Federal government could tell you when to drive if carbon price law stands, court told
7277 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
Henri Bianchi
Where is the peer reviewed evidence that a carbon tax in Canada is going to have a measurable impact on the temperature of the planet?
Richard Sharp Reply to @Henri Bianchi:
Where is the evidence of any Conservative supporters who don't believe that they and Canada should pull their weight or more in this existential threat against life as we know it on the planet earth?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Richard Sharp: Methinks I see lots of evidence that desperate liberals post desperate things while their heroes fly around the world promoting fear and more taxation N'esy Pas?
Rachael Saunders Carbon tax punishes those who most can't afford to put gas in their car,, heat their home and put food on the table. The cost of everything goes up and the quality of your life goes down, accordingly.
David R. Amos Reply to @Rachael Saunders: "Carbon tax punishes those who most can't afford to put gas in their car,, heat their home and put food on the table"
Methinks we can trust that wealthy jet-setters such as Justin Trudeau, Bill Morneau, David Suzuki and Al Gore don't care N'esy Pas?
Cyrus Manz Taxing Canadians into POVERTY will not change the weather.
David R. Amos Reply to @Cyrus Manz: 'Taxing Canadians into POVERTY will not change the weather.'
Oh So True and well worth repeating
Aidan Molson Doesn't matter what comes of this - Mr Scheer will be PM in roughly 6 months and he's already on record saying he will scrap the Carbon Tax. So this tax is dead one way or the other.
Glen robert Reply to @Aidan Molson: And who says Sheer will win? I am betting on a three way minority
David R. Amos
Reply to @Glen robert: "I am betting on a three way minority"
Me Too
Kent Worthy Only a lib would think taxing the air is a good idea. I'm glad we voted in the PC's. They're the only ones standing up for Ontarians.
Troy Mann Reply to @Kent Worthy: "This tax isn't about pollution. It's about wealth transfer, and doesn't do anything to address co2 emissions. "
OMG, economics 101.
All it takes is one company to lower their emissions, lower their costs, and undercut the competition.
This is grade school stuff.
David Allan Reply to @Kent Worthy:
CO2 is not air Air is made up of many molecules If our air has too much oxygen it will be bad for humanity
More grade school stuff
Bob Gillies Reply to @David Allan: 1) That was done as a joint venture with the US. Trudeau's "carbon tax" is not. 2) The penalties and regulations were applied to polluters, not consumers.
David R. Amos Reply to @Bob Gillies: "More grade school stuff "
Methinks it interesting that so many political pundits have not got past grade school N'esy Pas?
Rich Large Contrary to what Liberals would have one believe, no one denies that climate change exists. What Conservatives don't believe is that Trudeau's carbon tax cash grab will make one bit of difference in emission output. Even his own scientists acknowledge that.
David R. Amos Reply to @Rich Large: BINGO
Peter Fair Relax all. According to the latest polls if the provinces win or lose the court case is immaterial. With the Conservative party at 42% the imposed carbon tax is going to have a short life.
Richard Sharp Reply to @Andrew Stephenson:
Forum is by far the worst pollster in Canada. None other comes close to its bias.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Richard Sharp: Cry me a river if you believe any pollster these days
Jay La go ford go, nice to see a someone sticking up for the working class.
Richard Sharp Reply to @Jay La:
Ford for the working class? Many millions of Ontario voters were sucked in by that clearly blatant lie.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Richard Sharp: Methinks you seem awfully bitter about something N'esy Pas?
Cyrus Manz
!!....."Attorney General Caroline Mulroney is arguing that Ottawa's new national carbon pricing plan, or the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, is unconstitutional" .....!!
Darn right it is too. GOOD JOB Ontario. Challenge this poor excuse for s federal government and fear none.
Andrew Stephenson
Reply to @Cyrus Manz:
How is it unconstitutional? The Feds have taxation rights....
David R. Amos
Reply to @Andrew Stephenson: "Hunter said Ontario's constitutional challenge to the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act was not intended as a debate on the realities or dangers of global warming. What's at stake, he said, is which level of government has the power to deal with the problem.
"Which measure is the best measure — the most efficient measure — is best left for legislatures to decide," Hunter said. "Which legislature? That's what we're here to decide."
Federal government could tell you when to drive if carbon price law stands, court told
Ontario argues tax is unconstitutional; CBC News streams the hearing live this week
Colin Perkel· The Canadian Press·
A view of the outside of the Ontario Court of Appeal in Toronto. Interested Canadians have a rare opportunity this week to watch Ontario's top court sort out a federal-provincial legal battle over carbon pricing. It is the first time in more than a decade cameras are being allowed in the Court of Appeal to live stream an event. (Colin Perkel/The Canadian Press)
The federal government will end up with the power to regulate almost every facet of life — such as when you can drive or where you can live — if its law aimed at curbing harmful greenhouse gas emissions is allowed to stand, Ontario's top court heard Monday.
Ottawa's climate change law is so broad, a lawyer for the Ontario government told the start of a four-day Appeal Court hearing, that it would give the federal government powers that would be destabilizing to Canada in the name of curbing the cumulative effects of global warming emissions.
"They could regulate where you live, how often you drive your car," Josh Hunter told the five-justice panel. "It would unbalance the federation."
Hunter said Ontario's constitutional challenge to the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act was not intended as a debate on the realities or dangers of global warming. What's at stake, he said, is which level of government has the power to deal with the problem.
"Which measure is the best measure — the most efficient measure — is best left for legislatures to decide," Hunter said. "Which legislature? That's what we're here to decide."
The federal law that kicked in on April 1 imposes a charge on gasoline and other fossil fuels as well as on industrial polluters. The law applies only in provinces that have no carbon-pricing scheme that meets national standards — Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.
The federal government says its carbon tax is a way to curb greenhouse gas emissions. In this photo, the steel mills on the Hamilton waterfront are shown. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)
The Liberal government, which is due to make submissions on Tuesday, insists its law is an appropriate response to the
nationally important issue of climate change. The aim, the government says, is to cajole people into changing their behaviour.
The justices repeatedly pressed Hunter to explain what Ottawa should do if a province doesn't want to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, thereby undermining other provinces.
Ontario already addressing emissions, Ford says
"When you think about air pollution, the word 'Ontario' sort of dissolves with the air," said Justice James MacPherson. "It's national and international."
Hunter agreed cross-provincial solutions were needed, just not what Ottawa has put in place. "The effect is that you're regulating local industries, local land use, local heating," Hunter said.
A worker fills up a jerry can with diesel gas in Toronto. Josh Hunter, a lawyer for the Ontario government, says Ottawa's climate-change law puts a 'tax' on ordinary people every time they drive to work or heat their homes, which he said was too much of a burden. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press)
Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford has said Ontario can curb greenhouse gas emissions on its own and has already taken significant steps to do so.
Those steps, Hunter told court, include shutting down coal-fired power plants — a measure taken by the previous Liberal government — which has sharply reduced the province's harmful emissions. "Ontario is further ahead than all the other provinces," Hunter said. "[But] none of those [steps] count toward determining whether Ontario has a stringent plan."
Province developing made-in-Ontario plan, lawyer says
In addition, he said, the province is developing a "made in Ontario environmental plan" that is still under consideration.
Hunter also argued the law slaps a "tax" on ordinary people every time they drive to work or heat their homes. In response, the justices pointed out that Ottawa is promising to return almost all the money it collects to people in the affected provinces.
Hunter, however, said the rebates — via the federal climate action incentive — flow to everyone in the province regardless of whether they even drive, for example. "It's not just that you get back what you give," he said.
Ontario's Progressive Conservative government is arguing that the federal Liberal government's carbon tax is unconstitutional. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press)
Hunter's co-counsel Padraic Ryan said even if the justices accept the law as constitutional, the charge as levied on carbon is illegal. Giving everyone a tax does not help reduce greenhouse gases, he said. "We say it is a tax that has not been authorized," Ryan said. "The charges imposed under the act are unconstitutional taxes."
Fourteen interveners, including provinces such as Saskatchewan and British Columbia, Alberta Conservatives, Indigenous organizations who point out they are acutely vulnerable to global warming, as well as business and environmental groups, will get their say over the course of the hearing, which continues on Tuesday.
The Ontario government of Doug Ford has joined the case of Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's government as an intervener, while also filing Ontario's own legal challenge. (CBC)
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Fitch, Bruce (LEG)"<Bruce.Fitch@gnb.ca> Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:34:14 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: YO Dominc Cardy Years ago I was told I was related to Jacky Boy Layton because his family came from Albert County and I just laughed To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. I am currently away from the office, your email will be answered in a timely fashion. If you should need immediate assistance please contact the Riverview Constituency Office @ 506 869 6117.
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Holland, Mike Hon. (ERD/DER)"<Mike.Holland@gnb.ca> Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:17:10 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: CBC and their questionable reporting of the NB Power General Rate Applications To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued. You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read, reviewed and taken into consideration.
If your issue is Constituency related, please contact Cheryl Layton at my constituency office in Albert at (506) 856-4961 or Cheryl.Layton@gnb.ca.
Thanks again for your email! Mike Holland Minister MLA, Albert
Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations. Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons.
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Merci encore pour votre courriel! Mike Holland Ministre Député, Albert
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others Methinks the overpaid NB Power president Gaëtan Thomas why the NB Power lawyers and the EUB barred me from intervening as the rate increase hearings N'esy Pas?
NB Power management pay not excessive, utility claims
48 Comments
David R. Amos Methinks the overpaid NB Power president Gaëtan Thomas and his Board of Directors should explain to the Minister Mikey Holland and the folks he represents why the NB Power lawyers and the EUB barred me from intervening as the rate increase hearings N'esy Pas?
Shawn McShane Has Blaine Higgs put a stop to NB Power's dalliance with Gaëtan Thomas company Joi Scientific in Florida? L'Acadie Nouvelle reported NB Power gave them $13 million.... UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM D Name of Issuer Joi Scientific, Inc. Gaeton Thomas Relationship: Executive Officer X Director Promoter
David R. Amos
Reply to @Shawn McShane: HMMMM
Shawn McShane NB Power management pay and government pay IS excessive in a province with the lowest private sector pay, the highest taxes in Canada and a population smaller than the big cities.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Shawn McShane: True
Paul Bourgoin
I wonder how many undisclosed sweetheart deals are secretly negotiated to the loss of NB tax-payers and who benefits? I also wonder who is NB biggest energy consumer and do they dip into those secretly negotiated sweetheart deals? and if so, why are those deals Provincial Government Secrets!
David R. Amos
Reply to @Paul Bourgoin: Methinks we all know that you are referring to the Irving Clan so why not say their name unless you are afraid of them N'esy Pas?
Roy Kirk
NB Power has a toothless Board of Directors and politicians to take the heat for any and all of the bad management decisions it takes. How are other companies in the Atlantic region similarly endowed?, and how many of them are in the group that forms the basis of comparison?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Roy Kirk: BINGO
Shawn Tabor
How do you account for Bonuses for a company, that continues to go deeper and deeper behind. What does it owe now 5 billion. A lot of excuses and nobody addresses them. Where do you find a company that pays its top people bonuses for failing to meet their targets. If your at the top, how do you deserve a bonus. Excuses are not accountable anymore. I think folks have had enough. A real sense of entitlement. They are not telling the truth and have been getting away with it for many,many years. The front line workers have expressed this for years. Really sad. Everyone knows, that nothing will change, except increases in your bills to account for their failures. Shameful.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Shawn Tabor: "Everyone knows, that nothing will change, except increases in your bills to account for their failures. Shameful"
Oh So True
NB Power management pay not excessive, utility claims
President Gaëtan Thomas earned almost $575K in 2017, latest available figures show
Robert Jones· CBC News·
NB Power says employees at the manager level in 2017 earned $104,141 while those at the director level earned $134, 516, but both are below the regional average. (Michael Heenan/CBC)
Executive pay at NB Power may become an issue at its annual rate hearing next month but the utility has already gone on record disputing claims salaries among its managers are bloated, as former premier Brian Gallant openly suggested in last fall's provincial election.
In responses to a series of written questions about pay levels at the utility by public intervener Heather Black in advance of its May rate hearing, NB Power released information appearing to show compensation among its managers are in the bottom 25 per cent of similar employers in Atlantic Canada.
Pay for its most senior executives, including vice-presidents, is as much as $75,000 per year lower than regional peers.
"NB Power non-union salary ranges are trending at the lower end of the annual salary range [for similar regional companies] and [worse] as the annual salary range increases," the utility wrote in explaining its position on management pay at NB Power.
However, the material does not specifically address the pay of NB Power president Gaëtan Thomas who, according to the latest available public accounts, earned just below $575,000 in 2017 — about $300,000 more than the utility's senior non-nuclear vice-presidents.
Executive pay at the utility became an issue during last year's provincial election when then-Liberal leader Brian Gallant proposed freezing residential and small business power rates. Gallant suggested management downsizing and pay cuts among senior NB Power executives could pay for much of the $13 million per year in lost revenue he estimated a rate freeze would cost.
"There is not a New Brunswicker that would not be able to be convinced that there are efficiencies to be found [at NB Power]," said Gallant during the election campaign about the utility's ability to live with a freeze.
"We have no doubt we are going to be able to implement it with these slate of measures … some of which are making sure that the executive management is reduced and looking at their salaries as well." Black followed up on the issue earlier this year in a series of written questions to the utility about how executive pay is set and evaluated. The answers have been filed with the Energy and Utilities Board.
Heather Black, the public intervener, asked for more details about evaluations NB Power's board has done of senior executive pay, but that information has not been made public. (Robert Jones/CBC)
According to NB Power, it strives to pay its non-union staff the average amount earned by employees in similar positions with similar companies operating in Atlantic Canada. It also participates in an annual independent national salary evaluation to assess its compensation levels.
But its reports suggest that in recent years wages for NB Power managers has fallen behind the 50th percentile target it has for itself among regional employers.
According to the information released, in 2017 NB Power employees at the "manager" level earned $104,141 — about $9,800 less than the regional average. At the "director" level, NB Power employees earned $134, 516 — about $26,000 below the average.
The report is less precise about pay levels of upper management but charts included in the material suggested gaps between NB Power and other employers widen as pay increases. One chart indicated that an employee at the vice-president level qualifying for $250,000 in pay at NB Power was $75,000 below the average being paid for the same job requiring the same skills elsewhere in the region.
NB Power says those numbers come from the Hay Korn Ferry annual salary survey.
Analyzed for market competitiveness
"NB Power's pay grades are analyzed against this data to assess the market competitiveness of salaries in relation to equivalently evaluated jobs," said the utility in answer to Black's questions.
"Included in this cut are organizations such as [Newfoundland] Power, Saint John Energy, Maritime Electric, [J.D. Irving Limited], Nalcor Energy, AV Nackawic, and NB Liquor Corporation."
Black asked for more specific information on evaluations that have been completed of senior executive pay by NB Power's board of directors but that information was supplied on a confidential basis and not publicly released.
NB Power claims it needs to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain top level employees and in some cases it has exceeded regional salary ranges to fill specialized positions.
NB Power president Gaëtan Thomas saw his salary increase by at least $225,000 between 2010 and 2017, figures indicate. (CBC)
In 2015 it recruited American Brett Plummer to run the Point Lepreau nuclear plant as its vice-president of nuclear and agreed to pay him $650,000 per year to take the job. It was substantially more than the president is paid and nearly triple what other NB Power vice-presidents were getting at the time.
NB Power's report disclosed mid-level management positions received salary increases of about about 15 per cent in the eight years between 2009 and 2017, compared to 38 per cent among average regional employers.
Figures for upper management were not revealed although there are signs increases at those levels were more generous.
For example, according to the public accounts, NB Power president Gaëtan Thomas's salary increased by a minimum of $225,000 between 2010 and 2017 to finish just below $575,000.
That's an increase of at least 69 per cent for Thomas although his 2017 pay was still well behind the $695,000 earned in 2017 by Nova Scotia Power president Karen Hutt.
About the Author
Robert Jones
Reporter
Robert Jones has been a reporter and producer with CBC New Brunswick since 1990. His investigative reports on petroleum pricing in New Brunswick won several regional and national awards and led to the adoption of price regulation in 2006.
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Holland, Mike Hon. (ERD/DER)"<Mike.Holland@gnb.ca> Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:17:10 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: CBC and their questionable reporting of the NB Power General Rate Applications To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued. You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read, reviewed and taken into consideration.
If your issue is Constituency related, please contact Cheryl Layton at my constituency office in Albert at (506) 856-4961 or Cheryl.Layton@gnb.ca.
Thanks again for your email! Mike Holland Minister MLA, Albert
Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations. Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons.
Si votre courriel est lié à un enjeu de circonscription, veuillez contacter Cheryl Layton à mon bureau de circonscription dans Albert au (506) 856-4961 ou Cheryl.Layton@gnb.ca.
Merci encore pour votre courriel! Mike Holland Ministre Député, Albert
35 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David R. Amos Methinks some folks are beginning to understand why I call the actions of our questionable governments merely a circus N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Reply to @David R. Amos: Gee All I hear is crickets
Matt Steele Sounds like a good idea as the Centennial Building is already sitting empty , so why build a new building when the govt. already owns the Centennial Building . Although the Centennial Building looks to be a very large building just for a Courthouse . N.B. only has around a 750, 000 people ; and one of the oldest populations in Canada . Does a Province this small really need these huge Courthouses ?
Marc Martin
Reply to @Matt Steele: You do realize that the renovation plan for the centennial building was cancelled by Higgs right ? Loose the blue glasses...
