Some stories to watch this week.
1. Liberals cut OHIP Costs, freeze Doctors salaries: There are going to be changes to at least 37 OHIP fees before the end of this year. Services affected include: Cardiology, Cataract surgery The fee adjustment is expected to save the government millions. I consider this ongoing because the fight over wage freeze isn't over.
2. Come On Over, the Water's Fine: Rumours are going around that Dalton McGuinty, and his government would welcome any member of the opposition should they decide to cross the floor. Why not just call the by-election for Whitmer's seat and do it the legitimate way?
3. Latest Ornge Developments: Former CEO Dr. Chris Mazza has said through his lawyer that he is too ill to testify at the ongoing hearings into the matter. Reports this past weekend in the Star place Mazza in a rehab facility. They are looking at rescheduling his appearance for sometime in June.
4. Federal Liberal Leadership: It's not for at least another 9-11 months but names being bandied about include Martha Hall-Findlay, Bob Rae, and Justin Trudeau. How about someone fresh, and dynamic without any ties to any past Liberal leaders. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; get some good fundamental policies, and anybody can lead the party.
Local News:
1. Public Input Sessions are being held Tuesday May 8 to discuss what will happen to the Scott, and Wilmont area parks. Sessions begin at 6pm at the Milton Sports Centre located at the corner of Derry and Santa Maria Blvd.
Showing posts with label Bob Rae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bob Rae. Show all posts
Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
And the New N.D.P. leader is... Thomas Mulcair
I'm a total a political junkie who never gets tired of talking all politics This past weekend's N.D.P. leadership convention was interesting viewing for me. And when I wasn't watching it on television, I was certainly following along on twitter.
It took four ballots, but as we all know by now the new N.D.P. leader is Thomas Mulcair from Quebec.It wasn't really much of a surprise; well before the convention he was touted as the front runner, and as near to a gauranteed winner as there was. What was a surprise to me anyway was that it actually took four ballots. I had my doubts whether Mulcair would win if it went beyond 2 ballots.
I find myself greeting the party's final decision with a mixture of skepticism, and disappointment. The N.D.P has been an ideals party that has made a general habit of going against the status quo. I would've thought just to be contrary, they'd pick an outspoken woman- Peggy Nash who I believe could really take Harper on, or the dynamic young person in Nikki Ashton. Or maybe they would choose to completely remake the image of an NDP'r by choosing Martin Singh. Or they could look to the future and the possibility of uniting with the Liberals by picking Nathan Cullen, or go the sentimental route and pick one of Layton's favourites Brian Topp as leader.
The very fact the N.D.P. had such a depth of choice speaks well to the diversity of their membership, and the abilities of the candidates. That Mulcair won against these five others was no small feat, and demonstrates his own abilities, but I'm skeptical he's the man for the job. The one phrase that springs to mind when I'm thinking of Thomas Mulcair is "wolf in sheep's clothing." He's got style, but he also comes across as being the guy that keeps you guessing, wondering what will he do next. That unpredictability will make him an interesting figure as he attempts to continue molding the N.D.P. into a serious contender.
Where does this leave the Liberals? I'm wondering that myself. Thomas Mulcair is fairly clear on the fact he doesn't want to unite with the party, for now that's okay. The thing is such an alliance may be necessary for either to find their way to government; so I wouldn't be so hasty to count out such a course of action. If I were Mulcair I would spend some time worrying about the Liberals, if only because they tend to sneak up on you when your back is turned. And because people are at their most dangerous when you count them out. Bob Rae has been stealing lots of attention while the N.D.P. has been running the leadership contest after all.
Good Luck Mr. Mulcair. You've a tough job ahead of you. I look forward to seeing what you'll make of the party.
It took four ballots, but as we all know by now the new N.D.P. leader is Thomas Mulcair from Quebec.It wasn't really much of a surprise; well before the convention he was touted as the front runner, and as near to a gauranteed winner as there was. What was a surprise to me anyway was that it actually took four ballots. I had my doubts whether Mulcair would win if it went beyond 2 ballots.
