I attended the final concert in Salle Wilfrid Pelltier at Place des arts. The orchestra moves to the new concert hall in September. The performance was a concert version of Das Rheingold, the beginning of the Ring series. I find Wagner somewhat long and tedious with memorable bits ( Ride of the Valkyrie eg.
Anna Russell does an amazingly funny summary of the Ring:
The concert was good, but it is long to have two and half hours with no intermission.
KENT NAGANO, conductor
LAURENT ALVARO, Wotan
NIKOLAI SCHUKOFF, Loge
ANKE VONDUNG, Fricka
WENDY BRYN HARMER, Freia
ALEXANDRE SYLVESTRE, Donner
ANTONIO FIGUEROA, Froh
ANNA LARSSON, Erda
EIKE WILM SCHULTE, Alberich
WOLFGANG ABLINGER-SPERRHACKE, Mime
MORRIS ROBINSON, Fasolt
PHILIP ENS, Fafner
MARIANNE LAMBERT, Woglinde
ANNA KASYAN, Wellgunde
ALLYSON MCHARDY, Flosshilde
WAGNER, Das Rheingold
Presentation of the opera in a concert version, with bilingual supertitles.
Pre-concert talk, May 29th, Piano Nobile at 1:30 p.m. and May 31th at 6:30 p.m.,CBC Radio Two’s Kelly Rice interviews Michel Veilleux.
After Tristan und Isolde and Tannhaüser, the OSM presents the concert version of Das Rheingold, the first opera in the celebrated tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen. Wagner plunges the listener into the very heart of Nordic mythology, with its gods, giants and dwarves in perpetual conflict, re-creating for us as he does so the world in its timelessness and its many metamorphoses, through turnarounds in the plot, mystifications and revelations. “No one has ever composed like this,” wrote Wagner to his friend Liszt. Discover why in this very last program given by the OSM in Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.
Here is my favourite part of the Ring:
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Prof Flanagan on electoral welfare
An interesting piece by Prof Flanaga, He thinks political parties should learn to live within their means. The grits have been spending as if they were the natural governing party. That can't continue , unless they learn to fund raise from their grass roots. The grits are a top down kind of party and I think they will die if they don't change that.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s budget is about to cancel the quarterly allowances for political parties. While critics accuse the Conservatives of wanting to bankrupt their opponents, the real-world effects are more subtle and long-term.
The Conservatives’ platform commitment is to end the allowances gradually over a three-year period. That probably means paying 75 per cent of the present amount the first year, 50 per cent the second year, 25 per cent the third year, and nothing thereafter. Thus, between passage of the budget and the next election, currently expected for October, 2015, each party will receive 150 per cent of its current annual subsidy, as compared to 400 per cent if the fiscal regime were not changed.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s budget is about to cancel the quarterly allowances for political parties. While critics accuse the Conservatives of wanting to bankrupt their opponents, the real-world effects are more subtle and long-term.
The Conservatives’ platform commitment is to end the allowances gradually over a three-year period. That probably means paying 75 per cent of the present amount the first year, 50 per cent the second year, 25 per cent the third year, and nothing thereafter. Thus, between passage of the budget and the next election, currently expected for October, 2015, each party will receive 150 per cent of its current annual subsidy, as compared to 400 per cent if the fiscal regime were not changed.
Monday, May 30, 2011
TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge In Canada
Unfortunately I will be away for TRH homecoming, but I will be keeping track! It will be Happy and Glorious! God Bless TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. God Save the Queen of Canada!!!
Theme of the 2011 Royal Tour of Canada “Moving Forward Together”
May 30, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada has been given the distinct honour of hosting the first international tour by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The 2011 Royal Tour of Canada will be their first international destination as a newly married couple, as well as the first Commonwealth country and the first realm country to welcome them. With scheduled stops in the National Capital Region, as well as every region of the country – Atlantic Canada (Prince Edward Island – Charlottetown and Summerside), Central Canada (Quebec – Montreal and Quebec City), Western Canada (Alberta – Calgary) and the North (Northwest Territories – Yellowknife), the itinerary has been developed in such a way as to allow the Royal Couple to meet as many Canadians as possible.
Their Royal Highnesses will come to know Canada and, in the process, develop their own lasting bonds of affection with Canada and Canadians. This has been the case with Her Majesty The Queen for over 60 years, beginning with her first visit as Princess Elizabeth at the age of 25 in 1951.
The Royal Tour itinerary will focus on a unique combination of events that mirror what Canadians have accomplished together (the past), how we define ourselves through active service (the present) and why we will continue to strive to attain other goals and aspirations (the future). In much the same way as the Royal Couple reflect the generational continuity and vitality of the Canadian Crown, the various events of the tour will profile Canadians who:
have helped build our country: seniors, veterans, and community leaders;
serve to reinforce our shared values: volunteers, artists, and the military; and
now prepare for the many challenges and promises of the future: Canada’s youth.
The Royal Tour will be an exciting complement to celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, which will take place across Canada throughout the Jubilee year in 2012.
PM announces destinations for the 2011 Royal Tour of Canada
May 30, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the destinations for the Royal Tour of Canada by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The couple will make seven official stops during their tour of Canada, from June 30 to July 8, 2011.
“Canadians hold The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in very high esteem and look forward to welcoming them as they embark on their first official Royal Tour as newlyweds,” said the Prime Minister. “The couple’s decision to visit Canada first is a testament to our country’s close relationship with the Crown and Royal Family, and an opportunity for all Canadians to take pride in our traditions, history, and institutions.”
The Prime Minister went on to say: “I am confident that, in coming to know this country and its people better, The Duke and Duchess will develop their own enduring bonds of affection for Canada and Canadians as has been the case with Her Majesty The Queen over sixty years, which began with her own very first tour as Princess Elizabeth at the age of 25 in 1951.”
This will be the third time His Royal Highness has toured Canada. His previous ones were in 1991 and 1998. This will be the first tour to Canada for Her Royal Highness.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit:
The National Capital Region, from June 30 to July 2;
Montreal, Quebec, on July 2;
Quebec City, Quebec, on July 3;
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, from July 3 to July 4;
Summerside, Prince Edward Island, on July 4;
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, from July 4 to July 6; and
Calgary, Alberta, from July 6 to July 8.
A full itinerary is being developed in collaboration with municipal, provincial, territorial and federal partners, and private organizations, and will be released at a later date.
The theme of the 2011 Royal Tour is “Moving Forward Together: From Past Accomplishments to Current Service to Future Achievements” – thus mirroring the important sense of continuity that is the Canadian Crown itself.
There will be many opportunities for the public to see The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge throughout the Tour. For more information on the 2011 Royal Tour and the Monarchy, please visit: http://www.royaltour.gc.ca/
Delusional grits and their delusional allies
Professional grit sycophant peter newman and his publisher really thought iffy would be Prime Minister of Canada. Indeed newman says things like the "the Liberals were a state religion"??? He was going to write another hagiography of one his grit masters, but even newman came to realize that iffy was not a leader. newman like the other grit journalist cheerleaders is greatly saddened that the grits are gone. The grit "intelligentsia" are fully out of touch with Canadians.
Originally – and before the debacle – Peter C. Newman was fashioning his biography of Michael Ignatieff on Theodore H. White’s series of books analyzing the American presidents, The Making of the President.
Mr. Newman, the celebrated Canadian political author, planned to write about the making of the prime minister. He called it: Michael Ignatieff: the Man in Full.
His research revealed the Liberal leader as a man who, having lived outside the country for half his life, had a confused view of patriotism. “He thought if he loved the country enough it would love him back, and it doesn’t work that way,” Mr. Newman observed.
In addition, the author found a brilliant man so full of ideas that he was unfocused; he found someone bent on seeking redemption and a man who aspired to be a winning politician, having only ever led one revolution – a protest against a pajama party at Upper Canada College.
“I have wonderful material,” said Mr. Newman.
Several months ago, however, Mr. Newman, 82, realized he had to change course – and quickly. Mr. Ignatieff was not the “knight in shining amour and world intellectual” who he and his publishers expected to defeat Stephen Harper and become prime minister.
And with that, the ever-so-nimble Mr. Newman began writing When the Gods Changed; the Death of Liberal Canada.
Originally – and before the debacle – Peter C. Newman was fashioning his biography of Michael Ignatieff on Theodore H. White’s series of books analyzing the American presidents, The Making of the President.
Mr. Newman, the celebrated Canadian political author, planned to write about the making of the prime minister. He called it: Michael Ignatieff: the Man in Full.
His research revealed the Liberal leader as a man who, having lived outside the country for half his life, had a confused view of patriotism. “He thought if he loved the country enough it would love him back, and it doesn’t work that way,” Mr. Newman observed.
In addition, the author found a brilliant man so full of ideas that he was unfocused; he found someone bent on seeking redemption and a man who aspired to be a winning politician, having only ever led one revolution – a protest against a pajama party at Upper Canada College.
“I have wonderful material,” said Mr. Newman.
Several months ago, however, Mr. Newman, 82, realized he had to change course – and quickly. Mr. Ignatieff was not the “knight in shining amour and world intellectual” who he and his publishers expected to defeat Stephen Harper and become prime minister.
And with that, the ever-so-nimble Mr. Newman began writing When the Gods Changed; the Death of Liberal Canada.
HM Canadian Forces
I am a strong supporter of HM Canadian Forces. One of the many reasons I spent so much time and money to defeat the grit hordes was their shameful treat ment of the military. It truly was a decade of darkness. The grits had no compunction of sending Canadian young peeopl into harm's way with little or no equipment, with helicopters that would fall out of the sky.