David R. Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Methinks in return you should tell your SANB buddy to quit chugging the Red Kool Aid N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin Reply to @David R. Amos: Someone yanked you chain again Davis ?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Marc Martin: YOU
Evan Day So was the Premier not do his homework when this project was cancelled? At that time, he seemed to suggest that there was no need for a new court house - now all of a sudden he understands that there is? If this idea goes ahead, I can't wait to see how much it's going to cost. There's no way that stopping the first project, undoing part of that work, paying the associated penalties, redoing the designs to now put the court in the remaining building, and actually carrying out the redesign will cost less than if the initial project had just proceeded as planned. No. Way.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Evan Day: Methinks Mr Higgs did not secure a government mandate based on common sense. It was the PANB that supports him that goes on an on about that N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Methinks Mr Higgs forgot about the asbestos N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Reply to @David R. Amos: Been all cleared out . Where ye been ?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Clearly not in Fat Fred City N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: BTW when the Centennial Building was first opened my Father has a corner office on the fifth floor Do you recall what his job was and who my Mother married after he died?
Murry Brown Reply to @David R. Amos: ... That only gets into your lungs when you breathe... As long as you hold your breath you'll be fine.
Al Clark
Maybe hired shawn G or bernie L as consultants??
David R. Amos
Reply to @Al Clark: Methinks he has had Bernie in his corner all along N'esy Pas?
Trevis L. Kingston
Instead of new buildings to accommodate court proceedings that are backlogged because of 9 to 5 workdays... I would suggest Night Courts to facilitate expediency to justice. Many New Brunswickers work "shift work"... why not Judges and lawyers as well? By using courts 24/6... justice will not only be seen to be done... but quicker as well. And by utilizing court spaces in a "shift" manner... less NEW courtroom buildings will be needed. Violent and criminal cases in the day... other less demanding cases at night.
Rosco holt
Reply to @James Vander: And yet Higgs hired his Irving colleagues has consultants. Too bad that belt tightening doesn't apply to political appointments.
Harold Benson
Reply to @Rosco holt: He knows most of the voters are numified.
David R. Amos Reply to @Harold Benson: "He knows most of the voters are numified"
Methinks Sam should have told you that everybody knows that . N'esy Pas?
Higgs floats idea of moving courthouse into vacant Centennial Building
Idea comes just months after government scrapped $76M Centennial refurbishment and plans for new courthouse
Jacques Poitras· CBC News·
The Higgs government stopped work on a new five-storey courthouse and refurbished Centennial Building in Fredericton in December, promising the public the construction site would get some fencing instead. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
Premier Blaine Higgs is floating a new fix for Fredericton's aging courthouse: moving it into the vacant Centennial Building a few blocks away.
The hints come four months after Higgs's government scrapped a $76 million plan to refurbish the building to house government offices and build a brand-new courthouse attached to it.
Higgs now says the empty Centennial structure itself could house the courthouse, which would give the courts a much-needed new home while avoiding the cost of new construction.
"Can [Centennial] be used as a courthouse, as opposed to building a whole new building?" he said in a recent interview with CBC News.
In December the new Progressive Conservative government cancelled several major infrastructure projects worth more than $200 million in a bid to reduce spending and long-term debt.
In a speech in Saint John on April 5, Higgs described discussions with officials about the two-pronged project announced by the previous Liberal government in 2017.
"We're building a new building behind the building, the Centennial Building. Why would we do that?" The Centennial Building "is 150,000 square feet," Higgs said. "Well, how big does this [courthouse] need to be? About 150,000 square feet. Well, there's a start."
The Justice Building on Queen Street used to be a teachers college but now houses provincial court, the Court of Queen's Bench and Court of Appeal. (CBC)
He told the luncheon crowd that the province did not need more office space for government but that officials had gone "back to the drawing board" with Justice Department officials "to talk about what is needed in a courthouse."
The Fredericton courthouse, built in 1930, houses local provincial court and Court of Queen's Bench courtrooms as well as the New Brunswick Court of Appeal.
It lacks secure separate entrances to keep the public, accused persons and judges away from each other — a hallmark of modern justice buildings, including recently built courthouses in Saint John and Moncton.
The Court of Appeal also lacks simultaneous translation facilities.
Former Court of Queen's Bench Chief Justice David Smith said when he retired in March that the building needs replacing.
"I don't think there's any doubt about that."
One wing of the Centennial Building had already been demolished to make room for the new building when the PCs took power last fall. The decision to cancel the project left a large, unsightly vacant site in the heart of Fredericton.
Lawyers group encouraged
The organization representing lawyers in the province says it's encouraged by Higgs's comments and by meetings with Justice Minister Andrea Anderson-Mason.
"We've have some very productive discussions and we're optimistic that a solution will be found fairly shortly," said Justin Robichaud, president of the Canadian Bar Association's New Brunswick chapter.
"Everyone who has visited the current Fredericton courthouse agrees that the current situation isn't viable and that a new location is required," he said.
"Whether it's the model approved by the former government or whether there are other options that would be viable is something that's still up for discussion."
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure did not have any immediate comment on Higgs's remarks or how long it would take for a decision on using the Centennial Building. There is no funding in this year's capital budget for the work.
About the Author
Jacques Poitras
Provincial Affairs reporter
Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. Raised in Moncton, he also produces the CBC political podcast Spin Reduxit.
Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 49 others Methinks its strange the Minister of Canadian Heritage has millions for an old court house but doesn't care about the home of Anthony Lockwood one Canada's first Surveyor Generals N'esy Pas?
24 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David R. Amos Methinks its strange that the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism Pablo Rodriguez and his buddy Navdeep Bains, the minister responsible for ACOA have millions for this old court house of which there are many throughout Canada but don't care about the possible destruction of the home in Fat Fred City built by Anthony Lockwood one Canada's first Surveyor Generals and the Receiver General of New Brunswick N'esy Pas?
Douglas James Good news, although the pre-election timing is suspicious. Too bad the city hadn't had the foresight to develop the entire area around King Square as a theatre district. They rejected the IMAX and left an eyesore behind and allowed the old Paramount to be demolished and left a parking lot behind. Local politicians seem to be very good at throwing away opportunities.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Douglas James: "the pre-election timing is suspicious"
Methinks everybody knows it is far more than merely suspicious N'esy Pas?
Murray Brown "The Saint John Theatre Company will receive $2 million from Canadian Heritage and $500,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to renovate the former courthouse"... So that might be enough to cover the Architectural design... Who's paying for the tens of millions in actual construction and renovations? Something tells me Higgs won't be.
Marc Martin Reply to @Murray Brown: *The Saint John Theatre Company will receive $2 million from Canadian Heritage and $500,000 * Government money to the English....And most said here they never received anything..
David R. Amos
Reply to @Marc Martin: Cry me a river
Historic Saint John courthouse to be transformed into playhouse, performance centre
Saint John Theatre Company to take over space with $2.5M from Ottawa; Imperial Theatre gets $500K for reno
CBC News·
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long announced $2.5 million in federal funding for the Saint John Theatre Company and $500,000 for the Imperial Theatre on Tuesday morning. (Connell Smith/CBC)
The historic Sydney Street courthouse in Saint John, which has sat vacant for years, will be transformed into a playhouse and performance centre with help from the federal government.
The Saint John Theatre Company will receive $2 million from Canadian Heritage and $500,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to renovate the former County Court House, Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long announced on Tuesday.
The project could take up to another $4.5 million to complete, according to Stephen Tobias, the theatre company executive director.
He expects further funding from other sources within three or four months, he said, without divulging any details.
No timeline for opening curtain has been provided.
Meanwhile, the nearby Imperial Theatre will receive $250,000 from Canadian Heritage and $250,000 from ACOA to renovate its lobby, enhance accessibility, safety, energy efficiency and comfort for artists and the public, said Long.
"The Saint John region has long been a place where our cultures come together," he told a packed house at the company's production building on Princess Street.
"The arts and culture are a part of who we are as Canadians, and these investments will enable our city and our residents to continue to have access to high-quality performances and productions right here in our community."
The Sydney Street courthouse was built in the 1820s in late Georgian Neoclassical style to create the impression of order, grandeur, sobriety and sophistication. It was touted as a tourist attraction until it closed in 2013. (Julia Wright /CBC)
The stone courthouse, which faces onto King's Square in the city's uptown, was built between 1826 and 1829. It was declared a National Historic site in 1974.
The landmark building has been vacant since 2013, although the province has kept it heated.
The New Brunswick Historical Society has been pushing for years to save the building. In 2016, the city turned down an option to buy it from the province.
In 2017, the Saint John Theatre Company commissioned a $38,000 feasibility study, funded in part by the city.
Stephen Tobias, executive director of the Saint John Theatre Company, said he expects the courthouse renovation project will cost as much as $7 million to complete. (Connell Smith/CBC)
Tobias described the old courthouse Tuesday as a prime location for expansion for the non-profit organization's productions and training.
"With the support of Canadian Heritage and ACOA, we can now begin the process of developing this property into a vibrant cultural facility for the benefit of the SJTC and the cultural community at large," he said.
Plans include a live venue for an audience of 200 and a work space.
Tobias said the building is in good condition, but he expects it will cost up to $7 million to complete the renovations and bring the structure up to code.
Several members of the city's legal community welcomed the announcement.
This freestanding three-storey stone spiral staircase is the most impressive feature of the Sydney Street courthouse. (Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon/CBC)
"It's an important historical building for our city, and it's an important part of our heritage as a profession, as lawyers, David Shore said.
"And also as a lover of the arts, I'm looking forward to seeing it in its new use."
The Imperial Theatre is also grateful for its funding, said executive director Angela Campbell. "Public spaces like Imperial are relied upon more and more to offer alternative meeting and performance spaces for the community, and this refresh will help Imperial to meet these changing needs and to ensure our relevance and value to the city into the future," she said.
Long made the funding announcement on behalf of Pablo Rodriguez, the minister of Canadian heritage and multiculturalism, and Navdeep Bains, the minister responsible for ACOA.
"Cultural spaces are essential for the development of the arts and culture; they help bring our communities together and enable artists to create in their own space," Rodriguez said in a statement.
Bains said the spending on arts infrastructure helps build competitive advantages, by encouraging world-class entertainment, promoting local talent and creating local jobs.
"I certainly will tell you that when the premier pulled the plug per se on the waterfront museum, I was very loud and active in Ottawa to make sure that heritage money that was committed to Saint John-Rothesay, albeit the New Brunswick Museum, stayed in Saint John-Rothesay."
Kevin Vickers declared Liberal leader, effective April 24
54 Comments David R. Amos Methinks every journalist, politician, cop and lawyer in New Brunswick knows why this news makes my day N'esy Pas?
Kevin Vickers declared Liberal leader, effective April 24
Party cancels June leadership convention
Jacques Poitras· CBC News·
Kevin Vickers with most of the Liberal caucus Wednesday morning after being welcomed as the party's incoming leader. (Caraquet MLA Isabelle Thériault/Twitter)
New Brunswick Liberals are cancelling their June leadership convention and are declaring Kevin Vickers the new leader of the party effective April 24.
The party's board of directors met Tuesday night to officially approve Vickers's acclamation. He became the sole candidate in the race after René Ephestion of Moncton, the only other party member to file paperwork by the March 29 deadline, took himself out of the race.
Vickers will replace former premier Brian Gallant as Liberal leader. Gallant resigned after his government lost its majority in the legislature in last September's election and then lost a confidence vote in November.
Vickers was not available for interviews Wednesday.
The party said he'll hold a news conference when he becomes leader April 24.
The 62-year-old newcomer to electoral politics announced his candidacy last month after retiring as Canada's ambassador to Ireland. Vickers was sergeant-at-arms of the House of Commons for almost a decade after a career in the RCMP.
Policy convention next spring
Vickers does not have a seat in the legislature. Longtime Bathurst East-Nepisiguit-Saint-Isidore MLA Denis Landry has been serving as interim leader and leader of the Official Opposition in the house.
The party had scheduled a leadership convention in Saint John in part because it needs to rebuild support in the city if it hopes to take back power in the next election.
Kevin Vickers announced March 15 in Miramichi that he was running for the New Brunswick Liberal leadership. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
With the convention cancelled, the party will instead hold a policy convention there next spring. That could coincide with the next election campaign. The People's Alliance promised last fall to support the Progressive Conservative minority government on confidence votes for 18 months.
Ephestion said in a Facebook post on April 8 that he was out of the race and wished Vickers luck. A spokesperson for Ephestion later said he had not been approved during a vetting by a party committee.
About the Author
Jacques Poitras
Provincial Affairs reporter
Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. Raised in Moncton, he also produces the CBC political podcast Spin Reduxit.
Mueller's report is worse for Trump than Barr let on — but likely not as ruinous as Trump feared
4212 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
Bryan Atkinson Direct quote from the Mueller report:
'...if we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the President clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable standards, however, we are unable to reach that judgement.'
Obviously Trump's claim that the Mueller report fully exonerates him is simply not true.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Bryan Atkinson: "however, we are unable to reach that judgement."
Methinks Mr Orwell would all that doublespeak N'esy Pas?
Bianca Berry The US GOP with the help of the poorly educated Trump supporters are the real threat to human rights and democracy. Trump is only their messiah.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Bianca Berry: "Trump is only their messiah."
True
Daryl Dixon JFK quote: ''Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.''
Martin Luther King quote: ''Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.''
Don Trump: ''I'm f---ed''.
David R. Amos
Reply to @daryl dixon: Methinks old George had a better grip on the scene these days N'esy Pas?
“Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.” ― George Orwell, 1984
Garry Walton I could tell by the title who wrote this, not worth my time reading it.
Stephen George Reply to @Garry Walton: It's a sad day when you won't listen to another's side of the story. But I'm not surprised at all.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Stephen George: Methinks he is missing out on the circus N'esy Pas?
Garry Walton
Reply to @Stephen George: I listen to many sides, but when there is a noise, an irritation, with the disappointing enlightenment of a broken, skipping record, I spend my time on more intellectual things. Apparently, many people agree with me. Surprise, surprise!
Will Fargo Why do reporters who got it wrong for 3 years not apologize?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Will Fargo: "Why do reporters who got it wrong for 3 years not apologize?"
Dream on
Daryl Dixon We must give credit where credit is due....
Donald Trump was able to define his entire presidency in 2 words: ''I'm f---ed''.
David R. Amos
Reply to @daryl dixon: Methinks you are a little redundant N'esy Pas?
Frank Goodwood The Left and MSM will continue on the same path. Trump must be guilty of "something" that is impeachable. Just need to keep investigating. They will do so at their own detriment right up until Trump wins his second term.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Frank Goodwood: "The Left and MSM will continue on the same path.'
YUP
Paul O'Donovan The report confirms more of what we already knew: You would not want trump for a friend, business partner, neigbour, team mate, family member, golf partner and certainly not president.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Paul O'Donovan: Who cares? Methinks too many forget that we are Canadians N'esy Pas?
Arthur Robeson Trump wins again...must drive his enemies nuts...even in Canada !
David R. Amos
Reply to @Arthur Robeson: Obviously
Billy Smith Absolutely hilarious how desperate the Left is to put a negative spin on this. Trump is not guilty- period.
All the false statements made by Democrats of proof have been proven to be false.
This report is ANOTHER win for Trump and just gave him the 2020 election.
Danny Benn
Reply to @Billy Smith: If I say I'm from mars three times in a row you would believe me right?
Len Evans
Reply to @Billy Smith: Do your initials reflect that comment on purpose?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Billy Smith: Welcome to the Circus
Billy Smith
Reply to @David R. Amos: Cheers
Billy Smith
Reply to @Jim LaPalmier: sorry...just another educated millionaire
Billy Smith
Reply to @Danny Benn: If you're a Justin supporter...yes
Billy Smith
Reply to @Len Evans: psst... Perhaps it may not be my real name!!!!! You're suffering from TDS. Less CNN and perhaps come out of your safe space and join the real world. The Democants and other wannabe communists are not winning.
Billy Smith
Reply to @Len Evans: MAGA 2020
Richard Thompson
Reply to @Billy Smith: "You're suffering from TDS"
As are you, Sir.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Billy Smith: "Perhaps it may not be my real name!!!!! You're suffering from TDS. Less CNN and perhaps come out of your safe space and join the real world."
Anyone can Google my name to verify that i am for real Try Googling David Amos Julian Assange Better yet Google "Fundy Royal Debate"
Mueller's report is worse for Trump than Barr let on — but likely not as ruinous as Trump feared
The narrative spin game is on, but how much will it matter?
Matt Kwong· CBC News·
The report from special counsel Robert Mueller, top left, based on his two-year investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election was released to the public on Thursday. It doesn't paint a flattering picture of U.S. President Donald Trump's behaviour, and has some key differences with the summary of it that Attorney General William Barr, bottom left, released last month. (Charles Dharapak/Associated Press, Olivier Douliery/Getty Images, Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
It was May 17, 2017, and U.S. President Donald Trump slumped in his chair in the Oval Office. "Oh my God. This is terrible," the president fumed, upon learning of Robert Mueller's appointment as special counsel to lead the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. "This is the end of my presidency. I'm f----d."
So goes the account in Mueller's 448-page report, released to the public late Thursday morning and immediately devoured by lawyers and political observers who have been waiting 23 months to read it.
But even as the redacted report promised to become one of the most scrutinized government documents in modern American history, laying out an unflattering story of Trump's questionable conduct, the president's apocalyptic vision of his time as commander-in-chief has so far not materialized.
And there's little reason to believe that will change.
