For sale in Detroit: 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 1129 square feet, lot 40 by 140, ready for immediate accupancy. Price recently reduced, to $625. (Yes, six hundred and twenty-five US dollars)
When the Canadian minister of finance stood before a Bay Street audience on Monday and said, “Canada’s housing market remains solid. It has not experienced the same stresses as in the United States, certainly not the same bubble,” he probably knew that was untrue.
In fact, Jim Flaherty told a bunch of lies, live on TV. In the most partisan speech I have ever heard a finance minister give, the guy said – flat out – that Liberals would raise the GST, usher in a massive increase in the gas tax and max out the country’s credit card. Truth be told, hiking the sales tax or goosing gasoline prices would be a suicide mission for any party. So don’t expect to see me voting that way. Ever.
As for spending, well, Mr. Flaherty is the king of that, the spendiest little finance minister in Canada’s history, and the guy who tore through a $14 billion annual surplus until only crumbs were left. Just in time for the recession.
Which brings us back to Bay Street. While Mr. Flaherty was speaking, news was spreading of another 1,400 manufacturing jobs being wiped away, this time at GM’s plan in Windsor. As you might know, Windsor is a few hundred feet away from Detroit, and there are few better symbols of the decimation of the American middle class than in the Motor City.
The Detroit real estate market is in ruins. You can buy lots of houses there (no, not great ones) for $100 each. In fact, there are currently more than 1,450 homes for sale in that city for less than $5,000, and a staggering 21,000 properties currently on the market. At the current absorption rate, this means anyone selling a home will have to wait between three and five years to find a buyer. Historic mansions that fetched $1,000,000 or more four years ago can be had now for the price of a vacant lot in Etobicoke.
And While the Windsor real estate market has also taken a pounding, there’s still no comparison with the devastation across the river. Not yet. And that is where our finance minister looms large.
The best defence we have against being infected by the American housing and recession contagion is for the federal government to work tirelessly towards a stable and lower dollar, to harness runaway spending, improve competitiveness, usher in an immediate tax cut for working families, prevent the dismantling of our manufacturing infrastructure, accelerate corporate tax cuts and investment incentives, partner with the automakers on the production of green generation vehicles, and – above all – be clear and honest with people.
Mr. Flaherty cannot wish the wolf away from the door. So long as words, not actions, are his only defence against the looming threat, they might as well be truthful. Young couples buying over-sized homes with no money down and 40-year mortgages are simply rolling the dice. People lining up on sidewalks to buy unbuilt condos because they think they can flip them are irresponsible gamblers. Banks approving mortgages based on postal codes are courting losses. All around us people and companies are making decisions based on a Flaherty myth that Canada has a giant protective film wrapped around it.
They should know it’s not there. He should tell them. The Canadian housing market is under stress because prices have risen past the ability of families to pay, without taking on unprecedented debt. No-money down and lifetime mortgages are the Canadian equivalent of US subprimes. Will the outcome be the same?
One compelling lesson from the experience of the American middle class was the way millions of families were lured to financial slaughter by a greedy industry and voracious lenders.
Looking on were political leaders too gutless to be honest, too arrogant to care.
137 comments ↓
Garth
I’ve read your book and also this article on housing…it all makes a lot of sense but most people I talk to seem to think its not realistically going to happen….in my area of Toronto (Bloor West and the Kingsway) increasing house prices and multiple offers with big mortgages are still the norm. Is it realistic to think that these more affluent upscale areas on the subway line will escape the collapse you are predicting??
Harper and Flaherty is not just burn the surplus … they gave it back to Liberal-overtaxed Canadians and families … and you and your Liberals should stop spreading your lying manure all over the place .. it’s getting obnoxious.
You talk big but you know you don’t have the support of Canadians, otherwise you would have voted non-confidence long time ago instead of sitting on your hands to prop up your idiot leader Dion.
Once an election campaign starts, you know that you in Halton and Liberals everywhere are going to get shredded to bits … and that’s what you fear as you blather in your cowardliness..!!!
Now that you’ve slid past the date to have a Spring election, you Liberals make noises knowing that nothing will come of it. Save your muckraking, fearmongering and blather for September or October when you will be facing another Budget that you will most likely abstain on again …!!!
Garth
I think many of us will remember the early 1980’s and the perverse 18% interest rates and people literally walking away from their homes with their shirts off their backs.
It took almost 20 years for me to want to buy another home. If, and I say if, we wanted to sell our home we could more than double our profits. Or could we?
Our home is very small – one bathroom – not most people’s idea of “lifestyle”. It is a cottage that we have made into our full-time home. When we bought our house this was not a profiteer strategy but a place we could retire in and enjoy our lives.
However, before we bought, the primary driver was that we must be able to afford the mortgage on one wage, not two.
About 2 months ago, our neighbour listed his house for $ 470 k. Great lot but the building should be bulldozed. When we purchased our house in 2002, the same neighbour listed his house for 180k – it never sold. Seriously, no improvements and yet the market increase has more than doubled?
I fear for all home owners because no one wants to face down the barrel of a valuation like your Detroit example.
Hi Garth. I saw you tonight with Martin Stringer on CPAC. You did great. Tellin’ it like it is, and pointing out Mr. Flaherty’s blunders and the “solid blah blah blah” spin CPC puts out. Mr. Menzies, doesn’t he have a brother I used to watch, debating for the right, when I used to get Michael Coren? That was around the time Jim wanted to jail the homeless, ill and destitute, and OCAP trashed his office and a bit of a riot was provoked by…who?…during a protest at Queen’s Park? Ya, back in the days that should never be forgotten. I know I won’t. It’s so true what you wrote- too gutless to be honest (honesty is NOT their best policy), and too arrogant to care (neither is that). I thought I could hear their election gears grinding today in QP. Maybe I’m wrong, but it sounds like they are going to run against “the party of the priviledged”?? and a few other statements and words implying elitism. Whatever, they had their little run with a slim, questionable minority and hopefully we get to have an informed choice and a fair, honest election. At least as much as possible, all things considered. Take care Garth.
. . . based on a Flaherty myth that Canada has a giant protective film wrapped around it.
CRAP are a nauseating myth who won’t go away yet, but can he be referred to as “Teflon” dimjim?
Along with harpo, he has managed to fiscally screw our country.
Great shame this column, with the lead-in pic, probably won’t be seen by more than several hundred thousand people.
Unless we e-mail, to everyone we know http://www.garth.ca/weblog/ so that, regardless of political beliefs, folk will read firsthand for themselves how CRAP is deliberately sending us to be America’s garbage can.
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Report from Cleveland roughly coincides with Garth’s column.
http://tinyurl.com/69rm8w
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Report says that food inflation may increase due to quake.
http://tinyurl.com/5zates
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I know this comes from the US — Source: ABC — but what if Carney, harpo and dimjim (who are simply whipping boys) continue to push ahead with the SPP / NAU, behind our backs and quietly implement this?
http://tinyurl.com/6s7moh
Mr Garth TurnerMP, FYI
Are Alternative Fuel Vehicles Even Green?!
http://greenhome.huddler.com/wiki/are-alternative-fuel-vehicles-really-green
Mr Garth TurnerMP, FYI
Want to Help the Environment? Eat Insects.
http://discovermagazine.com/2008/may/07-want-to-help-the-environment-eat-insects
Mr Garth TurnerMP, FYI
The Latest in Climate Mapping from USAID, NASA and Partners
http://www.triplepundit.com/pages/the-latest-in-climate-mapping–003102.php#comments
“As for spending, well, Mr. Flaherty is the king of that, the spendiest little finance minister in Canada’s history, and the guy who tore through a $14 billion annual surplus until only crumbs were left. Just in time for the recession.”
Well of course Jimbo went through the surplus lickety-split. Just like he did in Ontario, leaving us with a $5 billion deficit when he was all done & booted out of office by the voters.
It’s the CONservative way – deplete the monies so that all social programs, that people desperately need, are highly diminished or become non-existent.AND causing, their favourite talking point,less govt., smaller govt.On the backs of the most poor.
Oh how, we, the “little people” suffer!
Can’t wait for the next election & see these crass, non-caring, self-centred goons gone!
Keep up the great work Garth – thankyou.
Mr Flaherty being truthful????
This is the same man who said he left Ontario with over a billion dollar surplus which turned out to be a $5.7 billion deficit (tough job if your pencil is sharp enough).
This is the same man who looked us in the eye & said “I will not tax Income trusts” which turned into a 31.5% tax within 9 months of taking office (as I say , tough job if your pencil is sharp enough)
This is the same man who said a high Canadian dollar was good for the economy which has turned into a nightmare for manufacturing in the economic engine of Canada (when did Jim last sharpen that pencil??)
As a life-long PC & Conservative , even I cannot believe this guy .
My question is , why has he not been replaced.
My fear is that Mr Flaherty is the best they have to fill that portfolio.
I have a sinking feeling that he is not done yet.
Dr Mike Popovich.
Garth:
Existing homes in good old neighbourhoods that are now priced well below new fancy homes and they are being sold in record breaking times. Have not spoken with my old agent, but it is not hard to figure out, move in with most of work done and handy to schools at far less the price (up to 50%) of new one and start to live. Many older people who sell these are going back to new rental units located close by and they are building more while new home sit row upon row waiting for big money. Times are indeed changing.
Hey PMSM spoke here yesterday about a 20 year plan on defence spending BUT DID NOT MENTION THE $500 BILLION OVERUN ON THE NEW HELOCOPTORS WHY?
Sorry $500 Million, his defence spending was $20 Billion (?)
I particulary found the 3rd to the last para so very true.
Capital and country stumble in the dark
May 13, 2008 04:30 AM
James Travers
OTTAWA — Most places are known for something – history, a landmark, or a gifted child who makes the hometown famous. This place is known for what isn’t known.
How much the federal government doesn’t know is sometimes startling. How hard it works to keep Canadians from knowing is sadly profitable. A couple of recent examples, as well as Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s Toronto breakfast speech yesterday, measure both.
As is often the case, Auditor General Sheila Fraser is exploring the unknowns. Her latest gob-smacking report reminds Canadians what they didn’t know about what border agents don’t know. Specifically they don’t know the whereabouts of 41,000 hopeful migrants who got in but may or may not have listened when they were told to go away.
But far more revealing is the good news that on second thought sounds bad. Fraser rewards the Canada Border Services Agency for some notable improvements, including ousting more undesirables and, remarkably, for finally figuring out just how many illegal immigrants – 63,000 – qualify for the bum’s rush.
Parsed to its essence, that suggests progress is measured here by moving from knowing nothing to knowing what isn’t known. Now isn’t that a rush to the dizzying heights of hope?
In fact there’s no danger of vertigo. Running parallel to her report is a fast return to earth. Conservatives who won the last election promising openness are making the capital just that much more opaque.
Specifically, the life is being squeezed out of an access to information registry that helps keep government accountable. More generally and significantly, Conservatives are following a trend Liberals found useful and bureaucrats encourage all ruling parties to accelerate. Despite all the pious campaign commitments and layered new accountability rules, it now takes longer to learn less about what government is, or isn’t, doing.
That’s not accidental. Since its introduction more than 20 years ago, politicians and mandarins have worked hard and successfully to cripple the access law. A thriving Ottawa cottage industry openly teaches how to thwart its letter and spirit by slipping information through loopholes, dragging feet and covering tracks.
The most obvious result is that politicians are now confident enough in the know-nothing culture to “spin” even knowledgeable audiences in the expectation that the message will trickle down to voters who can’t or won’t separate fact from wishful fiction. How else to explain Flaherty’s rhetoric when he strayed yesterday from a surprisingly rosy economic update to familiar partisan politics? He apparently expected a financially savvy crowd to believe that Liberals who balanced the budget in power are now waiting in the opposition wings to push the country back into deficit with $60 billion in election goodies. Or that economic club members would forget that Conservative spending and debt reduction are gnawing through a bulging inherited surplus.
Sussing out what passes for truth in politics is not much more demanding than listening and comparing. But in the absence of transparency as well as paper trails, it’s even more difficult to follow taxpayers’ dollars, reconstruct the why and how of policy decisions or blow the whistle on boondoggles.
It’s always helpful, if unsettling, when Fraser focuses attention on one more thing this place doesn’t know. But politicians in power do know this: What you don’t know won’t hurt them.
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/424630
EDITORIAL
TheStar.com | comment | Money without a vision
May 13, 2008 04:30 AM
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Canada First Defence Strategy turns out to be more of a motor pool maintenance schedule than a bold new vision for the military in the 21st century. It claims to set out “a vision for future operations,” but fails to deliver.
In Halifax yesterday, Harper reconfirmed that Ottawa will invest an additional $30 billion in defence over the next 20 years, with annual increases of 2 per cent starting in 2011. But those hikes were in the last budget, and the Conservatives had already earmarked $20 billion for strategic and tactical airlift, frigate upgrades, ships and tanks.
These purchases have been driven by the Afghan war, by Harper’s focus on Arctic sovereignty, and by rust-out. If the Conservatives have a transformative vision beyond that, it wasn’t on display yesterday. Should the military be configured not only to fight a war in Afghanistan but also to help the United Nations thwart genocide? Should they be a more highly mobile, high-tech expeditionary force, perhaps with amphibious assault vessels? These issues weren’t mentioned.
The main “news” is that “we are establishing a 20-year plan with an escalating budget framework” through 2028, Harper said. That means the generals will get most of the $35 billion they had hoped for by 2025, the Canadian Forces will grow to 100,000 regular troops and reserves (from 90,000 today), and they will have the cash to modernize or replace aging destroyers, frigates, fighter aircraft, land combat vehicles and patrol aircraft. That will improve military readiness.
Yet while Ottawa’s spending curve is now clear, its vision is not. Harper listed three priorities: protecting Canadians at home, contributing to continental defence, and bolstering global security and humanitarian missions. That’s not a strategy. It’s stating the obvious.
The Canada First Defence Strategy justifies Conservative decisions already made to give the generals the big-ticket equipment they lobbied for. And it promises funding a Liberal government would be hard-pressed to roll back. Beyond that, there’s not much there.
EDITORIAL
TheStar.com
Double-talk on Kyoto
May 12, 2008 04:30 AM
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government would do Canadians a big favour if it would just level with them about its real position on international efforts to fight climate change. Instead, the government is talking out of both sides of its mouth.
At the United Nations conference on climate change in Bali last December, for example, Environment Minister John Baird took the podium to make this declaration: “Canada is committed to developing a new international framework, driven by the science … Let me be clear,” he said. “Canada is determined to honour our commitments.”
At the same time, however, Baird’s officials were busy behind the scenes, trying to sabotage an agreement on binding commitments.
In the same vein, The Conservatives have pledged to honour Canada’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, except of course for meeting the target for greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
But even here, the Harper government has not followed through. The UN Climate Change Secretariat notified Ottawa this week that it has launched an investigation into Canada’s failure to meet the Kyoto Protocol’s requirements for reporting on emissions.
Although the reporting deadline was Jan. 1, 2007, Baird said the contract for setting up the requisite national greenhouse gas registry was not even awarded until this February. That’s more than a year past the deadline.
