Democracy of Hypocrisy

The federal government has released their budget today and surprise surprise, the libs and the ndp aren't backing it. But don't fret as the libs have already stated their intention to abstain from the vote, thus avoiding an election on the premise that Canadians do not want an election right now. Translation-the numbers aren't there to ensure the libs a victory.

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...on the Liberal win in Toronto Centre.

Former Winnipeg mayor Glen Murray has won a provincial byelection for the Liberals in the Toronto Centre riding

You've got to be kidding. The liberals pull off another win in this province that enjoys being fleeced. I hope that Toronto Centre doesn't reflect the views of the rest of Ontario because if it does, then we shall be in for another McGuinty majority come election time next year.

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Stephen Harper is looking to repeat his performance of last year, or so say the speculators. Last year, it was the threat of an election that had him flee like a scared puppy, this year, it is most likely due to some alleged knowledge of detainee abuse, and the fact that the cons could appoint some more senators, finally giving them the majority in the senate. If parliament is prorogued, they won't return until March and any bills tabled currently will be killed, which is good news for those opposed to HST.

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Natives in both Ontario and B.C plan to fight the HST that will take effect on July 1, 2010. The conflict looms because of a broken relationship between the governments and the Native peoples. Ontario Native Chiefs say they will launch a campaign against the HST that will include road blockades, traffic disruptions and possible legal action against the government of Canada. BC first nations are also considering different courses of action on their turf. First Nations leaders say that the government did not consult them, which they feel is an attack on their sovereignty because the government has a legal requirement to consult the First Nations on matters that impact their rights to title, something they feel this tax does.

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The people living in West Windsor, specifically the Indian Rd area have had enough, and took their frustrations to city council on Monday, only to be denied. They are tired of the abandoned houses, the rodents, and the plummeting property values. With hopes of having their voices heard, city council was quick to reject them and tell them to come back in two weeks.

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So the government actually worked together to accomplish something and voted to abolish the long gun registry. Many Canadians are rejoicing to finally see something being done about this billion dollar boondoggle.

poll results

Are you for or against the long gun registry in Canada?
Selection Votes
For 57%- 8
Against 43%- 6
I don't care 0%- 0

Poll comments:

From marcel on November 17, 2009 at 7:51 pm.

The long gun registry is a joke it has only sucked about two billion dollars out our pockets. Registering hunting guns serves no purpose, Registering criminals should be the order of the day, not a few farmers and rabbit hunters.

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The past two weeks have been rather interesting, not only in my city, but across Canada. What makes it interesting is the hysteria and almost comical nature surrounding the h1n1 vaccination program, or lack thereof. Just reading the news online has led me to wonder how they could screw something like this up, especially after hyping it up and saying they were on it and they had enough vaccines for everyone in Canada. Well since the program started last week, there has been nothing but line ups, and of course the shortage of the damn vaccine itself. Yup, people are drudging out in the cold weather to wait in line for hours to get a shot. A lineup that could potentially increase their chances of catching the very virus they are there to supposedly protect against. The government has dropped the ball big time, and had this been a "real" pandemic many, many people could die.

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A carpenter out of work because of an injury has been charged after a hostage-taking at the Workers' Compensation Board office in downtown Edmonton, police said Thursday.

Yet the same bureaucratic nightmare that awaits many claimants in the workers compensation circus remains. When will this government run agency get a clue and realize that their practises hurt many and cause people great suffering? I am actually surprised this hasn't occurred sooner. This guy is facing a multitude of charges and has obviously been pushed over the edge, but nothing will be done to ensure stuff like this doesn't happen again, other than tightening security in these buildings. What a shame, for this system is broken and no one will do anything.

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...two Liberal governments that is, one in Ontario, the other in BC. The stuff coming out of these governments lead me two wonder if there are actually any sane people in politics. First I'll start with Ontario and the infamous Dalton "The Dad" McGuinty Liberal government and their hand in today's announcement that auto insurance will be rising yet again. Increases could be as much as 14% in places like Toronto;yet Dalton has the balls to say to the public that car insurance is actually cheaper today then it was six years ago when he took office. WTF is this clown smoking? The reasoning behind this latest round of increases is chalked upped to the increasing physiotherapy and rehabilitation costs facing people injured in car accidents, or so say the insurance companies. Ask most people what they think of insurance companies and most will say that it is a scam, and it very well is. Yet the government is happy to go along with this scam and shaft the very people they are supposed to represent. And me living in Ontario, I do not feel represented at all and will be glad the day comes when Dalton's gang of thieves get the ole heave hoe.