I find myself greeting the party's final decision with a mixture of skepticism, and disappointment. The N.D.P has been an ideals party that has made a general habit of going against the status quo. I would've thought just to be contrary, they'd pick an outspoken woman- Peggy Nash who I believe could really take Harper on, or the dynamic young person in Nikki Ashton. Or maybe they would choose to completely remake the image of an NDP'r by choosing Martin Singh. Or they could look to the future and the possibility of uniting with the Liberals by picking Nathan Cullen, or go the sentimental route and pick one of Layton's favourites Brian Topp as leader.
The very fact the N.D.P. had such a depth of choice speaks well to the diversity of their membership, and the abilities of the candidates. That Mulcair won against these five others was no small feat, and demonstrates his own abilities, but I'm skeptical he's the man for the job. The one phrase that springs to mind when I'm thinking of Thomas Mulcair is "wolf in sheep's clothing." He's got style, but he also comes across as being the guy that keeps you guessing, wondering what will he do next. That unpredictability will make him an interesting figure as he attempts to continue molding the N.D.P. into a serious contender.
Where does this leave the Liberals? I'm wondering that myself. Thomas Mulcair is fairly clear on the fact he doesn't want to unite with the party, for now that's okay. The thing is such an alliance may be necessary for either to find their way to government; so I wouldn't be so hasty to count out such a course of action. If I were Mulcair I would spend some time worrying about the Liberals, if only because they tend to sneak up on you when your back is turned. And because people are at their most dangerous when you count them out. Bob Rae has been stealing lots of attention while the N.D.P. has been running the leadership contest after all.
Good Luck Mr. Mulcair. You've a tough job ahead of you. I look forward to seeing what you'll make of the party.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Canada We have a Problem here
I haven't entirely made my mind up about the robo-call scandal. I've got a feeling it's going to get worse. (I hope I'm wrong about that) But one thing is for sure; we have a problem here.
The Liberals are leveling some very serious allegations of corruption, and tampering as it comes to last year's federal election. The scheme involved Edmonton marketing firm placing robo-calls on behalf of the Conservative Party misdirecting voters to different polls. The Conservatives have admitted it happened in 9 ridings, and have fired what Prime Minister Harper calls one rogue worker. the Liberals place that number of ridings affected much higher at 27 and have added accusations of voter harassment.
It's worth repeating; Canada we have a problem here. I've worked for Elections Canada enough to know a bit about the ins and outs on how the agency works. At a polling station for example nothing happens without the Deputy Return Officer (D.R.O.)If they should step away for any reason business shuts down. Another example; If a scrutineer gets too rough in any way with voters D.R.O.'s can ask them to leave, and I in serious cases can have them arrested. Another rule; candidate representatives or signs representing any candidate aren't allowed within a certain distance of the polling station. This makes me wonder how the Conservative election worker could come that close to voters as Bob Rae and the Liberals allege in today's Toronto Star.
The scandal looks bad for Canadian politics in general, worse for the Conservative Party. If I were Harper, I'd appoint the most anti-Conservative judge I could find and call an Inquiry. I'd give him some teeth, and find a way to do it outside Ottawa in order to keep the political games to a minimum. If the worst is true of the party I would immediately call by-elections for all ridings affected.
This won't go away simply because Harper fired the person allegedly responsible, and kind of admitted he was wrong. This is our electoral system, and Harper is the guy in charge. He first needs to admit there is a serious problem here, and address it quickly. His political future could depend on it.
The Liberals are leveling some very serious allegations of corruption, and tampering as it comes to last year's federal election. The scheme involved Edmonton marketing firm placing robo-calls on behalf of the Conservative Party misdirecting voters to different polls. The Conservatives have admitted it happened in 9 ridings, and have fired what Prime Minister Harper calls one rogue worker. the Liberals place that number of ridings affected much higher at 27 and have added accusations of voter harassment.
It's worth repeating; Canada we have a problem here. I've worked for Elections Canada enough to know a bit about the ins and outs on how the agency works. At a polling station for example nothing happens without the Deputy Return Officer (D.R.O.)If they should step away for any reason business shuts down. Another example; If a scrutineer gets too rough in any way with voters D.R.O.'s can ask them to leave, and I in serious cases can have them arrested. Another rule; candidate representatives or signs representing any candidate aren't allowed within a certain distance of the polling station. This makes me wonder how the Conservative election worker could come that close to voters as Bob Rae and the Liberals allege in today's Toronto Star.
