Let's face it, before the latest the federal election few people took the New Democratic Party (N.D.P) seriously. They were the party known as Canada's Social conscience.Then the latest federal election happened. Canadians didn't like their choices, and it showed in the results. Stephen Harper won his coveted majority, but the spirit of change surrounding Jack Layton, and the N.D.P. resonated. The party went from the left-wing fringes to mainstream official opposition. When the new Members of Parliament (M.P.'s) entered the House, nobody had a clue who most were. We all knew Jack, and Olivia- some knew Peggy Nash, and Thomas Mulcair or Libby Davies and Pat Martin.
But large numbers of them are mysteries, and question marks, including Nycole Turmel. I have heard of her; she was a former leader of the federal government's largest public sector union, and some people I talk to don't have good things to say about her. Apparently she was also a member of the Bloc Quebecois for 5 years, and only resigned her membership 2 months before the federal election. Something that you'd think should exclude her from becoming interim leader.
I wonder if Jack Layton knew about her past a Separatist. If he did, it speaks to a willful ignorance, and poor judgement on his part. If he didn't know, well shouldn't the party have done its homework well before now? We're heading into month three of this government- enough time to double check the background on some of these characters. If he did know, naming her leader with her past could also be a tactic for Layton to keep some control over the party in his absence.
The formal job title is: Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. You have to ask the question though- how loyal is it to have a woman who held membership in a federal party advocating the breakup of the country? How loyal is a federal party leader who possibly still holds membership in a provincial separatist party?
No matter how you look at it Nycole Turmel lied. In any other situation she would be asked to step aside and another named in her place. For the good of the party she should resign- this controversy is an early Christmas gift to the other three parties; and a blow to the success the N.D.P. has achieved. It's a blow to her integrity, and she won't be taken seriously by the other parties.
But we have to remember this isn't any other situation. Layton has stepped aside because of illness, and has signaled he will be back. If his absence lasts longer than the September 19, deadline I think we'll either see a second interim leader named or a date for a quick leadership convention.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
The Liberal Platform: "The Ontario Way"
if the Ontario Way website is it for the Liberal platform, then that party is in worse shape than I thought. The platform rests on a questionable government record (putting it kindly), and pretty much does nothing accept brag about their own achievements. They make few promises that are really comparable to the Progressive Conservatives' Changebook, unlike that document no realistic numbers or detailed plans are provided here. The party breaks the platform down to five main categories: Jobs, health, community, education, and family finances.
Under the Jobs category it states Ontario recovered 124% of jobs lost in the 2008 recession "faster than our major trading partners," with a graph featuring the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) Arguably the United States, and the United Kingdom were both worse off than the Canadian economy to begin with. The sub-prime mortgage crisis, and collapse of some financial institutions in the U.S. were contributing factors to America's recession. The United Kingdom is part of the European Union, and was likely affected by what happened in other parts of the trade zone. Couple that with the job creation caused caused in part by Canada's Economic Action plan, and the government bailout of the auto sector and is it any wonder Ontario recovered its jobs faster?
As for Health...Their website says the Liberal government hired "thousands of nurses," offered spots to more international grads than any other province, and have built 18 new hospitals. By the way in their 10-year infrastructure plan they've promised to build more hospitals, and expand others "should fiscal capacity allow," aka if they can afford it. My question is how much of this success has been borne on the backs of Ontarians through the much maligned health tax? The party also mentions eliminating coal fire generators- I'm all for it, if it can be done safely, and we have alternatives ready. In the mean time, what about looking into ways you can cleanly burn coal instead?
Under community it trumpets the government's cosmetic pesticide ban. That's a good thing for the environment and for people's overall health yes, but in 8 years is that all you've done for Ontario's communities? What about investment in community infrastructure (roads, arenas, arts centres)? Or what about keeping communities safe? I find it hard to believe a pesticide ban is the absolute best achievement you can think of for this section.
The education section announces the government's intention to completely implement the full-day Kindergarten by 2014-2015; 3-4 years away. Does this even belong on the platform for now? It's not yet completed, and there's no guarantee it will be carried over should McGuinty lose the election. I think a future government's hands are tied on this one; it's too far into the process now. And as for the estimated $6500/ year in savings to parents- how much of that goes back to the government in taxes?
Parents save $1400 on children's vaccines according to the family finances section of the platform. The provincial Liberals have offered 10% off on hydro bills in the form of an Ontario energy benefit. I'm naturally suspicious- or cynical, but I have to ask: If re-elected where will the provincial liberals make up that 10%? In new user fees? or maybe a new tax?
