The BC Government has just released its budget for the 2008 fiscal year. A pretty calm budget, there was something smart worked in. The BC Government is the first in Canada to provide a concise carbon-tax, taxing people based on how much carbon-based fuel they burn.
Of course, they chose to provide an offset to the electorate in order to hopefully not cost anyone too much more money. Every person and child in the province will be written a cheque for $100 this spring and they have also announced a lowering of the lowest tax rate, money earned under $70,000/year, by five points, making it the lowest in Canada. As a further measure, they will lower the commercial rate by one percent immediately, to 11%, and then to 10% in 3 years. The total tax rate in 3 years for a business will be 25%, when Federal tax is mixed in, 10% lower than most US Jurisdictions.
The tax is currently $10 of tax per tonne of CO2 emissions, rising by $5 yearly until it reaches $30/tonne in 2012. This translates into an increase of 2.4 cents per litre for gasoline and 2.8 cents per litre for your home heating oil. If you're burning 50 litres per week (already a fair bit), it's the equivalent of a cup of coffee per week. This rate isn't too steep, so do your math before you lash back!
This plan isn't fool proof, you can be guaranteed many people will not be happy with the idea. But it frees up the income of those who are saving energy, providing potentially huge savings to the residents of downtown Vancouver, big users of public transit. It will encourage others to make a decision too, a decision as to whether they should continue burning ridiculous amounts of fuel, or switch to something more efficient and use the money saved to buy something cool, or pay off debt, or save for retirement. Do what you want. Just stop driving so much!
Of course, the Finance Minister, Carole Taylor, took this as an opportunity to jab at the rest of the country, pointing out that they led the introduction of aerobics, whole-wheat breads and overall healthier lifestyles. Perhaps Premier Ghiz of PEI took take a page out of this book for his second budget, due out within a month or two. Last year, he lowered the tax on gas and delayed the opening of a wind farm project. Two very environmentally sound decisions, right?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
So why'd you pass this law again?
So the American government has delayed the "very important" Passport requirement. Again. Apparently, while Europe's opening their internal borders, we're America is closing ours. How do they justify this law? Well, they say that since 9/11, there needs to be more security. Here we are 7 years later and they've decided that Canadians are so unruly that we're causing the world to end or something. They still haven't implemented "critical" security measures and keep delaying them as the date approaches.
I sure miss the good old days when I could travel to America without even a piece of ID. I'd like to see evidence of Canadians going to America with the intent of committing crimes.
It's a joke that someone would turn up at the border, and be told "you're actually not supposed to be allowed in without a Passport. Here's a pamphlet to tell you that you need a Passport. You can go in now." Don't read it while driving. I'm sure it will put you to sleep (a greater danger than not bringing your Passport, no doubt). If this measure is so important, than why are we always getting extensions?
Listen to the public here. Europe's doing just fine. We want the old way back. Look at the reports, America is more likely to be attacked by people who already live there than by someone from outside, especially Canada. Sure, go ahead and put stiffer controls in place, but Passports? Quit dreaming.
I sure miss the good old days when I could travel to America without even a piece of ID. I'd like to see evidence of Canadians going to America with the intent of committing crimes.
It's a joke that someone would turn up at the border, and be told "you're actually not supposed to be allowed in without a Passport. Here's a pamphlet to tell you that you need a Passport. You can go in now." Don't read it while driving. I'm sure it will put you to sleep (a greater danger than not bringing your Passport, no doubt). If this measure is so important, than why are we always getting extensions?
Listen to the public here. Europe's doing just fine. We want the old way back. Look at the reports, America is more likely to be attacked by people who already live there than by someone from outside, especially Canada. Sure, go ahead and put stiffer controls in place, but Passports? Quit dreaming.
What are you thinking, Mr. Dion?
Stéphane Dion is at it again. After not checking his facts (or sources) again, Mr. Dion blamed a Conservative spokesperson for an "extortion attempt" concerning a Montréal property developer. Since Mr. Dion seems to have no idea what extortion is, he issued an apology Thursday afternoon after question period, a quick, uncalculated response to a quick, uncalculated decision. Almost as soon as Dimitri Soudas' (the spokesperson) lawyers contacted Dion demanding an apology, he gave one. Seems he knew he screwed up.
The opposition parties are getting into quite a tussle since these allegations came out. Mr. Soudas claims to have contacted the Department of Public Works to get information about the lawsuit with the Montréal firm. Now, as a Canadian citizen, he has the right to ask these kind of questions. Is there evidence that he had ties with the firm, or that he tried to help the firm? No. But the Bloc is trying hard to get him in trouble for not helping the firm. Strange, isn't it?
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/01/31/soukas-letter.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/01/30/harper-soudas.html
The opposition parties are getting into quite a tussle since these allegations came out. Mr. Soudas claims to have contacted the Department of Public Works to get information about the lawsuit with the Montréal firm. Now, as a Canadian citizen, he has the right to ask these kind of questions. Is there evidence that he had ties with the firm, or that he tried to help the firm? No. But the Bloc is trying hard to get him in trouble for not helping the firm. Strange, isn't it?
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/01/31/soukas-letter.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/01/30/harper-soudas.html
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Still Patronizing, Are We?
Whether or not this latest instalment of the accusations by the opposition of patronage by Robert Ghiz and his government turns out to be true, it's easy to say that this government has been providing endless fodder for such accusations over the past year.
Recently, John Broderick, former Liberal Party of PEI President, (he was also a pal of Joseph Ghiz, getting VLT contracts from the province back in the day when he ran the show), has received a pretty decent job. He is now a full-time Commissioner at IRAC, free to rule on everything that comes across his chamber. There was absolutely no evidence produced (to date) that there was a fair and equitable hiring process conducted. I mean, I would've applied for this job had it been widely advertised.
Just before that, Nancy Guptill was appointed to the WCB. Now if her Liberal ties don't make her suspicious, the fact that her first words were "I hope this wasn't patronage!" makes you wonder if they even trust their own party to keep their promises. This one was tendered, so I won't complain about it, but really. Don't shoot yourself in the foot, Ms. Guptill. Guptill was a cabinet minister under Catharine Callbeck from 1993-1996. Callbeck was (surprise, surprise) Joseph Ghiz's (yes, the father of our Premier) successor.