The president's approval ratings have remained relatively steady throughout Mueller's investigation. The support of his political base hasn't wavered as news outlets reported on various would-be scandals involving members of Trump's inner circle and Russians, or Trump and hush payments to women with whom he'd had affairs.
And prior to the public release of Mueller's report, Trump's hand-picked attorney general, William Barr, was busy putting what appears now to be a positive spin on a document that is far more damaging to Trump than Barr initially led the public to believe.
'More damning than the Barr memo'
Particularly damaging, legal scholars say, is the second volume of the report that addresses the question of whether Trump's activities during the Russia probe amounted to the federal crime of obstruction of justice.
We learned, for example, that prosecutors scrutinized 11 different actions by the president as possible evidence of obstruction.
After poring over Mueller's work Thursday, former federal prosecutors said they were stunned by the amount of daylight between the special counsel's report and Barr's comparably favourable interpretation of the document.
Barr characterized Mueller's findings on several different occasions before releasing the special counsel's report to Congress and the public. (Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters)
To them, Barr's four-page summary, released three weeks ago, as well as his news conference before the report's public release on Thursday — where Barr parroted Trump's "no collusion" line — amounted to a concerted effort by the nation's chief law enforcement official to put a pro-Trump spin on Mueller's work before its release.
"This is radically different — radically," said Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, a fellow with the Brennan Center for Justice, a think-tank based in New York.
"The Mueller report is much more damning than the Barr memo."
A look at Mueller's Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election. (Carlo Allegri/Reuters)
She said Barr's account "purposefully minimizes" details of contacts between members of the Trump campaign and inner circle, and Russian operatives.
Harry Sandick, a former assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said Barr's summary ignored a key line from Mueller's text that says investigators "established that the Russian government perceived it would benefit from a Trump presidency and worked to secure that outcome, and that the Campaign expected it would benefit electorally" from Russian hacks.
'Materially impaired' the investigation
Mueller's report also included previously unreported details about Trump's efforts to stop the Russia investigation by ordering his White House counsel to fire the special counsel, as well as directives to a former campaign manager and a former White House staffer to mislead investigators. In both cases, the directives were ignored.
However, lies shared by Trump associates, the special counsel concluded, "materially impaired" the Russia investigation.
Yet none of that information was provided in Barr's summary, released to the public weeks before Mueller's report. Nor were those details mentioned during Barr's news conference on Thursday morning.
Barr did tell reporters that he and his deputy attorney general "disagreed" with Mueller's legal theories regarding obstruction of justice. Mueller wasn't there to comment on his own investigation or how his boss ended up characterizing the findings.
For instance, Barr argued there is no obstruction of justice without an underlying crime. And by that legal logic, since Trump can't be prosecuted for criminal conspiracy linked to Russian meddling in 2016 due to insufficient proof of an agreement to conspire, there can be no crime for the president to cover up.
Mueller would apparently beg to differ. In his report, the special counsel wrote: "The injury to the integrity of the justice system is the same regardless of whether a person committed an underlying wrong."
Mueller's report described Trump's efforts to try to control the Russia investigation. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press)
Barr testified last month before Congress that he was unaware of whether the special counsel agreed with his conclusions, and that Mueller declined his offer to review his summary in advance.
Other discrepancies include the fact that Barr said the White House "fully co-operated" with the special counsel. Mueller's report gave a different portrayal, stating that Trump wouldn't be interviewed voluntarily, and that his written answers were "inadequate." The report mentions 36 times in which Trump answered, "I do not recall," to Mueller's questions about critical events.
'Shocking difference'
Former federal prosecutor Cynthia Alksne said she was floored by how Barr misrepresented Mueller's reasons for not making a decision on whether to charge Trump with obstruction.
"There's a shocking difference between what Barr led us to believe, and why Mueller did not make the traditional prosecution decision," she said. "I was pulling my hair out when I read that."
Mueller's report suggests the team did not pursue prosecution on obstruction due in part to the Office of Legal Counsel's opinion that a sitting president can't be indicted.
"[T]his office accepted OLC's legal conclusion for the purpose of exercising prosecution jurisdiction," the report says, meaning the question of whether to prosecute was limited by Justice Department policy.
"I got to that section and I said to my husband, 'You're not going to believe this,'" Alksne said. "What Barr said isn't true. It's not just sorta-kinda not true; it's completely false."
During his news conference, Barr had told reporters: "We specifically asked [Mueller] about the OLC opinion and whether or not he was taking the position that he would have found a crime but for the existence of the OLC opinion. And he made it very clear several times that that was not his position."
Barr said the indecision of Mueller's team left it for him to step into the void and make a determination in just 48 hours that there were no grounds to pursue a charge.
Role for Congress
According to former federal prosecutor Mark Osler, were it not for the fact that Trump is the president of the United States, and shielded by Justice Department policy, a prosecutor would ordinarily go ahead and decide whether to charge or not.
"Mueller was saying here, 'I knew that I couldn't go on to charge. I can't view this as a traditional case evaluation because one of the two options isn't available.' So instead, he's saying, 'I'm going to just issue my report and note that it's not an exoneration, and provide that to Congress.'"
That's hardly the same thing as Trump claiming "total exoneration," as he did after Barr's summary was released. (Barr himself mentions in his four-page overview that the report "does not exonerate" Trump on obstruction.)
As Osler sees it, Mueller had no intention of having Barr intervene on a matter that, under the circumstances, should go to Congress to resolve.
Mueller arrives at his office in Washington on Monday. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)
Mueller's move, Osler now believes, "is a soft invitation to impeachment" in the House of Representatives.
Congress has already subpoenaed Mueller to appear. Barr told reporters Thursday he would allow his subordinate to testify. But that could be months away.
Until then, the narrative jousting will continue.
Trump has enjoyed an early advantage, buoyed by Barr's summary and public statements.
The president's critics worry about a hardening effect, in which a broader American public views Trump's claims of being "fully and completely exonerated" as a fait accompli, with Mueller's report going largely disregarded.
A Monmouth University poll released this week found most Americans (54 per cent) want Congress to move on to new business after the report's release — a possible sign of Mueller fatigue.
About the Author
Matt Kwong
Reporter
Matt Kwong is a Washington-based correspondent for CBC News. He previously reported for CBC News as an online journalist in New York and Toronto. You can follow him on Twitter at: @matt_kwong
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others Methinks the very malicious work of CBC editing the comment section of their article about the CRA covering up a matter for the benefit of a tax cheat should make all Canadians pay attention N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others I got a letter from the National Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier just before I appeared before the Federal Court of Appeal nearly two years ago. Trust that I published it immediately
Canada Revenue Agency writes off $133 million owed by one taxpayer
3075 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David R. Amos Methinks the CRA is not enjoying my Twitter account today N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Surprise Surprise Surprise
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos: BTW I got a letter from the National Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier just before I appeared before the Federal Court of Appeal nearly two years ago. Trust that I published it immediately
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos: I trust that anyone reading this can Google the following
Diane Lebouthillier David Raymond Amos KPMG
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos:
From: "Min.Mail / Courrier.Min (CRA/ARC)" Date: Wed, 24 May 2017 13:10:52 +0000 Subject: Your various correspondence about abusive tax schemes - 2017-02631 To: Mr. David Raymond Amos
Robert Borden
Reply to @David R. Amos: perhaps people should also google "David Raymond Amos" as well. At least it may give an eye opening additional perspective.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Robert Borden: Please do and ethical folks should add Federal Court File No T-1557-15 to their search Correct?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Robert Borden: "At least it may give an eye opening additional perspective"
Perhaps you should Google Fundy Royal Debate.
Rob Burr Funny that the CRA will write-off $133 Million for some (most likely a corporation) yet go after the regular tax paying individual like a dog on a bone for a few hundred dollars.
David R. Amos Reply to @Rob Burr: Methinks millions of Canadians agree with you and do not find this "News" article funny at all N'esy Pas?
John Kimble But let's ignore all the other tax evasion like the ones in the Panama papers, money laundering in Vancouver and go after the little guys for not declaring that $4.99 employer meal
Bravo cra
David R. Amos Reply to @John Kimble: "But let's ignore all the other tax evasion like the ones in the Panama papers, money laundering in Vancouver"
Methinks many a true word is said in jest N'esy Pas?
Vernon Shein Content disabled Must have been a loyal donor to the LPC and the Trudeau Foundation.
Jose Smith
Content disabled Reply to @Vernon Shein: At the very least someone with clout and probably friends of friends
Robert Borden
Content disabled Reply to @Vernon Shein: you'd probably still blame the liberals if it was a conservative government in power.
Jose Smith
Content disabled Reply to @Robert Borden: Like JT nearly 4 years after the defeat of the Conservatives/ NDP It is becoming truly a worn out excuse . JT record of failure is monumental
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Robert Borden: "you'd probably still blame the liberals if it was a conservative government in power."
Methinks the same holds true for you N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Jose Smith: YUP Methinks the dude teasing us is just another desperate liberal playing politics N'esy Pas?
Matt Parks Content disabled Hey guys, I don't know anything about what happened here, as the CRA hasn't released any information on it, but I'm going to go ahead and make it political anyway!!!! Baseless speculation is the best!!!!
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Matt Parks: FYI Everything is political and its always about the money. That is the reason why I ran for public office 6 times thus far Perhaps you should Google the following
Diane Lebouthillier David Raymond Amos KPMG
Matt Parks Content disabled So where's your proof? Without more information all you have is BASELESS SPECULATION.
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Matt Parks: Thanks for asking Please enjoy
Xander Martin Content disabled Reply to @David R. Amos: What's that supposed to be proof of?
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Xander Martin: If you had bothered to read what was requested your would see my proof of lawsuits in the USA pertaining Bank Fraud, Tax Fraud and Securities Fraud before I ran in the election of the 38th Parliament. In 2004 the CRA was hooked at the hip with Canada Border Services and the top etter was from their boss at the time. Clearly the US Special Counsel admitted he knew everything and sent me a complaint number along with the Yankee DHS Inspector General etc You should have noticed at least that much Correct?
Edward Peter Content disabled Reply to @Vernon Shein: Why must it be? No supporter for other party has ever had Tax problems, None of the people that are hiding money illegally, vote for the Conservatives or some other party? Your hate is blinding you to this problem.
Xander Martin
Content disabled Reply to @David R. Amos: I'm sorry your illness is going untreated
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Xander Martin: OH My My Methinks desperate liberals do post desperate things when they can't argue the facts after they asked me to explain irrefutable documents N'esy Pas?
Xander Martin Content disabled Reply to @David R. Amos: I am a conservative
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Xander Martin: Then in return I'm sorry your illness is going untreated
Alex Reti For $133, they will come to your place and take your socks and old VCR. For 133 million, it's "O well, stuff happens!"
David R. Amos
Reply to @alex reti: Welcome to the Circus
Lorraine Karuse Shame Shame Shame. They send notices to my 80 plus year old mother for amounts less than $100....I have seen many many times.
David R. Amos
Reply to @lorraine karuse: If they do it again just download my lawsuit and send it to your MP and ask them to explain to you in writing
Lorraine Karuse
Reply to @David R. Amos: Thanks. Seniors receive miniscule increase in pensions because BOC says there is/was no increase in inflation even when Oil was at U$140 dollars. On their savings they receive less than 1%interest..Lot of them suffer because no one is listening!!!!
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @lorraine karuse: I am a Senior who has been denied his right to vote for many years even though I ran for public office six times. However when it came time to collect my CPP I was denied and told that the CRA had deleted my SIN because I had lived in the USA too long. However the Crown was not long giving me my pension etc when I sued the Queen in 2015. Just Google David Amos Federal Court and you will find my lawsuit. Say Hey to your Mother for me.
David R. Amos Reply to @lorraine karuse: Trust that you would have liked my reply
Helen Innamorato I fail to understand how a taxpayer funded agency like the CRA has a right not to provide details of the uncollected taxes under 'confidentiality provisions under the law"? If there are such laws, they should be changed. When it comes to government, there is absolutely no accountability and no transparency, I understand not mentioning names but details? Meanwhile, regular Canadians get hit with penalty charges and interest for minor oversights.
David R. Amos
Reply to @helen innamorato: Methinks the CRA should have at least prosecuted them in Federal Court and that docket is the PUBLIC RECORD N'esy Pas?
Blanche Cote I guess single moms are the preferred target of the CRA - no lawyers to deal with.
Lorraine Karuse
Reply to @Blanche Cote: Or poor seniors like my mother who so often gets notices for amounts less than $100. If you don't pay they will deduct from gst rebaits!!!!
David R. Amos
Reply to @Blanche Cote: Oh So True
David R. Amos
Reply to @lorraine karuse: I have never received a gat rebate nor will I get a carbon tax rebate either
Vernon Thompson
Yup the rich get richer and the poor get poorer nothing new.
David R. Amos
Reply to @vernon thompson: YUP
Alex Matheson
The CRA needs to release the identity of this person/corporation. If it was 133 dollars no one would care. 133 million is a different story. For the sake of transparency and indeed credibility, governments cannot hide behind this privacy bit when tax payers have the right to know where and how their money is spent.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Alex Matheson: Methinks folks should talk up this issue with their MPS ASAP N'esy Pas?
Joe Gallant Must have been SNC Lavelin. Oh well at least this Minister listen and did exactly what she was told and will get to stay with this party as well as keep her title till the next election.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Joe Gallant: Methinks everybody knows that is how the wicked game is played N'esy Pas?
Robert Borden When there are huge write-offs like this, CRA should be mandated to provide far more details regarding the reasoning.
For example they should at least identify that it was a corporation, what the taxation period(s) were involved, whether the company went bankrupt, what assets were seized, what legal actions were tried against the directors, etc.
Citing privacy is not sufficient if the government wants us to have faith that there isn't a double standard for the rich, corporations, or the connected.
Jose Smith
Reply to @Robert Borden: Absolutely . I would set a floor limit of 500K anything over that should be fully disclosed .
Robert Borden
Reply to @Jose Smith: I would set it even lower, probably 100K. If they are writing off that much bad debt there is a inherent problem with the system and how taxes are collected needs to change.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Robert Borden: "Citing privacy is not sufficient if the government wants us to have faith that there isn't a double standard for the rich, corporations, or the connected"
So you say Hence I must ask is that your real name you are using as you attack the taxman?
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Robert Borden: Clearly you cannot be the lawyer Robert Borden who was 8th Prime Minister of Canada N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Reply to @David R. Amos: OH My My Methinks somebody is being very deceitful for political reasons as usual N'esy Pas?
Mo Bennett absolutely disgusting! what else wood y'all expect from this crap government? this is what happens when you put a social worker in charge of money.
David R. Amos
Reply to @mo bennett: YO MO I see that you are up early as usual and still just as disgusted as I am N'esy Pas?
Mo Bennett Reply to @David R. Amos: messy paws!
Tony Hill Reply to @mo bennett:
The current government almost certainly has absolutely nothing to do with it. The CRA only writes off debts when there is absolutely no recourse to collect them, which usually happens many years after either a person dies or the corporation has gone bankrupt.
This is the latter case, and I can all but guarantee you it was a corporation that went bankrupt in the 2008/09 recession.
You can blame Harper if you think it's his fault the global economy collapsed, or you can blame George W. Bush or Gordon Brown or whoever you want to tack that particular portion of an economic cycle on. However, Justin Trudeau, and even Donald Trump, had nothing to do with this one.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Tony Hill: "This is the latter case, and I can all but guarantee you it was a corporation that went bankrupt in the 2008/09 recession."
Confucius Said To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.
Tony Hill Reply to @David R. Amos:
Perhaps. What we do know is that this had to be a LARGE corporation since this isn't income tax but rather excise taxes, and most companies pay very little in excise taxes. We also know that the CRA has determined that there is no possible avenue for ever getting the money back, which all but guarantees that the corporation went bankrupt and has finished liquidating all their old assets.
What major corporation operating in Canada do you know if that went bankrupt after the recession? Sears I guess, but they haven't finished liquidating their old assets. Target Canada went "bankrupt" but the parent corporation still exists so the CRA could still go after them.
I suppose it could be a company that went bankrupt before the 2008/09 recession, Stelco jumps to mind as a possibility there.
Far and away the most likely candidate though would be either General Motors or Chrysler, both of which ceased to exist (as a legal entity) in 2009, even if a brand new company took over the name and most assets after the fact.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Tony Hill: Do you know who I am?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Tony Hill: Ask yourself why the transcript and webcast of this hearing went "Poof" in 2008 before Spitzer and I were arrested and the economy collapsed
I did Google your name a while ago and came up with a rather entertaining Encyclopedia Dramatica article.
Beyond that I can't say I'm overly familiar with who you are.
Canada Revenue Agency writes off $133 million owed by one taxpayer
Tax agency refuses to identify person or corporation getting writeoff
Dean Beeby· CBC News·
The Canada Revenue Agency, under National Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier, wrote off a large tax debt of $133 million last year but refuses to provide details. (Justin Tang/Canadian Press)
As the April 30 deadline approaches for filing income tax returns, there's word of an unusually large tax writeoff by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Sometime in the first six months of 2018, the agency wrote off more than $133 million in taxes owed by one taxpayer. It's not clear whether the recipient of the writeoff was a person or a corporation.
The amount was for unspecified excise taxes or excise duties; the CRA has offered no further details.
The massive writeoff is cited in a Sept. 14, 2018 internal CRA memo to explain a big jump in the total tax dollars declared uncollectible, compared with the total for the same period a year previous.
