader in green, renewable energy."

Smitherman said he will move forward soon with a directive that will give guidance about where investments need to occur in transmission.

"This will give us some sense of the capacity that we're seeking to create and will help to flesh out those opportunities."

The act will also see the province take a more active role in deciding where renewable energy projects can be developed in Ontario.

Smitherman said the government has noticed several municipalities have struggled with such issues as determining appropriate setbacks for wind turbines.

He said the government will create a law that provide clear guidance "so that we don't have a patchwork quilt, but we have one circumstance for all of Ontario."

The guidelines will be defined by the Ministry of the Environment that is consistent with the environmental assessment act, he added.

However, Smitherman stressed municipalities will continue to have a say on proposed projects.

"No one will be surprised that something is coming forward," he said. "Consultation with the local community will remain a very, very important ingredient before any project is given the permit to be able to build.

--
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com
"Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care

Bloomberg news: Market Value Falls as Seniors Unload Insurance Policies

 Life’s Market Value Falls as Seniors Unload Insurance Policies

 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=email_en&refer=home&sid=at0p6bvmQGm4

The state of economic reality- the retired are really hurting to sell their policy at 40% discount- PR

Whistleblowers: Heroes or Traitors? An excellent review of the challenges faced in Canada

http://fairwhistleblower.ca/events/2009-03-05_FLCD_presentation_transcript.html

Expropriation-a can of worms by Tim Philps

maybe there will be fishing for taxpayers dollars with that can of worms-comment PR

At city council, it seems, a councillor's fancy turns to multi-million dollar projects to rehabilitate the downtown.

At least this certainly seems to be the case when you look at plans to expropriate almost the entire south side of Colborne Street from the bridge to Grand River Hall next to the library and replace these eyesores with one or more mega-projects. As night follows day, the arguments have started at council about using public money to do this.

On the one side, you have the "Let the private sector do it all" group. These councillors feel that the city's only role is consultative or, at most, to provide assistance through some kind of grants process by giving some percentage of the cost of the project based on the total price tag.

Some councillors on this side also feel that if the city does go ahead with the expropriation, then any proponent with a project should expect no further help from the city beyond a gift of the land.

Ward 3 councillor Dan McCreary is the lead proponent of this school of thought. His wily political mind realizes that if he can get such a motion passed by council, even by a slim majority, it would require a two-thirds majority to overturn the policy. That is a much higher bar to jump over and would make it very difficult for a fractured council to change its collective mind.

Why council should reduce its flexibility is beyond me, but it seems to make sense to McCreary.

The side that has the upper hand in the council chamber, for now at least, is willing to purchase the properties at fair market value or to expropriate them if a deal cannot be struck.

This approach has the virtue of putting the land in the hands of the city and making negotiations with future developers much simpler. It also has the virtue of giving the city some say in the eventual use of the property. This gives council a very big stick to wave in negotiations with a developer when it comes to project approval.

Of course, it is also a costly avenue to pursue if a deal cannot be struck as the legal and other costs of expropriation could be considerable on top of the money actually paid for the properties.

Anyone who has watched council over the past few years will be tempted to make comparisons between this project and the Harmony Square project that consumed the last two councils with rancor, hyperbole and probably resulted in costing the seats of at least two city councillors. That project, which everyone acknowledges was a great success, was plagued by a nastiness that I have seldom seen in municipal debate.

Every stage was fought over and I have never seen tempers flare as often as during the heady days of the debate over Harmony Square. The only thing comparable that I can remember is the downtown grants debates... come to think about it... it was the same council!

Councillors against this project say that the downtown grants program, which was successful in spurring development in the core over the past few years, is the way to go rather than expropriation. It would certainly be a cheaper way to go.

While there might be some merit in their argument, I do find it interesting that some of the

same councillors who are such advocates of using a grants program on the South side of Colborne Street are the same people who argued vehemently against the grants program in

the first place. Perhaps some councillors have had a conversion on the road to Colborne Street?

The south side of Colborne Street has been the wart on the nose of downtown. It was so bad

that it stood in for an abandoned town in a horror movie. The residents of Brantford are sick of this situation and want it fixed. Most members of council heard loud and clear, during the last election, that citizens want this situation resolved sooner rather than later.

Last year might have been a better year to start this project as we are too close to the "silly season" that starts next January when councillors start their reelection campaigns.

However, you cannot turn the clock back no matter how hard we might wish to do so. This project will have to run the gauntlet of political ambition and politics over the next few years before we can be as proud of our downtown as we are of Harmony Square.

Perhaps most telling in this process is the narrow one-vote margin by which the project passed the first hurdle.

Mayor Hancock has a big job to steer this project to completion. Fortunately, he has a record of winning the votes that he needs to keep things on track.

Democracy is a very messy business and we are all going to get a little soiled before this project is complete.