Is Ghiz going to start being A LOT more open about his government's dealings? I sure hope so.
Keep your promise Ghiz, get patronage out of our province!
Recently, John Broderick, former Liberal Party of PEI President, (he was also a pal of Joseph Ghiz, getting VLT contracts from the province back in the day when he ran the show), has received a pretty decent job. He is now a full-time Commissioner at IRAC, free to rule on everything that comes across his chamber. There was absolutely no evidence produced (to date) that there was a fair and equitable hiring process conducted. I mean, I would've applied for this job had it been widely advertised.
Just before that, Nancy Guptill was appointed to the WCB. Now if her Liberal ties don't make her suspicious, the fact that her first words were "I hope this wasn't patronage!" makes you wonder if they even trust their own party to keep their promises. This one was tendered, so I won't complain about it, but really. Don't shoot yourself in the foot, Ms. Guptill. Guptill was a cabinet minister under Catharine Callbeck from 1993-1996. Callbeck was (surprise, surprise) Joseph Ghiz's (yes, the father of our Premier) successor.
Is Ghiz going to start being A LOT more open about his government's dealings? I sure hope so.
Keep your promise Ghiz, get patronage out of our province!
Manley Releases His Panel's Report
John Manley has released his panel's report on the Afghan mission. As expected by most level-minded individuals, the recommendation is to stay in Afghanistan indefinitely, provided NATO bolsters its troops.
The Liberals are considering it, which they should, since the head of the panel is a high-profile Liberal (an obvious, effective election ploy by the Conservatives). The NDP and Bloc are against it, to the point where they won't 1) look at the report before commenting and 2) submit any recommendations to the website.
It's good to know that we're likely to stay in Afghanistan. Now all that's needed is for positive news to be spread, instead of just negatives. If a new town gets captured, and subsequently one soldier gets injured, every media outlet speaks about the injury and tragedy to no end, makes a little note of the town being captured, and reminds us that 77 soldiers and a diplomat have died. Negative media is killing this war. Most people who know soldiers personally know that they support the war, not because they have to (they don't, really. They can get other jobs.) but because they've been there, they've seen that we're making tons of progress, they just need a little more support to finish the mission.
Thanks, Mr. Manley, for a job well done.
The Liberals are considering it, which they should, since the head of the panel is a high-profile Liberal (an obvious, effective election ploy by the Conservatives). The NDP and Bloc are against it, to the point where they won't 1) look at the report before commenting and 2) submit any recommendations to the website.
It's good to know that we're likely to stay in Afghanistan. Now all that's needed is for positive news to be spread, instead of just negatives. If a new town gets captured, and subsequently one soldier gets injured, every media outlet speaks about the injury and tragedy to no end, makes a little note of the town being captured, and reminds us that 77 soldiers and a diplomat have died. Negative media is killing this war. Most people who know soldiers personally know that they support the war, not because they have to (they don't, really. They can get other jobs.) but because they've been there, they've seen that we're making tons of progress, they just need a little more support to finish the mission.
Thanks, Mr. Manley, for a job well done.
Great "New" Environment Plan in PEI
PEI Premier Robert Ghiz revealed his "new" energy plan today. Oh. Wait. No he didn't. He opened a $200,000 (of my hard earned) taxpayer-funded office to help people get information on energy conservation and renamed two old PC programs from 2005 or so.
So, Robert Ghiz's environment program currently includes: delaying the opening of a big and wonderful and bond-funded windmill project, cutting the tax on gas, so it's cheaper to drive everywhere (while everyone who knows two things about the environment knows that driving needs to be MORE expensive to encourage conservation), driving too many cars all over the place, spending $200,000 for an office to do what I can do online from anywhere in the world and renaming two PC programs. The amount of effort is amazing, but when will we get handouts of CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs, or even LED ones that we can dim and save energy? Or how about an incentive to replace old vehicles with newer, fuel efficient ones, while guaranteeing that the old car would be scrapped and recycled? Come on, people! When this Government saves its first tonne of CO2 emissions, I'll consider changing my vote. Note the word consider.
So, Robert Ghiz's environment program currently includes: delaying the opening of a big and wonderful and bond-funded windmill project, cutting the tax on gas, so it's cheaper to drive everywhere (while everyone who knows two things about the environment knows that driving needs to be MORE expensive to encourage conservation), driving too many cars all over the place, spending $200,000 for an office to do what I can do online from anywhere in the world and renaming two PC programs. The amount of effort is amazing, but when will we get handouts of CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs, or even LED ones that we can dim and save energy? Or how about an incentive to replace old vehicles with newer, fuel efficient ones, while guaranteeing that the old car would be scrapped and recycled? Come on, people! When this Government saves its first tonne of CO2 emissions, I'll consider changing my vote. Note the word consider.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
PEI's Environmental Efforts
Unfortunately, two provincial Cabinet ministers, Gerard Greenan and Carolyn Bertram, were involved in a car accident on the return from an Atlantic Ministers meeting in Sackville, New Brunswick, when they were struck by a fishtailing Geo Metro. Thankfully, they were merely shaken, with no need to visit the hospital. Fortunately, the article provides enough details to know the limited concern for public funds and the environment that this government has.
Greenan and Bertram were travelling together in a government owned Camry. This car has five seats. Fisheries Minister Alan Campbell was following behind in another vehicle, and offered to drive them home, their vehicle being too damaged to drive. Since he had room for two additional people in his vehicle, one could assume it was also a five-seat vehicle.
The name of the meeting "Atlantic Ministers Meeting" would leave one to believe that the entire cabinet would be travelling, 11 people, or the largest in recent history. If three ministers were using two cars for this ca. 1 hour drive (from Summerside or Charlottetown), then extrapolation of data shows that 11 people travelled in 8 vehicles (numbers rounded). This drive should take no longer than 3 hours from any point on PEI, and it would be relatively easy for Ministers to meet in Summerside and Charlottetown and carpool from there. The poor weather would extend the drive marginally, but is there really any reason why at least 4 people cannot travel in one vehicle for a relatively short distance?