CRA won't say who got it
"The above total amount submitted for writeoff represents an increase of $209M in comparison to the first submission of the 2017-2018 fiscal year," says the memo, obtained by CBC News under the Access to Information Act.
"The increase is attributable to a few large writeoffs, including one for $133M."
The federal government applies excise taxes on fuel-inefficient vehicles, automobile air conditioners and some petroleum products.
Excise duties, on the other hand, are collected on spirits, wine, beer, tobacco products and now cannabis. Excise taxes and duties in 2017-18 brought $5.9 billion into the federal treasury, mostly from alcohol.
A spokesperson for the Canada Revenue Agency declined to identify the taxpayer benefiting from the writeoff, or to provide details of the nature of the uncollected taxes, citing confidentiality provisions under the law.
... large writeoffs of this magnitude are not common- Etienne Biram, CRA spokesperson
Etienne Biram also said the agency could not state whether the amount — $133,416,922.33, to be precise — has set a record for a single federal tax writeoff in Canada.
"We are unable to confirm whether the writeoff you are referencing is the largest, as we do not keep [a] record of this information," he said. "It is important to note that large writeoffs of this magnitude are not common."
The Canada Revenue Agency in 2017-18 wrote off $2.7 billion in taxes owed. That's the largest single-year sum written off by the CRA since the $2.8 billion it abandoned in both 2014-15 and 2013-14.
The agency says that writing off a tax debt does not relieve a taxpayer of the obligation to pay — but it does mean no legal action will be taken unless the taxpayer's situation improves.
'Vast majority' of taxes owed are collected
"The vast majority of accounts receivable will be collected over time," said Biram. "In 2017-2018, the CRA resolved over $57.8 billion in tax debt, of which less than five (per cent) was written off."
The $133 million writeoff by the CRA was approved by CRA Commissioner Bob Hamilton in the same period that saw a March 2018 writeoff of a government bailout loan to the now-bankrupt Chrysler corporation. That writeoff was approved by Finance Minister Bill Morneau and never announced, though CBC News later confirmed that the defunct Chrysler was the firm involved.
It's not clear whether the two writeoffs are related, though excise taxes are applied to the auto industry.
The federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation said taxpayers have a right to privacy in their disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency.
But Aaron Wudrick added that if a writeoff is related to a government subsidy, Canadians also have a right to know the details.
"[I]f a company took a taxpayer subsidy, then that triggers a higher right to transparency for taxpayers," he said.
"If it is indeed for the Chrysler writeoff, it's another kick in the teeth to taxpayers who have lost billions on the auto bailouts. It's a cautionary tale for those who insist these kinds of subsidies are 'good investments.'"
Attn Minister of National Revenue Diane Lebouthillier May I suggest that your minions do the right thing by me and my Income supplement?
---------- Original message ---------- From: "MinFinance / FinanceMin (FIN)"<fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca> Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2018 22:05:38 +0000 Subject: RE: Attn Minister of National Revenue Diane Lebouthillier May I suggest that your minions do the right thing by me and my Income supplement? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
The Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your comments.
Le ministère des Finances accuse réception de votre correspondance électronique. Soyez assuré(e) que nous apprécions recevoir vos commentaires.
, oldmaison > <oldmaison@yahoo.com>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, Karine Fortin <info@ndp.ca> > Cc: david.raymond.amos@gmail.com, Kerry-Lynne.Findlay@parl.gc.ca, > Philippe.Brideau@cra-arc.gc.ca, Madonna.Gardiner@cra-arc.gc.ca, > Bill.Blair@cra-arc.gc.ca, Doug.Gaetz@cra-arc.gc.ca > > Office of the Minister of National Revenue > The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P. > Minister of National Revenue > 7th Floor > 555 MacKenzie Avenue > Ottawa ON K1A 0L5 > > Rebecca Rogers > Director of Communications > Office of the Minister of National Revenue > 613-995-2960 > > Philippe Brideau > Media Relations > Canada Revenue Agency > 613-941-6269 > > Office of the Commissioner - Chief Executive Officer of the CRA > Mr. Andrew Treusch Commissioner of Revenue > Mr. John Ossowski Deputy Commissioner > 7th Floor > 555 MacKenzie Avenue > Ottawa ON K1A 0L5 > Phone 623 957 3688 > > Andrew.Treusch@cra-arc.gc.ca > John.Ossowski@cra-arc.gc.ca > Richard.Montroy@cra-arc.gc.ca > > Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) > Head Office > 11 King Street West > Suite 1600 > Toronto, ON M5H 4C7 > 416.364.2754 > > CEO Ian Russell > 416 865 3035 > irussell@iiac.ca > > Barbara Amsden > Director Special Projects > 416 687 5488 > bamsden@iiac.ca > > For the PUBLIC RECORD in 2008 when Harper decided to call a election > just before the economy crashed and Obama got himself elected I found > out that not one beancounter overseen by Kevin Dancey and his cohorts > was willing to audit me for the benefit of Elections Canada. The > Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants should not deny my > contacts with them in 2008 CORRECT? > > Lets just say the fact that they tried hard to ignore me did not > surprise me but I did send many emails and made a lot of phone calls > in order to discuss all the wicked games the “Harper” government and > its many buddies were playing against me. Seven years ago I didn’t > care if I ever ran for public office again because after doing so four > times within two years I realized that the Canadian and Yankee > electorate didn’t give a good god damn about the fate or the words of > a whistleblower. So I went kinda global with my many concerns after > that. However seven years later the election of the 42nd Parliament > and the following Yankee Presidential election next year are far too > important for any ethical soul to ignore. > > Trust that I don’t care that Harper’s new law does not allow me to > vote. Section 3 of the Charter still allows Donald Sutherland, Wayne > Gretzky and even mean old me to run for a seat in the House of Commons > THAT IS IF I can find someone with enough balls to audit my records or > rather a lack thereof because I take no donations and make no claim > for expenses. There cannot be one soul on the planet easier to audit > that I. Nothing minus nothing equals NOTHING. My auditors in the past > got to send my fellow taxpayers quite a bill byway of Elections Canada > for work they checked with a mere glance. It appears to me that > politics outweighs simple greed. > > With that in mind and knowing that polling day by law would be October > 19th, I began to call many local chartered accountants in the New > Brunswick area this spring to see if anyone would audit me. Not one > would because of local politics so I began to call some accountants in > Toronto as well with the same result. Hell I even forwarded one very > strange response to the Election Commissioner in June and have gotten > no response from his office as of yet. That said once the writ was > dropped I tried even more diligently to find an accountant and was > appalled by their obvious double talk and pure bullshit. With each > call I became more convinced that my last statement in the prior > paragraph was true. So as you all know I stress tested you all last > week and with the exception of a few nice ladies you all failed > bigtime. > > For example whereas I am a fairly well known whistleblower about the > financial industry who still reads and argues a lot need I say I found > this letter interesting? > > http://iiac.ca/wp-content/uploads/IIAC-Commissioner-Treusch-CRA-Letter-Requesting-Meeting-on-T5103+T5013A-Combination-and-XML-Implementation.pdf > > Last week I called and managed to talk to the CEO Ian Russell about > what he had posted to the CRA Commissioner on the Internet. Need I > say that Russell did not impress me? > > At first Russell denied the letter then asked if I got it by way of > Freedom of Information. DUHHH How dumb is that???? Clearly I got it > from his website. I told him it didn’t matter how I got it what was > far more important was the fact that I read it. He also claimed to > have no idea as to who I was even though I had contacted his > organization several times over the years and even watched them check > my work on the Internet. Anyway I heard enough bullshit from him for > one day so I hung up on him and started to talk to his a lot of his > equally snobby buddies. Trust that a lot of very sneaky Upper > Canadians minor ta minions who love money started Googling my name > after that. > > Hardly anybody wanted to talk to me for over a week or played dumb or > insulted me. So on Friday I sent a couple of emails as promised to > many people. By the end of the day I began getting voicemails and > phone calls from snobby dudes who claimed to have not received my > emails but at least my phone still worked EH? On the other hand other > people obviously did get my emails and at least one lady responded in > writing in a very ethical fashion before quitting time on Friday. > > Methinks I should have been a special project for Barbara Amsden many > moons ago. > > In fact since March of 2014 when I found out that I could not collect > my Canada Pension because Revenue Canada had cancelled my SIN number > not once could I talk to anyone of any authority in the employ of > Minister Findlay. Last week the response from her office was way > beyond ridiculous. I was told that there was nobody to speak to within > the Minister’s office because the election was on. I said bullshit the > Minister is still the Minister until her replacement is hopefully > sworn in November or December. Until that time Canadians must continue > to pay their taxes and the National Revenue Minister and her > underlings must continue to do their jobs as per their mandates. Even > after the election is over whether she be reelected or not Ms Findlay > is still a Queen’s Counsel SHE MUST UPHOLD THE LAW just as every > ethical officer of the court should do. What say you now Kerry-Lynne > D. Findlay QC, the current National Revenue Minister? Harper still got > your tongue? > > Trust that none of the Taxpayers Ombudsmen would ever talk to me much > less answer an email since that position was created seven years ago. > Whenever anyone answers the OTO phone they always deny that I sent > their bosses anything and want to make out a new complaint HMMMM. > Perhaps I will and this time send the Ombudsman a summons to Federal > Court instead. With regards to litigation I know for a fact that the > CROWN and even Ms. Sherra Profit’s old law firm (in fact both law > firms before they merged) has a HUGE pile of my documents going back > to 2004 so it should save me a lot of redundant paperwork as I address > taxpayer rights and that of a whistleblower against the taxman and the > CROWN N’esy Pas? > > In closing here are two examples of my emails from years ago.Two > corporate entities in the employ of the CROWN that claim not receive > my emails. Yea Right At least one honest lady working for a Global > outfit in New York who knows how to read and write N'esy Pas Stevey > Boy Harper and Mr Mindless Mulcair? > > Heres hoping I find an honest auditor because lots of folks would > enjoy watching me debate Rob Moore some more EH? > > Veritas Vincit > David Raymond Amos > 902 800 0369 > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Ministre de la Justice Ministre de la Justice > <ministre@justice.gouv.qc.ca> > Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 01:51:40 -0400 > Subject: Rép. : Re: So Whose job is it to audit the auditors? Methinks > it must be mine. (Accusé de réception) > To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com> > > Bonjour, > > > Nous accusons réception de votre courriel et vous remercions d'avoir > communiqué avec la ministre de la Justice. > > Nous vous assurons que votre demande sera traitée avec toute l'attention > qu'elle mérite.
Thank you for your various correspondence about abusive tax schemes, and for your understanding regarding the delay of this response.
This is an opportunity for me to address your concerns about the way the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) deals with aggressive tax planning, tax avoidance, and tax evasion by targeting individuals and groups that promote schemes intended to avoid payment of tax. It is also an opportunity for me to present the Government of Canada’s main strategies for ensuring fairness for all taxpayers.
The CRA’s mission is to preserve the integrity of Canada’s tax system, and it is taking concrete and effective action to deal with abusive tax schemes. Through federal budget funding in 2016 and 2017, the government has committed close to $1 billion in cracking down on tax evasion and combatting tax avoidance at home and through the use of offshore transactions. This additional funding is expected to generate federal revenues of $2.6 billion over five years for Budget 2016, and $2.5 billion over five years for Budget 2017.
More precisely, the CRA is cracking down on tax cheats by hiring more auditors, maintaining its underground economy specialist teams, increasing coverage of aggressive goods and service tax/harmonized sales tax planning, increasing coverage of multinational corporations and wealthy individuals, and taking targeted actions aimed at promoters of abusive tax schemes.
On the offshore front, the CRA continues to develop tools to improve its focus on high‑risk taxpayers. It is also considering changes to its Voluntary Disclosures Program following the first set of program recommendations received from an independent Offshore Compliance Advisory Committee. In addition, the CRA is leading international projects to address the base erosion and profit shifting initiative of the G20 and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and is collaborating with treaty partners to address the Panama Papers leaks.
These actions are evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting tax fairness. The CRA has strengthened its intelligence and technical capacities for the early detection of abusive tax arrangements and deterrence of those who participate in them. To ensure compliance, it has increased the number of actions aimed at promoters who use illegal schemes. These measures include increased audits of such promoters, improved information gathering, criminal investigations where warranted, and better communication with taxpayers.
To deter potential taxpayer involvement in these schemes, the CRA is increasing notifications and warnings through its communications products. It also seeks partnerships with tax preparers, accountants, and community groups so that they can become informed observers who can educate their clients.
The CRA will assess penalties against promoters and other representatives who make false statements involving illegal tax schemes. The promotion of tax schemes to defraud the government can lead to criminal investigations, fingerprinting, criminal prosecution, court fines, and jail time.
Between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2016, the CRA’s criminal investigations resulted in the conviction of 42 Canadian taxpayers for tax evasion with links to money and assets held offshore. In total, the $34 million in evaded taxes resulted in court fines of $12 million and 734 months of jail time.
When deciding to pursue compliance actions through the courts, the CRA consults the Department of Justice Canada to choose an appropriate solution. Complex tax-related litigation is costly and time consuming, and the outcome may be unsuccessful. All options to recover amounts owed are considered.
More specifically, in relation to the KPMG Isle of Man tax avoidance scheme, publicly available court records show that it is through the CRA’s efforts that the scheme was discovered. The CRA identified many of the participants and continues to actively pursue the matter. The CRA has also identified at least 10 additional tax structures on the Isle of Man, and is auditing taxpayers in relation to these structures.
To ensure tax fairness, the CRA commissioned an independent review in March 2016 to determine if it had acted appropriately concerning KPMG and its clients. In her review, Ms. Kimberley Brooks, Associate Professor and former Dean of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, examined the CRA’s operational processes and decisions in relation to the KPMG offshore tax structure and its efforts to obtain the names of all taxpayers participating in the scheme. Following this review, the report, released on May 5, 2016, concluded that the CRA had acted appropriately in its management of the KPMG Isle of Man file. The report found that the series of compliance measures the CRA took were in accordance with its policies and procedures. It was concluded that the procedural actions taken on the KPMG file were appropriate given the facts of this particular case and were consistent with the treatment of taxpayers in similar situations. The report concluded that actions by CRA employees were in accordance with the CRA’s Code of Integrity and Professional Conduct. There was no evidence of inappropriate interaction between KPMG and the CRA employees involved in the case.
Under the CRA’s Code of Integrity and Professional Conduct, all CRA employees are responsible for real, apparent, or potential conflicts of interests between their current duties and any subsequent employment outside of the CRA or the Public Service of Canada. Consequences and corrective measures play an important role in protecting the CRA’s integrity.
The CRA takes misconduct very seriously. The consequences of misconduct depend on the gravity of the incident and its repercussions on trust both within and outside of the CRA. Misconduct can result in disciplinary measures up to dismissal.
All forms of tax evasion are illegal. The CRA manages the Informant Leads Program, which handles leads received from the public regarding cases of tax evasion across the country. This program, which coordinates all the leads the CRA receives from informants, determines whether there has been any non-compliance with tax law and ensures that the information is examined and conveyed, if applicable, so that compliance measures are taken. This program does not offer any reward for tips received.
The new Offshore Tax Informant Program (OTIP) has also been put in place. The OTIP offers financial compensation to individuals who provide information related to major cases of offshore tax evasion that lead to the collection of tax owing. As of December 31, 2016, the OTIP had received 963 calls and 407 written submissions from possible informants. Over 218 taxpayers are currently under audit based on information the CRA received through the OTIP.
With a focus on the highest-risk sectors nationally and internationally and an increased ability to gather information, the CRA has the means to target taxpayers who try to hide their income. For example, since January 2015, the CRA has been collecting information on all international electronic funds transfers (EFTs) of $10,000 or more ending or originating in Canada. It is also adopting a proactive approach by focusing each year on four jurisdictions that raise suspicion. For the Isle of Man, the CRA audited 3,000 EFTs totalling $860 million over 12 months and involving approximately 800 taxpayers. Based on these audits, the CRA communicated with approximately 350 individuals and 400 corporations and performed 60 audits.
In January 2017, I reaffirmed Canada’s important role as a leader for tax authorities around the world in detecting the structures used for aggressive tax planning and tax evasion. This is why Canada works daily with the Joint International Tax Shelter Information Centre (JITSIC), a network of tax administrations in over 35 countries. The CRA participates in two expert groups within the JITSIC and leads the working group on intermediaries and proponents. This ongoing collaboration is a key component of the CRA’s work to develop strong relationships with the international community, which will help it refine the world-class tax system that benefits all Canadians.
The CRA is increasing its efforts and is seeing early signs of success. Last year, the CRA recovered just under $13 billion as a result of its audit activities on the domestic and offshore fronts. Two-thirds of these recoveries are the result of its audit efforts relating to large businesses and multinational companies.
But there is still much to do, and additional improvements and investments are underway.
Tax cheats are having a harder and harder time hiding. Taxpayers who choose to promote or participate in malicious and illegal tax strategies must face the consequences of their actions. Canadians expect nothing less. I invite you to read my most recent statement on this matter at canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/2017/03/ statement_from_thehonourabledianelebouthillierministerofnational.
Thank you for taking the time to write. I hope the information I have provided is helpful.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier Minister of National Revenue
'Is that even legal?': Companies may be sharing new credit or debit card information without you knowing
133 Comments
David R. Amos Methinks folks should Google "Harper and Bankers" then say Hey to the banksters for me N'esy Pas?
Robert Borden
Reply to @David R. Amos: while they are googling that, perhaps they should also google "David Raymond Amos", just to get perspective.