I hope there is more to the Liberal platform than this. The "Ontario Way" right now lacks the vision, and new ideas I'd hope to see from a party that has the significant advantage of having been in power for 8 years and is asking for a third mandate. It's as if the Liberals have given up before the campaign has really begun.
Under the Jobs category it states Ontario recovered 124% of jobs lost in the 2008 recession "faster than our major trading partners," with a graph featuring the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) Arguably the United States, and the United Kingdom were both worse off than the Canadian economy to begin with. The sub-prime mortgage crisis, and collapse of some financial institutions in the U.S. were contributing factors to America's recession. The United Kingdom is part of the European Union, and was likely affected by what happened in other parts of the trade zone. Couple that with the job creation caused caused in part by Canada's Economic Action plan, and the government bailout of the auto sector and is it any wonder Ontario recovered its jobs faster?
As for Health...Their website says the Liberal government hired "thousands of nurses," offered spots to more international grads than any other province, and have built 18 new hospitals. By the way in their 10-year infrastructure plan they've promised to build more hospitals, and expand others "should fiscal capacity allow," aka if they can afford it. My question is how much of this success has been borne on the backs of Ontarians through the much maligned health tax? The party also mentions eliminating coal fire generators- I'm all for it, if it can be done safely, and we have alternatives ready. In the mean time, what about looking into ways you can cleanly burn coal instead?
Under community it trumpets the government's cosmetic pesticide ban. That's a good thing for the environment and for people's overall health yes, but in 8 years is that all you've done for Ontario's communities? What about investment in community infrastructure (roads, arenas, arts centres)? Or what about keeping communities safe? I find it hard to believe a pesticide ban is the absolute best achievement you can think of for this section.
The education section announces the government's intention to completely implement the full-day Kindergarten by 2014-2015; 3-4 years away. Does this even belong on the platform for now? It's not yet completed, and there's no guarantee it will be carried over should McGuinty lose the election. I think a future government's hands are tied on this one; it's too far into the process now. And as for the estimated $6500/ year in savings to parents- how much of that goes back to the government in taxes?
Parents save $1400 on children's vaccines according to the family finances section of the platform. The provincial Liberals have offered 10% off on hydro bills in the form of an Ontario energy benefit. I'm naturally suspicious- or cynical, but I have to ask: If re-elected where will the provincial liberals make up that 10%? In new user fees? or maybe a new tax?
I hope there is more to the Liberal platform than this. The "Ontario Way" right now lacks the vision, and new ideas I'd hope to see from a party that has the significant advantage of having been in power for 8 years and is asking for a third mandate. It's as if the Liberals have given up before the campaign has really begun.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Life is a highway... but it doesn't have to be
Much has been made of the idea to build a highway through the escarpment that would connect Niagara with the Greater Toronto area: Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) with the 401. Town council voted against the idea instead deciding to back a recommendation to widen the 401 through Milton. A new highway would decrease the supply of prime farmland in this area, plus likely do environmental damage as well.
There are fears that although the Liberals have shot down the idea, if Hudak wins the October election he will go ahead with it. They may be justified- nobody can see the future. Flipping it around- if the Liberals are re-elected they may go ahead with the highway after all it is an election year. I think, coming from a farming area himself Hudak may be more understanding about it. The fact we're even talking about a new highway acknowledges in the future we could have a problem with mobility for people and goods.
Maybe what we need here, isn't necessarily a new highway. Maybe what we need is a wholesale culture makeover. A growing number of us work in jobs where we don't have to physically go to an office five days a week, or are lucky enough that thanks to technology we can work from home all the time. A number of us carpool. What if we gave tax breaks to businesses who allowed teleworking? Or what if we gave area businesses discounted transit passes?
I believe if you build it they will come- as corny as it sounds.If you build me a reliable, affordable, accessible transit system I'll be just as likely to use it as to drive the car- maybe more so depending on my destination. I see Metrolinx making slow progress in that direction; Councilor Colin Best added an amendment at Regional Council that would ask Metrolinx to accelerate their "Big Move" projects. so we're making slow progress, and I know there are plans to improve things in the future by connecting the different areas of Halton Region through transit.