Given the fact that this was winter driving, I will do a quick fuel calculation based on a popular, compact, four wheel drive SUV, the Ford Escape. I will use a model that I'm familiar with, the 2008 XLT with a four-cylinder engine. I will use a rather low-end fuel economy (it gets much better than what I will display, simulating terrible driving/conditions). At 12 liters/hundred kilometres (real life, expect 9-10 lt/100 km), the drive per vehicle would consume 12 litres from Summerside. Eight similar vehicles would burn approximately 120 litres, assuming five depart from Charlottetown and three from Charlottetown. The cost of only fuel, based on the regulated pump price on PEI, would be $128.40, based on the pump price acquired from www.peigasprices.com. The Carbon Dioxide released would measure 273.6 kg. This is without counting other requirements, such as oil, purchasing new tires and replacing parts for the vehicles, visits to mechanics (not for the accident), etc.
If, however, the government had chosen to carpool, we will assume one car departed from Summerside and two from Charlottetown, for simplicity. A total of approximately 360 kilometres would be driven, for a fuel burn of 43.2 litres, a cost of $46.10 and a CO2 release of 98.5 kg. Not to mention this frees up 5 vehicles for other people to drive!
What would PEI's Government save if they carpooled? They would save the taxpayers $82.30 (that's a game for your PS3), they would stop 175.1 kg of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. These numbers concern only one direction of travel, so more realistic numbers would be $164.60 saved and 350.1 kg CO2 diverted. Sure, the numbers aren't huge, some people may laugh at the minuscule savings, but when your province has over $1.3 billion worth of debts ($10,000 per person), every penny saved is a definite start. Not to mention we'd be able to breathe a little easier.
Sure, this post isn't exactly scientific, you could argue that maybe only four vehicles were driven anyway, there's also the possibility that the Toyata Camry was the most fuel efficient vehicle driven, since there are also large vehicles in the government's fleet, and some ministers may have driven a private vehicle. Our tax dollars are not a joke. When the government stops wasting them and makes efforts to cut our debt, it will be a happy day.
Greenan and Bertram were travelling together in a government owned Camry. This car has five seats. Fisheries Minister Alan Campbell was following behind in another vehicle, and offered to drive them home, their vehicle being too damaged to drive. Since he had room for two additional people in his vehicle, one could assume it was also a five-seat vehicle.
The name of the meeting "Atlantic Ministers Meeting" would leave one to believe that the entire cabinet would be travelling, 11 people, or the largest in recent history. If three ministers were using two cars for this ca. 1 hour drive (from Summerside or Charlottetown), then extrapolation of data shows that 11 people travelled in 8 vehicles (numbers rounded). This drive should take no longer than 3 hours from any point on PEI, and it would be relatively easy for Ministers to meet in Summerside and Charlottetown and carpool from there. The poor weather would extend the drive marginally, but is there really any reason why at least 4 people cannot travel in one vehicle for a relatively short distance?
Given the fact that this was winter driving, I will do a quick fuel calculation based on a popular, compact, four wheel drive SUV, the Ford Escape. I will use a model that I'm familiar with, the 2008 XLT with a four-cylinder engine. I will use a rather low-end fuel economy (it gets much better than what I will display, simulating terrible driving/conditions). At 12 liters/hundred kilometres (real life, expect 9-10 lt/100 km), the drive per vehicle would consume 12 litres from Summerside. Eight similar vehicles would burn approximately 120 litres, assuming five depart from Charlottetown and three from Charlottetown. The cost of only fuel, based on the regulated pump price on PEI, would be $128.40, based on the pump price acquired from www.peigasprices.com. The Carbon Dioxide released would measure 273.6 kg. This is without counting other requirements, such as oil, purchasing new tires and replacing parts for the vehicles, visits to mechanics (not for the accident), etc.
If, however, the government had chosen to carpool, we will assume one car departed from Summerside and two from Charlottetown, for simplicity. A total of approximately 360 kilometres would be driven, for a fuel burn of 43.2 litres, a cost of $46.10 and a CO2 release of 98.5 kg. Not to mention this frees up 5 vehicles for other people to drive!
What would PEI's Government save if they carpooled? They would save the taxpayers $82.30 (that's a game for your PS3), they would stop 175.1 kg of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. These numbers concern only one direction of travel, so more realistic numbers would be $164.60 saved and 350.1 kg CO2 diverted. Sure, the numbers aren't huge, some people may laugh at the minuscule savings, but when your province has over $1.3 billion worth of debts ($10,000 per person), every penny saved is a definite start. Not to mention we'd be able to breathe a little easier.
Sure, this post isn't exactly scientific, you could argue that maybe only four vehicles were driven anyway, there's also the possibility that the Toyata Camry was the most fuel efficient vehicle driven, since there are also large vehicles in the government's fleet, and some ministers may have driven a private vehicle. Our tax dollars are not a joke. When the government stops wasting them and makes efforts to cut our debt, it will be a happy day.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Democracy at its Finest
The PEI Liberal Government will stop at nothing to work under the radar and enforce hardship and concern upon its constituents. Just today, it was revealed that they are forcing the region's only pork processor to fork back $1.5 million in loans by Monday, the total time period being 10 days. This is for a company that's just in the first year of a five-year restructuring plan and they clearly don't have the cash to pay that back in 10 days.
Why does the government need the cash so bad that it's willing to put Island workers out of work? Is it because they switched a $2 million dollar surplus from the Pat Binns PCs into a $44 million deficit when they came to power? Is it because they've cut taxes on housing and petroleum products, a move that will lower their income and encourage people to build larger houses, or drive more with their big vehicles, since the hit on the pocketbook isn't so great, and now they need to raise back some cash to pay for the MOST EXPENSIVE election promises in ISLAND HISTORY? Or is it because they hate agriculture, having already threatened to shut down the region's only beef producer, which is facing similar problems? A recent promotion to buy local beef was successful, maybe the plant will be profitable soon. If given a chance, maybe the hog plant could do the same.