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Robert Borden: Please do and ethical folks should add Federal Court File No T-1557-15 to their search Correct?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Robert Borden: "just to get perspective. "
Perhaps you should Google Fundy Royal Debate.
David R. Amos Reply to @Robert Borden: Methinks if you are going to attack me in a politcal fashion you should be decent enough to do it with your real name Clearly you cannot be the lawyer Robert Borden who was 8th Prime Minister of Canada N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Reply to @David R. Amos: Methinks somebody just made a major faux pas N'esy Pas?
Daulton Mckitty I cannot believe what i just read, wow! Our bank? without our consent, other firm and data collection business have all our info, and our banks gave it to them, because how else would they get! This is scary!
David R. Amos
Reply to @daulton mckitty: Methinks I must ask have you ever heard of FATCA? Trudeau can trust that many banksters and Yankees have N'esy Pas?
'Is that even legal?': Companies may be sharing new credit or debit card information without you knowing
Privacy advocate calls for laws requiring financial institutions to get customers to opt-in to service
Rosa Marchitelli· CBC News· Posted: Apr 21, 2019 8:00 PM ET
Vanessa Acuña is upset that PayPal was given the new expiry date on her Visa debit card without her knowledge. (Richard Grundy/CBC)
A Vancouver woman is sounding the alarm for millions of Canadians who have credit and debit cards, after information about her debit card was shared when it shouldn't have been.
Vanessa Acuña blames an "updating service" that some credit and debit card companies have that allows new account numbers and expiry dates to be shared with merchants customers have dealt with in the past.
Information about the sharing of this kind of information with third party companies is often buried in the fine print of bank and credit card agreements.
She thought the details of her Visa debit card — a debit card that can be used for online purchases — were secure.
"[I thought], 'How is this legal?'" Acuña said after discovering PayPal was given the new expiry date on her Visa debit card without her knowledge.
Visa — and other major credit cards — have "updater" programs, that automatically provide updated customer credit card information to subscribing merchants, including account numbers and expiry dates.
Companies automatically opt-in their customers to the service, whether they realize it or not.
The program is meant to be a convenience for customers and help merchants avoid missed payments on recurring bills.
"I have huge privacy concerns … I would really prefer that they tell you and give you an option to opt out of it. But that's not what they did."
The merchants who get the automatic updates pay for the service.
Thomas Keenan, author of TechnoCreep — a book about how technology is eroding privacy — says financial institutions need to ask themselves if they should be making money by sharing customers' information.
Author Thomas Keenan says credit card holders trade privacy for the convenience of the automatic updater service. (Colin Hall/CBC)
"Banks make a business out of information sharing. They actually have services — Visa, MasterCard — and they are paid to share that information," said Keenan.
Acuña believes that updater service is the reason the online payment system got her card information when it shouldn't have — but when she tried to find out why it happened, she couldn't.
'The bank wouldn't do that'
Acuña thought what happened to her private information was her decision, when PayPal sent an email in March asking her to update her debit card's expiry date.
She says she ignored the request, since she opened the account five years ago and rarely shops online and didn't want PayPal to have her new card information.
"Two days afterwards, I got another email saying, 'Oh we updated for you, so you don't have to.' And I just thought 'what?'" Acuña said.
She spent hours on the phone with TD Canada Trust, PayPal and Visa Canada, but instead of getting an explanation, she got three different answers.
PayPal told Acuña it got her new expiry date from her "financial institution or her credit card company."
Visa and TD both denied giving PayPal that information.
"[They said] they don't know who gave PayPal my information, which I don't think is a very good answer," Acuña said.
PayPal backtracks
It turns out Acuña's information shouldn't have been shared at all, since only Visa credit — not debit — cards are part of the updating agreement with TD.
Yet, none of the three companies involved will explain how her new debit card data ended up with PayPal.
Acuña spent hours on the phone trying to figure out why PayPal was given the new expiry date on her Visa debit card. (Richard Grundy/CBC)
After initially telling Go Public it got Acuña's information from the "account update services," PayPal backtracked a few days later, saying the account updater service "doesn't apply" in Acuña's case.
So, how did PayPal get her new expiry date? It won't say, citing customer confidentiality — even though Acuña agreed to waive confidentiality to allow the company to answer Go Public's questions. Visa Canada and TD also won't say who gave her card's new expiry date to PayPal.
"Visa does not automatically update expiry date information on behalf of TD Visa debit cardholders," Visa spokesperson Elisabeth Napolano said in an email, "Please refer your questions to PayPal."
"TD has no ability to automatically update expiry date information with merchants on behalf of TD Visa debit cardholders. For more information about the service, we recommend reaching out to Visa," wrote Geraldine Anderson from the bank's public relations department.
'Totally unacceptable'
Ann Cavoukian, former privacy commissioner of Ontario, says customers should have to agree to opt-in to services that share updated credit card information with third parties. Right now, customers are automatically opted-in to the service. (Joe Fiorino/CBC)
The lack of answers is why banks and credit card companies shouldn't be sharing any credit or debit card information without clear consent from customers, says Ann Cavoukian, who heads up the Privacy by Design Centre of Excellence at Ryerson University in Toronto.
"It's totally unacceptable," said Cavoukian, who worked as Ontario's information and privacy commissioner from 1997-2014.
"PayPal is one thing. But your own personal bank where your financial info is stored and kept? As I keep telling businesses, this is not your information. The information belongs to the individual."
She wants to see banks get what she calls "positive informed consent" before providing a third party with a customer's information.
"The banks have to step up and do this. They can't just assume you're OK with them sharing your new credit information."
Cavoukian wants to see Canada's privacy legislation, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, upgraded to match the one the European Union introduced in May. The General Data Protection Regulation is considered to have some of the world's strictest online privacy rules.
For now, if customers want to stop merchants from getting updated credit card information, they have to opt out through their banks — although it's unclear if that would have helped Acuña.
"I'm capable of putting in my information online if I need to. It's not a hassle for me, so I definitely would like the option," Acuña said
She says from now on, she'll take the time to read through all the legalese on those lengthy card agreements, and make sure she opts out of anything that allows financial institutions to share her information with third parties.
Submit your story ideas
Go Public is an investigative news segment on CBC-TV, radio and the web. We tell your stories and hold the powers that be accountable. We want to hear from people across the country with stories you want to make public. Submit your story ideas to gopublic@cbc.ca. Follow @CBCGoPublic on Twitter.
About the Author
Rosa Marchitelli
@cbcRosa
Rosa Marchitelli is a national award winner for her investigative work. As co-host of the CBC News segment Go Public, she has a reputation for asking tough questions and holding companies and individuals to account. Rosa's work is seen across CBC News platforms.
With 6 months to go, Justin Trudeau is up against history
7409 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
Rick Guthrie Let's see - Election reform - fail Transparency - fail Trade - fail Immigration - fail Pipelines - fail Border security - fail Ethics - fail Taxes - fail Environment - fail Veterans - fail Phoenix - fail International diplomacy - fail National Unity - fail Remind me again why the Liberals got elected - oh ya, pot.
Richard Sharp Reply to @Rick Guthrie:
On all of your categories, the Libs have delivered on more election and other promises than not. By a country mile.
In other words, your post is a mistruth, with stronger words to follow..
David R. Amos
Reply to @Richard Sharp: "In other words, your post is a mistruth, with stronger words to follow.."
Methinks folks were not to hold their breath waiting to read stronger words from you N'esy Pas?
David Butler Most utterly incompetent majority Cdn government ever. A total embarrassment.
David R. Amos
Reply to @David Butler: Methinks many folk agree that the Harper government was every bit as bad and Trudeau did support Harper's evil Bill C 51N'esy Pas?
Garry Walton This poll tracker garbage is a joke, Justin is toast.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Garry Walton: 'Justin is toast"
Methinks many agree that he could still win a minority N'esy Pas?
Mark Bronatzky Only the people who believe that they're getting back more than they spend on the carbon tax are voting liberal......and those who believe in Santa claus
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mark Bronatzky: Methinks about 30 percent will vote liberal, 30 percent will vote conservative and 10 percent will go NDP or whatever no matter what. Its the votes of the remaining 30 percent that truly matter and a lot of them won't make up their minds until polling day N'esy Pas?
Joe Fast Cannot believe support for the Liberals are anywhere near the numbers mentioned. They have been an absolute failure and spend spend spend just like the former Ontario ones. Governments need to listen to the people in this country. We do not have the money anymore thanks to Liberal governments. I would think support for the Liberals should be close to zero.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Joe Fast: "Cannot believe support for the Liberals are anywhere near the numbers mentioned."
Methinks you should keep in mind who published this article N'esy Pas?
Jason Martin Trudeau has nobody to blame, but himself for the demise of the liberal party. He promised change, and instead tried to impose his belief system on Canadians and it back-fired. Add in the fiscal irresponsibility and poof, his legacy has gone up in smoke.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Jason Martin: "Trudeau has nobody to blame, but himself for the demise of the liberal party."
True
Daryll Mcbain If I was a Liberal I would be demanding a new leader, Trudeau is the biggest liability for the Liberal party, he is seen as a phoney.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Daryll Mcbain: "If I was a Liberal I would be demanding a new leader"
Methinks it rather amazing that they have not N'esy Pas?
Garry Walton
It will be like the tide coming in and washing all the sunny day sand castles away, the beach will be left with a few pairs of old socks. Good riddance.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Garry Walton: Methinks you seem a little bitter about something N'esy Pas?
Larry Mackenzie Even Quebec has turned their back on Trudeau.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Larry Mackenzie: "Even Quebec has turned their back on Trudeau."
Methinks that kind of special if true N'esy Pas?
Ken Jackson The sooner Canada gets rid of Trudeau and McKenna the better of the country will be!
Scotty Davidson Reply to @Ken Jackson: And Freeland...
Johny Ng
Reply to @Scotty Davidson: and Morneau
David R. Amos
Reply to @Ken Jackson: Methinks Trudeau'a entire cabinet needs to exit stage left N'esy Pas?
Frank Goodwood Worst PM Canada has ever had. In October he's gone!
David R. Amos
Reply to @Frank Goodwood: Methinks Sir John A. MacDonald has that title in the bag N'esy Pas?
With 6 months to go, Justin Trudeau is up against history
Incumbent governments usually lead in the polls this far out from an election — and struggle when they don't
Éric Grenier· CBC News·
Unlike most prime ministers since the end of the Second World War, Justin Trudeau and his party are trailing in the polls with just six months to go before the federal election. (Christopher Katsarov/Canadian Press)
Half a year is a long time in politics, but when you're trailing in the polls it might not feel like it's long enough.
That's where Justin Trudeau's Liberal government finds itself with six months to go before the fall federal election.
And when past prime ministers have been in this spot before, it generally hasn't ended well for them.
Since the Second World War, when political public opinion polling first started in Canada, the governing party has trailed in the polls six to eight months before the subsequent election nine times.
On two occasions, that party was reduced to a minority government. On five occasions, it was defeated. On only two occasions did it secure a majority.
For parties that led in the polls this far out from election day, it's a much different picture: of the 14 such cases since 1945, the party leading has been defeated just three times. That's a bad historical precedent for Prime Minister Trudeau.
According to the CBC's Canada Poll Tracker, an aggregation of all publicly available polling data, the Liberals trail the Conservatives by a margin of 2.5 percentage points, with 32.7 per cent against 35.2 per cent for Andrew Scheer's party.
On average, prime ministers who met defeat at the ballot box trailed in the polls by a margin of three points at the six-month mark. Those parties that went on to re-election with a majority government enjoyed an average lead of 12 points at the six-month mark.
Obviously, much can change in six days before an election, let alone six months. Still, the historical record shows it's much better to be ahead than behind, even this far out.
Exceptions that prove the rule
Past prime ministers have successfully overcome wider polling deficits than the one Trudeau faces now. But those were exceptional cases.
Ahead of the 1962 election, John Diefenbaker's Progressive Conservatives were behind Lester Pearson's Liberals by a margin of six points. In the end, Diefenbaker managed to hold on but was sent back to Ottawa with a shaky minority government that met its end within a year.
In early 1988, Brian Mulroney's PCs were behind by seven points. But Mulroney was able to turn the November federal election into a referendum on the free trade agreement with the United States, keeping his party in power in the process.
At the end of 1967, the Liberals were trailing the PCs and their newly installed leader, Robert Stanfield, by nine points. It took a change of leadership of their own for the Liberals to win in 1968 under Pierre Trudeau.
PC Leader Robert Stanfield shakes the hand of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau ahead of the 1968 leaders debate. Stanfield led in the polls in late 1967 before Trudeau took over the Liberal Party in 1968. (Peter Bregg/Canadian Press)
Pierre Trudeau barely overcame the odds again after just one term in 1972. He was narrowly behind Stanfield going into that fall's election and emerged with a minority government.
That isn't the only example that has some familiar (as well as familial) connections to the current Trudeau government. The Liberals were trailing behind the PCs by a similar margin at the end of 1978, before Joe Clark's short-lived minority government was elected in 1979.
There are a few exceptions on the other side of the ledger, too. Louis St-Laurent lost despite a 17-point lead in 1957 after 22 years of Liberal government, Paul Martin was ahead by 10 points in 2005 before he lost his lead to the Conservatives over the course of the 2005-06 campaign. And Stephen Harper was narrowly ahead in 2015 at the six-month mark, though that was due to the opposition vote being divided between Trudeau's Liberals and Tom Mulcair's New Democrats.
Scheer, Singh on par with predecessors
Both the Conservatives and the NDP are roughly where those parties tend to be at this stage of the pre-election period.
At just over 35 per cent nationwide, Scheer's party is about even with where past Conservative parties under different leaders have stood with six months to go. Excluding the run-up to the 1997 and 2000 elections — when the right was divided between the PCs and the Reform/Canadian Alliance parties — the Conservatives have averaged 34 per cent support with six months to go before an election.
It's a level of support that can go either way. Clark's party was at 37 per cent at this stage before his defeat in 1980, while Diefenbaker's PCs were also at 37 per cent before he was reduced to a minority government in 1962. Stanfield's party had 35 per cent support at the six-month mark before he held Pierre Trudeau to a minority in 1972, while Harper's Conservatives were at 35 per cent before he was re-elected in 2008.
The NDP's current standing in the polls is very typical for the party this far out from voting day. With 15.3 per cent, Jagmeet Singh's NDP is just slightly below the 16 per cent average the party and its predecessor, the CCF, have managed at this point in election cycles since 1945. It puts Singh right in the middle of the pack of historical NDP performances.
Liberals at their lowest, except for the last three times
The Liberals' current level of support, however, is atypical. The Liberals have averaged 40 per cent support six months ahead of past elections — but the party's current 33 per cent support puts Trudeau's Liberals in 21st place out of 24 past elections. The only pre-election periods in which the Liberals had lower support than they do today were in 2008, 2011 and 2015 — the last three federal votes.
Of those, the 2011 election was the worst the Liberal Party of Canada has ever experienced. The last one in 2015 saw the Liberals win the most seats they have since 1949.
It's a reminder that history is not always doomed to repeat itself. Looking at where the numbers stand six months before Canadians render their verdict on Trudeau's time in power, and the record of his predecessors in the office, the prime minister must be hoping for a clean break with history.
About the Author
Éric Grenier
Politics and polls
Éric Grenier is a senior writer and the CBC's polls analyst. He was the founder of ThreeHundredEight.com and has written for The Globe and Mail, Huffington Post Canada, The Hill Times, Le Devoir, and L’actualité.
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others Methinks old Johnny "Never Been Good" Crosbie and a lot of fat, dumb and happy cops, lawyers, politicians and journalists in Newfoundland know why I am gonna have fun with this election N'esy Pas?
Here's the juggernaut Ches Crosbie will have to fight like hell to overcome
35 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David R. Amos Methinks I should resend an old email then call NL Alliance's Graydon Pelley to see if he remembers me N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos: Here is little Deja Vu for folks to enjoy
2005 01 T 0010
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
TRAIL DIVISION
BETWEEN: WILLIAM MATTHEWS PLAINTIFF
AND: BYRON PRIOR DEFENDANT
AND BETWEEN: BYRON PRIOR DEFENDANT/PLAINTIFF BY COUNTERCLAIM
AND: WILLIAM MATTHEWS PLAINTIFF/FIRST DEFENDANT BY COUNTERCLAIM
AND: T. ALEX HICKMAN SECOND DEFENDANT BY COUNTERCLAIM
AND: THOMAS MARSHALL THIRD DEFENDANT BY COUNTERCLAIM
AND: DANNY WILLIAMS FOURTH DEFENDANT BY COUNTERCLAIM
AND: EDWARD M. ROBERTS FIFTH DEFENDANT BY COUNTERCLAIM
AND: JOHN CROSBIE SIXTH DEFENDANT BY COUNTERCLAIM
AND: PATTERSON PALMER SEVENTH DEFENDANT BY COUNTERCLAIM
ORDER
Before the Honourable Chief Justice Green.
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos: Filed January 21, 2005
UPON HEARING Stephen J. May, of Counsel for the Plaintiff, AND UPON READING the Application and Affidavit filed herein, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, until further order of the court, Byron Prior is prohibited from publishing, causing to have published, distributing or causing to have distributed the Statement of Defence and Counterclaim pending the determination of the Applicant's Application to strike the Statement of Defence and Counterclaim in its entirety, and that the Court's file in this proceeding is not to be made available for review by anyone other than the parties or their legal counsel pending the determination of the Applicant's Application to strike the Statement of Defence and Counterclaim in its entirety, and that the requirements relating to the obligations of the Defendants to the Counterclaim to file Defences are be waived pending the determination of the Applicant's Application to strike the Statement of Defence and Counterclaim in its entirety. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT the content of the Statement of Defence and Counterclaim shall not be published or broadcast in any manner whatsoever until further order of the court.
