Prime Minister Harper is trying to push American-style hate media onto our airwaves, and make us all pay for it. His plan is to create a "Fox News North" to mimic the kind of hate-filled propaganda with which Fox News has poisoned U.S. politics. The channel will be run by Harper’s former top aide and will be funded with money from our cable TV fees!
One man stands in the way of this nightmare -- the Chairman of Canada's Radio and Telecommunications Commission Konrad von Finckenstein. And now, Harper is trying to get him out of his job. Sign the petition below to send a wave of support to von Finckenstein and forward this campaign to everyone -- we'll publish full page ads in Canadian papers when we reach 100,000:
To CRTC Chair von Finckenstein and PM Harper:
As concerned Canadians who deeply oppose American-style hate media on our airwaves, we applaud the CRTC's refusal to allow a new "Fox News North" channel to be funded from our cable fees. We urge Mr. von Finckenstein to stay in his job and continue to stand up for Canada's democratic traditions, and call on Prime Minister Harper to immediately stop all pressure on the CRTC on this matter.
Harper hatched his scheme in a secret lunch last year with media-mogul Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox News. Harper's top aide Kory Teneycke also came to the lunch, and then left the government to head up Suncor Newspapers and the new "Fox News North".
Fox News fuels hate. While constantly claiming to be “fair” and “balanced”, it allows hysterical anchors like Glenn Beck to compare Obama to "Lucifer" and "Hitler". Bill O’Reilly, another anchor, has threatened to boycott Canada, and Anne Coulter says Canada is “lucky the US allows it to exist on the same continent.” The network has calculatingly spawned the tea party movement in the US, a mobilisation of the fringe right which threatens violence upon its opponents and wears guns to political rallies.
This is a fight for the soul of Canadian democracy. Our media is not perfect, but a ‘news’ network that slavishly serves a political agenda through mass manipulation and fear threatens the fabric of our democratic society.
The CRTC is part of our democracy -- it was made an independent commission precisely in order to protect against this kind of government manipulation of the media. Harper knows that he must bully his way through this institution in order to create "Fox News North". And there are dark rumours in Ottawa that if von Finckenstein will not leave his job, Harper will simply force him to give in. Konrad von Finckenstein is upholding the best tradition of Canadian democracy and civil service in the face of a full scale attack on that tradition. Let's show him, and Harper, that Canada stands with him.
"Fox News North" is Harper's long term strategy to make radical conservatism the political centre in Canada, tearing down the country we love to make us look like the U.S. Thankfully, Konrad von Finckenstein and the CRTC are standing in his way -- let's stand with them.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Canadians Demanding a Public Inquiry into Toronto Facebook Fan page.
.Founded:June 27, 2010.Detailed Info
.Website:http://www.torontog20inquiry.com/
Company Overview:This group is for respectful discussion only. We are looking for the facts by calling for a public inquiry. Without the facts blame is premature.
Please refrain from defaming or threatening any group or person. We are simply here to request an inquiry, mobilize support and inform each other of our opinions and experiences.
If you read a post that violates the code of conduct expressed on facebook please use the Flag option.
A public inquiry is an official review, ordered by government, of important public events or issues. Its purpose is to establish the facts and causes of an event or issue, and then to make recommendations to the government. All levels of government (federal, provincial, and territorial) have the power to call public inquiries.
Several issues have been raised this weekend: Consultation with the City of Toronto and it's citizens, Security build up, the Fence, the treatment of Toronto's homeless, mass damage, no relief fund for shop owners, innocent people and journalists detained, detainee conditions and much more.
This is something that police say we have "never faced in Canada." We agree! Let's learn from this weekend instead of trying to ignore it.
To every story there are many sides, and then there is the truth. Lets get as close to the truth as we can so that protesters, police and politicians a like can answer to the weekends events. (read less)
This group is for respectful discussion only. We are looking for the facts by calling for a public inquiry. Without the facts blame is premature.
Please refrain from defaming or threatening any group or person. We are simply here to request an inquiry, mobilize support and inform each other of our opinions and experiences.
If you read a post that violates the code of conduct expressed on facebook please use the Flag option.