But the fact that Canada is one of only two Kyoto signatories to have broken Kyoto’s reporting rules didn’t stop Baird from declaring: “We need to have consistent reporting from every country – developed, developing or those in transition, and this is important.”
The truth, as evidenced by the Harper government’s actions, is that it has no interest in advancing these efforts to fight global warming.
Conservatives won’t commit defence strategy to paper
20-year plan for military to be based on ‘vision’ outlined in Harper, MacKay speeches
David Pugliese, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Canada’s defence strategy for the next 20 years will be based on speeches by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Defence Minister Peter Mac-Kay given yesterday in Halifax.
In a highly unusual move, the Conservative government will base its entire future rebuilding of the Canadian military on Mr. Harper’s 10-minute speech and Mr. MacKay’s 700-word address. No actual strategy document has been produced, or will be produced, according to government and defence officials. Neither speech went into any specific details about equipment purchases, costs or timelines or how the future strategy will unfold. Both speeches presented more broad-brush approaches to defence.
EI changes risk shortfall in recession, House told
David Akin, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Proposed changes to Canada’s employment insurance system could leave it short billions of dollars if the economy takes a turn for the worse, a deficit that workers and employers would have to make up with sharply increased premiums, says a former chief actuary for the fund.
Michel Bédard, who was chief actuary for the federal employment insurance fund through much of the 1990s, says new rules proposed by the Conservative government ostensibly designed to eliminate the accumulation of billions of dollars of surpluses could, in fact, leave the EI fund billions short.
“Rates will vary erratically, particularly in the case of a recession,” Mr. Bédard told the House of Commons finance committee. “The impact on Canadian businesses, which pay for nearly 60 per cent of the cost of EI, will be huge. Workers who foot the bill for 40 per cent of the costs of EI will also be deeply impacted by the increases.”
Harry, Can you still demand that Dion release his Carbon Tax plan after you have read this about your HeadMaster?
Conservatives won’t commit defence strategy to paper
In a highly unusual move, the Conservative government will base its entire future rebuilding of the Canadian military on Mr. Harper’s 10-minute speech and Mr. MacKay’s 700-word address. No actual strategy document has been produced, or will be produced, according to government and defence officials
Defence Department officials believe the government wants to keep its strategy vague so critics cannot point to specific pieces of the plan they may fail to deliver.
Read the full article at
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=8ada1df8-d1eb-46dc-b364-08c2e2f13549
Off-topic, but revealing article in a UK paper about the Harper government. How others see us, perhaps?
UK Guardian (April 24, 2008)
The Canadian Nixon
By Dimitry Anastakis and Jeet Heer
Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper is in trouble with Elections Canada, the government body that runs the vote in Canada. They’ve accused him of overspending in the last election and have even gotten the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to raid the Conservative party’s headquarters to find incriminating evidence. In response Harper and his followers have lashed out against Elections Canada, accusing it of a partisan witch hunt.
The whole sorry situation shouldn’t surprise anyone who has paid attention. Every prime minister has a modus operandi. Harper’s is his utter contempt, shown not once but many times, for Canadian institutions. In fact, it is not a stretch to say that Harper simply sees many Canadian institutions – Elections Canada being simply his latest target – as illegitimate, not just in need of reform but worth attacking root-and-branch.
The historian Garry Wills once observed that Richard Nixon wanted to be president not to govern the nation but to undermine the government. The Nixon presidency was one long counterinsurgency campaign against key American institutions like the courts, the FBI, the state department and the CIA. Harper has the same basic approach to politics: attack not just political foes but the very institutions that make governing possible. The state for Nixon and Harper exists not as an instrument of policy making but as an alien force to be subdued.
Canadians have never had a prime minister who has literally made his career attacking and undermining the legitimacy of Canadian institutions.
Until now.
For instance, in his long-running war against the media, Harper has taken every opportunity to de-legitimise their role in holding his government to account. He refuses to take questions. He speaks only to friendly media outlets. He claims that “national outlets” are biased.
Remember, this is a PM who does not let cabinet ministers speak to the media, and even hides the place and times of cabinet meetings in an effort to avoid questions from the fourth estate.
Along with the media, another of Harper’s favourite targets is the Canadian court system. Conservatives love to attack what they call “judge-made law”, which really means any decisions that conservatives don’t like.
Take same-sex marriage, for example. In 2003, Harper condemned the courts for saying that marriage laws were unconstitutional. He even personally attacked Ontario judge Roy McMurtry, and claimed a Liberal conspiracy: “They put the judges in they wanted,” to get the result, Harper accused, even though McMurtry was appointed by Conservative Brian Mulroney.
This anti-court animus is rampant within Harper’s inner circle. His chief of staff, academic Ian Brodie, wrote that financially strapped and historically underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic and linguistic minorities, and gays, should have their court funding cut.
Presto – one of Harper’s first acts in office was to cut funding for those very groups so that they could no longer make their case at the supreme court.
Then there is the Senate. Harper and his allies hate the Senate. A long-held bugaboo of Harper’s Reform party roots, our prime minister never misses a chance to attack the Senate. He’d like to see the Senate be equal, making it even more undemocratic than it is now. Should Price Edward Island (population 130,000) have as many Senate votes as Ontario (population 12 million)?
Harper actually made comments in Australia, touring in his official capacity as head of our government, attacking the constitutionally legitimate Senate, to a foreign audience. Is this standing up for Canada?
Now, many Canadians would like to see the Senate reformed. This is a worthwhile goal. But in the meantime, all Canadians understand that the Senate is a part of our Parliament, created by the 1867 British North America Act.
But Harper has attacked the legitimacy of the Commons, even. After the 2005 same-sex-marriage vote passed, Harper claimed, as leader of the Opposition, that the result was not legitimate because it included the votes of the separatist Bloc Quebecois.
Of course, he did not question the legitimacy of those same votes when the Paul Martin government lost the confidence of the Commons. Harper wanted an election. As for the functioning of the Commons itself, the National Post’s Don Martin famously uncovered the Conservative’s “black book” of procedural dirty tricks, designed to slow parliamentary action to a halt. Another way to de-legitimise another Canadian institution: paralyse committees, have your committee chairs run out and refuse to bring things to a vote – especially when they bring the government into question.
Most disturbing is Harper’s continued attacks upon Elections Canada. The recent raid on Conservative party headquarters is more of a reflection of Harper’s disdain for Elections Canada than any supposed “vendetta” conspiracy-minded Conservatives might imagine.
Harper’s animus toward Elections Canada goes back years, as do his attempts to circumvent electoral law. As head of the right-wing National Citizens Coalition (NCC), Harper fought for years against Elections Canada’s laws around “third-party advertising”. The NCC, a murky organisation that does not release its membership, brought a court case against Elections Canada, infamously named Harper v Canada. Though Harper lost, during his time at the NCC he took every chance to attack the legitimacy of Elections Canada and the country’s electoral law.
As prime minister, Harper’s shocking comments about Elections Canada’s investigation of the “in and out” scam alleged by the agency are perhaps the most alarming outburst by any sitting prime minister. Desperate to take Canadians’ focus off the Conservatives’ allegedly illegal overspending during the 2006 campaign, Harper actually publicly criticised the head of Elections Canada for upholding the law over the non-issue of veiled voting (why didn’t he attack the 80,000 people who voted via mail?).
This is unprecedented in Canadian political history. Never has a prime minister publicly attacked a non-partisan election official in such a manner, essentially for partisan gain. The same goes for most of his party, which this week accused Elections Canada of a partisan witch-hunt, being in bed with the Liberals and the media and any other number of tin-foil-hat conspiracies. Of course, unsurprisingly, Harper and the Conservatives have blocked every other effort to examine the scheme in Parliament.
But then again, no one should be surprised. If it’s not the media, or the courts, or the Senate, or Elections Canada, it’s the Wheat Board, the federal government’s own spending power, the bureaucracy, the gun registry …
Canadians should rightly wonder why their head of government has such a problem with so many Canadian institutions.
……….
Dimitry Anastakis is a professor of Canadian history at Trent University. Jeet Heer is a cultural critic who writes for many publications including Slate, the Boston Globe and the Literary Review of Canada.
Harpo and his clown trope continue to fall all over themselves to express their buffoonery. It would be classic slapstick if it were not so pathetic and hurtful to all Canadians.
These neo con groupies migrate from one region of Canada to another to spin their web of deceit and misrepresentation.
How long must we endure this dimwitted arrogance from the Harper Regime?
I got a great idea! Lets get off our hands and get off our butts and stand up and be counted! Too late, OK, maybe in September?
I hope that the CF are duly impressed by Harper’s “toys for boys” strategic vision.
All the CF have to do to keep good things happening, is keep Harper in the PM’s office for the next twenty years – and pray that no more-urgent fiscal requirements crop up, as has been known to happen when federal money becomes tight.
To borrow from the Bard, it was a speech by a politician, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing in particular.
By Harry S on 05.12.08 11:16 pm, where’s my share of the big Harpo and Flim Flam give-a-way? I got pennies if I go to Timmies (which I don’t) and a raise in consumer goods, plus the 2005 Paul Martin tax cits returned this year and that’s about it.
So where is the rest of the $14 billion? HUH?
Rumour has it that the CPC, in order to cover the projected EI shortages will be considering the following:
1. Mr Flaherty will be going on a tour of Ontario telling industry that it is not his fault, that Mr. McGuinty should have cut business taxes. This will make everyone feel better that he is addressing the problem with the manufacturing sector.
2. Employers and employees will have their EI taxes raised significantly.
3. Old Age Security and CPP benefits will be cut by 20% including present recipients.
4. A deficit may be run to cover the shortfall.
The rumour is that Flaherty and Harper will definitely go with # 1, and then make a choice between 2, 3, and 4. Regardless it is said that under no circumstances will Mr. Flaherty admit there is a deficit holding true to his history.
Now for CPC supporters who will be clamouring for the source of this information, it can be found in the same place as the information that says the Liberals will be increasing the gas tax and will be running a 60 billion dollar deficit.
Should read tax cuts
Garth – aren’t the Bay Street crowd too intelligent to fall for Flaherty’s kissing the Blarney Stone? I sure hope so.
Also, why is Harper “re-announcing” an old announcement without any written plan about the military? Why did he spend taxpayer monies to go to Nova Scotia for this 10 minute revamped speech? Was he trying to avoid QP?
By the way, I am amazed at how many of my friends want to hear Dion’s environmental plan, carbon tax, etc. before deciding what they think about it – one friend said that the way Harper is attacking Dion – perhaps there is something there that is good and Harper doesn’t want anyone to know it. She said that she’s tired of Harper believing he can do her thinking for her. She’s come to the conclusion that when Harper attacks – “the meat on the bones” and he doesn’t want Canadians to know.
What is Harper afraid of? Why does Harper have announcement continually with no concrete plans or vision?
He’s like a soaps suds salesman.
By JudyK on 05.13.08 7:28 am
Judy, Judy, these words are so correct, and to think we still have 32% of the voting public that are still wearing rose coloured glasses. In my many years of life I have learned it takes years to put good legislation forward and rules that benefit the people at large. This can all be gone in heartbeat when the fire is lit to destroy them and they are gone forever. Think, think, and think again before y’all jump on the trash bandwagon of Neo Conservative policies, why has Washington shredded over a million documents and why will they not allow secure voting machines or paper ballots and WHY? has PMSH put forth electronic voting for Canadians………and why the attack on Elections Canada (which holds world wide approval) Judy I am pleased to see you are one who reads outside the the North American box, professional journalists live and write around this world and our young children do more than play games on the Internet, we can only hope they become engaged in politics to extent they act in process of building a more kind and gentle world than those Neo Cons who believe the Winds of War is the only path to democracy.
By Dr Mike from Rodney on 05.13.08 5:09 am
Pencil? More like a wax tablet and stylus and the idiot hasn’t figured out that he’s left them both out in the sun.
The problem with Dim Jim and Harper is that they like to look at the big picture. The high dollar, ideologically is a good thing; lots of jobs being created; trade balance in a surplus.
Unfortunately, all these things are being created because of the demand resources and oil. Meanwhile, in the bottom corner of the “big picture” there’s a dark, black spot that’s getting bigger. It started with the lumber industry, thanks to Harper’s sell out, and is now spreading to the manufacturing sector.
Now one could argue that GM and the CAW set themselves up for the fall, above average wages for bolt tighteners. But one has to remember GM is a US. company and accounts in US. dollars. So a high Canadian dollar makes thes high wages even more costlier to GM.
But the traditional auto industry is not the only part of the manufacturing sector thats being hit by the high dollar.
Dim Jim continues to look at the big picture, especially the colourful rosy parts. But the big black spot is growing and, unless he’s blind too, he won’t be able to ignore it.
Question is, will it be too late?
By Calberta on 05.13.08 7:44 am
I am in total agreement with you, what is needed is some way to get this information to the masses. If you talk to the average voting member of our society, they look at you and say really, wish I had more time to study this. Today’s average voter needs everything fed to them in quick sound bites which the Liberals don’t seem to have the ability to do. Is it the Liberals or the MSM at fault. If only Canadians could take the time to read the daily headlines and accompanying articles at http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/. This would give them an opportunity to quickly absorb what is happening to this country. As a mother of boomers, grandmother to their children (voting age) I find it very disturbing how little interest they have in the future of this great country. As a senior with many different friends I am amazed at how little they know or care about Canadian politics (they sure know a lot about the current USA politics). How can we reach out to these people and try to get them to start thinking about where we are going?
Good morning Garth and peoples,
As most of you are probably aware, I do not have much time to play on Garth’s blog. Yesterday I did scan some of the recent postings, and I caught the harsh criticism regarding farmers stopping for coffee with their trucks. Of course we know that no other people go for coffee and drive trucks or SUVs. Just us stupid farmers. You know, on this blog and many like it, if ignorance were noise it would be deafening just opening the pages. Garth if I may take the liberty of using a bit of your space to post a recent publishing of mine?
Dear Editor, Please allow me to express my opinion on the state of agriculture in this country, Canada.
Tobacco, Horticulture & Potash
The dire warnings of the consequence of Free Trade that we all heard twenty years ago, are now coming to full fruition as we watch Canada lose it’s ability to feed her own people. Our food sovereignty is all but gone.
As I sat in my living room early this morning, I read in the news that fertilizer for Canadian farmers will be at least double the price this year over last. This will be the final nail in the coffins of many a fine farm operations in this country. For the grains and oilseeds that finally, finally started getting a fair shake on their returns this will indeed put them back to where they were three years ago. For my vegetable operation, it will certainly make it very, very hard to realize any profit what so ever. This is on top of the ridiculous cost of fuel.
Many tobacco farms in my area have gone silent. Those farmers that hung on to the home farm were counting on a cash crop that pays.
We need to stand back and look at the big picture here, because a lot of our sector leaders appear to be missing something very important. It all lies in what pours mainly unchecked over the borders of this country. The beast is Free Trade.