Things are much better, though we need to more rebuilding to restore the military. We must restore the honourable traditions of the military and build up our forces. This article makes me think we are well on her way.
A proud military once again
Shaun Francis, National Post · May 30, 2011 | Last Updated: May 30, 2011 3:04 AM ET
Recently I visited Kingston's Royal Military College to watch 200 cadets graduate and become newly commissioned officers in the Canadian military. RMC's commanding officer, Commodore William Truelove, had invited me to attend, to receive an honorary degree and give the commencement speech. The scale of the production left me in awe. Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay, the RMC chancellor, presented the students with their degrees. At sunset, a Canadian Forces skydiving team parachuted into ceremonies that included marching bands, highland dancers and fireworks. The next morning featured a Snowbirds fly-by to mark Chief of the Defence Staff General Walt Natynczyk's inspired commissioning of the new graduates as officers in the Canadian Forces. As I watched all this, it occurred to me how lucky we are to have such a professional group of young leaders representing our country.
Things are much better, though we need to more rebuilding to restore the military. We must restore the honourable traditions of the military and build up our forces. This article makes me think we are well on her way.
A proud military once again
Shaun Francis, National Post · May 30, 2011 | Last Updated: May 30, 2011 3:04 AM ET
Recently I visited Kingston's Royal Military College to watch 200 cadets graduate and become newly commissioned officers in the Canadian military. RMC's commanding officer, Commodore William Truelove, had invited me to attend, to receive an honorary degree and give the commencement speech. The scale of the production left me in awe. Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay, the RMC chancellor, presented the students with their degrees. At sunset, a Canadian Forces skydiving team parachuted into ceremonies that included marching bands, highland dancers and fireworks. The next morning featured a Snowbirds fly-by to mark Chief of the Defence Staff General Walt Natynczyk's inspired commissioning of the new graduates as officers in the Canadian Forces. As I watched all this, it occurred to me how lucky we are to have such a professional group of young leaders representing our country.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Very Sad
My deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Bombardier Karl Manning.
Manning, 31, died in what the military describes as a "non-hostile" "non-accident" incident, which is code for he likely took his own life.
The flag did come to half staff after Milner's statement, in contrast to other times when it's been lowered the moment the headquarters learned of a death.
Whether it was a deliberate or inadvertent gesture, it said much about how the military's "go get'em" culture struggles to deal with suicide.
Manning, a native of Chicoutimi, Que., was an artillery soldier and radar operator, who spent the better part of a nearly completed tour at a remote base amid the desolate hard scrub villages of western Panjwaii.
It is a stark, hostile place that for years had been a Taliban sanctuary _ until the Canadian battle group, led by the 1st Battalion Royal 22e Regiment, pushed into the area last December.
Manning's body was discovered by fellow soldiers at the outpost in the Zangabad area on Friday.
changebook
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Today was the last day of the PCPO AGM. Today changebook was released. It is an excellent presentation of policies that will elect Tim Hudak as the next Premier of Ontario. dalton mcliar's grits have almost doubled spending, increased taxes at every opportunity and given Ontario the largest deficit in history.
There are many great policies including transparency, spending cuts and tax cuts. Download and read it for yourself.
It was a great weekend!
dippers= bloq
What do you think of the proposal to redistribute seats in the House of Commons? Should Quebec gain more seats?
jack and gilles seem to be of one mind. It seems jack wants more seats in the house for Quebec! Quebec is already overrepresented in the House. jack also wants to extend bill 101 to fedral institutions. jack doesn't recognize the clarity act. At what cost the orange wave. I wonder what dipper supporters outside of Quebec are saying. I bet they didn't count on voting for the new orange version of the bloq. Even the cbc poll opposes ore seats for Quebec. Whatever happented to representation by population. A reformed senate is the solution to Quebec's wories, but jack and the bloq oppose that as well. I doubt even the grits would give in to these demands. the dippers are not a federalist party!
Opposition Leader Jack Layton says he believes Prime Minister Stephen Harper is prepared to find common ground with the NDP and give Quebec more seats in the House of Commons.
The Conservatives proposed in April that Canada's three fastest-growing provinces should get more seats in the House of Commons by 2014, with Ontario gaining 18 seats, British Columbia gaining seven and Alberta five.
Under the proposed legislation, all other provinces, whose populations are not growing as quickly, would be guaranteed to keep the number of seats they have. Quebec currently holds 75 out of 308 seats, 24.4 per cent of seats, despite having 23.2 per cent of Canada's population.
Some Quebec politicians insist the province won't accept anything less than its current number of seats.
jack and gilles seem to be of one mind. It seems jack wants more seats in the house for Quebec! Quebec is already overrepresented in the House. jack also wants to extend bill 101 to fedral institutions. jack doesn't recognize the clarity act. At what cost the orange wave. I wonder what dipper supporters outside of Quebec are saying. I bet they didn't count on voting for the new orange version of the bloq. Even the cbc poll opposes ore seats for Quebec. Whatever happented to representation by population. A reformed senate is the solution to Quebec's wories, but jack and the bloq oppose that as well. I doubt even the grits would give in to these demands. the dippers are not a federalist party!
Opposition Leader Jack Layton says he believes Prime Minister Stephen Harper is prepared to find common ground with the NDP and give Quebec more seats in the House of Commons.
The Conservatives proposed in April that Canada's three fastest-growing provinces should get more seats in the House of Commons by 2014, with Ontario gaining 18 seats, British Columbia gaining seven and Alberta five.
Under the proposed legislation, all other provinces, whose populations are not growing as quickly, would be guaranteed to keep the number of seats they have. Quebec currently holds 75 out of 308 seats, 24.4 per cent of seats, despite having 23.2 per cent of Canada's population.
Some Quebec politicians insist the province won't accept anything less than its current number of seats.
Killing Kyoto
Unlike the grits who ratified Kyoto then spent $6billion and accomplished nothing, the Tories are climate realists. The Kyoto treaty will die a much needed death. It wasters billions and has accomplished nothing.
Indeed Tim Hudak also said no carbon tax!!!
Most of the G8 is outside of Kyoto!!!
Kyoto deal loses four big nations
May 29, 2011
DEAUVILLE, France: Russia, Japan and Canada told the G8 they would not join a second round of carbon cuts under the Kyoto Protocol at United Nations talks this year and the US reiterated it would remain outside the treaty, European diplomats have said.
Indeed Tim Hudak also said no carbon tax!!!
Most of the G8 is outside of Kyoto!!!
Kyoto deal loses four big nations
May 29, 2011
DEAUVILLE, France: Russia, Japan and Canada told the G8 they would not join a second round of carbon cuts under the Kyoto Protocol at United Nations talks this year and the US reiterated it would remain outside the treaty, European diplomats have said.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
PCPO AGM 2011
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| HM Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson |
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| Carol Williams PCPO Candidate |
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| Senator Wallin PC Ontario Leader Tim Hudak |
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| Campaign Manager Mark Spiro |
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| Rocco Rossi |
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| HM Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney |
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| Lisa MacLeod Christine Elliot |
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| Tim Powers |
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| MPs Stella Ambler and Bernard Trottier |
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| HM Minister of Democratic Reform Tim Uppal |
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| HM Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty Steve Stinson Christine Elliot |
HM Minister of Citizenship Jason Kenney gave a rousing lunch time speech to a packed room. He told of his hard work in the last 5 years, which helped us win a majority. He said we helped win immigrant votes not by pandering like the grits, but by appealing to the values most immigrants have, which are conservative values.
PC Ontario leader gave two great speeches. On Friday he did an interview with Senator Wallin and took audience questions. On Saturday after many speakers exhorting Ontario Tories to victory Tim gave a barnburner. Tim gave details of changebook, the new PC Ontario platform. It is a very sensible platform of tax cuts, spending cuts and law and order. It also includes making union ratification votes and limiting unions ability to force their members to fund union leader leftist agendas ( the ADQ also passed similar policies). The crowd gave Tim a rapturous reply. changebook will be released soon.
I really think Tim Hudak will be the next Premier of Ontario! The Ontario PC's seem ready willing and able!
Good news for Ontario PC's
Nick Kouvalis of Campaign Research shared some May 2011 polling results which are very bad news for dalton mcliar! The Ontario PC's lead by 18 points! The grits and dippers are polling almost equally.
The grits have had scandal after scandal and tax increase after tax increase. It is catching up with them.
I will welcome a PC government in October!
Salim Mansur on Israel
Prof Mansur has a lovely piece on Israel. Israel is an exceptional nation. I am proud that Canada is the Jewish State's strongest ally.
The notion of an exceptional nation suggests the role of providence (divinity or God) in the securing of its destiny. American “exceptionalism” in this sense means America’s republican experiment with freedom and democracy h} wrote, “there can be little question that the hand of providence has been on a nation which finds a Washington, a Lincoln, or a Roosevelt when it needs him.”
The notion of an exceptional nation suggests the role of providence (divinity or God) in the securing of its destiny. American “exceptionalism” in this sense means America’s republican experiment with freedom and democracy h} wrote, “there can be little question that the hand of providence has been on a nation which finds a Washington, a Lincoln, or a Roosevelt when it needs him.”
Another grit urges merger
I like the idea of a merger of the dippers and the grits. It would mean blue grits and even some populist western dippers would join forces with the Tories. It would mean a clear choice between left and right. At this point the grits would have tp approach the dippers on their knees. That should finally humble the natural governing party.