Q-jumpers-The Health Myth Busters: Solution: Pilot proposal to improve the Ontario Health Care system

Q-jumpers-The Health Myth Busters: Solution: Pilot proposal to improve the Ontario Health Care system

Some solutions worth considering. What are the real costs of care? How much does it cost to stay in a public hospital- let everyone know- why the secrecy ? How much are those customers in the emergency hallway costing us per user visite or day? We need and have a right to know what our public subsidy rate is.

Food for thought Learning from the chinese

ON CHINA: RONALD REAGAN WOULD SMILE

Speaking at the People's Congress in Beijing recently, Premier Wen Jiabo made it quite clear that China intends fully to achieve 8% growth in GDP this year. Not next year; not two years hence, but this year...'09; the year of the Ox... this year.
Interestingly, Mr. Wen made it clear that not only was the government intent upon force feeding liquidity into the nation's banks, but was also prepared to make material cuts in income taxes, across the board to sponsor such growth.
Wen made it clear that the only way he can see Chinese economic growth returning to the not-so-long-ago-lost halcyon days of 9% growth almost relentlessly shall require more than simple reserve injections.
Mr. Wen said that it is his intention to turn China from an export driven society to a consumer driven one instead. He know that liquidity alone will not suffice to do what Beijing needs the economy to do; hence Mr. Wen will begin this new era of growing consumer demand by cutting corporate and personal income taxes. According to The China Daily, Mr. Wen said, in the simplest of terms, that it is Beijing's intention to spur the economy forward by "boosting domestic demand through residential tax cuts, in addition to the levy reduction for companies."
The latter has already been put into effect; the former is coming. Mr. Wen's proposed "residential" tax cuts include tax cuts on securities transactions; tax cuts on property sales; smaller taxes on exports and an end to a number of "administrative charges" on various goods and services. At a time when American law makers on the Left are debating the possibilities of taxing stock transactions, the Chinese are moving to end them!
Further, China is moving swiftly ahead with very real "infrastructure" spending. The new term here in the US is "shovel ready." Our stimulus program is manifestly un-shovel ready; in China, the shovels are already at hand and the programs are being put into effect, with workers being hired and ground being broken.
Mr. Wen has the calendar working for him too, for this year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic. As is always the case, China will have myriad numbers of building programs in place to commemorate that event. Too... and this is hard for us to believe, for time passes so quickly... this is the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Uprising. Mr. Wen and Mr. Hu will want to make certain that things are on the economic mend in order to keep dissidents wrong-footed throughout the years.
This is a strange era in which we live then. We live at a time when ex-Communists are taking the more free market route toward a consumer led society. We are living in an era when Beijing reads Atlas Shrugged and Washington reads The Manchester Guardian. We are living in an era when tax cuts of all sorts are effected by Beijing, while Washington talks about and effects tax increases of all sorts. We live in an era when Beijing gets out of the way of entrepreneurs, and Washington throws rocks and rubble in their way instead.
As was said in Ecclesiastes, "To everything, turn, turn, turn..."
Good Luck and Good Trading,
Dennis Gartman

 

 

What a simple idea - Help the consumer- let those that build things, buy things -do these things by giving them more money to do so by reducing taxes and restrictions on their growth - Pass it on to the PM- PR 

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Back to Eden communities
Sunridge -261 Oakhill Drive, Brantford
New Beginnings -23 Richards Ridgetown

backtoeden.ontario@gmail.com
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com
"Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care

Q-jumpers-The Health Myth Busters: Happy St Patrick's day- how goes the performance accountability war?#links

Q-jumpers-The Health Myth Busters: Happy St Patrick's day- how goes the performance accountability war?#links

Council costs $400K

Your bucks stop here

Here's the 2008 pay, benefits and expenses for the 10 councillors:

WARD 1
Mark Littell: $27,362 in pay and benefits and $3,703 in expenses; total $31,064.
Jennifer Kinneman: $27,362 in pay and benefits, $3,584 in council expenses and $2,487 in AMO board expenses; total $33,442.
WARD 2
Vince Bucci: $25,822 in remuneration and benefits and $1,393 in expenses; total $27,215
John Sless: $27,362 in pay and benefits and $2,360 in expenses; total $29,722.
WARD 3
Greg Martin: $23,795 in pay and benefits and $1,531; total $25,327.
Dan McCreary: $27,362 in pay and benefits and $1,553 in expenses; total $28,914.
WARD 4
James Calnan: $26,389 in pay and benefits and $1,648 in expenses; total $28,037.
Richard Carpenter: $23,795 in pay and benefit and charged expenses of $3,877; total $27,672.
WARD 5
John Bradford: $23,001 in pay and benefits and $5,773; total $28,774.
Marguerite Ceschi-Smith: $27,362 in pay and benefits, and charged $5,140 in council expenses and $3,381 in FCM board expenses; total$35,882.