Then, later today, it was revealed that CBC was being charged upwards of $12,000 to receive information regarding loans to the Rodd hotel chain, the largest privately owned hotel chain in Atlantic Canada, which is being sold. Under provincial law, the requester must pay the costs of acquiring the material, but the fee can be waived if the requester can't afford it (no luck, CBC), or if the records relate to a matter of public interest. The CBC is obviously taking the government to court over the desire to hide the truth and I don't blame them. As an Islander, I want to know exactly what happened to our tax dollars. That is clearly a matter of public interest, and the dodginess of this government needs to stop. Considering they were out of power for 10 years, there certainly can't be much that the Liberals need to hide, or have they already been lining pockets? That'd explain the deficit.
Well, until 2011, the suffering will continue. All hail Robert Ghiz!
Why does the government need the cash so bad that it's willing to put Island workers out of work? Is it because they switched a $2 million dollar surplus from the Pat Binns PCs into a $44 million deficit when they came to power? Is it because they've cut taxes on housing and petroleum products, a move that will lower their income and encourage people to build larger houses, or drive more with their big vehicles, since the hit on the pocketbook isn't so great, and now they need to raise back some cash to pay for the MOST EXPENSIVE election promises in ISLAND HISTORY? Or is it because they hate agriculture, having already threatened to shut down the region's only beef producer, which is facing similar problems? A recent promotion to buy local beef was successful, maybe the plant will be profitable soon. If given a chance, maybe the hog plant could do the same.
Then, later today, it was revealed that CBC was being charged upwards of $12,000 to receive information regarding loans to the Rodd hotel chain, the largest privately owned hotel chain in Atlantic Canada, which is being sold. Under provincial law, the requester must pay the costs of acquiring the material, but the fee can be waived if the requester can't afford it (no luck, CBC), or if the records relate to a matter of public interest. The CBC is obviously taking the government to court over the desire to hide the truth and I don't blame them. As an Islander, I want to know exactly what happened to our tax dollars. That is clearly a matter of public interest, and the dodginess of this government needs to stop. Considering they were out of power for 10 years, there certainly can't be much that the Liberals need to hide, or have they already been lining pockets? That'd explain the deficit.
Well, until 2011, the suffering will continue. All hail Robert Ghiz!
Friday, January 11, 2008
First Ministers Meeting
It's been a while, since Christmas was busy for me and slow politically. However, an error-riddled article on CBC prompted me to write again.
Harper announced $1 Billion in aid for provinces yesterday, anticipating economic issues based mainly on crazy business deals in America. Since most people know about the sub-prime mortgage disaster, I'll skip it. Today, Harper starts his second meeting with all of the premiers since he was elected, in 2006 (not 2005, CBC). I mean, anyone saying that we've had such a wonderful government for so long is a saint, but I still prefer the facts.
Harper plans to ignore Charest and McGuinty, since they're just whining for more money, and saying they deserve more money than, for example, PEI, which has a nearly defunct fish and agriculture industry, a premier that keeps promises so well that he'll leave them with the HIGHEST PER CAPITA DEPT IN CANADA before he leaves office in 2011, with the municipalities considering jacking their taxes so they won't lose money with his tax cuts, and already a high unemployment rate. Quebec and Ontario: you enjoyed a good ride, now it's time for a little equality, which is what Harper did.
I believe this is a great plan, which will provide emergency money for the many single-industry towns in Canada, but hopefully the money isn't simply used to bail out. Diversification is a must. Everything doesn't have to be done in Smog Central, people in northern New Brunswick can assemble parts as well, or better, than those in Ontario. They don't need to always use saws to prepare wood for the market. All in all, I think Canada will come out of this ordeal a lot better than America.
Harper also wants serious talk of Senate Reform, perhaps so that the deal can be done in time for the next election. Dion criticizes such a move, naturally, because the Liberal enjoys the current stacked Senate. Cosmo magazine (yeah, the one about sex that your daughter reads)started the revolution to change the US Senate, maybe it'll do the same in Canada? (I doubt it. It wasn't about sex back then) Dion enjoyed pointing out that in Harper's "first meeting with the premiers in over two years" (which is impossible, since he hasn't been our Prime Minister for that long yet), he should concentrate on things such as, oh, avoiding a recession. Well, he has taken care of that. Unfortunately, when the US economy collapses, so does every other economy. It won't last long, however, and we can surely just rebuild our economy to be stronger and more diverse, since we've got a lot more of a line of credit to move around with.
Quit your Liberal whining, Mr. Dion. Please. We all beg you. It's the same rubbish day in and day out. Any respect I had of you when out the door when you forgot how long you've been out of power for.
Goodbye.
Harper announced $1 Billion in aid for provinces yesterday, anticipating economic issues based mainly on crazy business deals in America. Since most people know about the sub-prime mortgage disaster, I'll skip it. Today, Harper starts his second meeting with all of the premiers since he was elected, in 2006 (not 2005, CBC). I mean, anyone saying that we've had such a wonderful government for so long is a saint, but I still prefer the facts.
Harper plans to ignore Charest and McGuinty, since they're just whining for more money, and saying they deserve more money than, for example, PEI, which has a nearly defunct fish and agriculture industry, a premier that keeps promises so well that he'll leave them with the HIGHEST PER CAPITA DEPT IN CANADA before he leaves office in 2011, with the municipalities considering jacking their taxes so they won't lose money with his tax cuts, and already a high unemployment rate. Quebec and Ontario: you enjoyed a good ride, now it's time for a little equality, which is what Harper did.
I believe this is a great plan, which will provide emergency money for the many single-industry towns in Canada, but hopefully the money isn't simply used to bail out. Diversification is a must. Everything doesn't have to be done in Smog Central, people in northern New Brunswick can assemble parts as well, or better, than those in Ontario. They don't need to always use saws to prepare wood for the market. All in all, I think Canada will come out of this ordeal a lot better than America.