A public inquiry is an official review, ordered by government, of... (read more)Mission:Please Visit Amnesty International's G20 Appeal Page TODAY! A must read for everyone!
Independent Review of G20 Security Measures Urgently Needed: An Appeal to the Government of Canada
http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=449&type=Internal
Please visit take a moment to visit these sites that have come to our attention:
The CCLA's site to share your story with them.
http://ccla.org/2010/06/29/resources-for-g20-related-complaints/
This website was created by Klippensteins, a law firm based in Toronto, as a public service.
http://www.g20inquiry.org/
Submit Your Story
G20 Stories
http://www.g20stories.wordpress.com/
This web site is collecting all testimonies, photos and video for the purpose of bringing those who broke the law to justice.
http://www.g20justice.com/
Were you a part of the mass arrests, or did you witness the mass arrests? This law firm is looking to initiate a civil law suit.
http://www.g20defence.ca/
Use this web page to easily and simply send an email to all levels of government at one time. Tell them why you feel it is necessary to call a public inquiry into the G20.
http://tinyurl.com/g20rights
Sign the CCLA petition calling for a public inquiry
Send your name and email to g20petition@ccla.org
Comprehensive G20 related media list
http://www.facebook.com/g20inquiry?v=app_2373072738&ref=ts#!/note.php?note_id=411968691305&id=864815696&ref=mf
Join the French Facebook group
http://www.facebook.com/g20inquiry?v=app_2373072738&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=109381149111679&ref=mfFacebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/g20inquiry.
.Website:http://www.torontog20inquiry.com/
Company Overview:This group is for respectful discussion only. We are looking for the facts by calling for a public inquiry. Without the facts blame is premature.
Please refrain from defaming or threatening any group or person. We are simply here to request an inquiry, mobilize support and inform each other of our opinions and experiences.
If you read a post that violates the code of conduct expressed on facebook please use the Flag option.
A public inquiry is an official review, ordered by government, of important public events or issues. Its purpose is to establish the facts and causes of an event or issue, and then to make recommendations to the government. All levels of government (federal, provincial, and territorial) have the power to call public inquiries.
Several issues have been raised this weekend: Consultation with the City of Toronto and it's citizens, Security build up, the Fence, the treatment of Toronto's homeless, mass damage, no relief fund for shop owners, innocent people and journalists detained, detainee conditions and much more.
This is something that police say we have "never faced in Canada." We agree! Let's learn from this weekend instead of trying to ignore it.
To every story there are many sides, and then there is the truth. Lets get as close to the truth as we can so that protesters, police and politicians a like can answer to the weekends events. (read less)
This group is for respectful discussion only. We are looking for the facts by calling for a public inquiry. Without the facts blame is premature.
Please refrain from defaming or threatening any group or person. We are simply here to request an inquiry, mobilize support and inform each other of our opinions and experiences.
If you read a post that violates the code of conduct expressed on facebook please use the Flag option.
A public inquiry is an official review, ordered by government, of... (read more)Mission:Please Visit Amnesty International's G20 Appeal Page TODAY! A must read for everyone!
Independent Review of G20 Security Measures Urgently Needed: An Appeal to the Government of Canada
http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=449&type=Internal
Please visit take a moment to visit these sites that have come to our attention:
The CCLA's site to share your story with them.
http://ccla.org/2010/06/29/resources-for-g20-related-complaints/
This website was created by Klippensteins, a law firm based in Toronto, as a public service.
http://www.g20inquiry.org/
Submit Your Story
G20 Stories
http://www.g20stories.wordpress.com/
This web site is collecting all testimonies, photos and video for the purpose of bringing those who broke the law to justice.
http://www.g20justice.com/
Were you a part of the mass arrests, or did you witness the mass arrests? This law firm is looking to initiate a civil law suit.
http://www.g20defence.ca/
Use this web page to easily and simply send an email to all levels of government at one time. Tell them why you feel it is necessary to call a public inquiry into the G20.