It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the conclusion that the Liberal and New Democratic Parties should merge and become one entity known as the Liberal Democratic Party of Canada. I am convinced that it would be in the best long-term interests of both parties but, far more important, it would be in the best interests of Canada. Canadians deserve a clear choice when they next vote.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper won a majority on May 2 with only 40 per cent of the votes cast. He has the right to show what he can do. It is possible that he might govern well enough to earn a second majority. But what if he implements unpopular socially conservative policies? And, what if he allows the Americanization of Canada with its ultimate goal of a North American Union? In that case, after nine years of Conservative rule, Canadians might be desperate for change.
dipper separatists?
Lorne Gunter has it right. The dippers long ago sold out to the Quebec separatists. Apparently it takes 75% to amend the dipper constitution, but Jack thinks 50% plus one is enough to break up our country.
Lorne Gunter: Jack Layton, closet separatist?
Last Updated: May 27, 2011 1:52 PM ET
Shortly after the May 2 federal election, I wrote a column about how the results diminished Quebec’s already declining influence in Canada. I was besieged by angry emails from Quebecers. Putting aside these messages’ illuminating allegations about my parentage and their helpful instructions of how I might extract my head from my … well, you get the idea … the angry emails had one common theme: How could I be so anti-Quebec at the very moment that province’s voters had chosen to support a federalist party — the NDP – for the first time in 20 years?
The NDP? Federalist? Don’t make me laugh.
On most major constitutional issues, the NDP are as nationalist as the separatist Bloc Quebecois. The Dippers try hard to sound more federalist. And they probably won’t even admit to themselves how nationalist they are. Still, on matters of language policy in the province and funding for Quebec-only programs, on special treatment for Quebec and on the legal requirements for the province leaving Confederation, it would be difficult to slip a piece of paper between the NDP and Bloc.
Lorne Gunter: Jack Layton, closet separatist?
Last Updated: May 27, 2011 1:52 PM ET
Shortly after the May 2 federal election, I wrote a column about how the results diminished Quebec’s already declining influence in Canada. I was besieged by angry emails from Quebecers. Putting aside these messages’ illuminating allegations about my parentage and their helpful instructions of how I might extract my head from my … well, you get the idea … the angry emails had one common theme: How could I be so anti-Quebec at the very moment that province’s voters had chosen to support a federalist party — the NDP – for the first time in 20 years?
The NDP? Federalist? Don’t make me laugh.
On most major constitutional issues, the NDP are as nationalist as the separatist Bloc Quebecois. The Dippers try hard to sound more federalist. And they probably won’t even admit to themselves how nationalist they are. Still, on matters of language policy in the province and funding for Quebec-only programs, on special treatment for Quebec and on the legal requirements for the province leaving Confederation, it would be difficult to slip a piece of paper between the NDP and Bloc.
Friday, May 27, 2011
IMFC Conference 2011
Here are the videos of the IMFC Conference I attended in May
Very interesting vis a vis the situation in Quebec.
Very interesting vis a vis the situation in Quebec.
Canada and Israel
Once again Canada stands by Israel, while bo does not. Israel has no stronger ally than Canada!!! Thank you to HM PM Stephen Harper!!!
Group of Eight leaders had to soften a statement urging Israel and the Palestinians to return to negotiations because Canada objected to a specific mention of 1967 borders, diplomats said on Friday.
Canada's right-leaning Conservative government has adopted a staunchly pro-Israel position in international negotiations since coming to power in 2006, with Prime Minister Stephen Harper saying Canada will back Israel whatever the cost.
Group of Eight leaders had to soften a statement urging Israel and the Palestinians to return to negotiations because Canada objected to a specific mention of 1967 borders, diplomats said on Friday.
Canada's right-leaning Conservative government has adopted a staunchly pro-Israel position in international negotiations since coming to power in 2006, with Prime Minister Stephen Harper saying Canada will back Israel whatever the cost.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Swearing In
I was truly honoured to have been asked by my friend newly elected MP John Williamson, to attend his swearing in ceremony.
On my way to the event I met MP Ted Opitz and congratulated him on his win. I also met MP Chungson Leung of Willowdale and ran into HM Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney. The swearing in was quite short, but we retired to a friend's home for a famulous rib dinner. It was great seeing many friends and making a few new ones. The event took place in a beautiful room in the Center Block of Parliament. It was a wonderful day.
It's done more as an assembly line in the UK and for some reason the CanadianMP oaths doesn't mention HM heirs and successors, though they are mentioned for HM Cabinet ministers.
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| MP Ted Opitz |
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| John and his Family |
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| MP Chungson Leung |
On my way to the event I met MP Ted Opitz and congratulated him on his win. I also met MP Chungson Leung of Willowdale and ran into HM Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney. The swearing in was quite short, but we retired to a friend's home for a famulous rib dinner. It was great seeing many friends and making a few new ones. The event took place in a beautiful room in the Center Block of Parliament. It was a wonderful day.
It's done more as an assembly line in the UK and for some reason the CanadianMP oaths doesn't mention HM heirs and successors, though they are mentioned for HM Cabinet ministers.
More bad financial news for the third party
More bad news for the sinking grits. The grits are fighting to have anyone pay attention to them and they are increasingly financially sinking . Nearly one-third of Liberal party candidates failed to garner enough votes to qualify for Elections Canada reimbursements of their election expenses, iPolitics has learned.
A study of the this month’s election results has revealed that 92 Liberal candidates, or 30%, received less than 10% of the vote — the party’s worst showing since at least 1997.
Moreover, the number of Liberal candidates who fail to meet the threshold to be reimbursed has been rising steadily in recent years.
A study of the this month’s election results has revealed that 92 Liberal candidates, or 30%, received less than 10% of the vote — the party’s worst showing since at least 1997.
Moreover, the number of Liberal candidates who fail to meet the threshold to be reimbursed has been rising steadily in recent years.
Privatize the post?
Nathalie El Grahbly has a great piece in the Journal de Montreal advocating privatization of Canada Post. No, I am not just advocating this because it is not the Royal Mail (and it should be remade the Royal Mail and then privatized). It has been done in the UK with a Chief originally from Canada Post. It is the right thing to do. My friend Vincent Geloso has authoured a study also showing this to be a great idea.
Nathalie Elgrably-Levy
Privatize the post office?
Le Journal de Montreal, p. 25
Last year we lived in the pace of negotiations between the Common Front of public sector unions and the Quebec government. Now, they are those of Canada Post who monopolize attention.
The union representing employees of Canada Post seeks, among other things, wage increases and full job security. It will not be too surprised if the employer gives the union the bulk of its claims. Why should it be otherwise? As Canada Post has a monopoly on letter delivery, then it will suffice to pass the bill to the brave and obedient consumers.
Nathalie Elgrably-Levy
Privatize the post office?
Le Journal de Montreal, p. 25
Last year we lived in the pace of negotiations between the Common Front of public sector unions and the Quebec government. Now, they are those of Canada Post who monopolize attention.
The union representing employees of Canada Post seeks, among other things, wage increases and full job security. It will not be too surprised if the employer gives the union the bulk of its claims. Why should it be otherwise? As Canada Post has a monopoly on letter delivery, then it will suffice to pass the bill to the brave and obedient consumers.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Bob Rae
The grits have picked bob rae for their sinking ship. That is probably their best choice. The grits visibility is already fast fading and the cuts to electoral welfare will just cause them to fade even faster. I think bob is competent but he is essentially a dipper in grit clothing. He should guarantee the blue grits stay away and that is good for the Tories. The blue grits in Ontario will almost certainly run from a party with bob rae as its leader.
Gerry Nichols has a good piece on this latest grit strategy. Remember rae couldn't beat dion or iffy.
Rae is clearly viewed as the party’s best hope for staying in the public eye and remaining credible in the political fray against a Conservative majority and the newly boosted strength of the New Democratic Party. Liberals are aware that neither Prime Minister Stephen Harper nor NDP Leader Jack Layton have any interest in seeing the Liberals bounce back — that they may indeed share a desire to see the party die altogether.
John McCallum, one of the Liberal MPs who did manage to hold on to his seat on May 2, didn’t sugar-coat the situation facing the Liberals when he spoke to reporters Wednesday, and explained why Rae was needed in the leader’s job.
“We’ve gone to 19 per cent of the vote. I don’t think that’s a floor. I think there’s a risk that if we’re not smart, if we don’t act well, we could go even lower,” McCallum said. “We have to put our strongest person on the ice, someone who can take on Layton and Harper in the House, someone who can give good sound bites to the media; somebody who can speak with passion and with humour and someone with experience and political instincts to respond to a fluid situation.”
Gerry Nichols has a good piece on this latest grit strategy. Remember rae couldn't beat dion or iffy.
Rae is clearly viewed as the party’s best hope for staying in the public eye and remaining credible in the political fray against a Conservative majority and the newly boosted strength of the New Democratic Party. Liberals are aware that neither Prime Minister Stephen Harper nor NDP Leader Jack Layton have any interest in seeing the Liberals bounce back — that they may indeed share a desire to see the party die altogether.
John McCallum, one of the Liberal MPs who did manage to hold on to his seat on May 2, didn’t sugar-coat the situation facing the Liberals when he spoke to reporters Wednesday, and explained why Rae was needed in the leader’s job.