Harper also wants serious talk of Senate Reform, perhaps so that the deal can be done in time for the next election. Dion criticizes such a move, naturally, because the Liberal enjoys the current stacked Senate. Cosmo magazine (yeah, the one about sex that your daughter reads)started the revolution to change the US Senate, maybe it'll do the same in Canada? (I doubt it. It wasn't about sex back then) Dion enjoyed pointing out that in Harper's "first meeting with the premiers in over two years" (which is impossible, since he hasn't been our Prime Minister for that long yet), he should concentrate on things such as, oh, avoiding a recession. Well, he has taken care of that. Unfortunately, when the US economy collapses, so does every other economy. It won't last long, however, and we can surely just rebuild our economy to be stronger and more diverse, since we've got a lot more of a line of credit to move around with.
Quit your Liberal whining, Mr. Dion. Please. We all beg you. It's the same rubbish day in and day out. Any respect I had of you when out the door when you forgot how long you've been out of power for.
Goodbye.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
It's good to be blue
It looks like the Federal political landscape on PEI is improving. With membership surging in Egmont, there seems to be a chance that the riding will turn Blue for the first time in three decades, and the Conservatives could win only their 10th seat in the riding, ever.
With two well respected former Provincial Cabinet Ministers and one heavyweight backbencher, who were ousted this spring for telling the truth and making reasonable election promises, vying for the seat, the Conservatives will be well represented.
The choices are Philip Brown, the former Minister of Tourism, Gail Shea, the former Minister of Transport and Wilfred Arsenault, the backbencher. Arsenault's grasp of both official languages will, however, provide him with a good boost.
It'll be a good race! Start knocking!
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=88937&sc=98
With two well respected former Provincial Cabinet Ministers and one heavyweight backbencher, who were ousted this spring for telling the truth and making reasonable election promises, vying for the seat, the Conservatives will be well represented.
The choices are Philip Brown, the former Minister of Tourism, Gail Shea, the former Minister of Transport and Wilfred Arsenault, the backbencher. Arsenault's grasp of both official languages will, however, provide him with a good boost.
It'll be a good race! Start knocking!
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=88937&sc=98
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Cutting back on the fuels
I remember last winter (or maybe two winters ago), the Progressive Conservative Party of PEI wanted to help people make their homes burn less energy, providing assistance for the less fortunate to purchase caulking and having energy use assessments and what not completed. They also said turn the temperature down a degree or two and wear a sweater. Naturally, this enraged the left-wing parties, who believe in handouts before progress. Whether a family saves, for example, $200 a year because they insulated their house better, or because the government just handed a cheque to the oil company, makes no difference financially.
However, I see many advantages in improving fuel efficiency: it decreases your consumption, which is linked to the cost. It also releases less carbon dioxide, and decreases the dependence on fossil fuels, which is good for the environment. Your savings will be transferred from year to year, so the government can move on and help other families, eventually being able to deliver aid right across the board. An overall decrease in fossil fuel consumption will then lead to a theoretical collapse in prices, which OPEC will merely counter with reduced production, but the benefits will still be felt.
I think a great Coup that the Harper government could stage would be to make the R2000 Standard a mandatory one in new house construction, and work with the provinces to help retrofit older homes (especially those owned by the less fortunate) to more modern standards of heating and insulation, replacing whole systems, when necessary. Only through these bold, and potentially costly steps can we truly reduce our GHG emissions. Canada can, and must be a leader in this field. It may take a tax reduction on everything that saves energy (the NDP will hate that, 'cause "Only the rich could afford that stuff anyway"), or it may take laws setting new standards, but we can do this!
What prompted my third post of this fine November evening, you may ask? While sifting through the vast wealth of articles on the CBC News website this evening, I stumbled upon a cry for help from the Nova Scotia wing of the Salvation Army.
Broken families have been shown to lead to increases in drug use, violence, theft, criminality, poor education, and other things that keep the poor poor, and the happiness down. So, helping the environment may help these families stay together, a success that anyone would have difficulties not supporting.
However, I see many advantages in improving fuel efficiency: it decreases your consumption, which is linked to the cost. It also releases less carbon dioxide, and decreases the dependence on fossil fuels, which is good for the environment. Your savings will be transferred from year to year, so the government can move on and help other families, eventually being able to deliver aid right across the board. An overall decrease in fossil fuel consumption will then lead to a theoretical collapse in prices, which OPEC will merely counter with reduced production, but the benefits will still be felt.
I think a great Coup that the Harper government could stage would be to make the R2000 Standard a mandatory one in new house construction, and work with the provinces to help retrofit older homes (especially those owned by the less fortunate) to more modern standards of heating and insulation, replacing whole systems, when necessary. Only through these bold, and potentially costly steps can we truly reduce our GHG emissions. Canada can, and must be a leader in this field. It may take a tax reduction on everything that saves energy (the NDP will hate that, 'cause "Only the rich could afford that stuff anyway"), or it may take laws setting new standards, but we can do this!
What prompted my third post of this fine November evening, you may ask? While sifting through the vast wealth of articles on the CBC News website this evening, I stumbled upon a cry for help from the Nova Scotia wing of the Salvation Army.
"We know about a lot of families who are separated because they don't have heat or they don't have lights," said Megan Leslie, the lawyer representing the lobby group.
-CBC
Broken families have been shown to lead to increases in drug use, violence, theft, criminality, poor education, and other things that keep the poor poor, and the happiness down. So, helping the environment may help these families stay together, a success that anyone would have difficulties not supporting.
Pakistan in the Commonwealth, soon to be (again) a thing of the past?
Harper has proposed to boot Pakistan from the Commonwealth of Nations (53 Countries, mostly former British Colonies), since President Musharraf has declared emergency rule, and continues to lead the country despite being the head of the military (wait, QEII is the De Facto head of the Canadian Military, and the Head of State, and by the powers vested upon her in the constitution, she can have them do her bidding, as can Harper, MacKay, and Jean). Infringing on the Democratic Process is the main concern here, as Harper is worried that Musharraf isn't representing the views of anyone else in the Commonwealth.