http://tinyurl.com/g20rights
Sign the CCLA petition calling for a public inquiry
Send your name and email to g20petition@ccla.org
Comprehensive G20 related media list
http://www.facebook.com/g20inquiry?v=app_2373072738&ref=ts#!/note.php?note_id=411968691305&id=864815696&ref=mf
Join the French Facebook group
http://www.facebook.com/g20inquiry?v=app_2373072738&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=109381149111679&ref=mfFacebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/g20inquiry.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Edmonton Clinic nice From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edmonton Clinic
The Edmonton Clinic, formerly known as the Health Sciences Ambulatory Learning Centre (HSALC), will be a interdisciplinaryhealth science facility located on the University of Alberta main campus, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The estimated cost for the 170,000 square metre facility is C$909 million. The Edmonton Clinic North is slated for completion in 2011, and the Edmonton Clinic South is slated for completion in 2012[1]. The joint venture between the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services is funded by the Province of Alberta.[2]
The Edmonton Clinic North will house the following university groups: Alberta Center on Aging, Alberta Institute for Human Nutrition, Center for Health Promotion Studies, Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - Dean's Office, Faculty of Nursing, Rehab Robotics Lab, Health Sciences Council, Health Sciences Education and Research Commons, John Dosseter Health Ethics Center, Nutrition and Food Sciences Program (ALES), School of Public Health, Teaching Facilities, and Postgraduate Medical Education. [3] Family medicine, diabetes, orthopedics, neurosciences, rehabilitation and dentistry clinics at the University of Alberta will be relocated to the new facility upon completion. It will surround the new Health Sciences LRT station, and oppose the Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre on 114 Street. The facility will be housed in two separate buildings, with the north building focused on research and teaching, and the south building specializing in clinical aspects.
[edit] External links
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta
The Edmonton Clinic Official Website
[edit] Notes
1.^ Health Sciences Council - University of Alberta
2.^ Edmonton Clinic to enhance teaching capability - ExpressNews - University of Alberta
3.^ Edmonton Clinic North Sequence A Occupants
[hide]v • d • e
The Edmonton Clinic, formerly known as the Health Sciences Ambulatory Learning Centre (HSALC), will be a interdisciplinaryhealth science facility located on the University of Alberta main campus, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The estimated cost for the 170,000 square metre facility is C$909 million. The Edmonton Clinic North is slated for completion in 2011, and the Edmonton Clinic South is slated for completion in 2012[1]. The joint venture between the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services is funded by the Province of Alberta.[2]
The Edmonton Clinic North will house the following university groups: Alberta Center on Aging, Alberta Institute for Human Nutrition, Center for Health Promotion Studies, Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - Dean's Office, Faculty of Nursing, Rehab Robotics Lab, Health Sciences Council, Health Sciences Education and Research Commons, John Dosseter Health Ethics Center, Nutrition and Food Sciences Program (ALES), School of Public Health, Teaching Facilities, and Postgraduate Medical Education. [3] Family medicine, diabetes, orthopedics, neurosciences, rehabilitation and dentistry clinics at the University of Alberta will be relocated to the new facility upon completion. It will surround the new Health Sciences LRT station, and oppose the Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre on 114 Street. The facility will be housed in two separate buildings, with the north building focused on research and teaching, and the south building specializing in clinical aspects.
[edit] External links
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta
The Edmonton Clinic Official Website
[edit] Notes
1.^ Health Sciences Council - University of Alberta
2.^ Edmonton Clinic to enhance teaching capability - ExpressNews - University of Alberta
3.^ Edmonton Clinic North Sequence A Occupants
[hide]v • d • e
Saturday, September 4, 2010
EKOS Extra Kady O'Malley
EKOS Extra: Who <3s you, mandatory long form census?
By Kady O'Malley According to one of the bonus rounds in the latest packet of EKOS-bot-sought public opinion, 56.3 percent of Canadians do -- or, at the very least, believe that shifting to a voluntary questionnaire will result in the loss of "vital information" -- while 26 percent view the now-at-least-temporarily-kiboshed mandatory long form "was an unnecessary violation of privacy," and 17.7 percent had no response.