“We’ve gone to 19 per cent of the vote. I don’t think that’s a floor. I think there’s a risk that if we’re not smart, if we don’t act well, we could go even lower,” McCallum said. “We have to put our strongest person on the ice, someone who can take on Layton and Harper in the House, someone who can give good sound bites to the media; somebody who can speak with passion and with humour and someone with experience and political instincts to respond to a fluid situation.”
More stupid parent tricks
Wow, there are still hippies around. These parents are truly odd. How very sad for their children. Children are very resilient and will survive these nutty parents, but one worries about them anyways.
Barbara Kay: A child’s biology is not a matter of choice
Children should not be used as guinea pigs in new-aged social experiments.
In 1978, a children’s book was published called X: A Fabulous Child’s Story, about a child with no gender. X liked both football and basket-weaving, ignored schoolyard teasing and ended up as the happiest, most well-adjusted child ever examined by “an impartial team of experts.”
What are the odds of two utopians, married to each other and both blinkered enough to find this unrealistic story so “compelling” they would use it as a template for raising their own child?
Meet one-in-a-trillion Toronto couple Kathy Witterick, 38, and David Stocker, 39, parents of Jazz, 5, and Kio, 2 — both acknowledged to be boys — and their four-month-old baby Storm, knowledge of whose sex the parents are withholding because, after reading Lois Gould’s story, “How could we not?”
Barbara Kay: A child’s biology is not a matter of choice
Children should not be used as guinea pigs in new-aged social experiments.
In 1978, a children’s book was published called X: A Fabulous Child’s Story, about a child with no gender. X liked both football and basket-weaving, ignored schoolyard teasing and ended up as the happiest, most well-adjusted child ever examined by “an impartial team of experts.”
What are the odds of two utopians, married to each other and both blinkered enough to find this unrealistic story so “compelling” they would use it as a template for raising their own child?
Meet one-in-a-trillion Toronto couple Kathy Witterick, 38, and David Stocker, 39, parents of Jazz, 5, and Kio, 2 — both acknowledged to be boys — and their four-month-old baby Storm, knowledge of whose sex the parents are withholding because, after reading Lois Gould’s story, “How could we not?”
dalton continues his slide
mcliar and his grits are in trouble. Lying repeatedly about their provincial wage freeze and bringing attention back to ehealth are just the latest scandal to eat away at grit support. the grits have increased the deficit massively and increased taxes. There are conservative administration in Toronto City Hall and federally. It is time to boot out dalton and his tax and spend grits. I will be attending the Ontario PC Convention in Toronto this weekend.
You should too if you want to get rid of the grits! Let's work together and make Tim Hudak premier of Ontario!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Canada ranks number 2 in the OECD quality of life survey , second to our fellow Constitutional Monarchy Australia. So after 5 years of Tory government things are going swimmingly.
Australia is seen as having the best quality of life among industrialized countries, one ranking ahead of second-place Canada, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
However, it appears the clincher for Australia could be its high voter-turnout rates, which policy-makers in that country agree are largely the result of mandatory voting laws.
Canada scored at or near the top in areas such as housing, education, health and life satisfaction among the 34 major industrialized countries that make up the OECD. Sweden ranked third, the U.S. was seventh and Turkey was dead last.
Australia is seen as having the best quality of life among industrialized countries, one ranking ahead of second-place Canada, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
However, it appears the clincher for Australia could be its high voter-turnout rates, which policy-makers in that country agree are largely the result of mandatory voting laws.
Canada scored at or near the top in areas such as housing, education, health and life satisfaction among the 34 major industrialized countries that make up the OECD. Sweden ranked third, the U.S. was seventh and Turkey was dead last.
The Commonwealth
Hugh Segal has an interesting artickle on the Commonwealth. I would love to see on the Commonwealth. I would love to see the Commonwealth, with The Soevereign as its Head, become a massive free trade zone. Rich Commonwealth coutries : The United Kingodm and the senior Dominions of Canada, Australia and New Zealand should unilaterally drop all tariffs and barriers to trade from the poorest of Commonwealth countries and eventually we should all be free traders!
With a majority government in Ottawa, a renewed, coherent and engaged foreign policy beckons. One critical international instrument is the Commonwealth, an organization descended from the British Empire and one that is now being reformed and strengthened. The organization currently embraces 54 states worldwide and 2.4 billion people, with trillions of dollars of potential international trade. Canada cannot afford to ignore it.
With a majority government in Ottawa, a renewed, coherent and engaged foreign policy beckons. One critical international instrument is the Commonwealth, an organization descended from the British Empire and one that is now being reformed and strengthened. The organization currently embraces 54 states worldwide and 2.4 billion people, with trillions of dollars of potential international trade. Canada cannot afford to ignore it.
Joplin, Missouri
I was deeply saddened by the devastation experienced by the people of this small town. Americans are always the first to help when disaster strikes. I am sure we Canadians will help them!
AIPAC
I was not able to attend AIPAC, but here are some of the speeches from that great conference:
Bibi Netanyahu
John Boehner
Eric Cantor
Bibi Netanyahu
John Boehner
Eric Cantor
Monday, May 23, 2011
Spanish Elections
Spanish voters have abandoned the socialist party in droves. The Spanish economy ( held up by bo for its green jobs strategy ) is in shambles. The Popular party will almost certainly win general elections next year. I hope they can fix the mess. The Spanish also need to withdraw from the eurozone.
The Spanish Popular Party came out victorious in local and regional elections Sunday, according to early results, while demonstrators around the country said they plan to keep protesting for at least another week.
The Spanish Popular Party came out victorious in local and regional elections Sunday, according to early results, while demonstrators around the country said they plan to keep protesting for at least another week.
Victoria Day
Happy Victoria Day. Victoria Day is also the Official Birthday of Our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth. Happy Birthday Your Majesty!
Message From His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of Victoria Day
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 22, 2011) - Victoria Day is always cause for celebration in Canada, and perhaps this year more than most.
Once again, we have the opportunity to express our affection for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as we mark her official birthday in Canada. While Her Majesty's actual date of birth is in April, Canadians have long celebrated her birthday on the May long weekend in honour of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819.
This occasion also allows us to honour the continuity of our links to the Royal Family, so recently renewed with the wedding of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. We are looking forward to their visit to Canada this summer, and to another joyous occasion to come—Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, in 2012.
During her reign of six decades as Queen of Canada, Her Majesty has served our country with great dignity and dedication. In homage to Her Majesty's achievement and as a symbol of our appreciation, the new Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal will honour deserving Canadians who have contributed so much to this nation, and who have helped to define our ideal of service. The Queen has dedicated her life to encouraging excellence among Canadians, and this medal is an opportunity to recognize outstanding service to Canada and to see how we are brought together through action.
As we celebrate the return of spring on this May long weekend, let us take a moment to wish Her Majesty a very a happy birthday, and to reflect on the pride and joy we feel to live in this blessed land.
David Johnston
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the occasion of Victoria Day
May 22, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of Victoria Day:
“Tomorrow, I will join Canadians across the country in the official celebration of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada.
“On Victoria Day, we pay tribute to the life and leadership of The Queen and reflect on the close friendship Canada enjoys with the United Kingdom. Canada’s British heritage has been pivotal in shaping our country’s identity and many British traditions and institutions remain an integral part of our culture.
“Canada holds the Royal Family in very high esteem and is looking forward to welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they embark on a tour of Canada from June 30 to July 8, their first overseas tour as a married couple.
“Mounting excitement for Her Majesty’s upcoming Diamond Jubilee – which will be celebrated in Canada throughout 2012 – is a testament to The Queen’s exemplary service as Canada’s Head of State.
“On behalf of Canadians, I am pleased to extend our best wishes to Her Majesty The Queen and all people who will be celebrating this special day.”
HM the Queen of Canada
The Mother of Confederation
THe Mother of Confederation
Message From His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of Victoria Day
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 22, 2011) - Victoria Day is always cause for celebration in Canada, and perhaps this year more than most.
Once again, we have the opportunity to express our affection for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as we mark her official birthday in Canada. While Her Majesty's actual date of birth is in April, Canadians have long celebrated her birthday on the May long weekend in honour of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819.
This occasion also allows us to honour the continuity of our links to the Royal Family, so recently renewed with the wedding of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. We are looking forward to their visit to Canada this summer, and to another joyous occasion to come—Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, in 2012.
During her reign of six decades as Queen of Canada, Her Majesty has served our country with great dignity and dedication. In homage to Her Majesty's achievement and as a symbol of our appreciation, the new Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal will honour deserving Canadians who have contributed so much to this nation, and who have helped to define our ideal of service. The Queen has dedicated her life to encouraging excellence among Canadians, and this medal is an opportunity to recognize outstanding service to Canada and to see how we are brought together through action.
As we celebrate the return of spring on this May long weekend, let us take a moment to wish Her Majesty a very a happy birthday, and to reflect on the pride and joy we feel to live in this blessed land.
David Johnston
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the occasion of Victoria Day
May 22, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of Victoria Day:
“Tomorrow, I will join Canadians across the country in the official celebration of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada.
“On Victoria Day, we pay tribute to the life and leadership of The Queen and reflect on the close friendship Canada enjoys with the United Kingdom. Canada’s British heritage has been pivotal in shaping our country’s identity and many British traditions and institutions remain an integral part of our culture.
“Canada holds the Royal Family in very high esteem and is looking forward to welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they embark on a tour of Canada from June 30 to July 8, their first overseas tour as a married couple.
“Mounting excitement for Her Majesty’s upcoming Diamond Jubilee – which will be celebrated in Canada throughout 2012 – is a testament to The Queen’s exemplary service as Canada’s Head of State.