There is no reason at all that Norfolk County the heart of tobacco country does not have every grower, growing close to 100% of their quota. Smoking has not decreased that much and even factoring in the illegal sales that operate undisturbed, there is still plenty of room for our tobacco growers on our market. The problem? It’s all the foreign grown tobacco in our cigarettes. It’s funny how our farmers to grow tobacco had to adhere to such strict growing methods in the name of human safety, but we allow tobacco to be brought in, that has no restrictions at all. If our governments over the last 15 years would have implemented a Canadian content law on tobacco products Norfolk, Haldimand and Oxford counties would be as vibrant as ever. Why didn’t anyone do that? Why can’t it be done now? Is there some free trade agreement or ‘rule’ that stops it?
Our area had a lot of pride in the fairly new pickle processing plant that was built in Norfolk a few years ago. Last year, this plant operated at half capacity and I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up closing all together. Why? Because India and China are shipping pickles into Canada, jarred at prices our farmers can’t even start their tractors for. Again, we have to adhere to the most strict food safety standards whereas our foreign counterparts can grow them in raw sewage unabated. Thousands of acres of pickles grown in Norfolk; gone. The Niagara region has also lost this year, it’s fruit processing plant that has been in operation for 150 years.
What is truly ironic and sad is the fact that the reason our fertilizer is more than doubling in price is because we sold our potash supply to China and India.
When our governments go around making trade deals with warm climate countries, what do they have to trade in exchange? Many times it is only one thing; cheap food. We look the other way at human rights issues, sanitation and chemical use to make those deals. These agreements are destroying our ability to feed ourselves (food sovereignty), which puts us at the mercy of those countries and mega large American corporations that source product from those countries.
All this does is to ensure that these countries like China, India & Peru etc. keep their people as poor as possible in order to have the edge over countries that have a higher standard of living, respect for life and dignity for the people.
World Trade Talks are on-going to abolish all quota systems, and Europe has already agreed to dates. We will soon see powdered milk where we add the water in Canada and call it a Canadian product. Fresh Canadian milk will be but a memory for my grandchildren.
With every McGuinty government budget, agriculture has been cut. The last budget they re-announced old money. Right now, Premier McGuinty’s counterparts are in China on trade missions. What does China have to offer besides chemical ridden textiles? Cheap food produced and processed on the backs of hungry children and their families. This story is being repeated in every province and Canada as a whole.
Some people argue that without our deals the people in these countries will have no work at all. In my opinion, that is not true and is an excuse to sooth the consciences of those that make the deals. It is because of our deals that the people are intentionally kept poor and downtrodden to ensure a forced cheap labour supply. If we were honest and sincere about these poor abused adults and children, we would insist on better living standards and sanitation of product or no deals. Do you think that these African nations, China etc. would just see their bread and butter disappear all together? No. They would start meeting our guidelines to keep our business. The people of these countries would suddenly matter. We’ve been making these deals now for 20 years, we sacrificed textiles, steel, our fisheries and many manufacturing businesses and the people remain abused, oppressed and poor. Not only that, if we insisted on these standards for imported product; here at home we would finally have a fair and balance market that we could compete in.
We have to stop being grateful for band aide hush money programs like the failed Community Transition Program. CAIS and the ’new improved version’ is nothing but a phasing out of our industry, that is why it’s based on margins, horticulture lost it’s SDRM federally and the insurance programs meant to replace it will hardly even cover the cost of the seed let alone allow the farmer to feed his own family. It will also be impossible for the specialized niche markets to implement.
We must think of future generations in this country. If Canada is allowed to continue on this path, what will happen to our children or children’s children if there is a global disaster like a true pandemic, natural disaster or war and the borders have to be shut down? You cannot simply flip a switch and be back to where we were in producing food overnight.
Our farm leaders must stand up and organize. They should take the next few months and all leaders from all sectors, from coast to coast should hold talks to stop our governments from selling us out. We cannot continue to be the sacrificial lamb in free trade deals. It has to stop. If you lead me I will follow. WE must do what it takes, whatever it takes because our children deserve clean, safe Canadian produced food that they can depend on.
Thank you,
Leasa Janssen
*******
******
Garth,
When he spoke in front of the Bay street audience, did he say:
“The Canadian housing market is solid, except in Ontario, which is the worst place to do business in the world.”
Just curious.
Daryn
While Harper is trying to play GI Joe – are the press finally catching on?:
Globe and Mail: “Much of the Conservative strategy has been announced before and there were few new details Monday.”
National Post: “There are 45 paragraphs of background rhetoric, all of it announcement regurgitation from earlier budgets, but the complete plan is apparently locked inside Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s brain, albeit requiring the odd whispered correction from Defence Minister Peter MacKay.”
Ottawa Citizen: “In a highly unusual move, the Conservative government will base its entire future rebuilding of the Canadian military on Mr. Harper’s 10-minute speech and Mr. MacKay’s 700-word address.”
Garth,
Is Flaherty the regional minister for Ontario?
Daryn
Too funny and too, too true:
The Commons: Jim Flaherty feels your pain
By Aaron Wherry
May 12th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Don’t let the finely-tailored suits fool you, these are ministers in touch with the common man
The Scene. News broke in the morning that General Motors, an automobile manufacturer of some repute, was making plans to eliminate another 1,400 jobs in Windsor, Ontario—news perhaps most remarkable in that it confirmed there were still 1,400 jobs in Windsor left to be lost.
So after a few questions on the situation in Burma, Liberal Martha Hall Findlay rose to openly wonder what the government would do about this. Stumbling toward gravitas—Hall Findlay tends to speak slowly and deliberately, but often to the point of seeming confused—the opposition frontbencher eventually arrived at a question, namely what the Finance Minister would say to those Windsorites now facing inevitable lay off.
Jim Flaherty all-but-sniffed his response. “I actually know a lot of auto workers,” he said, “which I doubt the member opposite does.”
Tut. Tut.
Let there never again then be doubts raised about this government’s blue-collar bonafides. Sure, decorum demands they show up for work each day in shirts and ties—and, indeed, Flaherty does claim a Princeton pedigree—but oh what they wouldn’t give to be toiling in the coal mines and oil refineries from whence real Canadians keep this country in motion.
Witness, for instance, Maxime Bernier’s response to still more questions about who he’s been photographed with and why. Never mind his infamously dressed ex, the latest questions have to do with a shot of the Foreign Affairs Minister shaking the hand of a man now facing multiple weapons charges.
Another example of the dodgy hob-knobbing that goes on in this high-falutin world of national politics? Hardly. “I was photographed with the individual in a public place,” Bernier carefully noted. “It is common for politicians to be photographed with people in public.”
Indeed, what man of the people would Bernier be if he were not able to commune with the public in their natural places? Surely we wouldn’t want the Foreign Affairs Minister sequestered to his Sussex office, gazing down upon the little people below, never to understand their concerns or feel first-hand the calluses on their working-class hands.
Finally to this populist pity party was Jack Layton, the NDP leader obviously concerned at this attack on his side’s last flank. What, he wondered, of this reported price gouging at the gas pumps.
Up came Jim Prentice. “I did meet this morning with the president of Measurement Canada and have given him instructions,” he began, his exquisitely chosen words stirring the echoes of Lincoln and Jefferson, or at least Perot. “First, I have ordered increased enforcement over the course of the summer and additional inspections. Second, I have instructed regulatory changes to be prepared. These will increase the onus upon gas retailers. Fines will be increased from $1,000 per occurrence to $10,000 per occurrence. In addition, there will be even higher fines for aggravated circumstances. Finally, I will be writing to all Canadian gas retailers, asking them for their cooperation.”
Huzzah, cried the Conservative. Fie, shouted Layton. But everywhere, in Tim Horton’s across the land, the people were pleased. Sure, the jobs were fewer and farther between. But here was a government willing to offer cheaper gas, handshakes and the Finance Minister’s enduring friendship.
John Ralston Saul told Canadians, but did they listen? Did you listen?
The market was created by ‘irresponsible gamblers’ and yet government openly endorses and promotes (mostly for its own benefit by creating a ‘Sucker Tax’) gambling as a way of life.
Like it? Keep voting to same old morons into office. Empty minds giving empty promises, using your money to fund their fantasies. Keep voting based on Hate Canada…Your journey to the Dark Side is almost complete.
This Canadian wants ‘Change I can believe in!’ Anyone have any?
Funny how in opposition, the neocons shouted the loudest about the secrecy of JC’s govt, but now in power have been proven to be worse. But, the con trolls still idolize their Emperor.
Tories in court to battle access law
Ministers’ offices out of reach, they argue
CAMPBELL CLARK
From Tuesday’s Globe and Mail
May 13, 2008 at 4:47 AM EDT
OTTAWA — Federal government lawyers were in court yesterday to fight against a principle that Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservatives pledged in the last election campaign to protect: that cabinet ministers and their offices are covered by the country’s access-to-information law.
In a major case over the scope of the law, Mr. Harper’s government is defending former Liberal prime minister Jean Chrétien’s refusal to hand over portions of his agendas that were requested by the Canadian Alliance, a predecessor party of the governing Conservatives.
The week-long hearing before the Federal Court of Canada pits the government against the Information Commissioner of Canada in a battle over four cases that revolve around the same question: whether cabinet ministers and their offices are part of the government departments they oversee.
Raynold Langlois, the lawyer representing Information Commissioner Robert Marleau, argued that the Gomery inquiry into the sponsorship scandal showed that ministers and their aides get involved in decisions on how government programs are administered.
“What we’ve learned from the Gomery commission is strikingly relevant,” he said.
In his report into the sponsorship scandal, judge John Gomery recommended that the law be clarified so it is clear that it applies to ministers’ offices. Mr. Harper’s Conservatives promised to do just that in their 2006 election platform, but have not.
One of the cases being argued at the Federal Court stems from the 1999 request for Mr. Chrétien’s agendas made by Laurie Throness, then a researcher for the Canadian Alliance and now an adviser to Conservative Health Minister Tony Clement.
The Privy Council Office, the central government department headed by the prime minister, replied that it did not have the agendas – but the originals were still in computers in the Prime Minister’s Office.
While the Information Commissioner concedes that some of the entries in the agendas would not have been released because they are about personal or partisan political activities, entries about government business are subject to the access law.
But the government now argues that anything created by the minister’s office, or archived there, is not covered by the Access to Information Act.
The act requires that a request be sent to a government “institution,” such as the Defence Department, Transport Canada or the Privy Council Office. And although each department is overseen by a minister and his or her staff, the government now argues that only the civil servants are part of the department.
In another one of the cases being argued in court this week, a reporter asked for documents related to a meeting between former defence minister Art Eggleton, his deputy minister, the country’s top general and two of Mr. Eggleton’s aides.
But because it was Mr. Eggleton’s aides who took notes, rather than civil servants, the journalist was told that no records were found.
Mr. Langlois, a lawyer representing the Information Commissioner, said that an investigation later found that civil service files held more than 700 pages of documents related to the meeting – but department officials did not realize that because they did not have the notes that described what the meeting was about.
The government’s lawyer, Chris Rupar, will lay out his arguments later this week, and declined to comment yesterday. A Justice Department spokesman also declined to comment.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080513.waccess13/BNStory/National/home?cid=al_gam_mostview
Oh the CPC trolls will be out and the Iggy haters will blow a gasget, but you’ve got to admist – the Liberals have some “brainy” talent and that can’t be denied. I think of Ignatieff, Irwin Cotler, Dion, Bob Rae, Garth on real estate, etc – Liberals should be proud.
Ignatieff’s bragging rights
Just in time for his 61st birthday tomorrow, Deputy Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff (seen at right in April) has made it to Foreign Policy magazine’s Top-100 list of public intellectuals.
Ignatieff’s not the only Canadian connection on the prestigious list — New Yorker writer and author Malcolm Gladwell’s there, as well as Lee Smolin, a physicist at Waterloo’s Perimeter Institute.
But he is the only Canadian politician.
Foreign Policy, published out of the U.S. by the Carnegie Endowment, is asking readers to narrow down the Top-100 list to just five leading intellectuals. So technically, Ignatieff is still merely a finalist in a cast that the magazine describes this way:
“They are some of the world’s most introspective philosophers and rabble-rousing clerics. A few write searing works of fiction and uncover the mysteries of the human mind. Others are at the forefront of modern finance, politics, and human rights.”
Foreign Policy doesn’t say whether Ignatieff made the list because of his introspection or because of his rabble-rousing.
Other international notables on the Foreign Policy list include the Pope, chessmaster Garry Kasparov, France’s Jacques Attali and Thomas Friedman, the NY Times columnist and author of the renowned books The World is Flat and The Lexus and the Olive Tree.
….and don’t forget Gore in the US and the Canadians – Nobel Prize for environmental issues.
Huzzah, cried the Conservative. Fie, shouted Layton. But everywhere, in Tim Horton’s across the land, the people were pleased. Sure, the jobs were fewer and farther between. But here was a government willing to offer cheaper gas, handshakes and the Finance Minister’s enduring friendship.
By slg on 05.13.08 8:30 am
And if you’re really lucky a free Timbit.
Great Post!
Existing homes in good old neighbourhoods that are now priced well below new fancy homes and they are being sold in record breaking times. Have not spoken with my old agent, but it is not hard to figure out, move in with most of work done and handy to schools at far less the price (up to 50%) of new one and start to live. Many older people who sell these are going back to new rental units located close by and they are building more while new home sit row upon row waiting for big money. Times are indeed changing.
By David Bakody on 05.13.08 6:20 am
Hi David, do you sometimes wonder where all these people are coming from who are buying all these new homes that seem to be popping up everywhere in the HRM? Perhaps from the rural areas. I don’t think our prov. population has risen. Our street was extended about 2 yrs ago. Min house price, IIRC, was $350 on a tiny lot and last one still being built (not on spec) will cost $500. so I’m told by the neighbour on this extended street who is building it, and then will retire.
Opps, last post should have said $500K. Freudian slip
I hope that the CF are duly impressed by Harper’s “toys for boys” strategic vision.
All the CF have to do to keep good things happening, is keep Harper in the PM’s office for the next twenty years – and pray that no more-urgent fiscal requirements crop up, as has been known to happen when federal money becomes tight.
To borrow from the Bard, it was a speech by a politician, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing in particular.
By Herb on 05.13.08 7:57 am
No details or vision because they are awaiting instructions from the neocons to the south.
Leasa:
Everything you have written in your letter to the editor is true. Every administration Canada has had in the last 20 years has done absolutely nothing to counteract the dire straits that you so accurately describe – and this includes the present one – in fact, the present administration is the most damaging to your industry and Canada’s ability to feed itself of any since that of Brian Mulroney.
Why then have you spent countless hours espousing the policies of the present administration?
As it stands now, there is only one party on the political horizon that may actually have plans for reversing this damaging trend that you describe, and their brand colour is not red, orange, or blue.
Also, why is Harper “re-announcing” an old announcement without any written plan about the military? Why did he spend taxpayer monies to go to Nova Scotia for this 10 minute revamped speech? Was he trying to avoid QP?
By slg on 05.13.08 8:04 am
Why. Because Halifax happens to be a navy town and the majority of Nova Scotians don’t support the Tories. Provincially, I’d bet $$$ they’ll be kicked out when the next election writ comes down.
By Leasa on 05.13.08 8:22 am,
The only thing that will make anyone listen in this country are food shortages and hunger. People don’t care until if affect them.