AND IT IS HEREBY FURTHER ORDERED that the Application to strike the Statement of Defence and Counterclaim is scheduled to be heard on January 26, 2005.
AND IT IS HEREBY FURTHER ORDERED that costs of this Application be in the cause.
DATED at St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador this 21st day of January, 2005.
Signed by J. Derek Green, Chief Justice
Gerald Niven I got a tell ya about my political nightmare…There I was, I found myself unable to move a muscle, while I looked on as Liberals Roger Grimes, Billy Rowe, Eddie Roberts, Rossy Barbour, and Joey Smallwood were sitting around a Holiday Inn room having a séance. Old Joey was leading the séance, and a ghostly image of Chess Crosbie was emerging from a genie bottle, but then… all of a sudden, Dwit Ball appeared and pushed Joey over because Ball was in a tussle head-lock with PC Jim Morgan, better known as Jigger Jim…Then, Liberal Steve Neary of Bell Island fame started in singing Dick Nolan’s hit tune ‘Aunt Martha’s Sheep’… but, the next thing I know, John White from the TV show All Around the Circle fame was fist fisticuffs with Dick Nolan, and yelling at Dwit to let go Jigger Jim… The next thing I know Brian Tobin’s image also started coming out of the genie’s lamp, but like a ravenous wolf, old dip stick, Chess Crosbie, bit off Tobin’s head… Then, old Dwit screamed out, The Writ, the Writ… and, everybody scrambled, while an envelope of insense smoke immersed everybody in the room, and all I could hear was the fading screaming voice of Dwit yelling, “The Dwit, The Dwit”…sounding like that little midget guy from that old 1970’s TV show Fantasy Island yelling, de Plane, Boss… de Plane… Man what a hag… what a nightmare… Maybe, NL is a Fantasy Island…Anyway, fantasy or no fantasy, I’m all messed up…knowing more of who not to vote for, than who to vote for… me-old-stick-in-the-mud
Mark Mac
Reply to @Gerald Niven: what’d you eat before bed dude? magic mushrooms?
Patrick David
Reply to @Mark Mac: I wonder what material Gerald's hat is made from ?
Robert G. Holmes
Reply to @Gerald Niven: It's an age thing Gerald. I had similar nightmare, awoke in a sweat, and near died laughing reading your post. You didn't miss much, other than the bog hole GHB fell into while fishing with Craiggy, boys and girls.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Gerald Niven: Methinks many a true word is said in jest N'esy Pas?
Gerald Niven
Reply to @Mark Mac: Well Marc, I lapped into some of that NL farmed salmon with a few Blackhorse out in the shed the other night... I don't know if what I ate could have had any of that infectious salmon anemia, what Gerry Byrne calls ISA Salmon, from Gaultois, Hermitage Bay way... Could a been that, alright... I didn't bother to look at it closely for any sea lice or parasites... I mean Gerry Byrne in a news publication said it was fit to eat, and if you can't believe a politician, than who can you believe. right?... Anyway, just to be on the safe side, before I eats anymore, I'm going to write Gerry's office and ask, if he eats any of it..
Ches Crosbie rallied supporters Wednesday night as he launched his campaign. (CBC)
While never so foolish as to predict the outcome of the election, I feel comfortable stating this: Tory Leader Ches Crosbie has one massive problem to solve if he wants to turn Newfoundland and Labrador blue next month.
It's not a problem of his own making.
It's also not a problem that will be easy to fix.
It's the problem of incumbency — and not his, but rather the party he wants to unseat.
Let me explain.
Of the slate of 40 candidates that the governing Liberals will have going into the election, 27 are sitting members of the House of Assembly.
Twenty-seven.
Put another way: every single member of the Liberal caucus is running again. The works. Only one of them (Betty Parsley, in Harbour Main) faced a nomination challenge along the way.
No guarantee of success, but quite the weapon
Before we look at the Liberals' advantage, let's not forget that the Tories are going into the campaign with some key strengths.
Chief among them is the momentum that comes from winning all three byelections held since the last general election. The Tories kept seats held by Paul Davis and Steve Kent, and — significantly — Crosbie himself picked off the St. John's seat that former Liberal finance minister Cathy Bennett had held.
Ches Crosbie greets his father, PC legend John Crosbie, after winning September's byelection in Windsor Lake. (CBC)
In other words, the Tories can turn seats.
The issue: they have to turn 13 of them (and win all that they hold) to form a majority government.
Even people who are not fans of Dwight Ball will acknowledge that the Liberals are going into this election from a position of strength. Incumbency is a potent force in politics. It hardly guarantees success, but it does give momentum and weight to a party … and it can sap the resources of parties aiming to overturn the status quo.
In this case, the fact that no Liberal MHAs are stepping away from the political fight tells us something about the mood inside the party. Namely, there's a confidence in the air. They expect to win.
The risk of being arrogant
Now, that runs the risk of cockiness and arrogance — something the PCs, the NDP and the upstart NL Alliance can use to their advantage.
It's natural for a party that's just finishing its first term back in government to have a solid cadre of returning candidates.
Liberal Leader Dwight Ball officially launched his campaign in St. John's on Wednesday night. (CBC)
But it's even more remarkable that there hasn't been turnover. With most elections, you'll hear from some MHAs — the ones who've been around the block — to declare that it's time to retire, or perhaps lean on that old euphemism of spending more time with family. (Sometimes that's true, by the way, but it's often a cloak for "I don't want to run and lose.")
Indeed, two of the veteran MHAs who did step down before the election was called were both Tories. Keith Hutchings, the former fisheries minister, has represented the PC stronghold of Ferryland since a 2007 byelection. Tracey Perry is retiring after representing Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune since the 2007 election.
Everyone in politics knows incumbency in politics can be a mighty factor. Satisfaction with Liberal performance has not been consistently strong in public opinion polling over the last four years, but by the same token, there are few signs of an anti-incumbent feeling in the air.
Liberals were faster out of the gate
In our office, we've been sharing notes about candidates in a spreadsheet. Even before the Liberals filled all their slots on Wednesday, they were way ahead of the competing parties. The PCs had notable gaps in their slate, including several districts held by cabinet ministers.
The NDP has had far more empty slots than filled ones. This speaks to the uphill struggle the party has, coming after a tumultuous start to the year with leader Gerry Rogers unexpectedly stepping down, Alison Coffin taking over the reins, and some clear signs of infighting with St. John's Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O'Leary squeezed out in Lorraine Michael's old district of St. John's East-Quidi Vidi.
The four party leaders are, from left, Ball, Crosbie, New Democrat Alison Coffin and NL Alliance's Graydon Pelley. (CBC)
When it became clear that Ball was heading to the electorate, the NDP had a handful — four, to be exact — candidates nominated and in place. (Coffin herself was not yet officially nominated at that point.)
Then there's the NL Alliance, which cleared hurdles to become a fully fledged political party in time for the vote. Leader Graydon Pelley, who ran against Ball for the PCs in Humber-Gros Morne in 2015, is running this time in the St. John's district of Mount Scio.
It'll be interesting to see how much organizational strength that Pelley, a former PC president, takes from the Crosbie camp … not to mention the other parties.
Crosbie, of all the opposition leaders, will be the one that most voters will watch. That's natural; the Tories, after all, were in power four years ago.
But amid everything the Tory campaign has to deal with — recruiting candidates, raising money, rounding up volunteers — a killer headache for the blue team is the red side's massive advantage of incumbency.
For all your weekend reading needs
It's a long weekend. Enjoy a moment to catch your breath … and some to read.
Here are some recent stories we've published that you might enjoy:
Doctors are seeing unnecessary appointments because income support clients need medical appointments in order to meet the qualifications for Metrobus passes.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is widely sought for pain relief … but not by many doctors, who are still waiting for clinical evidence.
Quote of the week
Finance Minister Tom Obsorne broke down details of this year's budget Tuesday; none of the details have yet been debated or approved. (Fred Hutton/CBC)
"I would have preferred to have seen this chop away at our deficit next year, and the year after, and to help us with surpluses every year. In fact, I argued with financial officials in the department, but this is the system we use, it's accrual accounting. It is what it is."
— Finance Minister Tom Osborne, telling reporters on Budget Day he really, really didn't want to have a $1.9-billion surplus on the books because of the refreshed Atlantic Accord. Almost all of the money will show up over the coming decades.
And now, a moment of calm
When things get hectic, find some calm. The above photo of Newtown, from frequent contributor Penney Turner, will do the trick.
Liberals aiming to 'catch parties off guard' with election call, says MUN professor
Election call has left other parties 'scrambling,' says Kelly Blidook
CBC News·
Kelly Blidook is a professor of political science at Memorial University. (Eddy Kennedy/CBC)
With election signs sprouting from front lawns and branded busses on the roads, the 2019 provincial election is off to the races — but why is the election happening now?
Dwight Ball has said he didn't want to interfere with the federal election scheduled for late October, but Memorial University political science professor Kelly Blidook says there was also some political strategy involved in the decision.
By calling the election right before the Easter long weekend — and just a day after tabling a budget — Blidook says the Liberals are hoping to surprise their opponents, and it's left the other parties "scrambling."
The Liberals took advantage of the rush of people heading to work Thursday to launch their election campaign in St. John's. (Ariana Kelland/CBC)
"I think they are looking at parties that are not fully ready, the other parties simply don't have all their candidates in place," he said.
"Because they are the governing party, it's easier for them to get candidates in place and lined up. They're trying to catch parties off guard if they can, they're taking what advantages they can."
One of those advantages for the Liberals is Elections NL's Thursday afternoon deadline for candidate nominations, a timeline that Blidook says will make it difficult for Ches Crosbie's Progressive Conservative party to run candidates across the province.
"You just want to be campaigning at this point, you don't want to be recruiting, and you don't want to be recruiting on the Easter weekend," he said.
"It would be detrimental, certainly, to not have the full 40 [candidates]."
After nominating six more candidates on Friday, the PCs now have 28 in place.
Ches Crosbie, accompanied by his team, at CBC Thursday for an interview with the St. John's Morning Show. (Kenny Sharpe/CBC)
And while it's within the governing party's rights to divert from the fixed election date, Blidook says it's understandable that some voters could be cynical about a Liberal decision that works to their own advantage.
"This is a party that could've passed a budget, that could've given us exactly what they said they were doing, could've governed," he said.
"They've done the governing part up to the point where they feel it's advantageous and then called an election. I don't know if I'd say it's somehow unethical, but I think it does invite a cynicism."
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others I heard the Queen has a retreat in those woods hence old growth still exists. Methinks one good thing about the elite is that they care about the forests and the wildlife around their private getaways N'esy Pas?
Kilmer Group unloaded nearly 16,000 hectares of its N.B. forest properties to German investors
Robert Jones· CBC News·
Some of the forest sold includes 91 hectares along the Bartholomew River southwest of Blackville, not far from this property purchased by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in 2015. (Nature Conservancy of Canada/Submitted)
A purchase of 265 New Brunswick timberland properties in the Miramichi area involving German investors, a firm that partly owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and a flamboyant international land dealer has introduced new players into the province's forest economy.
It's generating curiosity but no immediate concern.
"I don't know anything, nothing" said Patrick Doucet, the general manager of the Northshore Forest Products Marketing Board, whose members also own forest land in the area.
"It's good to know. I'm glad I heard it. I didn't know it"
The Kilmer Group of Toronto owns a major piece of the Toronto Maple Leafs and until recently more than 15,000 hectares of New Brunswick timberland. (Trevor Dunn/CBC)
A CBC review of property and corporate records connected to the sale shows there were two transactions in December for a combined $12.3 million to buy more than 15,000 hectares of mostly forest in central New Brunswick. It covers a combined area larger than Grand Manan Island.
The majority of the properties sit within 20 kilometres of either side of Highway 8 between Doaktown and Miramichi.
Properties were sold by Fornebu Lumber Company Inc. Fornebu operates a major sawmill outside Bathurst that was not part of the sale.
The company also retained control of three large Crown land licences that gives it access to 900,000 hectares of provincially owned forest that feed its Bathurst mill.
Fornebu also buys wood privately from local sellers in central New Brunswick. Doucet said as long as that continues he is unconcerned with the change in ownership of the land.
"They (Fornebu) can do what they want with their properties," said Doucet. "As long as it doesn't affect our woodlot owners we're OK with that."
Prasad Chandrakanthan was installed by the Kilmer Group as President of Fornebu Lumber last June and signed off on the sale of Fornebu's extensive New Brunswick land holdings in December. (Prasad Chandrakanthan/Submitted)
Fornebu has operated in New Brunswick for the past decade and acquired most of the properties at the heart of the sale in 2009 from UPM-Kymmene when it ceased operations in the province.
Last June, Fornebu was absorbed by the Kilmer Group — a Toronto investment firm best known for its ownership stake in media companies and sports franchises including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors through Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment.
Kilmer installed one of its vice-presidents, Prasad Chandrakanthan (Chandra), as president of Fornebu in June 2018 and he signed off on the land sales in December.
Chandra did not return calls last week asking about the deal.
Even less is known about the group that purchased the land and why.
The transaction was facilitated by Halifax land broker Farhad Vladi. He is better known for finding private islands for wealthy European and Asian buyers.
Online pictures show Vladi posing with world leaders, royalty and celebrities at locations all over the globe.
But last winter he was focused for a time on far less glamorous pursuits — sizing up fir, jack pine and spruce trees in New Brunswick locations like Bartibog, Blissfield and Holtville.
Farhad Vladi owns a company based in Halifax that primarily markets private islands to the wealthy. But he has also brokered timberland sales in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for German buyers from his office in Hamburg. (Submitted)
Vladi's office said he was travelling in New Zealand this week and unavailable to speak.
But, in December, he was involved in setting up a company to buy the land — NBH Timberland (Nova Scotia) Ltd. — and briefly served as its president until the transaction with Fornebu closed.
Immediately following the transaction in January, Vladi was replaced as president of NBH Timberland by German businessman Stefan Buttgereit. Matthias Helmstetter, also of Germany, is the only other listed director.
Corporate records show Halifax lawyer Gregory Auld as NBH Timberland's local agent in Canada. He did not immediately return a message asking about the company and its plans.
Vladi has an office in Germany and has brokered timberland deals in the region for Europeans before. In 2009, he arranged the purchase of 4,000 hectares of J.D. Irving Ltd. land near Digby, N.S., for a German businessman he said was looking for a retreat.
The sale agreements give Fornebu exclusive right to buy softwood off some of the parcels it sold until 2028, giving some hint the new owners plan to continue with forestry operations. But beyond that little is known about what, if anything, the sale means for central New Brunswick forestry.
The transaction is one of the largest land sales in the province since J.D. Irving Ltd. bought 90,000 hectares of forest from Bowater in 2006. Despite the amount of land involved, the purchase has mostly gone unnoticed
A spokesman for New Brunswick's Department of Energy and Resource Development said last week he was not aware of the sale and would need to look into it before offering comment.
In a statement released Tuesday morning, Energy and Resource Development Minister Mike Holland said the province has no knowledge of what the new owners will do with the lands they purchased but speculated there may be more to the deal than just forestry.
"We are uncertain of the new owner's future plans, but do know that much of the private property involved in this business-to-business deal is riverfront," said Holland in a statement.
Reply to @William Reed: Methinks any decent Circus always does N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Methinks we should not hold our breath waiting for Minister Mikey Holland or his minions to make a comment about this "news" item N'esy Pas?
Al Clark
Reply to @David R. Amos: Methinks Mikey won't concern himself for 1 second about small land transactions that are perfectly legal and ordinary and will likely result in a few wealthy germans building hunting/fishing lodges on a dying river system. You DO know that wealthy germans have been buying up wild lands for a bargain for decades now Nosey paw? I know a few, so you must know a BUNCH! ;-)
David R. Amos
Reply to @Al Clark: Methinks you know exactly who I am However nobody is quite sure who you are N'esy Pas?
Al Clark
Reply to @David R. Amos: I know well who you are from your internet presence. Me, not so much and I like it that way. Social butterfly is why I think you have to know some of the foreign , rich, happy campers. A very good friend of mine's dad was in on the ground floor in the seventies. He bought a couple of large farms to deer hunt for the cost of a years membership in his German hunting club. He later sold them to other Germans at a VERY healthy profit and they were very happy with their "super deal". The same thing is happening with fundy coastal lands and islands being scooped up by Americans with wads of cash.
David R. Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Al Clark: "Social butterfly is why I think you have to know some of the foreign , rich, happy campers."
Too Too Funny Methinks you just proved that you know nothing at all N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Al Clark: Oh My Go figure why my reply was blocked
John Montgomery As long as they don't cut down all the trees.
David R. Amos
Reply to @John Montgomery: Long ago I heard that the Queen has a retreat somewhere back in those woods hence the old growth still exists. Methinks the one good thing about a lot of the elite is that they have so much money they don't care about making a profit off a few sticks like the Irving Clan does sometimes they care about the wildlife existing around their private getaways N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps Being part owner of the Maple Leafs, they sure know how to make money on the gullible.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks you would be the one to know N"esy Pas?
David Peters If I'm not mistaken, that's where some of NB's finest timber is located. Old growth.