“On behalf of Canadians, I am pleased to extend our best wishes to Her Majesty The Queen and all people who will be celebrating this special day.”
HM the Queen of Canada
The Mother of Confederation
THe Mother of Confederation
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Railway Children
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I recently saw the Mirvish production of The Railway Children. The sets were amazing there was a real train in the set. The theater was built for the play and is in Roundhouse Park. The authour of the book was a founder of the Fabians a pre cursor of labour in the UK, so there was some progressive class warfare nonsense in the scrip and some denunciation of the Blessed Royal Martyr Czar Nicholas II. Generally it was a lovely play with great actors. Most of the plot was classically Victorian. The large cast greeted the audience before the performance. The actors who played the three children were great. It was a great afternoon of theater. You really should go! I even took a miniature train ride.   |
i recently the Mirvish production of The Railwat Children.
The Rapture
Matthew24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
I am Christian. I am await the Second Coming of Our Lord. I would never be so arrogant as to predict when or how this will happen. That is total arrogance. We Christians must always be ready. I am saddened that an opportunity has been given for people to mock our faith, but perhaps it is also a chance for many to hear about Our Saviour. That is a good thing.
I am Christian. I am await the Second Coming of Our Lord. I would never be so arrogant as to predict when or how this will happen. That is total arrogance. We Christians must always be ready. I am saddened that an opportunity has been given for people to mock our faith, but perhaps it is also a chance for many to hear about Our Saviour. That is a good thing.
The Tory big Tent
This analysis should make lefties cry.
PunditsGuide gives a great summary of the conference. While lefty hack susan delacourt ( who is probably still weeping over her party's relegation to third place) desperately spins.
WATERLOO—Prime Minister Stephen Harper is building a Conservative coalition in Canada that will probably be more enduring than Brian Mulroney’s conservatism of the 1980s, according to Ipsos pollster Darrell Bricker.
Bricker, delivering his election analysis to a Canadian political scientists’ convention last week, said he believes Harper’s brand of conservatism is built on a stronger base than Mulroney’s.
The big difference, says Bricker, is that Mulroney built his Conservative party out of regional grievances, while Harper is forming a Conservative party around individual voters’ values.
“The interesting thing about what happened in this (May 2) election . . . is that they actually put together a values-based national coalition of Tories — the first time we’ve had it in this country,” Bricker said at a luncheon session of the Canadian Political Science Association, which held its annual meeting at Wilfrid Laurier University last week.
Bricker, who worked in the Prime Minister’s Office during Mulroney’s reign, said Conservatives were united in the 1980s largely around their disaffection with Liberal rule. The West, outraged over the Liberals’ national energy program, came together with Quebec, aggrieved over Pierre Trudeau’s patriation of the Constitution.
But according to Bricker, Harper is building his Conservative base on stronger stuff.
PunditsGuide gives a great summary of the conference. While lefty hack susan delacourt ( who is probably still weeping over her party's relegation to third place) desperately spins.
WATERLOO—Prime Minister Stephen Harper is building a Conservative coalition in Canada that will probably be more enduring than Brian Mulroney’s conservatism of the 1980s, according to Ipsos pollster Darrell Bricker.
Bricker, delivering his election analysis to a Canadian political scientists’ convention last week, said he believes Harper’s brand of conservatism is built on a stronger base than Mulroney’s.
The big difference, says Bricker, is that Mulroney built his Conservative party out of regional grievances, while Harper is forming a Conservative party around individual voters’ values.
“The interesting thing about what happened in this (May 2) election . . . is that they actually put together a values-based national coalition of Tories — the first time we’ve had it in this country,” Bricker said at a luncheon session of the Canadian Political Science Association, which held its annual meeting at Wilfrid Laurier University last week.
Bricker, who worked in the Prime Minister’s Office during Mulroney’s reign, said Conservatives were united in the 1980s largely around their disaffection with Liberal rule. The West, outraged over the Liberals’ national energy program, came together with Quebec, aggrieved over Pierre Trudeau’s patriation of the Constitution.
But according to Bricker, Harper is building his Conservative base on stronger stuff.
Canada stands with Israel
Unlike the present US president bo, HM Canadian Government stands with Israel. bo has a problem with American allies and embraces America's enemies.
I am pleased that we are standing with Israel! bo will be speaking at AIPAC this morning. I wonder how that will go
Ottawa won’t back Obama’s Mideast peace proposal
DANIEL LEBLANC
OTTAWA— Globe and Mail Update
Published Friday, May. 20, 2011 3:01PM EDT
The Harper government is refusing to join the United States in calling for a return to 1967 borders as a starting point for Mideast peace, a position that has drawn sharp criticism from Canada’s staunch ally Israel.
At a briefing ahead of the upcoming G8 summit in France, federal officials said the basis for the negotiations must be mutually agreed upon.
I am pleased that we are standing with Israel! bo will be speaking at AIPAC this morning. I wonder how that will go
Ottawa won’t back Obama’s Mideast peace proposal
DANIEL LEBLANC
OTTAWA— Globe and Mail Update
Published Friday, May. 20, 2011 3:01PM EDT
The Harper government is refusing to join the United States in calling for a return to 1967 borders as a starting point for Mideast peace, a position that has drawn sharp criticism from Canada’s staunch ally Israel.
At a briefing ahead of the upcoming G8 summit in France, federal officials said the basis for the negotiations must be mutually agreed upon.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Brian Lee Crowley on Quebec
An interesting analysis of Quebec's misplay in the Federal election. The knife at the throat no longer works.
A rare misplay by Quebec
BY BRIAN LEE CROWLEY, OTTAWA CITIZEN MAY 21, 2011
Q uebecers' political weakness within Canada has been their perennial minority status as French-speaking Catholics. Their great offsetting strength has been their ability to act collectively so as to magnify their political weight. Their strategic sense has been uncanny, almost preternatural.
But in the recent federal election, for arguably only the second time since 1867, they have weakened rather than strengthened Quebec within Confederation. Just how weak their position is we will only discover if the Parti Québécois is returned to power in the provincial election in 2012 or 2013.
Quebec's ability to play a weak hand with panache and aplomb was evident at the founding. Sir John A. Macdonald wanted Canada to be a single country with a single Parliament, but Quebecers demanded federalism, with powerful provinces. That guaranteed that while French-Canadians would be a minority within the new nation, they would enjoy majority status with respect to key powers in areas such as education.
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/rare+misplay+Quebec/4820038/story.html#ixzz1N0CsSIDG
A rare misplay by Quebec
BY BRIAN LEE CROWLEY, OTTAWA CITIZEN MAY 21, 2011
Q uebecers' political weakness within Canada has been their perennial minority status as French-speaking Catholics. Their great offsetting strength has been their ability to act collectively so as to magnify their political weight. Their strategic sense has been uncanny, almost preternatural.
But in the recent federal election, for arguably only the second time since 1867, they have weakened rather than strengthened Quebec within Confederation. Just how weak their position is we will only discover if the Parti Québécois is returned to power in the provincial election in 2012 or 2013.
Quebec's ability to play a weak hand with panache and aplomb was evident at the founding. Sir John A. Macdonald wanted Canada to be a single country with a single Parliament, but Quebecers demanded federalism, with powerful provinces. That guaranteed that while French-Canadians would be a minority within the new nation, they would enjoy majority status with respect to key powers in areas such as education.
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/rare+misplay+Quebec/4820038/story.html#ixzz1N0CsSIDG
Salim Mansur on Arab history
Dr Mansur gives us some understanding of events in the Middle East. It's very depressing.
No matter what season it is in Arab politics, spring or winter, there is one near certainty since time immemorial: Arab politics teeter on the fine line separating Bedouin savagery and some form of authoritarian order.
In such a world, democracy is another word for mobocracy. This is what we have been witnessing behind the hyperbole of Arab spring breaking out in jasmine and roses.
None understood this culture of Arab politics better, and described it with a clarity that has withstood the ravages of time, than Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406).
The Muqaddimah or “An Introduction to History” written in 1377 was Ibn Khaldun’s first, or introductory, book to his multi-volume universal history. In it, Ibn Khaldun laid out his descriptive method and analytical approach to studying man, social order, and how civilization prospers and decays.
The highly reputed British historian-philosopher Arnold Toynbee, in describing The Muqaddimah, wrote it remains “undoubtedly the greatest work of its kind that has ever yet been created by any mind in any time or place.”
No matter what season it is in Arab politics, spring or winter, there is one near certainty since time immemorial: Arab politics teeter on the fine line separating Bedouin savagery and some form of authoritarian order.
In such a world, democracy is another word for mobocracy. This is what we have been witnessing behind the hyperbole of Arab spring breaking out in jasmine and roses.
None understood this culture of Arab politics better, and described it with a clarity that has withstood the ravages of time, than Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406).
The Muqaddimah or “An Introduction to History” written in 1377 was Ibn Khaldun’s first, or introductory, book to his multi-volume universal history. In it, Ibn Khaldun laid out his descriptive method and analytical approach to studying man, social order, and how civilization prospers and decays.
The highly reputed British historian-philosopher Arnold Toynbee, in describing The Muqaddimah, wrote it remains “undoubtedly the greatest work of its kind that has ever yet been created by any mind in any time or place.”
Friday, May 20, 2011
An end to electoral welfare
If you had any doubt that the Tories would end electoral welfare, let it end now. I am very pleased.
Government to end party subsidies in next budget
By Althia Raj
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government will move quickly to cut the financial legs of its political opponents by moving to end the per-vote party subsidy in its June budget, Postmedia News has learned.