The scandal looks bad for Canadian politics in general, worse for the Conservative Party. If I were Harper, I'd appoint the most anti-Conservative judge I could find and call an Inquiry. I'd give him some teeth, and find a way to do it outside Ottawa in order to keep the political games to a minimum. If the worst is true of the party I would immediately call by-elections for all ridings affected.
This won't go away simply because Harper fired the person allegedly responsible, and kind of admitted he was wrong. This is our electoral system, and Harper is the guy in charge. He first needs to admit there is a serious problem here, and address it quickly. His political future could depend on it.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Free Advice for the Liberal Party
In a shocking result, the federal Liberals went from Canada's second Party to Canada's third Party. Their stature took a huge hit, and left them asking the question of how to regain their former glory? How do they regain that former second party status?I think I have some free advice if you will from someone who just wants a third choice when we go to the polls in the next federal election.
My first is to redefine yourselves as the ideas party. What made the party work under Chretien was that you had the ideas to make Canada better, and the financial resources thanks to Paul Martin to make that happen. Become that party again; combine bold ideas and the finances that made them possible. If you've got the ideas; if you've got the substance then anyone can lead the party.
My second idea is about who could make it happen. I think Shelia Copps would make a great President. From everything I read/see/ and hear of her in the media, I think she's got the spine to make the necessary changes, and really crack the whip so to speak. She could also help interim leader Bob Rae get some attention for the party; something that's hard with the Liberals at its third-party ranking.
And as for the leadership; I'd close the door on Bob Rae running. Rae was Ontario's former Premier in the early '90'sbest known for "Rae Days-" which were days Public Sector Workers (nurses, teachers, and doctors) took off without pay. Many still remember what conditions were like under his Premiership, and I think were he to take the permanent leadership of the federal Liberal Party, Ontario would be dead to the Liberals for the duration. And one thing all political parties know is that you need Ontario and its 100+ electoral seats to have any chance at winning a federal election.
If not Rae, then who?
I would go for a complete unknown quantity. Someone younger that could energize the party, and reach out, and engage Canadian youth. I'd pick someone who is unattached to either Chretien or Paul Martin; someone who is unafraid to break some of the well established traditions and make their own. It should be someone who maybe has their own ideas, and their own way of doing things. An ambitious job description? Yes, but if the party wants to succeed and perhaps win the next federal election.
This has been some free advice for the Liberals; take it for what it's worth. Wanted, or notI have plenty more where this comes from, so stay tuned.
.
My first is to redefine yourselves as the ideas party. What made the party work under Chretien was that you had the ideas to make Canada better, and the financial resources thanks to Paul Martin to make that happen. Become that party again; combine bold ideas and the finances that made them possible. If you've got the ideas; if you've got the substance then anyone can lead the party.
My second idea is about who could make it happen. I think Shelia Copps would make a great President. From everything I read/see/ and hear of her in the media, I think she's got the spine to make the necessary changes, and really crack the whip so to speak. She could also help interim leader Bob Rae get some attention for the party; something that's hard with the Liberals at its third-party ranking.
And as for the leadership; I'd close the door on Bob Rae running. Rae was Ontario's former Premier in the early '90'sbest known for "Rae Days-" which were days Public Sector Workers (nurses, teachers, and doctors) took off without pay. Many still remember what conditions were like under his Premiership, and I think were he to take the permanent leadership of the federal Liberal Party, Ontario would be dead to the Liberals for the duration. And one thing all political parties know is that you need Ontario and its 100+ electoral seats to have any chance at winning a federal election.
If not Rae, then who?
I would go for a complete unknown quantity. Someone younger that could energize the party, and reach out, and engage Canadian youth. I'd pick someone who is unattached to either Chretien or Paul Martin; someone who is unafraid to break some of the well established traditions and make their own. It should be someone who maybe has their own ideas, and their own way of doing things. An ambitious job description? Yes, but if the party wants to succeed and perhaps win the next federal election.
This has been some free advice for the Liberals; take it for what it's worth. Wanted, or notI have plenty more where this comes from, so stay tuned.
.
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