Al Clark
Reply to @David Peters: Yes, CFA profiteers always SAVE the best stuff. SURE! I'm sure the last ten saviours of the Newcastle Mill who rode in with the obligatory huge Gov't grant for "necessary modernization" and then rode out again a few years later ALL did this LOL. I remember when we were kids and could smell the stench 10 miles downriver. For a long time we thought it was the poop mill, being unfamiliar with the word pulp ;-)
David R. Amos
Reply to @David Peters: Methinks that some would call it unceded territory N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others Methinks many politicians understand why CBC deleted my comment about this election being a referendum against the system because I emailed it to them N'esy Pas?
PC minority, Green Opposition will be 'a new era in Island politics'
3995 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
Kasper Kane Justin has done a great job.
A great job at killing the liberal party from coast to coast to coast
David R. Amos Reply to @Kasper Kane: Methinks his sunny ways have gone by the wayside N'esy Pas?
Doug James Reply to @david mccaig: Because thats how the system works? Island Liberals are not exactly leftist either, they were closer to center if not center-right. The difference between parties in the Island isn't quite as extreme as the Federal politics. They'll all actually be able to work together pretty well I expect.
Neil Turv
Reply to @Doug James:
Liberals anywhere are only "leftist" when it suits their purpose, that's why it is so easy to be a centrist party. No ideals, no direction, just run some polls see which way you have to lean to buy votes, pretend to do something meaningful and pander.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Doug James: "Because thats how the system works?"
YUP Methinks thats why two top threads are missing in action N'esy Pas?
Doug James
Reply to @Neil Turv: True. But PEI Liberals as a whole have much more in common with PCs than with NDPs or Greens. My overall point was that the Libs and Greens didn't split anything, I could counter the whole assertion by saying that the Cons and Libs split the right vote.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Doug James: Methinks you must recall my comment about this election being a referendum against the system N'esy Pas?
Glechren Davies I uh um look uh forward to ah um working with the ah um new Conservative government and would like to uh um congratulate them and uh um...
David R. Amos Reply to @Glechren Davies: Methinks Trudeau uh um knows why I um look uh forward to running against ah ah former Harper Cabinet Minister again N'esy Pas?
Kelly Sullivan Reply to @Glechren Davies: Mocking speech hesitation. Classy.
Tom Lusk
Reply to @Kelly Sullivan: That's all they have to contribute.
David R. Amos Reply to @Tom Lusk: "That's all they have to contribute."
Not true Folks just don't get to read it tis all
David R. Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Tom Lusk: Methinks you would have enjoyed reading my (recently deleted) comment about a former Beauty Queen in Ontario calling me yesterday on behalf of the PCs in District 15. Trust that i founf it too too funny indeed that she did not know who Pat Binns was even though Mr King was his director of communications. Perhaps the Conservatives should go back to Robo calls N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Content disabled Reply to @Tom Lusk: Methinks many politicians understand why CBC deleted my comment to you just now and about this election being a referendum against the system because I emailed it to them hours ago N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Reply to @Tom Lusk: Clearly I have proven that to be a fact twice since
Mark (Junkman) George Mr Trudeau, are you paying attention yet? More, and more, Canadians are turning their backs to your badly flawed vision of Canada. It's past time for you to resign and go away quietly.
Frank Goodwood Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: I don't want him to resign. I want to play my part in his firing.
David R. Amos Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: Dream on
Aaron Morris Reply to @Frank Goodwood:
Competitive parties are in the best interest of Canada. He should step down to ensure there is a real competition for our next PM instead of just coronating scheer.
A coronation is how we ended up with Trudeau after all.
David Allan Reply to @Aaron Morris: "A coronation is how we ended up with Trudeau after all. "
Explain please. Trudeau ran for the leadership against several opponents and got 80% support from the party. Scheer only got 48.5% from his party. Not even Conservatives want Scheer.
Tom Lusk Reply to @David Allan: I think you are wasting your time. Facts mean absolutely nothing to conservatives on a national or provincial level. Just like the Republicans.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Aaron Morris: Methinks I should not be surprised to see my response to you go "Poof" N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Aaron Morris: My exact words were Correct?
"Methinks many would agree that this election was a referendum on the two party system that has been abusing us for way past too long N'esy Pas?"
Martin Mueller The PEI Liberals begged Trudeau to NOT come to the island, apparently it didnt matter.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Martin Mueller: YUP
Allen Franks We could have a Liberal-free Canada in a few months.
Lieschen Mueller
Reply to @Allen Franks: Would it not be great if ALL provincial governments were minority PC and that they would have to work with either the NDP or the Greens!!
Lieschen Mueller
Reply to @Pat Mosiuk: Trudeau is acting and becoming like a Stephen Harper!
Tony Hill
Reply to @Lieschen Mueller:
I'd say it's more like Trudeau is acting and becoming like a (Pierre) Trudeau.
Consolidation of power in the PMO, backroom deals, running up big deficits when the economy is strong leaving the cupboards bare for the inevitable next recession? Lots of charisma but not much fiscal smarts?
Yup, that sure sounds like a Trudeau.
Lieschen Mueller
Reply to @Tony Hill: I always thought that Harper was also like PET. He had the same type of arrogance and JT is the same.
Eugene D Burles
Reply to @Allen Franks:
"We could have a Liberal-free Canada in a few months."
If so, will there be enough brown shirts for every Canadian?
Tony Hill Reply to @Lieschen Mueller:
I'd say it's more like Trudeau is acting and becoming like a (Pierre) Trudeau.
Consolidation of power in the PMO, backroom deals, running up big deficits when the economy is strong leaving the cupboards bare for the inevitable next recession? Lots of charisma but not much fiscal smarts?
Yup, that sure sounds like a Trudeau.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Allen Franks: Methinks you know as well as I that many people disagree with you You post such things just to raise a little ire N'esy Pas?
Ruth Cyr Reply to @Tony Hill: wrong party, you're talking about the conservatives.
Colin Smith
Reply to @Tony Hill:
Big deficits are fact of life because no politician is willing to what needs to be done. What needs to be done is corporate taxes have to go up. You can talk about cutting spending but that won't happen. We've cut as much as we can. Now to cut we need to cut services. Do we cut Veterans support, cut seniors support what happens we do that. The politicians that do it get voted out. So they won't cut service to reduce spending, it just won't happen. So if you can't cut you increase revenue. Well income tax is already high. 33% while corporate taxes are at 15% clearly corporate taxes are too low. So corporations pay the same tax rate as those living poverty. See problem with that?
Tony Hill
Reply to @colin smith: "What needs to be done is corporate taxes have to go up."
Raising corporate taxes has almost no impact on revenue. Back in the mid to late 1990's when Canada's Federal corporate tax rate was roughly 29.2% the government usually brought in about 2.1 to 2.3% of GDP in corporate tax revenue. Now that the Federal corporate tax rate has been cut down to 15% the government usually brings in 1.9 to 2.1% of GDP.
Cutting corporate taxes almost in half has resulted in only about a 10% reduction in corporate tax revenue, some of which is recapture as higher personal taxes (eg. dividend credits are harmonized with corporate tax such that total tax on income and dividends is identical, so less corporate tax on dividends directly means higher personal tax on dividends).
If we want higher revenue the clear answer is higher consumption taxes. That is how the Scandinavian countries have done it. The corporate tax rate in Sweden is lower than Canada at 22% vs. about 27% (15% Federal and about 12% average Provincial). Their personal income tax isn't substantially different, though a bit flatter (bottom tax bracket of 30% and top tax bracket of about 56% in Sweden vs. a 20% bottom bracket and 53% top bracket in Canada).
The really big difference though is that their VAT is 25% and applies to far more goods than our 5 to 15% GST/HST/QST.
Tony Hill
Reply to @colin smith: "You can talk about cutting spending but that won't happen."
I don't know why you feel we can't cut spending since we HAVE cut spending to much lower levels in the past.
For example, for 2018/19 Federal government program spending was 14.6% of GDP. That is the highest level it has been since 1996/97 with the exception of the two 11.8% of GDP.
Why is our Federal government spending 24% larger than it was just 2 decades ago?
A small part of this is due to the aging population, but the total Federal health spending and OAS/GIS spending only account for about 1 percentage point of the 2.8 percentage point increase. Infrastructure spending accounts for maybe 0.5 percentage points of that. Military spending is actually lower today.
So where did the other 1.3 percentage points go? That's almost $30B/year extra (adjusted for GDP, which takes into account population growth and inflation) that our Federal government is spending today vs. 2 decades ago that isn't on health care, education, OAS/GIS, infrastructure or the military. That is a LOT of new spending... on what exactly?!?
The story is very similar the Provincial level. In Ontario Doug Ford is being denounced for "slashing" spending all the way back to 17.0% of GDP. For comparison spending was 16.6% of GDP all the way back in the ancient days of 2016/17. So under Doug Ford's "slash and burn" we've gone back the almost 3 full years (adjusted for GDP, in nominal dollars Ford's new 2019/20 budget is the biggest spending budget ever).
You say we can't cut, yet where things REALLY so bad back in 2016/17 that we can't go back to a similar level of spending?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Tony Hill: "If we want higher revenue the clear answer is higher consumption taxes."
Methinks you don't have many friends you can trust N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Reply to @Eugene D Burles: Well Put Sir
Gordon Stevens Ontario, Alberta, PEI, a blue wave is coming Trudeau. Do your party a favour and hold a leadership convention.
David R. Amos Reply to @Gordon Stevens: "Do your party a favour and hold a leadership convention."
Methinks its interesting that the Liberals would never dream of doing such a thing N'esy Pas?
Alan Lloyd Reply to @colin smith: The B.C. liberals are actually Conservatives not Liberals. Why is it that is so hard for Cons to understand?
David R. Amos
Reply to @alan lloyd: Methinks they understand but don't wish to admit it N'esy Pas?
Pat Mosiuk The biggest news is the liberals went from first to last. I'm seeing a trend across the country.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Pat Mosiuk: Me Too
Dayton Funk Hey Grenier, Nanos. Why don't you guys give up. Your give polling a bad name...
David R. Amos
Reply to @Dayton Funk: Methinks many of us find the poling dudes rather entertaining N'esy Pas?
Mike Kennedy Justin is next.
Glechren Davies
Reply to @mike kennedy: You bet!
David R. Amos
Reply to @mike kennedy: Oh My My Methinks its rather comical watching the editors at work N'esy Pas?
Capilano P. Dunbar Trudeau is fast running out of provincial allies, Newfoundland and Labrador will be next!
David R. Amos
Reply to @Capilano P. Dunbar: Heres hoping
---------- Original message ---------- From: "OfficeofthePremier, Office PREM:EX"<Premier@gov.bc.ca> Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2019 12:57:26 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Yo Dennis King and Lea-Jane Hayward I just called about the documents I sent the Binns Govenment and all the rest,in 2005 and the strange call I got yesterday from Ontario about District 15 Correct? To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
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---------- Original message ---------- From: Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario <Premier@ontario.ca> Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2019 12:57:24 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Yo Dennis King and Lea-Jane Hayward I just called about the documents I sent the Binns Govenment and all the rest,in 2005 and the strange call I got yesterday from Ontario about District 15 Correct? To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
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---------- Original message ---------- From: "Holland, Mike Hon. (ERD/DER)"<Mike.Holland@gnb.ca> Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2019 12:57:26 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Yo Dennis King and Lea-Jane Hayward I just called about the documents I sent the Binns Govenment and all the rest,in 2005 and the strange call I got yesterday from Ontario about District 15 Correct? To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
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PC minority, Green Opposition will be 'a new era in Island politics'
Green Official Opposition is a first in Canada
Sara Fraser· CBC News·
'It's almost a surreal experience,' Progressive Conservative Party Leader Dennis King said when he won his own seat. (Brian McInnis/CBC)
With all the votes counted, P.E.I. Progressive Conservative Party under rookie Leader Dennis King emerged victorious in Tuesday's election by a narrow margin — after 12 years as the Official Opposition, the party won in 12 districts to the Greens' eight and the Liberals' six. Fourteen seats are needed for a majority.
Although a Tory minority was somewhat unexpected, it's not shocking. The Liberals were seeking a fourth term, and history suggests the vote was the Tories' to lose. For more than 50 years the trend has been a regular back and forth — the Liberals would win three, then the PCs would win three.
"Welcome to a new era in Island politics," King said in a speech Tuesday night to supporters at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel.
"Forgive me if I'm a little overwhelmed — it's a long way from Georgetown Royalty to be premier-designate of Prince Edward Island."
My heart is full but it's also breaking.— Peter Bevan-Baker
King, who grew up in Georgetown Royalty, had been around politics for a long time. He had previously been a political commentator and director of communications in Premier Pat Binns's office. When the election was called in March he had been a politician for just over five months. Liberal Leader Wade MacLauchlan lost his seat in District 8, Stanhope-Marshfield, to the PCs' Bloyce Thompson. The Liberals won six seats, reducing them to third-party status.
Green Opposition
The Green Party of P.E.I. under Peter Bevan-Baker had been hoping for a win, but won in eight districts and will form the Official Opposition.
'P.E.I. is a very special place and it has never shown its beauty and its strength more clearly than it has in the last few days. My God, I love this Island,' Peter Bevan-Baker, leader of the Green Party, said in his election night address. (Laura Meader/CBC)
Polls over the last several months had put the Greens in the lead. The PCs did get a bump in the polls after King was elected, but the Greens still led among decided voters. Last week two separate polls put the Tories in second place, one at 32 per cent and the other at 29 per cent.
A Green Opposition is a historic first for Canada.
"My heart is full but it's also breaking," Bevan-Baker said, addressing supporters at a gathering at the P.E.I. Brewing Company in Charlottetown. His emotional speech paid tribute to Green candidate Josh Underhay, who died in a tragic canoeing accident last Friday along with his young son.
The election where Underhay was running, District 9, Charlottetown–Hillsborough Park, was cancelled. A byelection will be scheduled within three months.
"Today is about hope, the hope that we can create a better future for our children and our grandchildren," Bevan-Baker said.
The PCs Bloyce Thompson, pictured, unseated Liberal Leader Wade MacLauchlan. (Brittany Spencer/CBC)
Voter turnout was 80.5 per cent, slightly lower than the last provincial election.
Islanders also voted in a referendum on electoral reform Tuesday. They narrowly chose to keep the first-past-the-post system rather than switch to a mixed-member proportional system of voting.
Using the phrase "It's about people," the $52-million PC platform included selling liquor in corner stores, increasing the basic personal income tax exemption by $3,000, preschool for four-year-olds and lowering the small business tax rate to one per cent.
King credited that genuine connection with Islanders for the PC win. And he talked about next steps. "There's a lot of platforms that are going to have to be married into action," he said. "We have to be prepared to work with all the parties, all Islanders, on their behalf.
PC supporters watch the results roll in at a party in Charlottetown. (Brian McInnis/CBC)
"I hope Islanders know that it means that there's three parties ready to go to work for them and it's going to be a much different legislature when we sit," he said.
Regional contrasts
Some strong regional contrasts emerged, with the Progressive Conservatives holding their traditional ground in Kings County and gaining a lot of ground in rural Queens County.
The Greens have taken charge of urban areas of the province. The party took both seats in Summerside and dominated in Charlottetown. It also grabbed a couple of seats bordering the two cities.
The Liberals are left with some support in Charlottetown and in West Prince.
Sara is a P.E.I. native who graduated from the University of King's College in Halifax. N.S., with a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) degree. She's worked with CBC Radio and Television since 1988, moving to the CBC P.E.I. web team in 2015, focusing on weekend features. email sara.fraser@cbc.ca
PC minority, Green Opposition will be 'a new era in Island politics'
Green Official Opposition is a first in Canada Sara Fraser · CBC News · Posted: Apr 23, 2019 9:08 PM AT
2552 Comments
David R. Amos Methinks many would agree that this election was a referendum on the two party system that has been abusing us for way past too long N'esy Pas?
Thursday, September 29, 2005 SUSSEX - GOLD FOUND AND BERNARD LORD'S OPINION!!!!
Hey Ted Tax as soon as I saw that the Lt. Gov had honoured you
I figured you would do nothing to rock the Queen's boat for reasons of job security. However even you and your pension funds rely on the ethics of the Yankees employed by the SEC in the USA. Perhaps you should side with me ASAP. My kids need a roof over their heads. I am not above suing anyone to get one including the Queen and the Holy See. However it is your job to prosecute criminals not mine. Correct?
"Ted Tax and the Department's Atlantic Regional Office (ARO) were honoured at a Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor's Awards Ceremony. Tax was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for "contribution to the Reserve Force by taking positive action to assist its employees who are reservists in maintaining their commitments to the Canadian Forces." Following September 11, 2001, there was an increase in the demand for military legal officers on operational deployments. Major John Smithers, a lawyer with the Tax Law Services Section of the ARO, was granted military leave to serve on an overseas mission."
For the record this is the text of the cover letter sent to Baker etc. Lets see what Mr. Speaker has to say now. I believe he is an ex cop ain't he? Lets see if he remembers how to uphold the law. If not don't you think it is high time that the lawyers in the NDP give the crooked Conservative Goverment the Boot? Everybody knows they are lapdogs for George W. Bush. Why else did he make it a point to fly down and see them last year and snub Paul Martin and his cohorts in Ottawa?