What's particularly noteworthy, however, is that the numbers are remarkably consistent throughout the country, as well as every other way that EKOS sliced 'n' diced it in the crosstabs, whether by region, age and gender, or even political leaning. Yes, just 33.2 percent of Conservatives sided with the government on privacy concerns, while 48.9 percent agree with those who say the post-long-form census will no longer be "truly representative."
Obligatory methodological details: the poll was done over two weeks -- from August 18-31 -- which works out to a margin of error of 1.64. Now, I know what some of you are thinking right this minute: "But Kady, you pointedly ignore the first week of EKOS results when it comes to party preferences, so why on earth would you give this roll-up -- with its two week old data -- any credence at all? Isn't that wildly inconsistent?" Which is a fair question, really, but the thing is, when it comes to questions on issues -- rather than if-there-was-an-election-today fantasy ballot box polls, that is -- I'm a little less stringent about ensuring fresh data, provided that there are no major developments while the bots were in the field that could moot the earlier results. Your mileage, of course, may vary.
Anyway, since the results for that particular question were buried at the very end of the data package, tucked behind the leader approval numbers -- which, if can I be totally, if tangentially, honest for a moment, I find absolutely eye-rollingly tedious, but more importantly, largely unrelated or relatable to overall party preference, which is why I generally just skim the topline numbers to see if anything really wacky jumps out -- I've extracted and Scribdified the three relevant pages. Share and enjoy!
Ekos Census Poll
By Kady O'Malley According to one of the bonus rounds in the latest packet of EKOS-bot-sought public opinion, 56.3 percent of Canadians do -- or, at the very least, believe that shifting to a voluntary questionnaire will result in the loss of "vital information" -- while 26 percent view the now-at-least-temporarily-kiboshed mandatory long form "was an unnecessary violation of privacy," and 17.7 percent had no response.
What's particularly noteworthy, however, is that the numbers are remarkably consistent throughout the country, as well as every other way that EKOS sliced 'n' diced it in the crosstabs, whether by region, age and gender, or even political leaning. Yes, just 33.2 percent of Conservatives sided with the government on privacy concerns, while 48.9 percent agree with those who say the post-long-form census will no longer be "truly representative."
Obligatory methodological details: the poll was done over two weeks -- from August 18-31 -- which works out to a margin of error of 1.64. Now, I know what some of you are thinking right this minute: "But Kady, you pointedly ignore the first week of EKOS results when it comes to party preferences, so why on earth would you give this roll-up -- with its two week old data -- any credence at all? Isn't that wildly inconsistent?" Which is a fair question, really, but the thing is, when it comes to questions on issues -- rather than if-there-was-an-election-today fantasy ballot box polls, that is -- I'm a little less stringent about ensuring fresh data, provided that there are no major developments while the bots were in the field that could moot the earlier results. Your mileage, of course, may vary.
Anyway, since the results for that particular question were buried at the very end of the data package, tucked behind the leader approval numbers -- which, if can I be totally, if tangentially, honest for a moment, I find absolutely eye-rollingly tedious, but more importantly, largely unrelated or relatable to overall party preference, which is why I generally just skim the topline numbers to see if anything really wacky jumps out -- I've extracted and Scribdified the three relevant pages. Share and enjoy!
Ekos Census Poll
Friday, September 3, 2010
New G20 class-action lawsuit 115M
G20 class-action lawsuit seeks $115M
Two people who were jailed during June's G20 summit in Toronto have launched a $115-million class-action lawsuit against the Toronto Police Services Board, federal Attorney General Rob Nicholson and the Peel Police Services Board.
Mike Barber and Miranda McQuade, both of Toronto, are acting as representative plaintiffs for the approximately 1,150 people who were detained, arrested and incarcerated at a temporary detention centre in Toronto's east end after police clamped down on demonstrators during the summit.
The suit was filed Thursday at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto and also includes business owners whose property was vandalized.
The plaintiffs said in a statement of claim that they launched the suit to have the court declare that their constitutional and civil rights were violated, and denounce the conduct of the authorities during the G20 summit.
They also want to, among other things:
•Ensure that democratic rights and fundamental freedoms in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms can be exercised by everyone without fear of detention, arrest, harassment.