“We want political parties to raise funds directly from their supporters and not the taxpayers. So as soon as we can get that passed, that process will begin,” Democratic Reform Minister Tim Uppal told Postmedia news.
Uppal said he couldn’t discuss whether the government planned a weaning off process for political parties. He said ministers were “still finalizing all these things.”
A government source, however, said there would be a phasing out process ending the subsidy over time.
Government to end party subsidies in next budget
By Althia Raj
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government will move quickly to cut the financial legs of its political opponents by moving to end the per-vote party subsidy in its June budget, Postmedia News has learned.
“We want political parties to raise funds directly from their supporters and not the taxpayers. So as soon as we can get that passed, that process will begin,” Democratic Reform Minister Tim Uppal told Postmedia news.
Uppal said he couldn’t discuss whether the government planned a weaning off process for political parties. He said ministers were “still finalizing all these things.”
A government source, however, said there would be a phasing out process ending the subsidy over time.
Separatists among the dippers
I am sure there are many more than the dippers want to admit. jack is going to have a lot of problems. I wonder how the Western dippers will deal with these separatist and sometimes communist Quebec MPs. Indeed the dippers even have a separatist from Newfoundland. I hope they all swore the Oath of Allegiance.
OTTAWA - Two NDP newcomers from Quebec were ambiguous about how they would vote in a referendum on whether the province should separate from Canada.
“I’m not sovereigntist, but if there as a referendum, I don't know what I would vote,” NDP MP Dany Morin told QMI Agency in French following an orientation session for rookie MPs on Parliament Hill Thursday. “Forty per cent of the population in Quebec is sovereigntist.”
Morin was elected in the riding of Chicoutimi-Le Fjord on May 2.
Marie-Claude Morin, who was elected in the Sainte-Hyacinthe-Bagot riding, was also unclear about how she would handle the referendum question.
“I think Quebec can flourish in Canada, but if Canada wants to work with Quebec... we have to consider the fact we have a different culture, a different identity. If there was a referendum tomorrow morning, we will see. The future will tell us,” she said.
Jack Layton and his NDP party campaigned as a federalist alternative to the separatist Bloc Quebecois in Quebec during the election. The party says Quebecers knew that when they went to the polls.
OTTAWA - Two NDP newcomers from Quebec were ambiguous about how they would vote in a referendum on whether the province should separate from Canada.
“I’m not sovereigntist, but if there as a referendum, I don't know what I would vote,” NDP MP Dany Morin told QMI Agency in French following an orientation session for rookie MPs on Parliament Hill Thursday. “Forty per cent of the population in Quebec is sovereigntist.”
Morin was elected in the riding of Chicoutimi-Le Fjord on May 2.
Marie-Claude Morin, who was elected in the Sainte-Hyacinthe-Bagot riding, was also unclear about how she would handle the referendum question.
“I think Quebec can flourish in Canada, but if Canada wants to work with Quebec... we have to consider the fact we have a different culture, a different identity. If there was a referendum tomorrow morning, we will see. The future will tell us,” she said.
Jack Layton and his NDP party campaigned as a federalist alternative to the separatist Bloc Quebecois in Quebec during the election. The party says Quebecers knew that when they went to the polls.
grit infighting
Seems many grits don't believe bob rae. There seems to be no end on grit infighting. They were so busy fighting they were absent during the announcements of cabinet. In 6 months I wonder if anyone will even care.
OTTAWA — Liberals lined up to express concern Thursday that Bob Rae plans use his possible position as interim leader to mount a campaign for the permanent leadership of the party despite saying he has no plans to do so.
Rae told supporters in a conference call Thursday that he wants to run for the interim leader job and will abide by the new rules set out by the party's executive that would effectively ban him from trying a third time for the permanent leadership.
In an email to Liberal MPs, senators and staffers, Rae laid out the conditions under which he would "accept" the interim leadership, saying if the party planned a contest 18 to 24 months from now, that is "the context within which I would accept the appointment as interim leader."
OTTAWA — Liberals lined up to express concern Thursday that Bob Rae plans use his possible position as interim leader to mount a campaign for the permanent leadership of the party despite saying he has no plans to do so.
Rae told supporters in a conference call Thursday that he wants to run for the interim leader job and will abide by the new rules set out by the party's executive that would effectively ban him from trying a third time for the permanent leadership.
In an email to Liberal MPs, senators and staffers, Rae laid out the conditions under which he would "accept" the interim leadership, saying if the party planned a contest 18 to 24 months from now, that is "the context within which I would accept the appointment as interim leader."
Thursday, May 19, 2011
More Good Economic News
Less people are claiming EI! Things should continue improving. There will be no cap and tax. Factory sales are recovering. The economy seems to be in doing well.
OTTAWA — The number of people receiving regular employment insurance benefits declined in March for the sixth straight month, Statistics Canada said Thursday.
Beneficiaries were down three per cent in March to 606,200, with declines recorded in every province, the federal agency said. The biggest declines were in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia.
On a yearlt basis, the number of people receiving EI benefits dropped 9.9 per cent from March 2010.
Also in March, initial and renewal claims fell 4.4 per cent to 226,600, the largest amount of previous three monthly declines.
"With this decrease, the number of claims received is the lowest since August 2008, just prior to the start of the labour market downturn," the agency said.
OTTAWA — The number of people receiving regular employment insurance benefits declined in March for the sixth straight month, Statistics Canada said Thursday.
Beneficiaries were down three per cent in March to 606,200, with declines recorded in every province, the federal agency said. The biggest declines were in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia.
On a yearlt basis, the number of people receiving EI benefits dropped 9.9 per cent from March 2010.
Also in March, initial and renewal claims fell 4.4 per cent to 226,600, the largest amount of previous three monthly declines.
"With this decrease, the number of claims received is the lowest since August 2008, just prior to the start of the labour market downturn," the agency said.
Excellent
I have been a long time supporter of the Canadian Constitution Foundation. Karen Selick, litagation director has an excellent article today on Canada's own thought police, the hrcs. She makes the case for outright abolition. It is an excellent article. I agree it is time to get rid of these kangaroo courts.
I urge you all to donate to the CCF, defenders of freedom!
The real problem with human rights tribunals
By Karen Selick, Ottawa Citizen May 19, 2011
Oh, the pathos. I've watched it twice now -that painful video of my friend Ezra Levant, talk show host on Sun News, skewering my friend Randy Hillier, Ontario MPP. The May 6 interview sought an explanation of why Progressive Conservative party leader Tim Hudak recently backtracked on his previous pledge to abolish the human rights tribunals in Ontario if elected.
Levant grilled and Hillier waffled -very uncharacteristically, I might add. Levant eventually desisted, saying Hudak himself should come forward to answer the questions. (The video's still available on YouTube if readers wish to experience vicarious mortification.)
But my real beef is that neither Hudak nor Hillier nor even Levant have ever actually addressed the root problem with Ontario's socalled "human rights" legislation. There are three distinct categories of problems, but even bulldog Levant only ever addresses two of the three.
First there are what might be called procedural problems. The tribunals that hear discrimination complaints don't follow the normal rules of evidence that regular Ontario courts use. Hearsay evidence that cannot be tested by crossexamination is allowed in. Complainants often get free legal assistance from the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, while defendants have to pay for their own lawyers. Defendants who prove that they did not break the law get no compensation for their legal fees. The adjudicators are political appointees who generally applied for the job because they desire passionately to advance the cause of complainants.
I urge you all to donate to the CCF, defenders of freedom!
The real problem with human rights tribunals
By Karen Selick, Ottawa Citizen May 19, 2011
Oh, the pathos. I've watched it twice now -that painful video of my friend Ezra Levant, talk show host on Sun News, skewering my friend Randy Hillier, Ontario MPP. The May 6 interview sought an explanation of why Progressive Conservative party leader Tim Hudak recently backtracked on his previous pledge to abolish the human rights tribunals in Ontario if elected.
Levant grilled and Hillier waffled -very uncharacteristically, I might add. Levant eventually desisted, saying Hudak himself should come forward to answer the questions. (The video's still available on YouTube if readers wish to experience vicarious mortification.)
But my real beef is that neither Hudak nor Hillier nor even Levant have ever actually addressed the root problem with Ontario's socalled "human rights" legislation. There are three distinct categories of problems, but even bulldog Levant only ever addresses two of the three.
First there are what might be called procedural problems. The tribunals that hear discrimination complaints don't follow the normal rules of evidence that regular Ontario courts use. Hearsay evidence that cannot be tested by crossexamination is allowed in. Complainants often get free legal assistance from the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, while defendants have to pay for their own lawyers. Defendants who prove that they did not break the law get no compensation for their legal fees. The adjudicators are political appointees who generally applied for the job because they desire passionately to advance the cause of complainants.
Cutting Arts Funding
I don't like government funding of the arts in general and this latest nonsense just proves the point.
I find it fascinating that mocking Christianity is a state funded endeavour in Canada , the US and much of the West. Can you imagine if the book these 'artists" mocked was the Koran? In any case people should mock what they like, but not with funding from the taxpayer. I donate to three theater companies and other arts organizations. Arts should be funded byindividuals and corporations. If these "artists" can't raise the funds to make their "art" without government help perhaps it shouldn't have been made. In a time of austerity it is the perfect time to cut most of these programs.