I'd also make it so that any new main road more than two lanes (a Louis St. Laurent type of street), should have at least one lane either direction dedicated to public transit/ H.O.V. (carpool) traffic. Provincially make it so that any future new highway (e.g. : 400 series) should have at least one lane in either direction dedicated to transit. If the highway is 8-12 lanes in each direction, I'd increase it to a minimum of two lanes in either direction. It was a huge mistake not developing transit at the same time as we developed roads, and our communities, if we had we might not have this problem now.
As Tom Cochrane says "Life is a highway." But it doesn't have to be in Halton if we start making transit a regular part of our lives and a part of our future.
There are fears that although the Liberals have shot down the idea, if Hudak wins the October election he will go ahead with it. They may be justified- nobody can see the future. Flipping it around- if the Liberals are re-elected they may go ahead with the highway after all it is an election year. I think, coming from a farming area himself Hudak may be more understanding about it. The fact we're even talking about a new highway acknowledges in the future we could have a problem with mobility for people and goods.
Maybe what we need here, isn't necessarily a new highway. Maybe what we need is a wholesale culture makeover. A growing number of us work in jobs where we don't have to physically go to an office five days a week, or are lucky enough that thanks to technology we can work from home all the time. A number of us carpool. What if we gave tax breaks to businesses who allowed teleworking? Or what if we gave area businesses discounted transit passes?
I believe if you build it they will come- as corny as it sounds.If you build me a reliable, affordable, accessible transit system I'll be just as likely to use it as to drive the car- maybe more so depending on my destination. I see Metrolinx making slow progress in that direction; Councilor Colin Best added an amendment at Regional Council that would ask Metrolinx to accelerate their "Big Move" projects. so we're making slow progress, and I know there are plans to improve things in the future by connecting the different areas of Halton Region through transit.
I'd also make it so that any new main road more than two lanes (a Louis St. Laurent type of street), should have at least one lane either direction dedicated to public transit/ H.O.V. (carpool) traffic. Provincially make it so that any future new highway (e.g. : 400 series) should have at least one lane in either direction dedicated to transit. If the highway is 8-12 lanes in each direction, I'd increase it to a minimum of two lanes in either direction. It was a huge mistake not developing transit at the same time as we developed roads, and our communities, if we had we might not have this problem now.
As Tom Cochrane says "Life is a highway." But it doesn't have to be in Halton if we start making transit a regular part of our lives and a part of our future.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
News Of The World
There are so many aspects to this story, I don't know where to begin blogging about it. What's jumping out to me in a huge way is the accountability factor. Where were the voices in these people's heads asking the question "what if I get caught" Where were the editors saying "Where did you get those stories?" In my jobs so far I've come up with the ideas, pitched them to my boss and they okay them, or offer their feedback, even saying no sometimes.
The accountability for the phone hacking should go straight to the top. In Journalism- and generally in media your reputation is everything; and something like this could ruin reputations. With the hundreds of thousands of pounds going on in payoffs I find it hard to believe someone higher than the "managing editor didn't know about them. At the very least Rebekah Brooks knew, if not one of the Murdochs did.
Journalism is a powerful profession. Reporters are able to tell stories that matter, and shed the light onto issues of public importance. We're able to shape public opinion, and as the saying goes "speak truth to power." It's a heady responsibility, and in the case of the News of the World, people took it for granted. The buck needs to stop somewhere, not be flipped back and forth- and this one should go all the way to the top.
The accountability for the phone hacking should go straight to the top. In Journalism- and generally in media your reputation is everything; and something like this could ruin reputations. With the hundreds of thousands of pounds going on in payoffs I find it hard to believe someone higher than the "managing editor didn't know about them. At the very least Rebekah Brooks knew, if not one of the Murdochs did.
Journalism is a powerful profession. Reporters are able to tell stories that matter, and shed the light onto issues of public importance. We're able to shape public opinion, and as the saying goes "speak truth to power." It's a heady responsibility, and in the case of the News of the World, people took it for granted. The buck needs to stop somewhere, not be flipped back and forth- and this one should go all the way to the top.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Royal Visit
There is nothing like seeing the country through the eyes of others. I knew Canada was a place of unparalleled beauty and incredible contrasts. And now the Duke, and Duchess of Cambridge know it too. They were only here for 9 days- long enough to experience a taste of what we have to offer as a country, and re-emphasize the fact we have not only a shared history with Great Britain, but traditions and culture of our own.
They are symbols of our history as a British colony; they'll be King and Queen here one day. But in their visit to Ottawa, and taking part in a citizenship ceremony- and in the trip to Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.). served as silent acknowledgement that Canada has its own unique history, and traditions.. In P.E.I. they visited "Province House" where the fathers of Confederation negotiated the accord that brought Canada into being.