•Deter the defendants and any other public authority from acting in a manner that arbitrarily limits people's democratic and constitutional rights.
•Bring the practices of public authorities into line with the charter and common law.
McQuade was arrested on June 26 during a peaceful demonstration at Queen's Park. She was strip-searched and detained for 18 hours at the makeshift detention centre on Eastern Avenue before being released, the claim stated. Barber took part in another demonstration the same day and was arrested, detained and released without being charged after 18.5 hours.
The class-action lawsuit is the second one in less than a month.
In a separate lawsuit that's seeking $45 million, Sherry Good is acting as the representative plaintiff for more than 800 people who claim they were wrongfully arrested during the G20 summit. That one filed Aug. 6 is against the Toronto Police Services Board and the federal attorney general.
The $115-million action has yet to be certified and none of the allegations contained in the statement of claim has been tested or proven.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/09/02/g20-class-action-lawsuit.html#socialcomments#ixzz0yR7Qpxzb
Two people who were jailed during June's G20 summit in Toronto have launched a $115-million class-action lawsuit against the Toronto Police Services Board, federal Attorney General Rob Nicholson and the Peel Police Services Board.
Mike Barber and Miranda McQuade, both of Toronto, are acting as representative plaintiffs for the approximately 1,150 people who were detained, arrested and incarcerated at a temporary detention centre in Toronto's east end after police clamped down on demonstrators during the summit.
The suit was filed Thursday at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto and also includes business owners whose property was vandalized.
The plaintiffs said in a statement of claim that they launched the suit to have the court declare that their constitutional and civil rights were violated, and denounce the conduct of the authorities during the G20 summit.
They also want to, among other things:
•Ensure that democratic rights and fundamental freedoms in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms can be exercised by everyone without fear of detention, arrest, harassment.
•Deter the defendants and any other public authority from acting in a manner that arbitrarily limits people's democratic and constitutional rights.
•Bring the practices of public authorities into line with the charter and common law.
McQuade was arrested on June 26 during a peaceful demonstration at Queen's Park. She was strip-searched and detained for 18 hours at the makeshift detention centre on Eastern Avenue before being released, the claim stated. Barber took part in another demonstration the same day and was arrested, detained and released without being charged after 18.5 hours.
The class-action lawsuit is the second one in less than a month.
In a separate lawsuit that's seeking $45 million, Sherry Good is acting as the representative plaintiff for more than 800 people who claim they were wrongfully arrested during the G20 summit. That one filed Aug. 6 is against the Toronto Police Services Board and the federal attorney general.
The $115-million action has yet to be certified and none of the allegations contained in the statement of claim has been tested or proven.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/09/02/g20-class-action-lawsuit.html#socialcomments#ixzz0yR7Qpxzb
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Credit Valley Hospital (CVH). hires lobbyists, cuts service.
Mississauga hospital hires firm to push expansion funding
A deficit-plagued Mississauga hospital is spending up to $50,000 on lobbyists in a bid to convince the provincial government to bankroll its expansion plans.
David MacNaughton, Premier Dalton McGuinty’s former principal secretary, and Andrew Steele, a former senior advisor to the premier, are among five StrategyCorp Inc. lobbyists retained to make the pitch on behalf of Credit Valley Hospital (CVH).
Contacted by QMI Agency, Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews said she intends to take a close look at the hospital’s expenditure.
“A hospital CEO does not need a lobbyist to get in contact with me, my staff or my officials,” Matthews said Monday. “I don’t think they need them.”
The hospital is almost completely funded through tax dollars and those funds should be used on patient care, she said.
Hospital spokesperson Wendy Johnson said the lobbyists were hired to help “develop and implement a plan for The Credit Valley Hospital’s Phase III capital project that will support the growing needs of patients and families in Mississauga.”
Johnson said the hospital had also agreed to pay the same firm an undisclosed sum to do “community engagement” work on a 2010-2015 Strategic Plan approved by the board of directors last fall.
The company was helping the hospital reach out to patients, hospital staff, physicians and other community groups on the strategic plan.