I find it fascinating that mocking Christianity is a state funded endeavour in Canada , the US and much of the West. Can you imagine if the book these 'artists" mocked was the Koran? In any case people should mock what they like, but not with funding from the taxpayer. I donate to three theater companies and other arts organizations. Arts should be funded byindividuals and corporations. If these "artists" can't raise the funds to make their "art" without government help perhaps it shouldn't have been made. In a time of austerity it is the perfect time to cut most of these programs.
The New Cabinet
Yesterday was a big news day for HM Canadian Government. I generally thought the cabinet picks were goos. I would have preferred a few changes ( like Maxime having a bigger portfolio and having Chris Alexander and John Williamson in cabinet). I knew The Bev Oda would remain in Cabinet. I think it is a pretty solid cabinet. I am also ok with appointing new Senators. This is the way the system works now. As I said before I would prefer an elected Senate or that Senators be directly picked by the Sovereign in consultation with HM Governor General. Senate reform will take place under this government. I also not the near absence of news about the grits yesterday. There was Jack Layton whining that there should be more women, but precious little from the grits. I suspect as time goes on this will increasingly be the case.
I think the Tories need to do some bold things in the next 12 months. Hopefully they will. I am happy to see lots of criticism of the party from the right. We need to keep up the pressure. HM Canadian governments generally end up governing from the center, we in the conservative movement need to move that center gradually to the right.
Raymond J. de Souza: Jason Kenney and John Baird are the Tories’ dynamic duo
Chris Wattie/Reuters
Jason Kenney and John Baird personify the hard work that got the party its majority.
It was mostly old, a few bits new, rather boring, and Tory blue. Prime Minister Stephen Harper had his new cabinet sworn in, and continuity was the theme. With few changes in major portfolios, it was rather dull, but Mr. Harper is successful in part because he offers as little drama as possible. Stable government was the campaign slogan. Stability was what Canadians got.
There was one major vacancy — foreign affairs — and one senior minister who had to move, John Baird, his talents no longer needed as house leader in a majority parliament. The two were matched up, and for the most part the other key players were left in place — Finance, Justice, Public Safety and Defence left unchanged.
Behind the scenes there was an important move, with Jason Kenney taking over as chairman of the cabinet operations committee. As the architect of the Tory majority, Kenney retained the same ministry but was rewarded with the powerful chairmanship. Cabinet government is something of a misnomer since the bloated cabinets of the Mulroney era; all key decisions are taken at the two principal cabinet committees, priorities and operations. The prime minister chairs the priorities committee. Kenney chairs operations.
I think the Tories need to do some bold things in the next 12 months. Hopefully they will. I am happy to see lots of criticism of the party from the right. We need to keep up the pressure. HM Canadian governments generally end up governing from the center, we in the conservative movement need to move that center gradually to the right.
Raymond J. de Souza: Jason Kenney and John Baird are the Tories’ dynamic duo
Chris Wattie/Reuters
Jason Kenney and John Baird personify the hard work that got the party its majority.
It was mostly old, a few bits new, rather boring, and Tory blue. Prime Minister Stephen Harper had his new cabinet sworn in, and continuity was the theme. With few changes in major portfolios, it was rather dull, but Mr. Harper is successful in part because he offers as little drama as possible. Stable government was the campaign slogan. Stability was what Canadians got.
There was one major vacancy — foreign affairs — and one senior minister who had to move, John Baird, his talents no longer needed as house leader in a majority parliament. The two were matched up, and for the most part the other key players were left in place — Finance, Justice, Public Safety and Defence left unchanged.
Behind the scenes there was an important move, with Jason Kenney taking over as chairman of the cabinet operations committee. As the architect of the Tory majority, Kenney retained the same ministry but was rewarded with the powerful chairmanship. Cabinet government is something of a misnomer since the bloated cabinets of the Mulroney era; all key decisions are taken at the two principal cabinet committees, priorities and operations. The prime minister chairs the priorities committee. Kenney chairs operations.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Insite
I have not been a big fan of insite. It smacks to me of allowing people to further wallow in their misery. I have seen some evidence that the harm reduction strategy works, but I it also seems to absolve people of personal responsibility. I have met one of the doctors who helps run insite and he assures me it works. I guess I have ideological problems with the concept. I also have spoken to a prominent HIV researcher in Montreal who also likes Insite.
Insite is funded provincially so the only question is whether the Federal jurisdiction of criminal law will be recognized by the high court. I do believe that provinces should have the right to try alternate forms of healthcare ( and thereby mostly ignore the dumb Canada health Act). So my position is leave Insite to the BC Government to decide. Let there be no federal funding. As I have said before I support the Portuguese approach to drugs.
I hope my colleagues at Insite will strongly encourage rehab. I have dealt with many addicts in my life. There is a great sadness to their lives. They also destroy the lives of those all around them. This drug issue is one of my big problems with my libertarian friends. I have come to the conclusion that I can support the Portuguese laws, but I am still very wary of Insite. My position is more to allow provinces the right to experiment with such healthcare issues in all spheres.
Insite is funded provincially so the only question is whether the Federal jurisdiction of criminal law will be recognized by the high court. I do believe that provinces should have the right to try alternate forms of healthcare ( and thereby mostly ignore the dumb Canada health Act). So my position is leave Insite to the BC Government to decide. Let there be no federal funding. As I have said before I support the Portuguese approach to drugs.
I hope my colleagues at Insite will strongly encourage rehab. I have dealt with many addicts in my life. There is a great sadness to their lives. They also destroy the lives of those all around them. This drug issue is one of my big problems with my libertarian friends. I have come to the conclusion that I can support the Portuguese laws, but I am still very wary of Insite. My position is more to allow provinces the right to experiment with such healthcare issues in all spheres.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Profits are Moral!
This is the point that Steve Forbes made at his talk and in his book. Capitalism is indeed moral.
Also a parable from Our Lord:
Matthew 25:14-30 14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth
Also a parable from Our Lord:
Matthew 25:14-30 14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth
Chantal hebert: Reality Bites...
if you are the opposition. The Tories control the upper and lower houses. The grits, bloc and especially ellie may will be seen and not heard according to Hebert. That is OK by me.
When the new House of Commons convenes June 2, Canada’s MPs will find themselves in a slower, simpler, world than the one left behind in March.
After seven years and three mandates, minority rule and the attending expectation of a short parliamentary life span had become the new normal on Parliament Hill.
Most of the MPs who were reelected on May 2 and many of the journalists who cover them have no hands-on experience with majority rule. Their respective Parliament Hill careers to date have amounted to a never-ending election campaign.
When the new House of Commons convenes June 2, Canada’s MPs will find themselves in a slower, simpler, world than the one left behind in March.
After seven years and three mandates, minority rule and the attending expectation of a short parliamentary life span had become the new normal on Parliament Hill.
Most of the MPs who were reelected on May 2 and many of the journalists who cover them have no hands-on experience with majority rule. Their respective Parliament Hill careers to date have amounted to a never-ending election campaign.
A great article by my friend Chris Schafer of the Canadian Constitution Foundation. I would love a court that was interested in protecting liberty including economic liberty. It is also time to neuter a lot of the quasi judicial star chambers that limit our freedom. Defand the hrcs!
Save us from 'activist' legislators
BY CHRIS SCHAFER, OTTAWA CITIZEN MAY 17, 2011
With the election of a Conservative majority federal government, future appointments to the Supreme Court of Canada has become an issue. With the recent announcement that two current Supreme Court judges will retire at the end of this August, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will have an opportunity to appoint several new judges to Canada's top court in the next four years. However, with the principal role of the Supreme Court being an appellate court of last resort, in fact, the judges appointed by the federal government to the superior-level courts in each province are just as important, if not more so. They act as a first line of defence against legislatures which, more often than not, pass laws and regulations that impede freedom.
The judiciary is the third branch of government, the other two being the executive branch that carries out government business and the laws of Canada, and the legislative branch that debates and makes laws. With the adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the powers of judicial review were expanded. Courts now subject government legislation to the Charter's constitutional limits, including protections for such fundamental freedoms as expression and association. While an imperfect document, the Charter is designed in many ways to limit government action with respect to individuals.
Save us from 'activist' legislators
BY CHRIS SCHAFER, OTTAWA CITIZEN MAY 17, 2011
With the election of a Conservative majority federal government, future appointments to the Supreme Court of Canada has become an issue. With the recent announcement that two current Supreme Court judges will retire at the end of this August, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will have an opportunity to appoint several new judges to Canada's top court in the next four years. However, with the principal role of the Supreme Court being an appellate court of last resort, in fact, the judges appointed by the federal government to the superior-level courts in each province are just as important, if not more so. They act as a first line of defence against legislatures which, more often than not, pass laws and regulations that impede freedom.
The judiciary is the third branch of government, the other two being the executive branch that carries out government business and the laws of Canada, and the legislative branch that debates and makes laws. With the adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the powers of judicial review were expanded. Courts now subject government legislation to the Charter's constitutional limits, including protections for such fundamental freedoms as expression and association. While an imperfect document, the Charter is designed in many ways to limit government action with respect to individuals.
Interesting
Tom Axworthy has a proposal for cutting the budget. He wants to make hiring more efficient and reduce the number of temporary hires. I think that is a good idea to a point, but I also want to reduce the absolute size of the civil service. The more bureacrats the more opportunity for empire building and limiting the freedom of Canadians. It is time to hire far less replacements for the large number of retring civil servants and to actually cut programs!
A political win-win ripe for the taking
Thomas S. Axworthy, National Post · May 16, 2011
The Prime Minister announced in the campaign that he would balance the federal budget by 2014 (though the Tories are now casting doubt on their ability to meet that promise). If they remain committed to wiping out the present deficit of $28-billion, they will require good economic growth, substantial program cuts and reductions in the civil service.