This would be the second time Paskistan is booted out, the first was in 1999, and lasted nearly five years.
Congratulations once again goes out to our fearless leader, Stephen Harper, who is once again showing Canada's leadership on the world stage. Perhaps he will also help remove Russia from the G8 if they continue their quasi-Reign of Terror?
Gordon Brown is, however, a little iffy on the whole matter:
There is still a chance that Harper's wishes will be carried out, however, the best outcome would be scaring Pakistan into quick realignment with most of the world.
This would be the second time Paskistan is booted out, the first was in 1999, and lasted nearly five years.
Congratulations once again goes out to our fearless leader, Stephen Harper, who is once again showing Canada's leadership on the world stage. Perhaps he will also help remove Russia from the G8 if they continue their quasi-Reign of Terror?
Gordon Brown is, however, a little iffy on the whole matter:
"He has assured me that he will do his utmost to lift the state of emergency in time for free and fair elections to be held and to give up his military rule and responsibilities as soon as possible," Brown said.
-CBC
There is still a chance that Harper's wishes will be carried out, however, the best outcome would be scaring Pakistan into quick realignment with most of the world.
Mulroney-Schreiber Affair
Not knowing how to proceed with this post, I have finally received some inspiration and decided to write it. The question of whether Mulroney took money doesn't matter. He admitted he took it. The issue is currently on the timing of the transaction.
Now, the Liberals and NDP are clamouring for a witch-hunt, which I fear will be close to a Canadian version of the Conrad Black trial. The Liberals are doing everything short of bribing Mulroney's enemies with the use of threats of turning them in for things that aren't illegal, in order to convict Mulroney on something that isn't illegal. Heck, he almost did it in another country too! The proper way to go on this is to stand idly by. The government doesn't really have a reason to get involved, since we have a legal system for a reason. Only after wrongdoing by a (then) sitting member of Parliament is found should extra taxpayer money be shelled out for this. Because two or three taxpayer funded investigations into one case is right up there with wasting money (Maybe because it is.).
So,
Now that that's finished, the Globe reported last week that a Liberal MP is being sued over his comments in this (note to self: under the Canadian legal system (which is different from the American system), people are innocent until proven guilty. Saying otherwise IS libel)
Here we are,
Mr. Thibault is referencing a very specific question that Liberals love to misquote, a question taken from the proceedings in the 1996 settlement investigation. The question was regarding whether Mr. Mulroney and Mr. Schreiber had made a deal in regards to the 1988 purchase of Airbus jets for Air Canada, which was then a Crown Corporation. Mr. Mulroney replied that he did not meet or deal with Schreiber in regards to Airbus. The Liberals are of course ignoring the last four words. Other Liberals are saying worse, but it's not fair to quote without good sources.
The last topic that I'll take the time to point out is that the Liberals managed to get the ethics committee to conduct a parallel investigation to that of the RCMP and the Inquiry, however, it will be lacking any of the protection devices that such an inquiry includes. Mr. Thibault has redeemed himself a little today, however, denouncing the Liberals (his own party) for their actions.
Now, the Liberals and NDP are clamouring for a witch-hunt, which I fear will be close to a Canadian version of the Conrad Black trial. The Liberals are doing everything short of bribing Mulroney's enemies with the use of threats of turning them in for things that aren't illegal, in order to convict Mulroney on something that isn't illegal. Heck, he almost did it in another country too! The proper way to go on this is to stand idly by. The government doesn't really have a reason to get involved, since we have a legal system for a reason. Only after wrongdoing by a (then) sitting member of Parliament is found should extra taxpayer money be shelled out for this. Because two or three taxpayer funded investigations into one case is right up there with wasting money (Maybe because it is.).
So,
Dear The Honourable Stéphane Dion, PC,
Your attempt at creating a witch hunt in order to prosecute a former nemesis of your political party is not only reckless for your reputation, but it is also setting a dangerous precedent to open up another huge scandal in Canadian history (which, I remind you, your government, while you were in Cabinet, swept under the couch as quietly as possible), Shawinigate, or the Grand-Mère Affair, or whatever else you want to call it. If you are, however, willing to put your former boss under a very careful microscope, and have his potentially suspect private dealings perused, then go ahead, dare our current Government to launch a full investigation into a matter that has already been resolved on one level, but was reopened by a wanted criminal awaiting deportation back to Germany.
The claims that your political party, the Liberal Party of Canada, is making are not only helping to further discredit your party (which I don't actually mind, but you are a better opposition then your bedfellows in orange), but are also setting a dangerous precedent for the usage of taxpayer dollars (we have better things to purchase) and opening up a wide avenue for investigating our last two Prime Ministers. Does Shawinigate ring a bell? Maybe Paul Martin really did help CSL while in office? The last time the Liberal Party of Canada led its electors into a "noble" pursuit of "justice" (replace "noble" with reckless and "justice" with "attempting to discredit (former) political opponents" to better understand), it cost the taxpayers of Canada $2.1 million (that's with six decimal place movements to the left. $2,100,000, it was the gun registry that went into billions, nine zeros, $1,000,000,000) plus legal fees for both sides, plus the undisclosed cost of having ridiculous numbers of RCMP officers investigating this "crime", and we also need to count the cost of crimes that went unsolved due to lack of resources during this same period.
Mr. Dion, I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. Canadian taxpayer dollars should not be used lightly (nor should they be used to support your political party, and yes, I fully support prosecuting every member (not only MP) from the Liberal party of Canada from 1996-2004 if you choose to continue the attempt at prosecuting political opponents) since Canadian taxpayer dollars are collected in order to be returned to them in the form of services, such as security, defence, energy, and other such wonderful things. When even your own MPs become disillusioned on this quest, perhaps the time has come to reconsider the position.
A wise man once said that anyone who believes their political opponents should be jailed, merely to advance your own ideals, should not lead a country. You've likely spoken with this wise man recently. Heed His advice, because He wields more power than you. (No, that wasn't god.)