Although that job was completed in June, Johnson said the hospital has not received the bill yet and she could provide no information on the cost of the contract.
In April, five members of StrategyCorp registered with the Ontario Lobby Registry to approach the premier’s office, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure regarding capital funding for the hospital.
John Matheson, a principal at StrategyCorp, confirmed the information on the registry but said that the company does not publicly discuss client matters.
The Ontario Lobbyists Registry reveals that Credit Valley Hospital already receives substantial public funding.
The Ontario government, through its Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), provides $239.5 million in funding, the provincial Ministry of Health directly injects $37.1 million and publicly-funded Cancer Care Ontario gives $10.5 million.
But the hospital’s strategic plan document says that economic pressures, increasing health care demands, technology costs and “exhausted efficiency measures” all contributed to a $7 million deficit.
“The greatest challenge that CVH faces is to provide excellent patient care to its community while exercising fiscal responsibility,” the plan says. “To date, increasing demand by our growing population meant CVH attempted to provide everything to everyone; however, in order to balance its budget and continue to meet increasing patient demands, significant strategic changes must be made.”
It’s not the first time a hospital has used lobbyists to approach the government.
Former Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman, now a candidate in the Toronto mayor’s race, once criticized the use of private consultants to lobby for more funding.
“I’ve got to figure if you’ve got money to pay lobbyists, you haven’t done all of the work necessary to show me what the real pressure is,” Smitherman said in 2004.
A deficit-plagued Mississauga hospital is spending up to $50,000 on lobbyists in a bid to convince the provincial government to bankroll its expansion plans.
David MacNaughton, Premier Dalton McGuinty’s former principal secretary, and Andrew Steele, a former senior advisor to the premier, are among five StrategyCorp Inc. lobbyists retained to make the pitch on behalf of Credit Valley Hospital (CVH).
Contacted by QMI Agency, Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews said she intends to take a close look at the hospital’s expenditure.
“A hospital CEO does not need a lobbyist to get in contact with me, my staff or my officials,” Matthews said Monday. “I don’t think they need them.”
The hospital is almost completely funded through tax dollars and those funds should be used on patient care, she said.
Hospital spokesperson Wendy Johnson said the lobbyists were hired to help “develop and implement a plan for The Credit Valley Hospital’s Phase III capital project that will support the growing needs of patients and families in Mississauga.”
Johnson said the hospital had also agreed to pay the same firm an undisclosed sum to do “community engagement” work on a 2010-2015 Strategic Plan approved by the board of directors last fall.
The company was helping the hospital reach out to patients, hospital staff, physicians and other community groups on the strategic plan.
Although that job was completed in June, Johnson said the hospital has not received the bill yet and she could provide no information on the cost of the contract.
In April, five members of StrategyCorp registered with the Ontario Lobby Registry to approach the premier’s office, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure regarding capital funding for the hospital.
John Matheson, a principal at StrategyCorp, confirmed the information on the registry but said that the company does not publicly discuss client matters.
The Ontario Lobbyists Registry reveals that Credit Valley Hospital already receives substantial public funding.
The Ontario government, through its Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), provides $239.5 million in funding, the provincial Ministry of Health directly injects $37.1 million and publicly-funded Cancer Care Ontario gives $10.5 million.
But the hospital’s strategic plan document says that economic pressures, increasing health care demands, technology costs and “exhausted efficiency measures” all contributed to a $7 million deficit.
“The greatest challenge that CVH faces is to provide excellent patient care to its community while exercising fiscal responsibility,” the plan says. “To date, increasing demand by our growing population meant CVH attempted to provide everything to everyone; however, in order to balance its budget and continue to meet increasing patient demands, significant strategic changes must be made.”
It’s not the first time a hospital has used lobbyists to approach the government.
Former Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman, now a candidate in the Toronto mayor’s race, once criticized the use of private consultants to lobby for more funding.
“I’ve got to figure if you’ve got money to pay lobbyists, you haven’t done all of the work necessary to show me what the real pressure is,” Smitherman said in 2004.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Veterans feel betrayed Harper is Not behind our troops and veterans.!