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Ottawa spends more than half a million to defend RCMP, officers at Taser inquiry

By James Keller (CP) – 7 hours ago

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The federal government spent more than half a million dollars defending the RCMP and the actions of the four officers who stunned Robert Dziekanski with a Taser at Vancouver's airport.

Pathetic! The taxpayer is paying for these mooks to be defended for their reprehensible actions. Just as we did for the Somalia affair in the 90's, only to have that one cut short by the Chretien government and the Airborne regiment disbanded. So why isn't the RCMP being disbanded? Because they covered their ass well and since no actual criminal charges have been made, nothing will be done.

On a side note, I find it interesting how Taser International changed the usage guidelines for this device, even though they continue to maintain the claim that the taser did not kill Robert Dziekanski. I suspect that they may be sniffing possible lawsuits in the air.

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Canada considers random breathalyzers and the NDP throw their support behind it.

The federal justice minister is considering a new law that would allow police to conduct random breathalyzer tests on drivers, regardless of whether they suspect motorists have been drinking.

Well isn't that so perfect. I bet the loons over at M.A.D.D are high fiving each other like crazy over this announcement.

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Canada's "Prince of Pot" Marc Emery is in custody awaiting extradition to the United States for allegedly selling marijuana seeds to US customers. The political fall guy will be appearing in a Seattle court where he is expected to plead guilty and will be facing a five year term in federal prison. Without the plea bargain he would have been facing fifty years!Before entering the B.C court room, Emery spoke with the crowd gathered outside and said

There is no crime here. The politicians who support this extradition are supporters of organized crime. We are making criminals with laws like this.

The saga began in 2005 when he was arrested in a joint operation between Canadian and US police forces for allegedly selling marijuana seeds over the internet from Vancouver to customers in the U.S. Emery has stated that his business has made millions of dollars over the years and that the money was used in his many political campaigns as well as supporting marijuana advocacy groups around the world.

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Jack Layton propping up Harper? Word on the street is that is exactly what he will be doing by supporting the Tories and their extension to EI benefits to long tenured workers. A move that would squash any hopes that Ignatieff may have of a fall election. If this comes to light, then Harper has made quite the save, by throwing in something he knew the dippers wouldn't reject, I mean how could they? Most Canadians don't want an election and by going against the Conservatives, Layton would for sure be dealt a fatal blow as he must know that his party has nothing to gain; yet he himself has everything to lose. Now is not the best time for an election. Whether he honestly believes that as most of us do, or he is more concerned about himself, I don't know but I would assume that all politicians are looking out for their own interests first.

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Is this an annual thing? Harper flies up north and the papers print a story about Harper and the military flexing their muscles? LMFAO, My blog from last August pretty much could have been written today as the premises is basically the exact same thing. This latest exercise in the north is supposed to show the world that Canada means business when it comes to protecting its claim to the high north, complete with a Coast guard ship, submarine, and a frigate. I bet them russkies are shaking in their boots now,after all, a Coast Guard ship and a frigate that is basically a tin can when it comes to ice burgs is their to show them whose boss.

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Once again the people of Windsor are told that more consulting must be done in order for the stimulus projects to see the light of day. Consulting, consulting, consulting, it is the word that flows out of the mayors mouth almost daily. Windsor has earmarked $133 million for so called shovel ready projects waiting to get underway but none of these projects have gone to tender and no construction jobs have been created. In a city hard hit by job loss and unemployment, one would think that getting the shovels in the ground would be a top priority, but it is status quo at city hall with the mayor and council playing games.

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...and with good reason, the government is screwing them out of vacation and stat holiday pay. Why? Because they don't have to pay them according to the Employment Standards Act, even though it has been past practise to do so. Basically the government has broken it's own contract with these student workers. The students signed a contract before starting employment at the parks that they would receive vacation and holiday pay, as they have done so in the past, but the government recently "discovered" that they do not qualify for them as the Crown is exempt from provisions under the Act.

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Link: http://www.windsorstar.com/business/Ontario+press+automakers+executive+compensation/1846036/story.html

Ontario won't press automakers on executive compensation

WINDSOR — Ontario will not use its shareholder status to press taxpayer-funded General Motors and Chrysler Group LLC to release details on compensation paid to its board members and executives, Sandra Pupatello, the province's minister of economic development and trade, said Thursday.