I was told that on Saturday our local Superstore had a large sign telling customers that the price of rice was going to skyrocket. Some stores started rationing sales. A couple of weeks ago we could not buy flour at any price.
One of you Conservative buddies once argued with me that we should not even bother with food production in Canada because we were a rich country and would could always afford to import our food. He believed that Canada should focus on energy production. I don’t know whether this Alberta Conservative was a party insider but he certainly had a good understanding of where the Conservatives would take Canada on a whole series of issues.
I understand that soon the same thing that has happened to canned mushrooms will be happening to canned peaches: all the production will be moved to China. Virtually all of our canned fruit now comes from outside the country.
Canadians don’t understand how vulnerable they are when they ignore where their food is produced but until it affects them, they won’t care.
By Harry S on 05.12.08 11:16 pm
It’s a new day, a new way,
with a great new leader! Stephane Dion
FREEDOM AND OPPORTUNITY
Stephane Dion proudly leads the Liberal Party of Canada. A Party that built the national social safety net we today take for granted.
Liberals created public pensions for our seniors.
Liberals created our national health care system.
Liberals created employment insurance for our unemployed.
Liberals created child benefit programs for our families.
Liberals were the first to talk about making work pay and using the tax system to help Canadians get over the welfare wall.
Stephane Dion will be calling on Canadians to support the Liberal Party’s 30-50 Plan, to join in common cause with us as we embark on a war on poverty never seen before in Canada’s history.
We will win this war not by keeping people dependent but by helping them become self-sufficient.
We will champion the dignity of work. We will champion families.
We will work with the provinces, we will work with communities, we will work with the Learning Enrichment Foundation and other similar organizations.
We will be the best partner that you ever had.
We will work with all Canadians and because of that we will succeed. And we will have a richer Canada, a Greener Canada, and a fairer Canada for ourselves, our children and generations to come.
Stephane Dion is a leader. He defines true leadership.
Now one could argue that GM and the CAW set themselves up for the fall, above average wages for bolt tighteners. But one has to remember GM is a US. company and accounts in US. dollars. So a high Canadian dollar makes thes high wages even more costlier to GM.
But the traditional auto industry is not the only part of the manufacturing sector thats being hit by the high dollar.
Dim Jim continues to look at the big picture, especially the colourful rosy parts. But the big black spot is growing and, unless he’s blind too, he won’t be able to ignore it.
Question is, will it be too late?
By James- Chatham on 05.13.08 8:07 am
James – agree with your post. But while talking to our German friend who finally left last eve. – there’s a joke about not making you’re home too comfortable for guests
he spoke about a study done by Drs. & Psychologists done in Germany, IIRC, on the physical and psycological stress of automotive workers. Basically, these workers, due to rote work, are really suffering both mentally and physically. They perform the same physical tasks daily leading to health problems – forget the ‘disability’ and mentally, they have been MRI’d and its been shown their brains have been affected. I can’t link to a study, as I don’t have it and its in German. He comes from the area in Germany where all the big car mfgs reside and is very knowledgeable about vehicles. Also my BIL, when they lived in the US, ended up working for one of the big 3 car mfgs. as a recruiter/tester of potential employees. I had no idea how extensive/rigorous the week long testing pgm was. Though I disagree with shop sweepers earning such high wages, their have always been workers who have been paid pretty good wages, for jobs requiring little intellectual input, because many people deem these jobs below them and many in society look down upon them. It wasn’t that many years ago that many thought of plumbers/electricians/construction workers as less than those in other fields of work. Now we find out country short of these ‘professionals’ and our youth are encouraged to consider these professions.
Steve is buying Stealth Bombers–I guess this is the weapon of choice when dealing with I.E.D’s?????
Steve is expanding the forces? Unfortunately those already enlisting have to wait more than a year for basic training–
Steve has a 20 year plan?–based on a 10 minute speech. Sounds about right.
I want to buy that house. Do you have a listing URL?
By Greg W., Oakville on 05.13.08 2:03 am
Are Alternative Fuel Vehicles Even Green?!
Thanks for the link. Gerry Ritz (Ag Minister) has a report from NRCAN that disputes these statistics or so he says. He was on CBC radio “The House” a couple of weeks ago and said that we’ll receive a huge saving on GHG’s in crop based biofuel.
Of course it is an unpublished NRCAN report we cannot gain access to. There is another 2007 report from Environment Canada on ethanol gasoline tailpipe emissions that is unpublished too. See the pattern?
Ethanol has to be hauled – no pipeline for you!
We should be doing research on butanol and waste product biofuel for diesel.
I am sure this is mere coincidence but an ethanol plant is being built in Gerry’s riding.
Good Morning! Off topic but hey, when the national Post prints articles like this, one can’t help & take notice. Maybe there is hope for the media yet.
Election the real battlefront of Harper’s military plan
Don Martin, National Post Published: Monday, May 12, 2008
The body language of the Prime Minister supports the notion this was a rushed rollout, conveniently located in Halifax to keep Mr. Harper away from the Commons lest his Foreign Affairs Minister’s dating history become a hot topic of Liberal attack.
Appearing uncharacteristically disengaged, Mr. Harper fumbled answers to basic questions on equipment and needed his budgetary math corrected by a modest $10- billion at one point. That’s perfectly understandable, but as anyone who has watched Mr. Harper would know, he’s usually better briefed and prepared than his ministers.
In any event, it took mere minutes before local reporters, picking up signals they were being used as stenographers for a government propaganda release, demanded to know what, if anything, was new about the strategy.
“The newest thing about this announcement is that it is a long-term plan,” Mr. Harper insisted. So the plan is the news and it doesn’t exist except in verbal form. Gosh. Read the full article here. ://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=510307
Was propaganda mentioned in this article? You bet! All from the king of propaganda no doubt. Makes me think of the movie, “Dumb or Dumber” What does he take Canadians for anyway? What a sad case of affairs we have in this country. Get rid of those jackasses pronto.
Regards,
Huzzah, cried the Conservative. Fie, shouted Layton. But everywhere, in Tim Horton’s across the land, the people were pleased. Sure, the jobs were fewer and farther between. But here was a government willing to offer cheaper gas, handshakes and the Finance Minister’s enduring friendship.
By slg on 05.13.08 8:30 am
Too funny slg.
get your motor running…
States Get In on Calls for a Gas Tax Holiday
Tintinistoast is stranded in a lifeboat with an American linebacker, and a Sumo wrestler. Tintinistoast sees the limited food situation and nobly proposes food rationing. To set a good example, he proudly announces that he will sacrifice himself and eat only every fourth day. He feels quite righrteous. The two others promptly eat his portions, and then Tintinistoast.
Hi C.B., Just quickly here…you are right. The CPC fails on this issue. I’ve said that many times. The only reason I stay loyal to the CPC is because I dearly want tougher standards in regard to crimes against children/ abusers etc. But, as I watch my industry die…I get more upset every day. My trouble is; I know the LP would not change a thing. This has been on-going since Mulroney gave us Free Trade. I even voted liberal when Chretien through the t.v. set looked me in the eye and said he would abolish free trade. I so very much expected better from my government today, but these disastrous deals continue to be signed.
It is not just because I am a farmer that this issue upsets me, it is because I am a farmer that I am so acutely aware. Not having food sovereignty within a nation is truly a scary prospect. The idiot that told you “so what, we can import” obviously has never been without, nor had a child become gravely ill from toxins or poor sanitation of the said food. A few years ago, Dalton said the same thing. The nations or mega corps that supply the food will ultimately have all the power and this is the way we are heading. I know Garth hates it when we post articles in full, so please Garth, as I don’t do this often, please allow:
Monte Sonnenberg SIMCOE REFORMER
Thursday May 08, 2008
FORESTVILLE – Agriculture in Norfolk suffered another setback this week with the destruction of thousands of peach trees.
Growers in Forestville and Waterford have been busy in recent days uprooting orchards which were planted several years ago and had yet to reach full production.
They have done so in response to the recent closure of the Del-Monte canning factory in St. David’s.
The facility, which is owned by Sun Capital Corporation of Florida, was the only canning factory for peaches in southern Ontario. With the plant gone, local growers have nowhere to ship their production.
Sun Capital will continue to sell canned peaches in North American supermarkets under the Del-Monte label. Instead of canning peaches close to home, the company will buy them from China.
Ken Porteous of Simcoe, vice-president of the Tender Fruit Marketing Board, is destroying 9,000 peach trees on 45 acres south of Waterford.
Porteous thought he would have a long and profitable relationship with Kraft Foods when he contracted to produce peaches for them five years ago.
However, Kraft sold its interest in the Del-Monte brand to Sun Capital last fall. Soon after, the private capital fund announced the closure of four of five canning plants in southern Ontario that were part of the purchase. Porteous estimates this turn of events will cost him $230,000.
“We are running out of food supply for Canadians because farmers are getting out of the business,” Porteous said yesterday. “We can’t compete with slave labour. They are talking about food shortages around the world, and we’re pulling our trees out of the ground.”
Debbie and Tony Haegens of Forestville are going through the same ordeal. They have been busy this week pulling up 7,000 peach trees on their farm, all of them in bloom. Disbelieving neighbours have been asking all week what is going on.
The Haegens, Porteous and others are angry because the federal and provincial government allow processors to label their cans “Product of Canada” even when the food inside is from overseas.
Processors can do so as long as more than 50 per cent of the product’s value is based in Canada. In the case of canned fruit and vegetables, the tin and label are of sufficient value in most cases to qualify the entire package as “Product of Canada.”
Ernie Racz of Vittoria, a local director of the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, said the situation is unfair to farmers and misleading to consumers.
“This has to be brought out more,” he said. “Where does our food come from? How can we compete with China? What is their spraying program? Do they pay Workers Compensation? Canadian Pension Plan? Employment Insurance? Health care? You have to have a safe work environment. You have to pay minimum wage. How do we compete with that? Face it – they don’t want farmers in this country. We are the last generation of farmers. No one else is taking up the profession.”
Debbie Haegens also feels abandoned. She wonders why Ottawa gives foreign farmers an advantage in Canada with rules that promote misleading product information.
Haegens thinks it ironic that this is happening at a time when Canadians are increasingly concerned about food safety and the environmental impact of transporting basic products to markets half way around the world.
“We don’t understand the Canadian government,” she said in a statement. “We are losing our fruit and vegetable markets left and right. Farmers can see in the near future that we won’t have our own local produce anymore. Are Canadians ready for that? Soon we will be saying – ‘Good things used to grow in Ontario.’”
Numerous farm groups have pressed Ottawa for truth-in-packaging requirements. Porteous said politicians and bureaucrats in Ottawa agree there is a problem. However, after several years of debate, no one can agree who should take the lead and draw up new legislation.
“It’s a case of bureaucratic stonewalling,” Porteous said.
Monte Sonnenberg
519-426-3528 ext. 150
msonnenberg@bowesnet.com
Jeez Garth … you and your Economics negative 101 …!!!!!
“As for spending, well, Mr. Flaherty is the king of that, the spendiest little finance minister in Canada’s history, and the guy who tore through a $14 billion annual surplus until only crumbs were left. Just in time for the recession.”
……………………….
Flaherty did not ‘spend’ the surplus, he gave it back to beleaguered Canadians and to business facing a recession. What you, Garth, seem to overlook is that all the money government accumulates comes from taxation in one form or another. Didn’t you know that???
Liberals overtax Canadians to pile up a ‘surplus’, and then redistribute it to their friends (like in China and ad agencies)…!!!
So where has your “fiscal conservative” clothing gone … have you converted yourself to a ‘tax & spend’ Liberal in such a short time …????!!!!!!
Hansard May 12, 2008
Private Members Climate Change Accountablity Act
Gary Goodyear MP Cambridge CPC
The fact is that Bill C-377 requires a rate of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for Canada that is three to four times higher than what the analysis of turning the corner shows can be managed by the Canadian economy. This is unprecedented and frankly, completely irresponsible. If members wish to look at the Soviet Union, they will see examples of economies that attempted to do half of this and collapsed in their attempts.
I had to look up this statement made yesterday in the House as I did hear it right.
Gary just used a veiled reference to Pinko Commies. So the Kyoto Protocol is more than a socialist plot – it’s a Commie plot!
Any bloggers here live in his riding? Who is this guy?
By Leasa on 05.13.08 10:09 am,
Canadian consumers need to be educated that under current regulations it is impossible for them to make educated choices because “free market” ideology only applies to those who control production. There is no right for individuals and families to the information need to make their choices.
Few people realize that the “product of Canada” label may have nothing to do where the food is produced. In fact, the system is designed to fool consumers into believing they are getting local products when in fact the food inside the package may come from countries where questionable practices make it potentially dangerous.
The problem is that they don’t care enough.
By kpn on 05.13.08 9:43 am
I think I’ve heard of that study.
But you know there is a simple remedy to that problem; have the workers move from position to position on the production line. Its similar work, but different. As the saying goes, a change is as good as a rest.
But I remember a number of years back when the big 3 had similar problems, the CAW fought to keep all the benefits and wages they had gained, but made some consessions. Then when these manufacturers started making money again, the union wanted massive increases. They wouldn’t accept bonuses because they weren’t guaranteed. And the companies, to prevent strikes, gave it to them. So now we have another downturn, with all the various factors contributing, and those guaranteed wages and benefits they fought for…. so much for guaranteed.
Also, with regards to the Windsor plant, I think the writting was on the wall a long while ago. The product they make is obsolete. GM is producing fewer vehicles, and therefore needs fewer transmissions. So when they stop producing the 4 speed autos, there was going to be nothing to put in there.
Its also interesting to note that at the old Ford plant in Detroit, everything for a vehicle was produced in the one complex. No shipping backwards and forwards. Now they have a transission plant here, a foundry there, an engine plant somewhereelse with all the parts needing to be shipped to an assembly plant.
Now take a look at Toyota in Cambridge. I understand almost everything they need is in close proximity to the assembly plant.
Which of these has the lowest cost structure?
~Pyotr Petrobitch…you are missed here. I hope you and yours are keeping well?~
~Pyotr Petrobitch…you are missed here. I hope you and yours are keeping well?~
By linda on 05.13.08 11:10 am
Petrobitch has been liquidated by our operatives!
Leaza – I too agree with what you said as well as most of what William and CBI said. I recall several years ago PEI farmers were giving away bags of potatoes in the front of the N.S. Legislature building. It wasn’t due to the ‘disease’ that PEI potatoes had & the US prohibited their importation. It was because they rec’d less money that it cost to produce them. The middle man & the higher ups and CEO’s at the major retailers benefit the most. My sis worked for the top financial guy here for years. She was so happy last year when she got a ‘small package’ to tide her over til 65 next mo. She had stock and lost big time. Their shares, IIRC, have lost about half their value.
From what I’ve read most of the problem is due to the WTO and its predecessor, the GATT, and now the SPP/NAU and globalization which the big capitalists, via most of our western governments, promote.
What I don’t understand is that you have been a Harper ‘groupie’. If you have actually taken the time to read about Harper & his NCC philosophy, how can you defend him. He totally represents all that you seem to be against. But, a few crumbs here and there seem to be enough for neocon supporters.