In another piece of Canadiana William played street hockey in the Northwest Territories. The only things missing from the cliche was the golden Prince scoring the winning goal on a penalty shot, and for someone to yell "car." They were white hatted- given white cowboy hats by the Mayor of Calgary. What struck me watching the tour how casual it was, and at the same time it managed to combine the history, and tradition of the British Monarchy, with the uniqueness of Canada in a recipe for an incredible memory that will be talked about across the country.
This country when seen through Catherine and William's eyes is a magnificent place full of incomparable riches (What girl doesn't want diamonds?). The incredible beauty, and resources of the Northwest Territories, to the history of Québec City, Montreal, and Prince Edward Island. The traditions of the Stampede are something unique to Alberta. We forget how amazing a country this is- it's good to be reminded every so often.
So thank you William, and Catherine for showing us what a beautiful country this is. And for reminding us of our past, while at the same time giving us a taste of the future.
They are symbols of our history as a British colony; they'll be King and Queen here one day. But in their visit to Ottawa, and taking part in a citizenship ceremony- and in the trip to Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.). served as silent acknowledgement that Canada has its own unique history, and traditions.. In P.E.I. they visited "Province House" where the fathers of Confederation negotiated the accord that brought Canada into being.
In another piece of Canadiana William played street hockey in the Northwest Territories. The only things missing from the cliche was the golden Prince scoring the winning goal on a penalty shot, and for someone to yell "car." They were white hatted- given white cowboy hats by the Mayor of Calgary. What struck me watching the tour how casual it was, and at the same time it managed to combine the history, and tradition of the British Monarchy, with the uniqueness of Canada in a recipe for an incredible memory that will be talked about across the country.
This country when seen through Catherine and William's eyes is a magnificent place full of incomparable riches (What girl doesn't want diamonds?). The incredible beauty, and resources of the Northwest Territories, to the history of Québec City, Montreal, and Prince Edward Island. The traditions of the Stampede are something unique to Alberta. We forget how amazing a country this is- it's good to be reminded every so often.
So thank you William, and Catherine for showing us what a beautiful country this is. And for reminding us of our past, while at the same time giving us a taste of the future.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Canada Day in Milton: Where Past meets Future
Canada Day July 1, is one of my favourite holidays. It's the one day where the chest swells with pride, and it's okay to stand up and say "I am Canadian" out loud. In Milton it's even more meaningful than just a long weekend- it's a day where the past meets the future.
The day starts off with honouring the past- a Veterans Breakfast. The Breakfast is followed by a quick wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, and then a parade over to the fairgrounds. The other main event is the Citizenship ceremony at centre stage.
Last year was my first year as a member of the organizing committee; my second as the Looking out over the crowd I was reminded of how great a country this is. In the crowd sat people from all over the world; many countries less prosperous than this one. Many have fled war, and all have worked hard to at last become Canadians- to vote, be able to go to school; to do so much we take for granted. It made me appreciate the fact that I just happened to be born in Canada, and can do all that even more than I do already.
Friday July 1, is Canada Day. Come out and celebrate with the committee at the Milton Fairgrounds. See the Milton Canada Day website for a full schedule of events, and a bus schedule for the "event shuttle."
The day starts off with honouring the past- a Veterans Breakfast. The Breakfast is followed by a quick wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, and then a parade over to the fairgrounds. The other main event is the Citizenship ceremony at centre stage.
Last year was my first year as a member of the organizing committee; my second as the Looking out over the crowd I was reminded of how great a country this is. In the crowd sat people from all over the world; many countries less prosperous than this one. Many have fled war, and all have worked hard to at last become Canadians- to vote, be able to go to school; to do so much we take for granted. It made me appreciate the fact that I just happened to be born in Canada, and can do all that even more than I do already.
Friday July 1, is Canada Day. Come out and celebrate with the committee at the Milton Fairgrounds. See the Milton Canada Day website for a full schedule of events, and a bus schedule for the "event shuttle."
Monday, June 27, 2011
Building What? Together
The province released its "Building Together" Plan a document that spells out the plan for infrastructure for the next 10 years. It reads like an election platform, rather than a policy document- as if someone said let's throw this one at the wall to see if it sticks. If it does, then maybe we'll get re-elected??