"If I were in charge of their PR department I think I might have chosen to do this a little differently because the perception is often as impactful as the reality," she said. "So, they may choose to do this because just in the spirit of being thankful that we've all been helping. But they're not obligated to."

Pupatello was responding Thursday to growing calls on GM and Chrysler — recipients of more than $14 billion in federal and Ontario government loans — to disclose salaries of their top executives. Although GM has released details of compensation for its board members, Chrysler has refused to follow suit, calling the information "confidential."

Pupatello also defended the base payment of $200,000 to Carol Stephenson, board appointee of Canada and Ontario.

"I think it's probably what is very typical at that level for this size of a corporation," she said.

"And, right now, there's a lot riding on these board members doing a very good job and due diligence. And the governments are going to rely on these people and they've been selected because of the kind of expertise they bring. Carol has very good reputation and we're going to be exacting that reputation in this position."

But NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said taxpayers have the right to know full details of how the auto companies are spending their dollars.

"The bottom line is we now own parts of these companies — whether we own one per cent, two per cent or 30 per cent — is irrelevant," said Horwath.

"The bottom line is it's taxpayer dollars that are shoring up these companies and by virtue of our participation in those companies we have a right to know what the executive compensation packages are and what the perks are members of the board are receiving."

The federal and Ontario governments have provided U.S.-based parents of GM and Chrysler with loans to help keep the auto companies from going under. The governments own two per cent of Chrysler and almost 12 per cent of GM.

GM Canada has said it cut executive salaries by 10 per cent, reduced pay for salaried staff and trimmed benefits and pension plans as part of its restructuring.

It also said that "due diligence conducted by all governments in advance of their support and investment in GM, appropriately included a comprehensive review and careful scrutiny of compensation for hourly and regular salaried employees, and in particular compensation for GM's executives.

"In the case of GM Canada executives and board members, the compensation is not at a level which would require public disclosure based on the agreed terms and conditions between GM and all the governments," it added.

Excuse me? We the taxpayers are basically being told that it is none of our business and leading the way is Sandra "photo op" Pupatello. What in the blue hell is going on here? We funded this bail out, as in we the taxpayers and you'd think that we would have a right to know what exactly our money is being spent on. I guess we only get a sneak peak as it was revealed that Carole Stephenson, dean of the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario sits on the GM board and earns $200,000 and a company vehicle all the while retaining her post as Dean at the university. However, Chrysler has refused to reveal compensation for its board of directors. As well, both companies have refused news media requests to release details of salaries of their Canadian CEO's.

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The city of Windsor and CUPE locals 543 and 82 have settled an historic 101 day strike. Details of the settlement include a 6.3% (edit, it is now being reported as 5.7%) wage increase over four years of the contract, with 1.5, 1.8, and 2% annually, a $2,000 signing bonus, and all possible disciplinary actions against transgressions the strikers have done during the strike will be dropped. However, this settlement comes at a cost to Windsor taxpayers of $17.2 million over 4 years. Post retirement benefits for new hires, the sticking point of the strike have been dropped. It is unclear whether the unfair labour practises suit against the city will continue.

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Windsor is stuck in a trend that no one would ever want to be in and that trend is the unemployment rate, which now sits at 14.4%. This once booming town now holds the distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in Canada. There were more than 25,000 local residents out of Work in the Windsor area at the beginning of the summer, however with the Chrysler Windsor Assembly Plant reopening at the end of June, 3500 workers are now back on the job and with news that the midnight shift will remain at least until next summer, it may mean that the local economy may now begin to recover. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

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The strike by the municipal workers in Windsor that is. 12 weeks now without garbage collection, parking tickets, daycare etc. I've been able to go about my life without being affected by this to be honest. I don't have a habit of strolling through back alleyways to see the mountains of garbage that are piled up, but I see them in pictures nonetheless in the local news rag and on the many blogs I happen to come across. There doesn't seem to be any talks scheduled that I know of and so we continue to live in a garbage town.

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Michael Ignatieff and Stephen Harper have agreed to put elections talks off until the fall. The sabre rattling that Ignatieff has been doing of late has led to the two agreeing to study the issue of employment insurance over the summer. A panel has been implemented and is to report on September 28 with proposals on how to allow self-employed Canadians to participate voluntarily in the EI system and on improving eligibility requirements in order to ensure regional fairness.

I am wondering though, what happened to the line Iggy was spouting about how "the unemployed need help now, not in the fall"? Is Ignatieff afraid and just another Stephane Dion? Take the poll on the side bar.

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