If Dion does become our next PM, and does not defend the middle and lower income class Cdns, then I think we should start a revolution. And the rest of the world’s citizenry must stand up against this ‘new world capitalist order’. Why haven’t we learned from history. As I’ve said before, we don’t have children, but we’re all parents’ in a way’ of our next generation, and I would hope that it is not only the children of the wealtiest and the greediest who will benefit.
Liberals overtax Canadians to pile up a ’surplus’, and then redistribute it to their friends (like in China and ad agencies)…!!!
So where has your “fiscal conservative” clothing gone … have you converted yourself to a ‘tax & spend’ Liberal in such a short time …????!!!!!!
By Harry S on 05.13.08 10:21 am
And the CPC gives it back to the big spenders and gives the shaft to the poorest…and then schemes up a way to get it back by defrauding taxpayers with an “in & out scheme…might want to to look at the size of the last budget, I believe it was the largest spending budget in history….fiscal conservatives…lol….fiscal this!!!!
Eating Tintinistoast’s lunch:
State Senate OKs summer suspension of gas tax
- 32-cent tax cut from Memorial Day through Labor Day
- E-ZPass discount for fuel-efficient vehicles
- elimination of state sales tax on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles
- tax credits for biodiesel and ethanol storage facilities
(Consumer resilliency is easy when you have a money prestidigitizer)
Canadian produced food that they can depend on.
Thank you,
Leasa Janssen
By Leasa on 05.13.08 8:22 am
Leasa, For once you have written a wise post.
Now! How can you EVER support your hero PMSH? Or ANY Con. government???
Free trade was a MULRONY Con. policy.
It provided ways for our “Trading Partners” to screw us royal right from the start (we can’t stop harmful trade because of the clause that “They” the Cons. negotiated in. It allowed a US co. to sue our gov. because we stopped a chemical that WAS OUTLAWED in the US, as a cancer agent, from being put in our gas.)
That was YOUR PARTY.
It was YOUR party that screwed up on “Soft wood” lumber.
It was YOUR party that LIED about Income Trust tax.
It is your party that LIED about Freedom of information. (Open and transparent)
When are you going to wake up to the facts. Get your head out of the sand and dump your blind support of PMSH?
Does your hatred of all things Liberal come from the reduction of support that has been done to the Tobacco industry by the LIbs.? if so, thats just too bad.
My wife of 15 years died of TOBACCO INDUCED LUNG CANCER just before it was revealed that the tobacco industry was hiding the truth of the dangers of tobacco for years.
Some people call that kind of action MASS MURDER! or at least attempted Genocide.
And I bet that you don’t feel any guilt at all, for your participation do you?
You should have been switching to other crops MANY years ago.
By Leasa on 05.13.08 10:09 am
Garth, this is one point where Leasa is 100% correct. So while I don’t support her choice of political party, I do support her concern regarding Canada’s food sovereignty and ask you to tell us what is the Liberal’s position with respect to this very important issue. Not only do we have to worry about toxins in food from China, but Mr. Harper seems happy to “harmonize” our food protection laws via the SPP with those from the US who allow higher content of toxins in their food. Will the Liberals protect Canada’s ability to grow it’s own food to supply Canadians with a sufficient supply of safe food?
And if you’re really lucky a free Timbit.
Great Post!
By Stephen Smith on 05.13.08 8:55 am
Won’t happen! the release of “Free” Timbit” is a “fireing offence”.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080507.wtimbit0507/BNStory/National/home?cid=al_gam_mostemail
By Harry S on 05.13.08 10:21 am
Harry,
I would agree with you and Mr. Flaherty if, and only if, the tax breaks and GST cuts announced by Flaherty amounted to $14 Billion.
But the fact is they don’t.
If a surplus is overtaxation, which it is if it isn’t used to pay off the debt we racked up by overspending, then when you look at the numbers, the amount Flaherty gave us back, plus what he’s paid off the debt, doesn’t amount to $14 Billion.
Where did the rest go, Harry, on untendered speech writting?
By kpn on 05.13.08 9:43 am
I think I’ve heard of that study.
But you know there is a simple remedy to that problem; have the workers move from position to position on the production line. Its similar work, but different. As the saying goes, a change is as good as a rest.
But I remember a number of years back when the big 3 had similar problems, the CAW fought to keep all the benefits and wages they had gained, but made some consessions. Then when these manufacturers started making money again, the union wanted massive increases. They wouldn’t accept bonuses because they weren’t guaranteed. And the companies, to prevent strikes, gave it to them. So now we have another downturn, with all the various factors contributing, and those guaranteed wages and benefits they fought for…. so much for guaranteed.
Also, with regards to the Windsor plant, I think the writting was on the wall a long while ago. The product they make is obsolete. GM is producing fewer vehicles, and therefore needs fewer transmissions. So when they stop producing the 4 speed autos, there was going to be nothing to put in there.
Its also interesting to note that at the old Ford plant in Detroit, everything for a vehicle was produced in the one complex. No shipping backwards and forwards. Now they have a transission plant here, a foundry there, an engine plant somewhereelse with all the parts needing to be shipped to an assembly plant.
Now take a look at Toyota in Cambridge. I understand almost everything they need is in close proximity to the assembly plant.
Which of these has the lowest cost structure?
By James- Chatham on 05.13.08 10:37 am
James – you may be right about having workers move from one rote position to another. But, I’m not sure that would solve the problem. Bjoern told us that years ago the workers in German car mfgs’ unions won the right to a 5 min. break every hour to do exercises or just relax. But, with the competition of Japanese car mfgs. the govt. stopped it.
You said ‘ Which of these has the lowest cost structure’. James I’m definitely not very knowledgeable about the car mfg. industtry, but sure, I’d agree with you here.
Personally, I think the problem has been for the last 30-40 years that the American car Mfgs just don’t get it. First, IMHO, they have offered an inferior quality product to those of the Japanese and several of the Europeans. When gas stated to increase in the 80′s, IIRC, the Americans reduced speed limits on their highways and, maybe tried to bring out more efficient vehicles. Then when the gas prices decreased they brought out big gas guzzling vehicles and too, I must admit, the Japanese cars grew in size, etc. But, the Americans have always been known to be huge energy wasters, and Canadians, in comparison to the rest of the world.
I feel very badly about the automative sector in Ontario but the writing has been on the wall for the last 20 years or more. Do I feel badly about the sinking Ontario economy – yes – because they have have more than helped with equalization payments for the rest of Canada. But, IITC, central Canada screwed the M’times after Confederation. Now the west, notably Alberta, is screwing Ontario and the rest of Canada. Do I like it, nada, nada. Canada has become a country of ‘the fittest shall survive’ under Harper’s govy. Screw helping out those less fortunate than oneself. Wealth and big business (profits) are all that’s it about.
I, fortunately or not, will not be around to see the demise of this planet. But then, if we don’t do anything to help our planet, the neocons won’t be around either
A VOTE FOR HARPER IS A VOTE FOR THIS:
Capital and country stumble in the dark
May 13, 2008 04:30 AM
James Travers
OTTAWA — Most places are known for something – history, a landmark, or a gifted child who makes the hometown famous. This place is known for what isn’t known…
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/424630
Sounds like the definitive statement from the Bush administration by Donald Rumsfeld on his defense of the Iraqi quagmire.. or clusterf$%k:
“There are no knowns. There are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns – that is to say, there are things that we now know we don’t know but there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we do not know we don’t know. So when we do the best we can and we pull all this information together, and we then say well that’s basically what we see as the situation, that is really only the known knowns and the known unknowns. And each year we discover a few more of those unknown unknowns.”
I want to buy that house. Do you have a listing URL?
By Chris on 05.13.08 9:46 am
Did you forget to put a smiley
at the end of your post. I recall Chris, more than 30 yrs ago driving down to Chi ga go, with a gfriend, passing by Detroit. All I could say was Yuck, yuck, yuck. I’m sure there are nice parts of Detroit, but as most American cities and that time, they were quite dismal to say the least. In a burb of Chicago, a boy friend of the gal we stayed with, would not drive in certain areas.
But then, if we don’t do anything to help our planet, the neocons won’t be around either
By kpn on 05.13.08 12:10 pm
There’s some truth in what you say as one of their problems is being myopic.
Incidentally, re: the 5 minutes exercise/hr in Germany, don;t the Japanese autos start there day with exercise?
“There are no knowns. There are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns – that is to say, there are things that we now know we don’t know but there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we do not know we don’t know. So when we do the best we can and we pull all this information together, and we then say well that’s basically what we see as the situation, that is really only the known knowns and the known unknowns. And each year we discover a few more of those unknown unknowns.”
By Geoffrey L. on 05.13.08 12:20 pm
Double speak at its`best :-0
The words we use, and how they are used against us:
Be careful with that “revolution” talk there KPN. Opposing an elected govt. makes you an “insurgent”, not that far away from an “enemy combatant”, and that would qualify disappearance and for “rendition” complete with sanctioned torture…..It’s all perfectly legal, and of course for your own protection in the fight for democracy.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insurgent
I, fortunately or not, will not be around to see the demise of this planet. But then, if we don’t do anything to help our planet, the neocons won’t be around either
By kpn on 05.13.08 12:10 pm
Oops again, doesn’t Harper’s religious beliefs (his church) say the world will soon come to an end and we’ll all live in a utopian heaven or hell :-0
By A.R.Wainwright on 05.13.08 11:44 am
Sorry to hear about your wife. Fortunately, I had no part in that. I have always been a food producer, never grew tobacco. However, that being said, don’t blame the tobac. farmers, it was and remains a legal product with a high demand.
Like I just told my husband over lunch…I am on a fence. I support the CPC’s policy on crime especially where children are concerned…HOWEVER…I did vote for Chretien one time as I have stated many times because he promised to abolish Free Trade & the GST.
Neither party is guilt free on these stupid dangerous agreements. Mulroney started with the U.S., Chretien brought in China and several Asian countries and Harper continues to sign those deals. ON the later…Columbia? WTF? How can we be concerned over China’s many abuses if we would even consider signing on with Columbia??? Hello? Anyone in Ottawa listening????
I believe in Trade…in FAIR trade. We should only be dealing with countries that have the same level of human rights, safety nets and wages. Then it’s fair…I can compete and then I can continue to grow safe, clean and healthy food for all Canadians.
Food Sovereignty is a hell of an important issue and must be dealt with.
“Petrobitch has been liquidated by our operatives!” – Nikolai Nikolaivitch @11:23am… NO! How so, Nikolai, if I may call you that? Your update and input is important to me. Capture any good film lately? linda…ps~ have you heard the song, Barrett’s Privateers by Stan Rogers? I recommend it to you, it was posted on Saturday.
KPN,
Perhaps you can shed some light on how Alberta is screwing Ontario. “While the majority of the economic benefits associated with the oil sands will be felt in Alberta, CERI believes that Ontario could also see a $102 billion boost to its economy over the 2000-2020 period, while the GDP impact of oil sands and oil sands-related activities on other Canadian provinces and territories is estimated at $53 billion dollars over the same period. Provinces other than Alberta are affected by the oil sands mainly because “Even though the resource is located in Alberta, the goods and services and equipment are coming from all over Canada.”5 http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/committee/391/rnnr/reports/rp2614277/rnnrrp04/09_Chap_4_ENG.htm
You can argue with the exact numbers but I do know that at just one of the sites last night I worked an awful lot of airplanes into the Firebag airstrip coming from the east. All receiving large salaries and benefits, without having to relocate their families.
Kerry
Eating Tintinistoast’s lunch:
State Senate OKs summer suspension of gas tax
- 32-cent tax cut from Memorial Day through Labor Day
- E-ZPass discount for fuel-efficient vehicles
- elimination of state sales tax on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles
- tax credits for biodiesel and ethanol storage facilities
(Consumer resilliency is easy when you have a money prestidigitizer)
By Pecked to Death by Ducks on 05.13.08 11:44 am
What a stupid position they’ve taken to garner votes. Yep, bury your head in the sand. IIRC, Obama is against this. I’ve been sitting on the fence re the Dems, but the more & more I hear, and not going out of my way to learn more (its just so disgusting – $$$$) about Am. elections this`time, I’m definitely leaning towards Obama.
Re Want to Help the Environment? Eat Insects.
By Greg W., Oakville on 05.13.08 2:06 am
I’ve heard that deep-fried crickets are a delicacy in the far east. They are supposed to taste – no, not like chicken – but like peanuts. A little salt and you have a tasty, crispy treat, full of protein.
I could go for the crispy insects, but not the soft, squishy ones or the rubbery ones. Just picky, I guess.
—–
By kpn on 05.13.08 6:40 am
“…progress is measured here by moving from knowing nothing to knowing what isn’t known…”
The Harpos are getting perilously close to Rumsfeld and his known unknowns and his unknown unknowns, you know, things we know we don’t know, and things we don’t know we don’t know.
One thing I know – the Harpo’s have to go – while we still have something that looks like a country left.
—–
By kpn on 05.13.08 9:21 am
“…Why. Because Halifax happens to be a navy town and the majority of Nova Scotians don’t support the Tories. Provincially, I’d bet $$$ they’ll be kicked out when the next election writ comes down.”
We’re counting on you guys. Please, please throw these idiots out. Committing to “growing” the military (why?) and more and more war machines at a time when we need money to keep energy – hopefully green – flowing, non-toxic locally grown food that is produced according to OUR specifications, not the U.S., protection of our water, wise use of our resources.
The armed forces have said what they need – coastal patrol vessels capable of handling arctic conditions, medium lift aircraft for soldiers and supplies, decent housing for forces and their families, psychiatric and psychological counselling for those sent to war zones, and no more wars of choice.
How dare Harpo commit tons of money for some unspecified reason for decades into the future?
Or maybe this is the reason: the U.S. talks about its vast northern border, meaning not the one with Canada but the the one along the Arctic Ocean. But hold on. I thought most of the northern border belonged to Canada. Not if the U.S. have anything to say about it.
An article from the SF Chronicle:
“…But Renuart said there will be increased military activity along the expansive northern boundary and beyond, including efforts to use more high-tech sensors and cameras like those developed for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
…The U.S. and Canada have already said there are plans to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) along the more than 5,000-mile long northern border. The military has chosen a base in Grand Forks to base the Predator drones for that mission, largely due to its central location.”
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/05/12/national/w105809D75.DTL
So, since when did our northern coast become THEIR “expansive northern boundary”.
And why are we spending money and endangering commercial aircraft with UAV’s run by somebody sitting in Colorado Springs or Las Vegas?
War games:
http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174920
The future of the U.S. military
http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174928/william_astore_coming_down_to_earth
The biggest Canadian real estate problem will be for the government which takes over ‘King Harper’s self made throne’ in the House of Commons, once he has been dethroned. It will have to be destroyed not simply replaced because it is a liability for all Canadians. We don’t want to have to ‘buy it’ in the next election & get stuck with it.
Good show in QP today Garth.
The cons were actually half quiet today.
Food Sovereignty is a hell of an important issue and must be dealt with.
By Leasa on 05.13.08 1:06 pm
Excellent posts today Leasa.