So, Mr. Dion, here's you chance to do what your predecessors couldn't: Look after the Canadian public, and stop wasting taxpayer dollars,
Sincerely,
The guy who writes this blog.
Now that that's finished, the Globe reported last week that a Liberal MP is being sued over his comments in this (note to self: under the Canadian legal system (which is different from the American system), people are innocent until proven guilty. Saying otherwise IS libel)
Here we are,
"In the interview, Mr. Thibault said Mulroney had claimed he didn't know Schreiber and had no business relationship with him"
- Globe and Mail
Mr. Thibault is referencing a very specific question that Liberals love to misquote, a question taken from the proceedings in the 1996 settlement investigation. The question was regarding whether Mr. Mulroney and Mr. Schreiber had made a deal in regards to the 1988 purchase of Airbus jets for Air Canada, which was then a Crown Corporation. Mr. Mulroney replied that he did not meet or deal with Schreiber in regards to Airbus. The Liberals are of course ignoring the last four words. Other Liberals are saying worse, but it's not fair to quote without good sources.
The last topic that I'll take the time to point out is that the Liberals managed to get the ethics committee to conduct a parallel investigation to that of the RCMP and the Inquiry, however, it will be lacking any of the protection devices that such an inquiry includes. Mr. Thibault has redeemed himself a little today, however, denouncing the Liberals (his own party) for their actions.
"When you get into this kind of investigation, if you stray too far, you're duplicating the work of the inquiry without the resources of the inquiry and without the safety net for the people whose names may be brought forward in an accusatory way,"Well, it's a battle of the corrupt in Ottawa. Will the Liberals succeed in bringing down the Harper and his government over this issue? Will Karlheinz Schreiber be vindicated as a hero on the part of the Liberals? Will Mulroney's name be cleared? Who knows? So keep your eyes posted on the blog!
- The Honourable Robert Thibault
CBC and Ottawa Citizen (no link available)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Canada Under Attack!
Since I personally consider any Canadian Military Base/Camp Sovereign Territory, today's attack on Peter MacKay was an attack on Canada. A deliberate attempt to bolster the position of the NDP (though I won't go as far as saying they want him dead, that'd be a stretch even for Layton) by the Taliban, luckily the rocket missed its target at FOB Wilson. MacKay was quickly whisked away by a Black Hawk helicopter (American, I assume) and escaped any harm.
These attacks show that the Taliban are still out there, and that we need to commit more troops, equipment, money and emotional support to this war. The Taliban can and must be vanquished, and unfortunately, it may claim the lives of a few more soldiers, perhaps the next one could be my friend, but, to quote a popular movie, "Freedom isn't free, it costs folks like you and me." Perhaps next year I will join the military, and the promise of continued presence in Afghanistan will have a positive effect on that decision. Young men and women are lining up to fight the good fight, and the opposition not only wants the fight to end, but is constantly raining on the morale of troops. The media isn't helping either. They aren't giving our soldiers their due, the front page of any newspaper will sooner blast "Another Canadian soldier killed (or wounded) in Afghanistan" than "Canadian Troops have secured another sector or village x" there are many victories, and people need to realize that. The level of popular support for the war is greater than the NDP would like you to know, and, when presented with the facts, people tend to switch to the "extend" side.
This war is winnable. So show your support.
"...the incident underscored the need to continue Canada's mission in Afghanistan and to secure the southern region."
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, P.C., QC, Minister of National Defence
From CBC
These attacks show that the Taliban are still out there, and that we need to commit more troops, equipment, money and emotional support to this war. The Taliban can and must be vanquished, and unfortunately, it may claim the lives of a few more soldiers, perhaps the next one could be my friend, but, to quote a popular movie, "Freedom isn't free, it costs folks like you and me." Perhaps next year I will join the military, and the promise of continued presence in Afghanistan will have a positive effect on that decision. Young men and women are lining up to fight the good fight, and the opposition not only wants the fight to end, but is constantly raining on the morale of troops. The media isn't helping either. They aren't giving our soldiers their due, the front page of any newspaper will sooner blast "Another Canadian soldier killed (or wounded) in Afghanistan" than "Canadian Troops have secured another sector or village x" there are many victories, and people need to realize that. The level of popular support for the war is greater than the NDP would like you to know, and, when presented with the facts, people tend to switch to the "extend" side.
This war is winnable. So show your support.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tax Cuts!
The Conservative Government announced yesterday $60 Billion in tax cuts. Here they are:
- Cut the GST to 5% effective Jan 1, 2008
- Cut the lowest personal tax rate to 15%, from 15.5%
- Increase the basic personal exemption to $9,600 and then $10,100 by 2009
- Cut the Corporate tax rate one point, to 19.5%
- Cut the Corporate tax rate to 15% by 2012
- Drop small business rate to 11%
- Pay off an additional $10 billion worth of debt
The result of these cuts helps everybody, so naturally, the NDP hate it. They'd prefer those who work were taxed to the teeth (so that they'll flee to the US faster) and that those who don't, get bigger handouts. Unfortunately for the NDP, the real world doesn't work that way. It's great to see money going toward the debt, which will save some more money in interest, I believe around $700 million a year, which can be reinvested in the debt. Harper is doing great things for the country, cutting everyone's taxes (right away, every gets an extra $671, since the exemption goes up from $8,929 to $9,600).
What does $671 buy you? Let's think about this. If you are a couple who both pay taxes, a trip to the Dominican Republic, from Toronto, costs $516, so essentially, everyone in Canada who earns more than $9,600 can now afford to go to the DR, and have $155 to spare. Another option is to use that saving to make a payment for your apartment. You could also buy a Sony PS3 with 80gb hard drive, which would set you back $499, before taxes. Of course, with the drop in the GST, you will save $5 on your purchase, so you can go to Starbucks and buy yourself a Latte to keep you company on your January (that's when the tax cuts will come into place) drive home.