"There's a huge outcry and sense of betrayal by the soldiers because a huge part of the population that elected the Conservatives were veterans and soldiers hoping for a little bit more respect for the sacrifice that they endure," said Sean Bruyea, a retired Armed Forces intelligence officer and advocate for veterans. "When you include families, we're talking over one million Canadians that are involved in this sense of betrayal. [The Conservatives] can use the soldiers at their own convenience, but there's no doubt there's going to be a long term political price."
Since coming to power in 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's (Calgary Southwest, Alta.) Conservative government has taken steps to elevate the place of the Armed Forces in the national mythology, such as updating the citizenship guide for new immigrants to include more about Canada's military history. Many Tory MPs have "Support Our Troops" bumper stickers, and "Red Fridays," whereby people wear red to show support for the military, are in effect in many Conservative MPs' offices.
But Mr. Bruyea said the fact that many wounded veterans still have to fight to get adequate benefits from the government, as outgoing Veterans' Ombudsman Pat Strogan recently drew attention to in an explosive press conference on Aug. 17, has left soldiers feeling used by the Tories. Of particular concern to Col. (Redt'd) Strogan is the government's plan to replace the lifetime monthly pension for disabled veterans with a one-time lump-sum payment of a maximum of $276,089.
"It is beyond my comprehension how the system could knowingly deny so many of our veterans the services and benefits that the people and the government of Canada recognized a long, long time ago as being their obligation to provide," said Col. Strogan, who is himself a veteran and like Mr. Bruyea suffers from post traumatic stress disorder.
Mr. Bruyea said the government has a "profound lack of understanding" when it comes to dealing with veterans suffering psychological injuries. He questioned whether Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn (Jonquière-Alma, Que.) was really in control of the file, and also whether civil servants in the department were using Col. Strogan's condition to discredit his criticisms of the benefits system for veterans.
"I see a lot of the same messages coming out of the bureaucracy being mimicked by the political side, and I wonder if the politicians aren't irrelevant in this whole issue," he said. "The bureaucracy has an issue that they somehow think that veterans with psychological injuries view points are somehow less credible than people without physical injuries."
The government has been measured in its response to Col. Strogan's criticisms, although both Mr. Blackburn and Prime Minister Harper alluded that perhaps the ombudsman's anger was partly fueled by the fact that he was not being reappointed to the position.
"There are no positions for life," said Mr. Harper. "If the ombudsman has concerns, has suggestions, the government is open always to incorporate these suggestions in our future programs and I encourage him to work with us."
The Prime Minister said a review of the system is currently underway.
Liberal veterans affairs critic Rob Oliphant (Don Valley West, Ont.) said in his dealings with veterans groups and individual veterans he hasn't come across a detractor of Col. Strogan, and mused that perhaps the government decided that strategically it was better to not reappoint him than to endure his criticism. He said unlike other political appointees whose credibility the Harper government has attacked, such as diplomat Richard Colvin, and former nuclear watchdog Linda Keen, the Conservatives seem less certain of how to handle Col. Strogan.
"Normally they're calculating and they're good at spinning, this one I don't even think they have the nerve to do it. I don't know who made the decision to fire Pat Strogan, but I think it was the wrong decision and some people must know that they've really dropped the ball," he said.
Mr. Oliphant said despite the Tory rhetoric on supporting the troops, in reality the commitment isn't there.
"When I stand up and ask questions on veterans, they hate it," he said. "I look at them and viscerally they get very upset because they have wrapped themselves in that flag, but I think the emperor has no clothes."
Pollster Nik Nanos said the Conservatives definitely have to tread carefully on this issue, but said although Col. Strogan's press conference generated headlines it's not enough on its own to undermine the party brand.
"For the Conservatives, anything that undermines their ability to say that they are 110 per cent behind our troops and veterans is a bit problematic. That being said, one issue does not really define the Conservatives; if there was the perception of a pattern of behaviour then there would be a disconnect in a way that undermines them, but at this point in time it would be fair to say that people would generally think that the Conservatives are very supportive of our troops and veterans and one incident would not necessarily significantly change that attitude."
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