I just returned home from a trip to Africa. While there (I was in Congo in Chad) I relied on CNN for my news. Every day the main reports were on the current world food shortage crisis (I got home, and no one here seems to know about it). It has gotten so bad overseas, that the Chinese are talking about buying farmland in Africa and South America to supply food to their citizens – and then I come home and hear this story about the peach trees (and nearly cried – I love Ontario peaches).
Oil is running out, there is a world food crisis, other countries are hoarding food (such as Thailand, Philippines, even China have all banned exports of rice).
People really have no clue how bad it is “out there,” as we live in our secluded little bubble. But what is even worse is that our leaders (both Conservative and Liberal) are fiddling while everything falls apart around us. The continuous partisan BS makes me sick.
And that is my fear with our current government. Food sovereignty must be dealt with, as with energy and water sovereignty – but instead our government spends it time taking partisan shots at the Liberals, and Liberals waste their time talking about elections, but never delivering on them.
We need leadership – now. Where is it?
Also, why is Harper “re-announcing” an old announcement without any written plan about the military? Why did he spend taxpayer monies to go to Nova Scotia for this 10 minute revamped speech? Was he trying to avoid QP?
By slg on 05.13.08 8:04 am
Nope . He was in town to attend a hockey game . Period .
Stupid asshat .
If anyone wants cheap housing in Canada just go to Northwest Ontario. In Atikokan I know someone who just bought a house for about $8,000. Houses in NWO are very, very cheap thanks to an assortment of factors and have been for a few years now.
The GTA, southern BC, and Alberta are booming for house prices but most other areas are not and have not.
money for nothing and the cheques keep coming…
I don’t know KPN, the Americans seem to have a working strategy here. Print the paper and buy the material goods. Whatever it takes. Supid are the Nations that keep accepting the paper IOUs which will inflate the cost of their own survival necessities. They’ll keep charging as long as they can put it on the tab. It’s like having a neighbour with unlimited credit.
food and utility tax rebates for Loveland, Colorado
Gov. Perry raises prospect of tax rebates for Texas residents.
Gas sales tax holiday urged in Michigan.
Bush Says Tax Rebates Can Help Revive US Economy
I believe it is quite evident that neither the CPC or the LPC are deserving to serve again as the Government of Canada. Since the other parties have little or no hope of forming a government, I would suggest that the party system in Canada is no longer useful to the electorate and would suggest Canadians on mass demand a new form of Government.
That Government could take the form of a Provincially Appointed Government or an elected Independent Government. I have some rough ideas along that line and would suggest we embark on this route if we care at all to see a democratic government that will respect the wishes and will of the constituents. This is necessary as the two main parties in Canada no longer allow representation from the grassroots. When MPs are flown into ridings to run or told how to vote, this destroys basic democracy.
Try for a moment to put aside your partisan choice (whatever that might be) and look at this objectively.
FOR A NEW INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT IN CANADA
Here is the plan…
1. Each Province and/or Territory is allotted one member of parliament based on their percentage of the population of Canada. For example if Alberta has say 18 % of the population, they get 18 seats. (There will be possibly a few more than 100 seats to accommodate those provinces who have .5 % or more or who might have less than 1% of the population)
Each Province or Territory must have at least one seat.
2. Within each Provincial caucus, the members slated to be in the cabinet will be voted in by the elected members.
3. Each Province and Territory will have one member in Cabinet, the four largest Provinces in population two. (Total 16 members)
4. The Prime Minister will be elected by the 16 members of Cabinet and approved by the Parliament as a whole.
5. Funding for elections will be provided by the federal government and will be limited to the minimal amount necessary. (the amount to be determined by Elections Canada)
No individual or corporate donations will be accepted, the penalty for accepting them will be dismissal from Parliament and a by election will be held in that riding within 60 days.
6. Recall from cabinet can be effected by a vote of 75% of Parliament.
7. Recall from Parliament can be effected by a 60% participation in the form of a petition of the MPs riding.
Linda,
Nikolai Nikolaivitch is – wait for it – our old friend Hairy S.
Leasa :
Agree one hundred per cent with you .
I will only buy products produced in Canada .
China is on my permanent boycott list .
Looking for mushrooms,a few days ago, we were shocked to learn that Money’s mushrooms were being canned in China . How is this possible ?
Money’s has over a half dozen huge factory farms in Canada and yet the import inferior ‘shrooms from China .
I was disgusted .
However I don not believe the present government cares one iota about your predicament .
Keep growing .
PS: I find the latest version of Leasa to be a lot nicer and reasonable . Keep it up .
The only throne Herr Harper deserves comes with a flush handle.
It was YOUR party that screwed up on “Soft wood” lumber.
By A.R.Wainwright on 05.13.08 11:44 am
In today’s KDC, Weyerhauser closed it’s Kamloops mill permanently, letting 196 people go. Good paying jobs, to boot.
Two main reasons: 1) high loonie — way to go, “Teflon Don” dimjim; excellent work, more layoffs and more folk on pogey to bankrupt Canada; and 2) the housing meltdown in the US.
It doesn’t help that these companies never bothered to investigate overseas exporting possibilities — maybe if they got off their collective duffs and took a positive approach, researched all possibilities then they may get some positive feedback.
Yes, Free Trade and a high dollar sucks; is this why the possibility of the Amero is still around? No one has denied the existence of the Amero — and one continent, with one central govt.
How is it that harpo and dimjim manage to blow $14 bln. on ten provinces, three territories and have nothing to show for it?
Admittedly, Quebec was given the extra billion in order to buy votes, but what does that do for all the laid-off lumber workers out west?
***************************************
So, since when did our northern coast become THEIR “expansive northern boundary”.
By CM on 05.13.08 1:51 pm
Good question. I guess since the three amigos got together, quickened the pace on implementing talks concerning the NAU / SPP without telling the electorate anything.
Face it, the country we used to know as Canada is almost gone now, and there is nothing anyone can do about it UNLESS we choose to dump these cheats and liars ASAP in the election.
******************************************
Off topic — Einsten’s look at religion and science.
http://tinyurl.com/6cc94t
My wife of 15 years died of TOBACCO INDUCED LUNG CANCER just before it was revealed that the tobacco industry was hiding the truth of the dangers of tobacco for years.
Some people call that kind of action MASS MURDER! or at least attempted Genocide.
And I bet that you don’t feel any guilt at all, for your participation do you?
You should have been switching to other crops MANY years ago.
By A.R.Wainwright on 05.13.08 11:44 am
With all due respect sir, growing up as far back as the 60s we knew smoking wasn’t good for you. You can’t blame the farmers for your wife’s choices.
The government, liberals and conservatives, have reaped huge taxes off tobacco. Thats why its legal. Then to top it off they sue tobacco companies for health costs.
Tobacco isn’t good for you, neither is McDonalds, KFC, A&W, Crown Royal, Captain Morgan, Jack Daniels … People still use the stuff. Its their choice.
Hi Leasa, I have to admit I don’t usually agree with some of your posts but I strongly support you over food sovereignty. Growing up in Britain in WW2 I well remember food rationing which lasted well into the 1950′s. People had to dig up their yards to grow vegetables and fruit. If it hadn’t been for the Merchant Navy, greatly supported by Canadians, the war would have been lost because of starvation. When I drive past huge areas that were once productive farmlands, but are now turned into sub-divisions, I often wonder where our food would come from in the event of another war. I also worry about the supply of fresh water – the US is building large cities in deserts, allowing the construction of golf courses that use millions of gallons of water just to keep them green, and depleting their water tables. In Alberta the oil sands are depleting the water tables as well as contaminating rivers and lakes. This is complete madness and I truly hope that the Liberal Party will develop policies that will address these major concerns. Thank you for being a concerned food farmer!
The paper ppppprestidigitizer process proliferates.
Other nations put it on the Tab. Why not us? Is righteous Canada not a Developed Nation? Are we Hosers? Ain’t too proud to beg, says sweet Darling.
UK Unveils Surprise GBP2.7 Billion Fiscal Stimulus Package
- U.S. has launched a $150 billion package of tax rebates
- Nancy Pelosi has called for a second economic stimulus package
- Italy plans to inject EUR5 billion in relief
- Spain approved EUR10 billion euros ($15.9 billion) worth of tax cuts and new spending
- Germany is offering voters rival tax-cutting plans
- Brazil’s Lula Vows Tax Cuts, Loans in Export Stimulus Plan
Phillip K Dick once wrote of people plugging their brains into pleasure stimulus sockets. Today’s Boomers appear suffering from “forever socket to me syndrome”. We vant it all and we vant it now.
I learned a lesson in human nature yesterday when I wanted to get a napkin at the local burger feed station. The “lady” in front of me took the entire container full (two hands worth) and stuck them into her purse. Surprisingly, she did leave the container.
Anyone who looks at the evidence will realize that the keystone holding the corrupt political edifice is the crime of the century, the attack of 9/11 2001. The deliberate cover-up, destruction of crime scene evidence, theft of freedoms in US and UK, the failure of Canada to investigate the murder of 24 citizens, US war crimes, torture, two wars of aggression based on lies or mythical weapons of mass destruction, depleted uranium used in Iraq, tested in Hawaii and Alberta, climbing oil and food prices all follow the false flag attack of 9/11 2001.
Garth, I understand you MPs and Senators were given a new package on May 1st. 2008 showing enough material to demand a new criminal investigation.
Ask all readers to view this video
http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=8951
John Duddy.
Garth … will you respond to this scurilous accusation on:
http://stevejanke.com/archives/262364.php
Garth Turner accuses Canadian military of pursuing the destruction of Afghan villages ….??????
In a few hours, after I wash my beard. — Garth
I believe in Trade…in FAIR trade. We should only be dealing with countries that have the same level of human rights, safety nets and wages. Then it’s fair…I can compete and then I can continue to grow safe, clean and healthy food for all Canadians.
Food Sovereignty is a hell of an important issue and must be dealt with.
By Leasa on 05.13.08 1:06 pm
Its not often I agree with you Leasa, but I do on the issue of food sovereignty & safety. I’ve watched several doc. programs lately about this issue. As I live in NS, I was particularly p.o.’d about a documentary which I think was produced by the CBC (Wendy Mesley I think) re fish products that are labelled as made in Canada She visited a plant in Lunenburg (sp?). Seems most of the fish is frozen in bulk & imported from Asia, where there is lots of pollution, then repackaged here and labelled ‘Product of Canada’. Later, I wondered, how can the product be labelled ‘frozen at sea’ on our 500 gm or 1 kg frozen fish products but which were imported frozen in huge blocks. Wouldn’t they have to thaw them in order to repackage them in small frozen packages. Aren’t we told its unhealthy, maybe dangerous, to refreeze thawed meat products. Would that not apply to fish as well?
Yes, our Govt, regarless of which party is in power, has to change our labelling laws. Apparently the US labelling laws at least state the countries (and there are many in one product) from which the product originated. This is still not good enough. Unfortunately, the lobbyists RULE.
If you understand history you realize the world is composed of groups of people ether moving towards a slave based society or away from one. The American revolution was nothing more than slaves revolting. The communist revolution came about when slave based countries revolted against their masters. The fall of communism in Russia was one of the few peaceful revolts by slaves. Today we are looking at China moving away from a slave based culture where using 50 people to move a hill of dirt was cheaper tha buying a machine to an ultra modern society based on mechanization and a stll relatively cheap supply of labour. But with real inflation numbers well above 10% a year they are starting to burst at the seams which in history usually means the slaves will revolt.
In North America however we are moving from one of the least slave based societies in history to what seems lately like a welcome to slavery. When the msm of any country starts praising wage reductions and criticising groups of workers for being gready for earning too much and not being “competative” we are in big trouble. The reality is that minimum wage and the wages of the bottom 2/3 of workers have not kept up to either inflation or the profits and wages earned by the top third of society. Do you really think its your right to a $4.95 big mac rather than the $10.95 it should cost if some slave wasn’t paid starvation wages to make it for you. Do you really think it is your right to pay the same price for a can of peaches you did 10 years ago that can only be on our store shelves by slaves in another country producing them for you.
It doesn’t matter if you look at the world, a country or your town slavery or a lack of it is the basis of human life. Every night at work I see legal government sponsered slavery in action.
I am not trying to be racist here but the major misunderstanding we have of muslims is that their culture is rooted in slavery and they have never changed in history which explains why it is futile for us to think we can change them.
Try finding anything in your life that doesn’t ultimately go back to the slavery issue to have a positive or negative result. Now apply that to politics and everything becomes crystal clear.
Shake Hands with the Jester
What a stunning day in Committee. No, not the fireworks between Mr. McCallum and Mr. Flaherty.
Today ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Jason Kenney tried to mock and demean Romeo Dallaire. This is the distinguished Senator who served our country and has an impeccable military record. This is the General who tried to stop the genocide in Rwanda without troops or support from the U.N.
The irony, this happened one day after and the P.M. announces his Defence First plan. The same P.M. who has risen in the House chiding honourable members for not supporting the troops.
Jason Kenney, you should be utterly ashamed of your conduct in questioning M. Dallaire. The real issue – Omar Khadr is a child soldier – period and yet you let him rot in Gitmo.
M. Duceppe is correct, Stephen Harper is the King of Hypocrisy and Mr. Kenney is his Court Jester.
By Janice on 05.13.08 3:48 pm
Yor sense of compassion is overwhelming!
Call to your Canadian Member of Parliament on Monday could be very effective! The toll free numbers are listed below. Please read on:
If you believe that the 9/11 tragedy was a false flag operation, the following will interest you.
As you may know, Ian Woods and Hal Sisson collaborated to produce a pack of current 9/11 materials to place on every Canadian Member of Parliament’s desk and every Canadian Senator’s desk only ten days ago. This was done in Ottawa on May 1st.
The materials include: 9/11: Solving the Greatest Crime of All Time – The Best of Global Outlook Vol. 1; 9/11: The Greatest Crime of All Time – The Best of Global Outlook Vol. 2; Modus Operandi 9/11, by Hal Sisson, and Zeitgeist, Parts II and III.
(Initiative described at http://www.globaloutlook.ca/initiative.htm )
To back this up, please use these toll-free numbers to call as many MP’s and senators as you like. (Doesn’t have to be your own riding.) Ask them if they got the package. Tell them you’re worried about Afghanistan, in light of the possible truth of this material. And how this matter affects the 24 Canadian deaths in the WTC. Tell them about the 9/11 Commissioners reporting in the New York Times they had been lied to, about the Japanese Parliament looking at this twice this year, about it coming up in the Euorpean Parliament, etc.
The numbers are:
For any MP: 1-866-599-4999
For any Senator: 1-800-267-7362
Members of Parliament are here: http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E
Let’s shower them with concerned calls from Canadians!
Will the Liberals protect Canada’s ability to grow it’s own food to supply Canadians with a sufficient supply of safe food?
By Reefer Sutherland from the Big Smoke on 05.13.08 11:52 am
Given their history of aiding and abetting corporate takeover of agriculture, I expect the answer would be no.
A couple more slavery issues.
I read on the weekend that Britain is going to lose most of its strawberry and other soft fruit crops this year. No, not from disease or other natural cause but because the government limited the number of foreign workers (slaves) this year and there is nobody in a country with a permanent unemployment rate over 10% to pick them!!!! If you read that correctly it says that the british people are not willing to pay the real cost of their own food.