Most importantly for Milton there was no firm commitment for a hospital expansion. The section of the report applicable to that: Completing the 27 major hospital projects under construction, and continuing to invest in hospital expansions and redevelopment projects, subject to fiscal capacity. The plan also indicates the province will commit to 3-5 expansions/ redevelopment projects... subject to fiscal capacity- a phrase that will get them out of a lot of promises.
My understanding of the funding process is that prior to the release of the provincial government's latest budget, Milton along with other municipalities made a presentation to the province on why they deserve funding for the hospital or infrastructure project. That list was then wheedled down to 50 deserving communities, which, was supposed to be released before legislature was prorogued. This document doesn't spell out many specifics, and that not only hurts Milton, but all Ontarians.
Another disappointment to Milton: the post-secondary education portion of the plan. Recently the province decided that it should have the only say on where satellite campuses should go. Never mind the needs of an institution. Never mind the fact Laurier has land, and a willing partner in Sheridan College or the fact the town is the fastest growing in t he country, and among the youngest. the province still needs to say "yes." There are provisions in the plan for more universities and colleges, but again, as with healthcare they're vague.
It's a contradiction too. The Liberals want 407 expansion, Essex-Windsor highway- both will make it easier for commercial traffic to cross the borders. They want to add to the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes, and build at least 500 centreline-kilometres of highway where warranted by growth and demand. What happened to the environmentally friendly Liberals? The ones that created Metrolinx, worked with the City of Toronto to change Transit City? Giving us still more ways to put more cars on the road, goes counterpoint to that doesn't it. Speaking of Transit, this is where Milton does get something: A promise of trains that are at least 12 cars. Something that should probably have happened around a decade ago.
I know this is a ten year plan, and a lot can change in a decade; subject to fiscal capacity. But where's the vision? Where's the creativity? The Progressive Conservatives have policy for families that can be clearly applied to their everyday lives. The Liberals- at least the ones who are in the provincial government right now are vague. Why not have a plan that would make that phrase "subject to fiscal capacity" a thing of the past?
This plan is unimaginative. Ontario is facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall, failing infrastructure, and an aging population. What's needed is creative ideas that will solve problems. The Liberals want to build together. Build what together? Because you're going to need to be a lot more specific than this.
Most importantly for Milton there was no firm commitment for a hospital expansion. The section of the report applicable to that: Completing the 27 major hospital projects under construction, and continuing to invest in hospital expansions and redevelopment projects, subject to fiscal capacity. The plan also indicates the province will commit to 3-5 expansions/ redevelopment projects... subject to fiscal capacity- a phrase that will get them out of a lot of promises.
My understanding of the funding process is that prior to the release of the provincial government's latest budget, Milton along with other municipalities made a presentation to the province on why they deserve funding for the hospital or infrastructure project. That list was then wheedled down to 50 deserving communities, which, was supposed to be released before legislature was prorogued. This document doesn't spell out many specifics, and that not only hurts Milton, but all Ontarians.
Another disappointment to Milton: the post-secondary education portion of the plan. Recently the province decided that it should have the only say on where satellite campuses should go. Never mind the needs of an institution. Never mind the fact Laurier has land, and a willing partner in Sheridan College or the fact the town is the fastest growing in t he country, and among the youngest. the province still needs to say "yes." There are provisions in the plan for more universities and colleges, but again, as with healthcare they're vague.
It's a contradiction too. The Liberals want 407 expansion, Essex-Windsor highway- both will make it easier for commercial traffic to cross the borders. They want to add to the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes, and build at least 500 centreline-kilometres of highway where warranted by growth and demand. What happened to the environmentally friendly Liberals? The ones that created Metrolinx, worked with the City of Toronto to change Transit City? Giving us still more ways to put more cars on the road, goes counterpoint to that doesn't it. Speaking of Transit, this is where Milton does get something: A promise of trains that are at least 12 cars. Something that should probably have happened around a decade ago.
I know this is a ten year plan, and a lot can change in a decade; subject to fiscal capacity. But where's the vision? Where's the creativity? The Progressive Conservatives have policy for families that can be clearly applied to their everyday lives. The Liberals- at least the ones who are in the provincial government right now are vague. Why not have a plan that would make that phrase "subject to fiscal capacity" a thing of the past?
This plan is unimaginative. Ontario is facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall, failing infrastructure, and an aging population. What's needed is creative ideas that will solve problems. The Liberals want to build together. Build what together? Because you're going to need to be a lot more specific than this.
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