The pain inflicted by such cuts will undoubtedly provoke loud protest, but there is one candidate for major trimmings which will end an abuse, save substantial money and is devoid of any public support. The Harper government should immediately freeze the hiring of temporary employees in the federal public service (except for dire emergencies), and use the period of the freeze to develop new rules for the use of such help while urgently reforming the lengthy recruitment process that makes the hiring of temporary staff necessary.
A political win-win ripe for the taking
Thomas S. Axworthy, National Post · May 16, 2011
The Prime Minister announced in the campaign that he would balance the federal budget by 2014 (though the Tories are now casting doubt on their ability to meet that promise). If they remain committed to wiping out the present deficit of $28-billion, they will require good economic growth, substantial program cuts and reductions in the civil service.
The pain inflicted by such cuts will undoubtedly provoke loud protest, but there is one candidate for major trimmings which will end an abuse, save substantial money and is devoid of any public support. The Harper government should immediately freeze the hiring of temporary employees in the federal public service (except for dire emergencies), and use the period of the freeze to develop new rules for the use of such help while urgently reforming the lengthy recruitment process that makes the hiring of temporary staff necessary.
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Tory Convention
I look forwarding to meeting many of you in June at the Tory Convention in Ottawa June 9-11 It should be a lot fun.
I am a member of the Leaders Circle so the registration is free for me. I have been disappointed to hear how many young people and, even young staffers,cannot attend the convention because of the high registration costs. In the past I have paid the registrations for a few young people to attend but that is no longer legal because of donation limits.
I would like to suggest to the party that we have a deeply discounted rate for young people especially if they helped us during the campaign.
I encourage you all to register and come to the convention.
If you can't attend the actual convention there are fringe events with the Manning Center and lots of parties. I will be announcing a big party in the next few days. Look out for it!
Come celebrate our victory! Come help shape Tory policy! Come and meet your fellow Tories from across Canada! Come for the parties and fringe events! Attend the Tory convention in Ottawa.
I am a member of the Leaders Circle so the registration is free for me. I have been disappointed to hear how many young people and, even young staffers,cannot attend the convention because of the high registration costs. In the past I have paid the registrations for a few young people to attend but that is no longer legal because of donation limits.
I would like to suggest to the party that we have a deeply discounted rate for young people especially if they helped us during the campaign.
I encourage you all to register and come to the convention.
If you can't attend the actual convention there are fringe events with the Manning Center and lots of parties. I will be announcing a big party in the next few days. Look out for it!
Come celebrate our victory! Come help shape Tory policy! Come and meet your fellow Tories from across Canada! Come for the parties and fringe events! Attend the Tory convention in Ottawa.
More grit hypocrisy exposed
pseudochretien is a despicable person. He is now sucking up to the chinese commies on behalf of his in laws. His in laws must be very upset that they no longer control the government of Canada.
I knew that there were Canadian soldiers ( mostly intelligence and communications officers) in Iraq, but it seems we offered the Americans even more. Why anyone ever trusted the libranos is beyond me. The shawinigan strangler did a lot of damage to US Canada relations as did his mentor trudeau before him. It's good thing that grit lies and hypocrisy are now exposed for all to see. Perhaps there were be some disenchanted grit who will finally expose the libranos and tell us where that $41 million from adscam is. I can always hope.
The same day Canada publicly refused to join the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, a high-ranking Canadian official was secretly promising the Americans clandestine military support for the fiercely controversial operation.
The revelation that Canadian forces may have secretly participated in the invasion of Iraq is contained in a classified U.S. diplomatic memo obtained exclusively by CBC News from the whistleblower website WikiLeaks.
On March 17, 2003, two days before U.S. warplanes launched their attack on Baghdad, prime minister Jean Chrétien told the House of Commons that Canadian forces would not be joining what the administration of then U.S. president George W. Bush dubbed the "coalition of the willing."
Chrétien's apparent refusal to back the Bush administration's invasion, purportedly launched to seize weapons of mass destruction possessed by Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein (which were never found), was hugely popular in Canada, widely hailed as nothing less than a defining moment of national sovereignty.
But even as Chrétien told the Commons that Canada wouldn't participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Canadian diplomats were secretly telling their U.S. counterparts something entirely different.
I knew that there were Canadian soldiers ( mostly intelligence and communications officers) in Iraq, but it seems we offered the Americans even more. Why anyone ever trusted the libranos is beyond me. The shawinigan strangler did a lot of damage to US Canada relations as did his mentor trudeau before him. It's good thing that grit lies and hypocrisy are now exposed for all to see. Perhaps there were be some disenchanted grit who will finally expose the libranos and tell us where that $41 million from adscam is. I can always hope.
The same day Canada publicly refused to join the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, a high-ranking Canadian official was secretly promising the Americans clandestine military support for the fiercely controversial operation.
The revelation that Canadian forces may have secretly participated in the invasion of Iraq is contained in a classified U.S. diplomatic memo obtained exclusively by CBC News from the whistleblower website WikiLeaks.
On March 17, 2003, two days before U.S. warplanes launched their attack on Baghdad, prime minister Jean Chrétien told the House of Commons that Canadian forces would not be joining what the administration of then U.S. president George W. Bush dubbed the "coalition of the willing."
Chrétien's apparent refusal to back the Bush administration's invasion, purportedly launched to seize weapons of mass destruction possessed by Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein (which were never found), was hugely popular in Canada, widely hailed as nothing less than a defining moment of national sovereignty.
But even as Chrétien told the Commons that Canada wouldn't participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Canadian diplomats were secretly telling their U.S. counterparts something entirely different.
Another Scientist exposes the Hoax
Dr Evans says what many of us have understood for a while: much of this CO2 hysteria is overblown tripe meant to allow for a lot of government money to go to select scientists. Dr Evans also makes the point that the models used have failed. Read the article!!
David Evans is a scientist. He has also worked in the heart of the AGW machine. He consulted full-time for the Australian Greenhouse Office (now the Department of Climate Change) from 1999 to 2005, and part-time 2008 to 2010, modeling Australia’s carbon in plants, debris, mulch, soils, and forestry and agricultural products. He has six university degrees, including a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. The other day he said:
The debate about global warming has reached ridiculous proportions and is full of micro-thin half-truths and misunderstandings. I am a scientist who was on the carbon gravy train, understands the evidence, was once an alarmist, but am now a skeptic.
David Evans is a scientist. He has also worked in the heart of the AGW machine. He consulted full-time for the Australian Greenhouse Office (now the Department of Climate Change) from 1999 to 2005, and part-time 2008 to 2010, modeling Australia’s carbon in plants, debris, mulch, soils, and forestry and agricultural products. He has six university degrees, including a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. The other day he said:
The debate about global warming has reached ridiculous proportions and is full of micro-thin half-truths and misunderstandings. I am a scientist who was on the carbon gravy train, understands the evidence, was once an alarmist, but am now a skeptic.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Cutting the Budget and more!!
I hope this fear mongering by the red star is true. The Tories do need to cut the civil service.
They need to rid of us of section 13.1, eliminate electoral welfare, amend the omnibus crime bill to eliminate hate speech rules, eliminate FIRA, eliminate the CRTC, sell the cbc, eliminate all advocacy funding, eliminate corporate welfare, modernize healthcare, allow more private care and so much more! And of course elections Canada needs to be reformed.
OTTAWA—As Conservatives prepare to recall Parliament, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is setting the stage for a clampdown on federal government spending under the newly elected government, that would include cutting the public service by 80,000 — or one-third.
The Conservatives now have the power to cut spending to bring down the deficit, says Flaherty, a message that could foreshadow a round of deep cuts to services and programs in coming years.
They need to rid of us of section 13.1, eliminate electoral welfare, amend the omnibus crime bill to eliminate hate speech rules, eliminate FIRA, eliminate the CRTC, sell the cbc, eliminate all advocacy funding, eliminate corporate welfare, modernize healthcare, allow more private care and so much more! And of course elections Canada needs to be reformed.
OTTAWA—As Conservatives prepare to recall Parliament, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is setting the stage for a clampdown on federal government spending under the newly elected government, that would include cutting the public service by 80,000 — or one-third.
The Conservatives now have the power to cut spending to bring down the deficit, says Flaherty, a message that could foreshadow a round of deep cuts to services and programs in coming years.
ADQ Convention
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| Party Leader Gerard Deltell |
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| Part of the ADQ team |
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| Party President Christian Levesque |
I attended the ADQ convention in Trois Rivieres yesterday. I support the ADQ at the provincial level. Most od the media speculation about the event had to do with a merger with ex pequiste Francois Legault. This was denied. we didn't discuss it all.
I was very disappointed that Billionaires Stephen Jarislowsky didn't come to the convention over a stupid controversy.
Here are the proposals for policy. I found the proposals a bit timid and found some that wre voted down or sent into limbo show the party members to be somewhat timid. They ran from the privatization on a portion of Hydro Quebec. On the other hand the ADQ many resolutions resolutions were passed that would help make unions more transparent, encourage more economic freedom, make revenue Quebec less autocratic and try to balance the budget.
The proposals were printed in English as well and translation was availble. All Quebecers were welcome at the convention. The ADQ is the only real choice for Quebecers in the next provincial election!
More here. Also note the ADQ is back at 18% in polls.
Watch this morning's events:
More from my friend Frederic Tetu.
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