Today I read that China is looking to buy land in Asia and Africa to feed their own people. Can you say colonialism (slavery)? I guess after selling us all their peaches they must be hungry.
If a surplus is overtaxation, which it is if it isn’t used to pay off the debt we racked up by overspending, then when you look at the numbers, the amount Flaherty gave us back, plus what he’s paid off the debt, doesn’t amount to $14 Billion.
Where did the rest go, Harry, on untendered speech writting?
By James- Chatham on 05.13.08 12:00 pm
The rest didn’t go anywhere, the surplus for the year just ended in March will be about $13 billion. And the surplus for the current year will continue. All this bull about the surplus being blown is just Garth and his ongoing negative rants. We still have a strong surplus in Canada!
It’s a tad past 7 pm here – darn -forgot to watch Don Newman. DH just called. He’s on the outskirts of Hfx after having returned the vehicle that our German friend, Bjoern, bought yesterday on the south shore. DH had arranged with his mechanic for a checkup today of the vehicle Bjoern bought yesterday. Yesterday Bjoern had it put up on the hoist at nearby garage & was told the bushings in the rear end had to be replaced and there was the ‘odd’ oil leak. Not a big deal. Today, he was told by my DH’s mechanic that the vehicle requires $3K in repairs. DH’s mechanic spoke to the seller & he agreed to take back the vechicle. Not sure what the laws here are about that, other than buyer beware. I know Bjoern thinks the world of Nova Scotians (from his past visits here), but I’ve been trying to tell him this past week to be cautious of any seller. It’s sad, but true. He may be more buyer beware now. When DH & Bjoern went to look at the car on Sat., my DH did not want to influence him. My sis, who recently ended up buying a new car, wanted my DH to go with her to look at used cars. He said no, & I agreed, cause if he encouraged her to buy one and it turned out badly, he would forever feel bad. Her hubby bought a ‘Colt’ from us, at a great price. It had been a fabulous car for us, and a few years later he had to do some work on it (only normal), but we got the feeling that they felt we had sold them a faulty vehicle. So, now we would never sell a vehicle to anyone that we know.
Curious to see why the US is taking this particular route on its’ own citizens.
Is this not supposed to be the ‘the land of the free’?
Where does ‘The Great White North’ fit in?
http://tinyurl.com/3gur4o
****************************************
Inflation and fuel are both up in the UK, and in time for the upcoming long weekend, gas in Kelowna is now $1.35/L; it will probably be around $1.50/L by Canada Day.
http://tinyurl.com/3hazf9
****************************************
Pathetic. Utterly pathetic. Are we supposed to cry tears of despair (or laughter) for this son of Dracula?
Courtesy whatreallyhappened.com:
Bush has given up golf to acknowledge the sacrifice of soldiers and their families?!?!?
Forgive me, but what is this man thinking????
http://tinyurl.com/3pcdjx
P.S. Does dubya even think, or is that now beyond his capabilities?
Canada’s ignorant prime minister — an excellent and oh, so true headline!
http://tinyurl.com/3f6w79
Bonnie, I agree. Jason Kenney was the same M.P. who brought greetings from the Prime Minister to a known terrorist group from Iran. And he has the nerve to question Dallaire.
Dallaire is right. I have said all along ” be careful that you don’t become the enemy you are trying to defeat”
Guantanamo, renditions, enemey combatants: all designed to circumvent international law. All designed to curb human rights.
The U.S. and those who tacitly support their policies are no better than those they are trying to defeat.
Figures from one country — India — on food wastage. Good to keep this mind when Canada starts to feel the pinch.
Courtesy whatreallyhappened.com, which is based in Hawaii:
“There would be no shortages if we all just controlled waste.
“I was at the local supermarket yesterday and spotted this kitchen accessory. It’s a sandwich cutter in the shape of a heart. The idea is that after you make a sandwich for someone, probably your child’s school lunch, you use this device to trim the sandwich into the shape of a heart as an expression of commercialized and fashion magazine approved love. While there may be exceptions for the family dog, it is presumed that the non-heart portions of the sandwich are thrown away. When you consider the difference in shape between the square sandwich and the final heart shaped meal, that is a lot of sandwich that is removed and tossed for esthetics’ sake!
“It is estimated that Americans throw out half the food they buy. If we could just be more aware, not buy quite to much that we wind up allowing to spoil, etc. the shortages (and high prices) would vanish.”
http://tinyurl.com/5odg4a
Tobacco isn’t good for you, neither is McDonalds, KFC, A&W, Crown Royal, Captain Morgan, Jack Daniels … People still use the stuff. Its their choice.
By Janice on 05.13.08 3:48 pm
She died 23 years ago. the tobacco industry was still “vigorously” denying the hazards of their product back then.
They where still leading people astray.
Janice infers that as long as there is money to be made to hell with health issues.
Tobacco farmers are no different than any other business. If you lose your market you either close the doors or find another product to hawk.
How we look to the rest of the World
Off-topic, but revealing article in a UK paper about the Harper government. How others see us, perhaps?
UK Guardian (April 24, 2008)
The Canadian Nixon
By Dimitry Anastakis and Jeet Heer
Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper is in trouble with Elections Canada, the government body that runs the vote in Canada. They’ve accused him of overspending in the last election and have even gotten the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to raid the Conservative party’s headquarters to find incriminating evidence. In response Harper and his followers have lashed out against Elections Canada, accusing it of a partisan witch hunt.
The whole sorry situation shouldn’t surprise anyone who has paid attention. Every prime minister has a modus operandi. Harper’s is his utter contempt, shown not once but many times, for Canadian institutions. In fact, it is not a stretch to say that Harper simply sees many Canadian institutions – Elections Canada being simply his latest target – as illegitimate, not just in need of reform but worth attacking root-and-branch.
The historian Garry Wills once observed that Richard Nixon wanted to be president not to govern the nation but to undermine the government. The Nixon presidency was one long counterinsurgency campaign against key American institutions like the courts, the FBI, the state department and the CIA. Harper has the same basic approach to politics: attack not just political foes but the very institutions that make governing possible. The state for Nixon and Harper exists not as an instrument of policy making but as an alien force to be subdued.
Canadians have never had a prime minister who has literally made his career attacking and undermining the legitimacy of Canadian institutions.
Until now.
For instance, in his long-running war against the media, Harper has taken every opportunity to de-legitimise their role in holding his government to account. He refuses to take questions. He speaks only to friendly media outlets. He claims that “national outlets” are biased.
Remember, this is a PM who does not let cabinet ministers speak to the media, and even hides the place and times of cabinet meetings in an effort to avoid questions from the fourth estate.
Along with the media, another of Harper’s favourite targets is the Canadian court system. Conservatives love to attack what they call “judge-made law”, which really means any decisions that conservatives don’t like.
Take same-sex marriage, for example. In 2003, Harper condemned the courts for saying that marriage laws were unconstitutional. He even personally attacked Ontario judge Roy McMurtry, and claimed a Liberal conspiracy: “They put the judges in they wanted,” to get the result, Harper accused, even though McMurtry was appointed by Conservative Brian Mulroney.
This anti-court animus is rampant within Harper’s inner circle. His chief of staff, academic Ian Brodie, wrote that financially strapped and historically underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic and linguistic minorities, and gays, should have their court funding cut.
Presto – one of Harper’s first acts in office was to cut funding for those very groups so that they could no longer make their case at the supreme court.
Then there is the Senate. Harper and his allies hate the Senate. A long-held bugaboo of Harper’s Reform party roots, our prime minister never misses a chance to attack the Senate. He’d like to see the Senate be equal, making it even more undemocratic than it is now. Should Price Edward Island (population 130,000) have as many Senate votes as Ontario (population 12 million)?
Harper actually made comments in Australia, touring in his official capacity as head of our government, attacking the constitutionally legitimate Senate, to a foreign audience. Is this standing up for Canada?
Now, many Canadians would like to see the Senate reformed. This is a worthwhile goal. But in the meantime, all Canadians understand that the Senate is a part of our Parliament, created by the 1867 British North America Act.
But Harper has attacked the legitimacy of the Commons, even. After the 2005 same-sex-marriage vote passed, Harper claimed, as leader of the Opposition, that the result was not legitimate because it included the votes of the separatist Bloc Quebecois.
Of course, he did not question the legitimacy of those same votes when the Paul Martin government lost the confidence of the Commons. Harper wanted an election. As for the functioning of the Commons itself, the National Post’s Don Martin famously uncovered the Conservative’s “black book” of procedural dirty tricks, designed to slow parliamentary action to a halt. Another way to de-legitimise another Canadian institution: paralyse committees, have your committee chairs run out and refuse to bring things to a vote – especially when they bring the government into question.
Most disturbing is Harper’s continued attacks upon Elections Canada. The recent raid on Conservative party headquarters is more of a reflection of Harper’s disdain for Elections Canada than any supposed “vendetta” conspiracy-minded Conservatives might imagine.
Harper’s animus toward Elections Canada goes back years, as do his attempts to circumvent electoral law. As head of the right-wing National Citizens Coalition (NCC), Harper fought for years against Elections Canada’s laws around “third-party advertising”. The NCC, a murky organisation that does not release its membership, brought a court case against Elections Canada, infamously named Harper v Canada. Though Harper lost, during his time at the NCC he took every chance to attack the legitimacy of Elections Canada and the country’s electoral law.
As prime minister, Harper’s shocking comments about Elections Canada’s investigation of the “in and out” scam alleged by the agency are perhaps the most alarming outburst by any sitting prime minister. Desperate to take Canadians’ focus off the Conservatives’ allegedly illegal overspending during the 2006 campaign, Harper actually publicly criticised the head of Elections Canada for upholding the law over the non-issue of veiled voting (why didn’t he attack the 80,000 people who voted via mail?).
This is unprecedented in Canadian political history. Never has a prime minister publicly attacked a non-partisan election official in such a manner, essentially for partisan gain. The same goes for most of his party, which this week accused Elections Canada of a partisan witch-hunt, being in bed with the Liberals and the media and any other number of tin-foil-hat conspiracies. Of course, unsurprisingly, Harper and the Conservatives have blocked every other effort to examine the scheme in Parliament.
But then again, no one should be surprised. If it’s not the media, or the courts, or the Senate, or Elections Canada, it’s the Wheat Board, the federal government’s own spending power, the bureaucracy, the gun registry …
Canadians should rightly wonder why their head of government has such a problem with so many Canadian institutions.
……….
Dimitry Anastakis is a professor of Canadian history at Trent University. Jeet Heer is a cultural critic who writes for many publications including Slate, the Boston Globe and the Literary Review of Canada.
~Thankyou Herb! Comrade and friend…linda~
I just got another ten peercenter from Jay Hill. I live nowhere near his riding but it is the second from him and I think over ten now in total I have received. I don’t see how this kind of mass mailing B.S. can be in any way effective as I will vote for any party but Conservative due to this complete waste of taxpayer money if that is what was used.
The rest didn’t go anywhere, the surplus for the year just ended in March will be about $13 billion. And the surplus for the current year will continue. All this bull about the surplus being blown is just Garth and his ongoing negative rants. We still have a strong surplus in Canada!
By George on 05.13.08 6:33 pm
In which case, the argument from Mr. Flaherty, repeated by Harry, that they ahve given us back the surplus in way of personal and corporate tax cuts is also BS.
Its also BS. for them to say that the Liberals were overtaxing us because of the size of the surpluses they accumlated. Using the same logic, if the surplus is now $13 Billion, the Cons. are still overtaxing us.
By Harry S on 05.12.08 11:16 pm
Please tell us Harry, why you believe surplus’s that end up paying down debt is such a bad thing. Tell us, oh genius, why a strategy of never paying down principle on debt is so friggin’ brilliant.
Please explain why a person who buys a house with a plan to not ever pay a dime on principle on the morgage walks away a brainard genius. Please, I’d love to hear why paying interest only on a loan indefinitely (especially the magnitude of this one) is considered by anyone, never mind the U.S. sellout puppet plant Harper, a smart thing to do.
We still have a strong surplus in Canada!
By George on 05.13.08 6:33 pm
Bullshit ! Prove it .
By George on 05.13.08 6:33 pm
BTW. Given Falherty’s math skills of calling deficits supluses in Ontario, unless Shiela Fraser has audited his accounting methods, I would believe Garth over Dim Jim with regards to the real size of the surplus or lack thereof!
Leasa, thank you for your posts today. I thought I would post this link so you can read some heartfelt letters to farmers from those of us that know your true value as a farmer. The link is for the homepage but please make sure to read thank a farmer in the news section.
http://farmersfeedcities.com/
By A.R.Wainwright on 05.13.08 11:44 am
Respectfully, Mr. Wainwright, people have free choice (so far). While I agree that tobacco farmers should have seen the writing on the wall years ago, the current government is supporting tobacco farmers.
Diane Finlay gave $5 million to tobacco farmers IN HER RIDING last year; this year she’s afraid to face them, or not. (Apparently, some bikers are out to get her. Though Maxime Bernier is safe from any biker influence or violence. I can’t figure that part out either.)
But, the Conservative government has been supporting tobacco farmers with your tax dollars. Perhaps you should take the problem up with the Harper Conservatives.
Can someone explain why the S&P/TSX has risen to 14,600 plus, while we are watching the manufacturing sector bleed, contemplating the collapse of the housing sector, and beginning to wonder about the affordability of fuel and food?
Harper and Flaherty is not just burn the surplus … they gave it back to Liberal-overtaxed Canadians and families … and you and your Liberals should stop spreading your lying manure all over the place .. it’s getting obnoxious.
By Harry S on 05.12.08 11:16 pm
How the hell did you come up with that one?
Are you feeling that rich these days?
Have you moved into a new house trailer?
That manure you smell is coming from the farm next to your trailer park.
Your beloved party can’t answer a simple question. Everything to them is a JOKE, just like you.
YOU’RE the laughing stock of all the trolls who try to work this blog.
Leave it to “Peace, order and good government, eh?” to come up with the best description of Harper’s hah-hah strategic vision: “Vapourware.”
(At http://www.pogge.ca)
Perhaps the military world can now fall out of love with the Harper Government and come back to its strategic senses.
Here are two thoughts to consider:
‘Speculation is the AIDS of our economies!’ Jacques Chirac-1995
And Sophocles said”
Money gentlemen, money! The virus
That infects mankind with every sickness
We have a name for no greater scourge
Than that!
Good night!
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i29mMceE66xBnuckuR5_r0NQU49A
Bravo, Mr. Dallaire!
A.R Wainwright – many posts today on the subject of the evils of tobacco.
I smoked involuntarily for the first 14 years of my life – I then smoked voluntarily for 40 years, eventually quitting successfully.
All this time there was no contravention of any law in this country, but my health was severely affected.
I agree that whether it is smoked or chewed, tobacco is a noxious substance and a significant health hazard – however – until such time as parliament lumps it in with cocaine and heroin, the most that you and I can do is be royal pains in the patoot as we inveigh about the evils of smoking.
I learned that the governments would not give up their tobacco revenue in a long time when I learned in the 1970s that the tobacco company and the farmer made their profit out of the first 5 cents of the then $1.25 retail price of a package of 25 cigarettes; the ship’s canteen bought the cigarettes for 5 cents a pack, and sold them for 10 cents a pack, duty free. The store in town was making the same profit as the canteen – the federal and provincial governments were making $1.15 in profit.