The Liberals, naturally, don't like this plan, because it's another act by the Conservatives of fulfilling broken campaign promises by the Liberals. Remember in 1993 when Chrétien came to power? He claimed to be the knight in shining armour who would slay the evil GST in its crib... well, the GST is a teenager now, and the Conservatives are giving it a haircut.
Thankfully, we have sensible people in our government, as we can sit back and dream of how each and every one of us will spend our latest savings, savings that apply to every Canadian, and help everyone's bottom line.
- Cut the GST to 5% effective Jan 1, 2008
- Cut the lowest personal tax rate to 15%, from 15.5%
- Increase the basic personal exemption to $9,600 and then $10,100 by 2009
- Cut the Corporate tax rate one point, to 19.5%
- Cut the Corporate tax rate to 15% by 2012
- Drop small business rate to 11%
- Pay off an additional $10 billion worth of debt
The result of these cuts helps everybody, so naturally, the NDP hate it. They'd prefer those who work were taxed to the teeth (so that they'll flee to the US faster) and that those who don't, get bigger handouts. Unfortunately for the NDP, the real world doesn't work that way. It's great to see money going toward the debt, which will save some more money in interest, I believe around $700 million a year, which can be reinvested in the debt. Harper is doing great things for the country, cutting everyone's taxes (right away, every gets an extra $671, since the exemption goes up from $8,929 to $9,600).
What does $671 buy you? Let's think about this. If you are a couple who both pay taxes, a trip to the Dominican Republic, from Toronto, costs $516, so essentially, everyone in Canada who earns more than $9,600 can now afford to go to the DR, and have $155 to spare. Another option is to use that saving to make a payment for your apartment. You could also buy a Sony PS3 with 80gb hard drive, which would set you back $499, before taxes. Of course, with the drop in the GST, you will save $5 on your purchase, so you can go to Starbucks and buy yourself a Latte to keep you company on your January (that's when the tax cuts will come into place) drive home.
The Liberals, naturally, don't like this plan, because it's another act by the Conservatives of fulfilling broken campaign promises by the Liberals. Remember in 1993 when Chrétien came to power? He claimed to be the knight in shining armour who would slay the evil GST in its crib... well, the GST is a teenager now, and the Conservatives are giving it a haircut.
Thankfully, we have sensible people in our government, as we can sit back and dream of how each and every one of us will spend our latest savings, savings that apply to every Canadian, and help everyone's bottom line.
Friday, October 26, 2007
No more hiding in Canada!
Today, the Harper Gov't introduced a bill requiring visual identification of voters. Finally. I mean, religion can't trump certain things. While religious freedom is important, there is currently nothing hiding someone from lying about their identity. That is definitely a problem, especially if people from out of the country or other ineligible voters hide their faces and then vote NDP or something... the country would be in shambles!
"During the recent byelections in Quebec, the government made it clear that we disagreed with the decision by Elections Canada to allow people to vote while concealing their face," Van Loan said.Of course they weren't happy, the potential was there for the election to be turned into a circus! Let's just hope that one other party supports this bill, since every Canadian will benefit!
-Peter van Loan, CBC
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Trapped!
It would be almost music to the conservative government's ears to have an election now, but how can Harper truly engineer his own defeat, when he himself made fixed election dates law? It will be interesting how he handles slumping Liberals, and a shot at majority, let's just hope that whatever he does, it helps out the Canadian people, which I have full confidence in happening. Harper will lead us through even his own little mistakes, as even a great man has a weakness.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Throne Speech Lives to Die Another Day...
Amazingly, the NDP did something positive today. They helped defeat a Liberal motion, which when summed up said "Everything that the Liberals didn't do from 1993-2006 is actually the fault of the government that didn't exist until 2006, led by Stephen Harper. Even though we did nothing on the environment, it's because we knew we'd be gone before it was an issue. Your loss." Thankfully, the NDP and Bloc saw through the lies, which also reaffirmed the commitment to pull out of Afghanistan by 2009, and said that the Kyoto targets were still reachable, and joined the Conservatives in killing the motion, saving the Throne Speech once again. However, Wednesday will mark the final vote, and who knows what picture that will paint! With around 15 Liberal MPs not present/abstaining from the vote, it makes you wonder how committed they are to their own party. Maybe they're just waiting out the days to start collecting a pension? Unless the Liberals are ready to stand up for what they believe, the Conservative government will have to sit tight trying to pass motions that nobody's really against, but vote against them anyway so they look like they've done something. It's a dark era in Canadian politics. Maybe it will end this year.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
PEI drops deeper into the red
As some readers may have observed, the PEI Liberal Government now has 24 out of 27 seats in the provincial legislature. A scary proposition, seeing as only 4 of them have been involved with politics for more than 6 months. But what's even scarier is that instead of curbing spending to wrangle in the mounting provincial deficit, their first budget projects a $42 million loss, bringing the total provincial deficit up to somewhere around $1 billion. Ghiz promised to paint the Island Red, unfortunately, too many people thought he'd be a good premier.
How I Lead: Stephane Dion
"How do you lead?" one may ask Stephane Dion, he will answer, "Very well," I predict. However, the facts show a different story. It has been almost 11 months since Dion was first blindsided by those brilliant "election style" "Stephane Dion is not a leader" advertisements courtesy of the Conservative Party. With the public laughing away, his credibility slid toward the gutter. Now what does he do?
Well, as the evidence continues to suggest, Stéphane Dion is NOT a leader.
"Dion said he will introduce amendments to the throne speech and if those are rejected, he will ask his party to abstain from voting on the speech, leaving the Conservatives with enough votes to pass the motion in support of the speech on their own."It seems, he will shy away from making a decision. Terrified at what would happen if Canada went to the polls courtesy of him, (making for 3 rounds in 4 short years) Dion will ask his party to sit by and watch. Yielding to the Conservatives won't get the Liberals anywhere, but that's just great. An election wouldn't be too bad though, since the likely Conservative majority would make Parliament flow a lot more smoothly.
-CBC
Well, as the evidence continues to suggest, Stéphane Dion is NOT a leader.
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