Low cost relative to the 100K club at over $6 million - the council takes the heat, gets paid the least - now if we could rool back the admin costs we would be going in the right direction PR

Back to Eden communities
Sunridge -261 Oakhill Drive, Brantford
New Beginnings -23 Richards Ridgetown

backtoeden.ontario@gmail.com
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com
"Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care

Happy St Patrick's Day

Enjoy your special day -my irish friends

Back to Eden communities
Sunridge -261 Oakhill Drive, Brantford
New Beginnings -23 Richards Ridgetown

backtoeden.ontario@gmail.com
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com
"Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care

Public Water Safety Record Falsified-action requested

Citizen petition for new Brantford By-Law


Let it be resolved that any individual or group who falsifies records that impact on the quality of life or safety of the public should immediately be terminated without benefits or recourse.

Citizen Watch Committee - Brant Taxpayers Coalition - March 2009

Please contact your political representative to express your views. Ask the Mayor, councillors for an accounting of the attached water reporting incident and help them make the right decision Contact information is given after the following information article .

Water treatment plant incident raises questions

The following quote is taken from Part II of the Walkerton Inquiry Report at page 5:
"While it is not possible to utterly remove all risk from a water system, the recommendations' overall goal is to ensure that Ontario's drinking water systems deliver water with a level of risk so negligible that a reasonable and informed person would feel safe drinking the water."
I read with interest and concern the report in Saturday's (March 7) Expositor concerning an incident at the Holmedale water treatment plant.
I have also read the column in Tuesday's (March 10) edition by Tim Philp under the heading "City should be ashamed of water secrecy."
The later is an understatement and should raise a number of questions in the minds of city taxpayers:
Who should we believe?
The City's general manager of Engineering and Operational Services, who says: "the memo was a legal opinion on yellow paper, so it was confidential" and "We didn't want to release information until we had a full investigation. It's a staff issue, there are procedures and we have unions here."
The general manager went on to say because the incident was not serious the issue was about how it was reported internally, and not about the safety of the water.
Or ...
The opinion of the assistant city solicitor who says the matter is important "because bacteria and other dangerous substances can attach to the particles." The "particles" are the subject of concern that were released into our water system by mistake and the regulations state that they should rarely exceed 0.3 parts per million and never exceed 1.0 parts per million.
According to the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition system) the incident had recorded readings that "exceeded 1.0" part per million.
It is fortunate that this was discovered as quickly as it was. The operator on duty had failed to enter the above in his log book. In fact the operator on duty had falsified a legal document.
A log book is just that and failing to make accurate entries either by omission or commission is falsification.
Is this the first time an incident such as this has occurred or have there been others that have gone undetected or unreported?
Are the employees at the plant properly trained and do they understand the importance of accurate reporting?
Does the city manager of Engineering and Operational Services fully understand the potential impact that this incident could have had on the city's water system and the health of the citizens of this community?
As a concerned citizen of Brantford I would like to be informed of the outcome of the ministry investigation and be assured that regardless of past practice the management and staff at the City's water treatment plants are held responsible and accountable for the way in which they carry out their duties.
Quite frankly, I find it disturbing that the city manager of Engineering and Operational Service would be more concerned about "staff issues, procedures and unions" than the safety of the citizens of Brantford. I remain reasonable and (hopefully) informed.
Thank you for listening. Doug Foulds Brantford (Article emphasis added)

Contact your public representatives to get the answers - it’s your money and safety, tell them to use it wisely and protect your quality of life and water safety.

Public Brantford Representatives

Mayor Mike Hancock 519-759-4150 mhancock@brantford.ca

WARD 1 Councillors Jennifer Kinneman 519-717-3872 jkinneman@brantford.ca
Mark Littell 519-717-0403 mlittell@brantford.ca

WARD 2 Councillors John Sless 519-717-0673 jsless@brantford.ca
Vince Bucci 519-717-0518 mailto:Bucci519-717-0518vbucci@brantford.ca

WARD 3 Councillors Greg Martin 519-754-7269 gmartin@brantford.ca
Dan McCreary519-761-2439 dmccreary@brantford.ca

WARD 4 Councillors Richard Carpenter 519-770-6027 rcarpenter@brantford.ca
James Calnan 519-732-6476 jcalnan@brantford.ca

WARD 5 Councillors Marguerite Ceschi-Smith 519-758-5093 mceschi-smith@brantford.ca
John Bradford 519-755-8255mailto:jbradford@brantford.ca

Provincial representative Dave Levac

dlevac.mpp@liberal.ola.org

Federal representative Phil Coleman

McColeman.P@parl.gc.ca

Brantford Press Editors

Expositor John Chambers Editor jchambers@theepositor.ccom Editorial
Brantford.com Greg McMillan Editor http://www.blogger.com/editor@brantford.com