Mr. Dion’s latest fund raiser was some positive news in an area where it hasn’t been too great as of late. While I can’t afford $500.00 for a plate (and am thankful that Mr. Dion came to my city recently and it only cost $20.00) I did decide to sign up for the very affordable victory fund.
I would encourage anyone with the desire to replace this current government to do the same. For as little as $10.00 per month (which is even less when you consider the tax refund) we can start to involve the grassroots in campaign financing. And, I like that you can stipulate half of the proceedings to go to your riding of choice.
Just something to consider for those who want to do a little more toward getting rid of Mr. Harper and his band of neo-cons.
https://www.liberal.ca/victoryfund_e.aspx
Thank you all for your support. This fall when my life has a more normal pace…I will be looking for a venue or soapbox if you will, to get my message out. I have listened to a lot of Canadians and yes, people are very concerned with the current reality of actually losing our ability to feed ourselves. I have always worked to make the issue of safe, clean home-grown food known, but after losing our last food processor in Ontario, I know I need to step it up and notch or two.
Leasa
Thank you Bonnie in BC and Judy. I agree and this involves so many aspects. The disrespect shown to Mr. Daillare is a disgrace. I am so sorry for that.
Harry S. 05.12.08 11:16 p.m.
That surplus did not just belong to Harper and his merry minority. The majority of the HoC should have had input into decisions on how to apportion it.
And, you know what’s really obnoxious? Your crude, rude language and insults.
In short, you!
When you grow up and become famous for your many achievements, then, maybe, you could consider some thoughtful criticism of Mr. Dion. Until then, you are merely a little snip.
Romeo Daillare is a personal hero of mine . The man knows tragedy first hand
The UN tied his hands behind his back and expected him to stop an apocolyptic genocide
Kenney had better hope that he doesn’t run into any of Daillaire’s soldiers who accompanied the General in Rawanda ’cause they’d rip the porky bastard a new one .
Having just watched CPAC, I think Mr. Dallaire should choose his words more carefully. I have lots of room for improvement in that area, I know.
By Leasa on 05.13.08 8:22 am
Leasa:
Glad to join in the chorus of agreement with your post. For me, its the best post I’ve ever read from you. Highly reasoned, articulated, personal, it deserves that last name behind the first. Nicely done.
And to the rest of us:
Is it globalization that is the culprit? No. Contrary to popular opinion, not every politician or CEO is corrupt. (to bad, however, that many are) International trade? No. If international trade stopped tomarrow, millions of people would be out of work in this nation and manufacturing and commodity exports would grind to a halt with chaos and yes, shortages next. Its the way trade is done and the way globalization is forced on nations that are nationalist or protectionist or exploited for their resources that is bad. The true culprit is unfair trade (of which globalization gives major access to, but is not directly behind).
And whats behind unfair trade? Crooked immoral governments? Greedy CEO’s? Monopoly multinationals that bribe politicians from goverments everyone one looks? Self servers from any and all walks but mainly from positions of power and authority who profit at any and everyone elses expense? Such rhetorical questions…
The issue is highly complex as there is no simple single solution or magic bullet answer other than the philosophical/abstract. How does one stop the lobby power and control corporate monopolies have on governments, never mind consumers? Can legislation be passed to protect the system from human nature itself? From lobbyists themselves? These days, its all current government leaders are. Every system for the most part, is only as good or bad as the people who run them. The best of systems need to be flexible, capable of change with the changing issues and times and flexibility leaves with it, its own room for destruction.
Who here in this forum believes Exxon, profitting 11 billion in a quarter, can’t buy a whitehouse or for that matter, a congress? Who here believes that Exxon doesn’t set the MPG’s of the auto manufacturers when their combined market caps gets trumped by the market cap of Exxon all on its own? Who here believes that the energy sector doesn’t dictate environmental policy the whitehouse? That HMO’s and food manufacturers don’t dictate the very safety guidelines government goes by? Who here believes GWB and Cheney are in the whitehouse to do anything other than get rich at the great expense of others?
The facts are that corporations, especially monopolies, have grown more powerful than the bottom half of the world’s national governments and heavily dictate the course of the rest. And here we are in Canada, with a PM that is the most powerful U.S. multinational lobbiest we’ve ever had as an MP, never mind occupy the head chair at the PMO and we have to ask why this current government isn’t listening to public will? Harper sold out to corps long, long ago, U.S. economic corporate takovers of all of Canada’s sectors are the only true agenda with all else as a power grab to do this and nothing more and only the naive, the ignorant, blind partisans, or self serving sellouts would dare believe otherwise.
Yes, it makes sense to internalize our economy, I’ve been saying it forever. Yes, it makes sense to protect our industries and economic sectors from foreign ownership and control, I’ve been saying it forever (ok, I’m exaggerating, guilty, ubt I’ve been saying it a very long time). Yes, it makes sense to export to nations with a heart and a conscience first and foremost… who do we do 76% of our trade with again? And why do we participate in U.S. wars for resources beside them? And even so, are we in the mood for a trade war? (and this last question is not an easy answer…) And even with the most brutal of regimes, people, the victims, have to eat, I’ve been saying that too, so one has to exercise some reason and not punnish the innocent for actions of the guilty. It shouldn’t surprise if I said that unfair trade was, is and always will be the problem from the consumer picking up groceries at the farmers market to a nation selling its resources whole, manufactured or in part to another nation, human resource is human or otherwise.
Government bribes, coups, war, all instigated by corps behind the governments they’ve bribed (with the U.S. being the absolute worst example to follow)… and guess what. We know which corps they are if we just stopped to think. We not only have a good idea which ones are dirty, we know which CEO’s are dirty if we took the time to look. Behind the legal protection of a corp are the names of its directors, chair and most especially, CEO’s after all on public display for all to see. And too, their largest shareholders including banks and their directors and CEOs and on and on. Within 2 weeks, even a little ol’ me could have a hitlist of 2,000 names fit for major humility… (except the corps that are private like Carlyle group, those are difficult)
And its high time that THE hitlist(s), the one that hurts the most, the one with the human names behind the corporations that are most responsible for the unnecessary waste and degradation of this planet for all to see and if humility, the most motivating truth of all doesn’t work, then what will? We’ve all said it enough to ourselves, I’m sure… they hide behind the corporate name… so flush ‘em out!
For there is no catalyst of change like humility itself. Everyone drags their feet until they have been shamed.
Does anyone here believe that humans behind the suffering are somehow beyond humility, no matter how rich and so called protected?
With the slightest of digging, their names in full can be dragged out for all to see, a spectacle of what not to pine for, held accountable as quickly as one knows their names.
Humility is a very, very powerful tool.
Witchhunt? Justice? Or catylist of change… and when one looks at the abstract of human nature, possibly the best defense we’ve got.
I’ve mentioned that the system, no matter how perfect, is still run by highly imperfect, often heavily flawed human beings. Some aren’t so smart, others not so moralistic. Some don’t care and are just there for power. The reality of it is that if humans were perfect morally, socially and intellectually (obviously hypothetically speaking), pretty much any political system would function. Its true. Whats more disfunctional, the systems of government, or humans? Capitalist, democractic, socialist, communist, monarchist they would all function if good will and skill were there from top down and bottom up, leaders and followers alike. And yes, one system will shine better than all the rest when it comes to making lives easier in all respects… you know, the one that promotes freedom, equality, health, truth, peace, forgiveness/justice and love… but thats not the case with the best of systems be it democratic, communist, captialist, socialist, theocratical, other, or a hybid of them all and why? Because its humans that run them.
The other day, someone said there’s no such thing as democracy in Canada. In pure form, there is no such thing as any kind of pure system. And why? We need not look beyond ourselves to know why. Every and all systems are only as “pure” as its participants. In short, we expect too much from the system because it can’t safeguard us entirely from our own self corruption. Its been designed to try in Canada and works pretty well (which is why Harper works so hard to destroy it), but as long as its participants fail, the system will fail.
But we must try. For the sake of our lives, the generations that follow and the environments that support us including all other life that we are so dearly connected to, we have no choice but to try for our very survival is now at stake and it won’t come from rabid partisanship or backing corrupt leaders and governments for whatever the sorry assed excuse.
Its good will that will save us, within and outside of ourselves. Folks, if there is one thing I’ve learned in my lifetime, its that there is only one thing that we can perfect. Its not our physicality, even those few born as 10′s get old. Its not our emotions, or thoughts as hearts go along for the ride and thoughts as our brains are hopelessly unaware of that “big picture” no matter how hard one tries to see it, the information is too overwelming. Its our will. Its our will that we can perfect and until its on the radar and pursued for real and always, we’ll never know the magnitude of its true power or set foot on the promised lands we’ve been searching for. This is one inheritance, the voices of the records of old say, we’ll have to choose and earn… abstract as the solution(s) is/are, it takes a collective effort of good will.
And Leasa Janssen… thankyou.
Try finding anything in your life that doesn’t ultimately go back to the slavery issue to have a positive or negative result. Now apply that to politics and everything becomes crystal clear.
By William Dahl on 05.13.08 5:35 pm
Excellent point.
Having just watched CPAC, I think Mr. Dallaire should choose his words more carefully. I have lots of room for improvement in that area, I know.
By linda on 05.13.08 11:07 pm
Maybe it was Jason Kenney who should have behaved better. When one of our lawmakers starts trying to make the argument that while we may violate the law our violations are not as bad as theirs we have a problem. That is an extremely subjective and self-serving attitude and a slippery slope.
That is the attitude that Romeo Romeo Daillare was reacting to. It is time someone started challenging that point of view. You can’t pussy foot with people who try to excuse their bad behaviour by saying someone else was worse.
I understand Daillare’s anger because he is seeing the same kind of culture emerging here that underlies inhumanity.
By C. B. Innes on 05.14.08 8:22 am
Daillare spoke raw truth. Poor little pukes can’t take the truth. He nailed the reality hard and firm, and that includes both Canada and the illegal bozos in the U.S..
I appauld him, standing tall for what we all proclaim…truth from government, and adherence by the government to the law.
I agree C.B. and Bill with you both in principle and in my heart. My point is related to the power, in the words we choose. I admire Mr. Dallaire for speaking the truth, as he has seen it, to power and hope that it leads to positive changes.
Here is the latest news on the state of the US housing market….
US foreclosure filings surge 65 per cent in April, home values slide
Alex Veiga, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 14, 2008
LOS ANGELES – More U.S. homeowners fell behind on mortgage payments last month, driving the number of homes facing foreclosure up 65 per cent versus the same month last year and contributing to a deepening slide in home values, a research company said Tuesday.
Nationwide, 243,353 homes received at least one foreclosure-related filing in April, up 65 per cent from 147,708 in the same month last year and up four per cent since March, RealtyTrac Inc. said.
Nevada, Arizona, California and Florida were among the hardest hit states, with metropolitan areas in California and Florida accounting for nine of the top 10 areas with the highest rate of foreclosure, the company said.
Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac monitors default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions.
One in every 519 U.S. households received a foreclosure filing in April. Foreclosure filings increased from a year earlier in all but eight states.
The combination of weak housing sales, falling home values, tighter mortgage lending criteria and a slowing U.S. economy has left financially strapped homeowners with fewer options to avoid foreclosure. Many can’t find buyers or owe more than their home is worth and can’t get refinanced into an affordable loan.
Efforts by government and the mortgage industry to stem the tide of foreclosures aren’t keeping up with the rising number of troubled homeowners.
The April data show nearly half of the properties received an initial notice of default, suggesting many homes were new entrants to the foreclosure process.
“We’re still sitting at roughly the same percentage of loans handled in any way successfully as we were a year ago, and the volume (of foreclosure filings) still keeps going up,” said Rick Sharga, RealtyTrac’s vice president of marketing. “It’s apparent that what they’ve tried so far isn’t working.”
The U.S. House passed a bill last week that would offer government insurance on $300 billion in new mortgages to refinance loans for an estimated half-million borrowers facing foreclosure, particularly those who now owe more than their houses are worth because of declining values.
House lawmakers also passed a bill that would send $15 billion to states to buy and fix foreclosed homes.
Still, should the homeowner aid package clear the Senate, it faces a potential hurdle in the White House, which has threatened to veto the plan, arguing it’s too risky and amounts to a lender bailout.
Even if a legislative compromise is reached, it could come too late for homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages scheduled to reset to higher rates this month and the next.
More than 1 million home foreclosures are forecast for 2008.
“It doesn’t look like the volume is going to slow down any time soon,” Sharga said.
More than 54,500 properties were repossessed by lenders nationwide in April. In all, about two per cent of U.S. households were in some stage of foreclosure during the month, RealtyTrac said.
Still, as foreclosed properties pile up, they add to the inventory of homes on the market and can drag down home prices. The impact is felt mostly in regions where foreclosures are concentrated, such as Southern California, the Las Vegas area, South Florida and parts of Arizona.
Nevada posted the worst foreclosure rate in the nation, with one in every 146 households receiving a foreclosure-related notice last month, nearly four times the national rate.
The number of properties with a filing jumped 95 per cent versus April last year but declined five per cent from March.
California had the most properties facing foreclosure at 64,683, an increase of 112 per cent from April 2007. The number of properties declined less than 1 per cent from March.
The state posted the second-highest foreclosure rate in the country, with one in every 204 households receiving a foreclosure-related notice.
California metro areas accounted for six of the 10 U.S. metropolitan areas with the highest foreclosure rates, led by Merced, with one in every 66 households receiving a foreclosure notice.
Arizona had the third-highest foreclosure rate, with one in every 224 households reporting a foreclosure filing in April. A total of 11,620 homes reported at least one filing, up nearly 181 per cent from a year earlier and up 26 per cent from the previous month.
Like Las Vegas and inland regions in California, areas of Arizona saw a sharp run-up in speculator-driven home prices and new home construction during the housing boom.
Florida had 35,264 homes reporting at least one foreclosure filing last month, a 146 per cent jump from a year earlier and a 17 per cent hike from March. That translates into a foreclosure rate of one in every 242 households, the fourth-highest in the nation.
The other states among the 10 with the highest foreclosure rates in April were Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan and Massachusetts.
As always the question remains “What would Garth do if Garth really had to do something? Turner has been trgurgitating the failures of Flaherty repeatedly and yet there’s not much clarity on how he’d deal with overpriced houses, maxed out borrowers, laid off workers, failing industries or anything else. Turner looks like a doctor who can identify that the patient is sick, then goes AWOL when it comes time to reveal the cure.
You must have a short attention span, since a myriad of solutions, ideas and policy initiatives have been presented and discussed on this forum. There are 2,000 of my posts here. Oh yeah, and I just wrote a book. Come back when you’ve digested this material and we’ll talk. — Garth
And just which have your “initiatives”, “ideas” and “policy proposals” have actually been taken on
in the real world? Keep in mind that your book is mostly aimed at folks who want a quick and dirty guide to what they need to know about the real estate “crisis” you claim is coming; no shades of gray or indepth analysis. Sort of a microwave dinner in a world of fine dining.