July 31st, 2005
Lt. Gov. J. Léonce Bernard Lt. Gov. Myra A. Freeman
Premier Pat G. Binns Premier John F. Hamm
c/o Att. Gen. Mildred A. Dover c/o Att. Gen. Michael Baker
Fourth Floor, Shaw Building, North Department of Justice 4th Floor 105 Rochford Street Room 5151 Terminal Road
Lt. Gov. Norman L. Kwong Lt. Gov. Iona V. Campagnolo
Premier Ralph Klein Premier Gordon Campbell
c/o Att. Gen. Ron Stevens c/o Att. Gen. Wally Oppal
208 Legislature Building Stn Prov Govt PO Box 9044
9E210800 - 97 Avenue Parliament Buildings East Annex
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6 Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
RE: Public Corruption
Hey,
Apparently everybody wanted to play dumb about my concerns and allegations so that Humpty Dumpty Martin’s minority government would not fall and they could party hardy while the Queen was in Canada. As you all know months ago, I began faxing, emailing and calling the eight other Lt. Governors I had yet to cross paths with. I fully informed them of my indignation towards the Governor General Clarkson and two of her other Maritime Lieutenants Roberts and Chaisson before the latest wave of bad acting Yankees invaded my home in the USA without warrants or due process if law.
I made certain all of the provincial Attorney Generals and Premiers can never deny the fact that I tried to make them well aware of my concerns and allegations in order to make everybody should sit up and pay attention. Not one person from any of your offices ever responded in any fashion at all. You can be certain that I expected the deliberate ignorance. It is one of the oldest tricks in the book that lawyers employ in order to play their wicked game of see no evil, hear no evil speak no evil. I knew it would happen particularly after Nova Scotia’s Conflict of Interest Commissioner Merlin Nunn had blocked my emails before I had contacted you. I have no doubt it helped to relieve him of his ethical dilemma before the NS NDP decided what to do about their chance to unseat the Conservatives. I have no doubt whatsoever many lawyers in Canada were praying that the Suffolk County District Attorney would have me back in the loony bin by April 28th and that all your troubles would go away. I opted to let you all have your way and did not bother you anymore until the Queen had left our shores and Parliament quit for the summer. Now it is my turn to have some fun and raise a little Political Hell.
While the Queen, Clarkson and Martin where all having a grand old time on the Canadian dime my little Clan went through living hell down here. Trust me, lawyers need to learn some new tricks. Ignorance is no excuse to the law or me. Making some Canadian Attorney Generals and their political buddies show me their arses is child’s play to me after all that I have experienced in the last few years. If you doubt me ask Michael J. Bryant and Yvon Marcoux why I am so pissed at their bosses and the DHS. Then check my work for yourself. If the tag team of John Ashcroft and Tom Ridge could not intimidate me, believe me you people don’t have a prayer. Both of those dudes have quit their jobs but I am still standing and squaring off against their replacements now. If it were not for all the decent folks I know, the snotty ones like you would make me feel ashamed to be a Canadian. There is no shortage of lawyers. It is just that ethical ones that are rare birds, that’s all. You must know how easily the Canadian people can replace you with other lawyers if it becomes widely known how willing you are to ignore crime if it means some fancy dude may be compelled to suffer for his own wrongs.
The justice system is supposed to be self-policing. It should clean up its own act rather than trying to maintain a false mask of integrity for lawyers that are obviously criminals. It is way beyond my understanding why you people would choose to support the likes of Paul Martin, Adrienne Clarkson, T. Alex Hickman and Billy Matthews if you are not all as crooked as hell as well. The deliberate ignorance and double-talk employed by the wealthy few to dodge simple truths is absolutely offensive to ordinary people blessed with the rare attribute called common sense. Not all folks are like sheep.
Paul Martin’s latest tricks make for a very fine example of truly how bad things are. Even amidst wholesale scandals breaking out hell, west and crooked everywhere lawyers and politicians just close ranks and stand together as thick as the thieves they are. I stress tested the ethics of the ladies of the Bloc Quebecois and the Gomery Inquiry immediately after Martin’s carefully orchestrated little circus in Parliament on May 19th was a matter of history. Lets just say I was not surprised to not hear one peep in response from anyone other than to get a call from an unidentified and very nervous but cocky Yankee lawyer claiming that Tony Blair was mad at me.
Pursuant to my phone calls, emails and faxes please find enclosed as promised exactly the same hard copy of what I sent to the Canadian Ambassadors Allan Rock and Franky Boy McKenna and a couple of nasty FBI agents on May 12th just before an interesting event in front of our home in Milton. I have also included a copy of four letters I have received in response since then that you may find interesting to say the least. I also sent you a copy of a letter sent to a lady Ms. Condolezza Rice whom our former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney considers to be the most powerful woman in the world. The CD of the copy of police surveillance tape # 139 is served upon all the above named Attorney Generals as officers of the court in order that it may be properly investigated.
I will not bother you with the details of what I am sending to you byway of the certified US Mail because I will be serving identical material to many other Canadian Authorities in hand and tell them I gave this stuff to you first and enclose a copy of this letter. All that is important to me right now is that I secure proof that this mail was sent before I make my way back home to the Maritimes. However I will say I am also enclosing a great deal more material than what Allan Rock had received in the UN. Some of it is in fact the same material the two maritime lawyers, Rob Moore and Franky Boy McKenna in particular received, while I was up home running for Parliament last year. Things have changed greatly in the past year so I have also included a few recent items to spice things up for you. I am tired of trying to convince people employed in law enforcement to uphold the law. So all I will say for now is deal will your own conscience and be careful how you respond to this letter. If you do not respond. Rest assured I will do my best to sue you some day. Ignorance is no excuse to the law or me.
Veritas Vincit
David R. Amos
153 Alvin Ave
Milton, MA. 02186
The enclosed letter from The Public Service Integrity Office, whose boss recently testified before the Gomery Inquiry and following quotes prove why I must speak out.
"Well what do you expect?" said Le Hir in reaction. "Anybody who had been involved in that kind of thing isn't going to admit readily, or willfully, to having participated." Asked why he's waited 10 years to come out with his allegations, Le Hir said he was "sworn to secrecy." "I'm breaking that oath, and the only way I could have been relieved by that oath was by a judge in a court saying, 'Mr. Lehir, I understand that you have made an oath of secrecy; and you're hereby relieved of that oath."
"Mr. Wallace added that police and the courts, not internal rules, are best-equipped to deal with bureaucrats who cross the line and break the law. But Judge Gomery did not appear satisfied. "It takes a major scandal to get the police involved," he said. "It is not in the nature of the public service to call in the police."
Everybody knows that in order to protect the rights and interests of my Clan and to sooth my own soul, I have proven many times over that all lawyers, law enforcement authorities, and politicians in Canada and the USA are not worthy of the public trust. I maintain that their first order of business is to protect the evil longstanding system they have created for their own benefit rather than the people they claim to serve. Call me a liar and put it in writing. I Double Dog Dare ya.
Baker got my material. So did everyone else. Only the Attorney General in Quecbec refused it. I bet our newest Governor General knows why. It is likely for the same reason she will not accept my emails. It should be obvious to anyone why I must sue the Crown.
USPS Track and Confirm
Label/Receipt Number: ED71 7170 440U S Detailed Results:
Delivered Abroad, August 05, 2005, 9:23 am, CANADA
At Foreign Delivery Unit, August 05, 2005, 8:10 am, CANADA
Out of Foreign Customs, August 04, 2005, 2:52 pm, CANADA
Into Foreign Customs, August 04, 2005, 2:22 pm, CANADA
Arrived Abroad, August 04, 2005, 2:22 pm, CANADA
International Dispatch, August 03, 2005, 10:28 am, KENNEDY AMC
Enroute, August 03, 2005, 9:08 am, JAMAICA, NY 11499
Acceptance, August 02, 2005, 10:32 am, QUINCY, MA 02169
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Holland, Mike Hon. (ERD/DER)"<Mike.Holland@gnb.ca> Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2019 13:08:21 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Please Enjoy a little Deja Vu about the "Not So Happy Dentist" getting chucked out of the House on PEI just before Xmass in 2017 To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued. You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read, reviewed and taken into consideration.
If your issue is Constituency related, please contact Cheryl Layton at my constituency office in Albert at (506) 856-4961 or Cheryl.Layton@gnb.ca.
Thanks again for your email! Mike Holland Minister MLA, Albert
Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations. Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons.
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Merci encore pour votre courriel! Mike Holland Ministre Député, Albert
---------- Original message ---------- From: Sylvie Gadoury <sylvie.gadoury@radio-canada.ca> Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2019 05:26:18 -0700 Subject: Absence du bureau / Out of office Re: YO Wade MacLauchlan Pease Enjoy a lttle Deja Vu about the "Not So Happy Dentist" getting chucked out of the House on PEI just before Xmass in 2017 To: david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com
English follows
Bonjour,
Veuillez prendre note que nos bureaux seront fermés les 19 et 22 avril 2019 pour le congé de Pâques.
Notez également que je serai en congé annuel le 23 avril.
Merci,
***************************************
Hi:
Please take note that our office will be closed on April 19 and 22, 2019 for Easter Holidays.
Also note that I will be on annual leave on April 23rd.
Thank you,
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-- Sylvie Gadoury Vice-présidente Services juridiques, avocat-conseil et secrétaire générale
Vice-President Legal Services, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
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---------- Original message ---------- From: "MinFinance / FinanceMin (FIN)"<fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca> Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2019 12:26:39 +0000 Subject: RE: YO Wade MacLauchlan Pease Enjoy a lttle Deja Vu about the "Not So Happy Dentist" getting chucked out of the House on PEI just before Xmass in 2017 To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
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---------- Original message ---------- From: Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario <Premier@ontario.ca> Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2019 12:26:13 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: YO Wade MacLauchlan Pease Enjoy a lttle Deja Vu about the "Not So Happy Dentist" getting chucked out of the House on PEI just before Xmass in 2017 To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued.
You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read, reviewed and taken into consideration.
There may be occasions when, given the issues you have raised and the need to address them effectively, we will forward a copy of your correspondence to the appropriate government official. Accordingly, a response may take several business days.
Thanks again for your email. ______
Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations.
Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons.
Dans certains cas, nous transmettrons votre message au ministère responsable afin que les questions soulevées puissent être traitées de la manière la plus efficace possible. En conséquence, plusieurs jours ouvrables pourraient s’écouler avant que nous puissions vous répondre.
How boring is politicking in the Maritimes when a Green Meanie Leader gets booted out of the House and nobody cares?
---------- Original message ---------- From: Brian Gallant <briangallant10@gmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2018 06:46:40 -0800 Subject: Merci / Thank you Re: Hey did anybody but me notice that CBC deleted ALL of the comments about the "Not So Happy Dentist" getting chucked out of the House on PEI before Xmass? To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
(Français à suivre)
If your email is pertaining to the Government of New Brunswick, please email me at brian.gallant@gnb.ca
If your matter is urgent, please email Greg Byrne at greg.byrne@gnb.ca
Thank you.
Si votre courriel s'addresse au Gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick, svp m'envoyez un courriel à brian.gallant@gnb.ca
Pour les urgences, veuillez contacter Greg Byrne à greg.byrne@gnb.ca
Merci.
---------- Original message ---------- From: Elizabeth.May@parl.gc.ca Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2018 14:46:41 +0000 Subject: Thank you for contacting the Office of Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
Thank you for contacting me. This response is to assure you that your message has been received. I welcome and appreciate receiving comments and questions from constituents.I receive a much larger volume of correspondence (postal and email) than the average MP. All emails are reviewed on a regular basis, however due to the high volume of emails my office receives, I may not be able to respond personally to each one.
My constituents in Saanich-Gulf Islands are my highest priority. If you are a constituent, please email elizabeth.may.c1a@parl.gc.ca elizabeth.may.c1a@parl.gc.ca >. To help me serve you better, please ensure that your email includes your full name and street address with your postal code.
For meeting requests and invitations, please email requests@greenparty.carequests@greenparty.ca>.
Thank you once again for contacting me.
Elizabeth May, O.C. Member of Parliament Saanich - Gulf Islands Leader of the Green Party of Canada
Tis a good thing I keep better records than the VERY unethical Crown Corp known as the CBC N'esy Pas Mr Prime Minister Trudeau "The Younger" Trust that I don't care wherever ye may be on New Years Day just like I didn't last year EH?
Feel free to compare when you come back from your vacation.
---------- Original message ---------- From: Jody.Wilson-Raybould@parl.gc.ca Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2017 12:27:15 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Legislative week in review - La revue de la semaine législative (Yo Davey Baby don't ya thinks there are more things to review than what you suggest?) To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville.
This message is to acknowledge that we are in receipt of your email. Due to the significant increase in the volume of correspondence, there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed.
To help us address your concerns more quickly, please include within the body of your email your full name, address, and postal code.
Please note that your message will be forwarded to the Department of Justice if it concerns topics pertaining to the member's role as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. For all future correspondence addressed to the Minister of Justice, please write directly to the Department of Justice at mcu@justice.gc.camcu@justice.gc.ca > or call 613-957-42222.
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Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Jody Wilson-Raybould, députée pour Vancouver Granville.
En raison d'une augmentation importante du volume de la correspondance adressée à l'honorable Jody Wilson-Raybould, veuillez prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de votre courriel. Nous tenons à vous assurer que votre message sera lu avec soin.
Thursday, 21 December 2017 How boring is politicking in the Maritimes when a Green Meanie Leader gets booted out of the House and nobody cares?
---------- Original message ---------- From: David Coon <david.coon@gnb.ca> Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2017 11:00:49 +0000 Subject: Legislative week in review - La revue de la semaine législative To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
Pour accéder aux articles en français sur notre site Web, sélectionnez les liens anglais et choisissez l’option « Français » Question period / période des questions
---------- Original message ---------- From: Premier of Ontario | Première ministre de l’Ontario <Premier@ontario.ca> Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 13:43:10 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks it is high time that the Ethics Commissioners Mary Dawson and Diane Girard and the Board of Directors of CBC finally sat up and paid attention N'esy Pas Prime Minister Trudeau "The Younger" and Minister Joly? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thanks for your email. I value your input and appreciate your taking the time to get in touch with me.
Every email and letter I receive is carefully read and reviewed. Given the volume of emails and letters I receive, and because I may need to share your message with one of my Cabinet ministers or the appropriate government officials for more information, a response may take several business days.
Thanks again for contacting me.
Kathleen Wynne Premier
Please note that we are not able to receive replies at this email address, so please do not respond directly to this email.
* * *
Je vous remercie de votre courriel. Votre avis est important pour moi et je vous suis reconnaissante d’avoir pris le temps de m’écrire.
Toutes les lettres et tous les courriels que je reçois sont lus attentivement, un par un. Sachez, cependant, qu’en raison du volume important de correspondance que je reçois et parce qu’il se peut que j’aie à consulter l’un de mes collègues du Conseil des ministres ou un fonctionnaire compétent en la matière, il pourrait s’écouler plusieurs jours avant que je puisse donner suite à votre courriel.
Meilleures salutations,
Kathleen Wynne Première ministre de l’Ontario
Veuillez ne pas répondre directement à ce courriel, car aucun courriel ne peut être reçu à cette adresse.
---------- Original message ---------- From: "MinFinance / FinanceMin (FIN)"<fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca> Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 13:44:32 +0000 Subject: RE: Methinks it is high time that the Ethics Commissioners Mary Dawson and Diane Girard and the Board of Directors of CBC finally sat up and paid attention N'esy Pas Prime Minister Trudeau "The Younger" and Minister Joly? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
The Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your comments.
Le ministère des Finances accuse réception de votre correspondance électronique. Soyez assuré(e) que nous apprécions recevoir vos commentaires.
Diane Girard was appointed as the Corporation’s first Values and Ethics Commissioner on September 19th, 2016. Her role is to provide employees with guidance and support on ethics matters, be a point of contact for concerns and complaints regarding the Code of Conduct and related policies, as well as develop and manage the Corporation’s ethics program. Before her nomination as Commissioner, Ms. Girard practised as an ethics consultant for organizations from the public, private and professional sectors for 20 years. Prior to that, as a trained lawyer, she practised labour law for many years.
A recognized authority in the field of organizational ethics, she has published numerous book chapters and articles in such journals as Gestion and Éthique publique. She also conducted a two year study on practices in organizational ethics in Québec, with 107 participant organizations of the private, public and health sectors.
Helping managers and employees develop their ethical leadership and capabilities has always been important for Ms. Girard, which is why she lectured for 15 years in business and organizational ethics at McGill University, and also taught similar courses at Laval University and Université de Sherbrooke.
Ms. Girard holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), a master’s degree in law and a postgraduate diploma in applied ethics. She also completed a PhD in management and ethics at HEC Montréal.
She is the founder and past president of the Quebec Organizational Ethics Network (RÉOQ). She sat on the board of the Ethics Practitioners' Association of Canada (1999 -2003), and served as its Quebec regional coordinator in a volunteer capacity for 13 years. She also sat on the board of the Canadian Human Rights Foundation for a few years
Mandate
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. In the fulfillment of this critical role, the Corporation’s Code of Conduct and other related policies (namely policies on Conflict of Interest, Anti-Discrimination and Harassment, Political Activity, Disclosure of Wrongdoing, and Fraud and Theft) outline the broad range of values, expected behaviours, and standards of integrity and business conduct that guide employees at all levels.
CBC/Radio-Canada has created the Values and Ethics Commissioner position to nurture an ethical environment. The Commissioner is neutral and independent. To ensure this independence and neutrality, the Commissioner has a direct reporting line to the CEO.
The Commissioner’s mandate has three main components: Advisory Role
The Commissioner provides information, advice and guidance to all employees about their own situations and their concerns regarding values and ethics, namely regarding the Code of Conduct and other related policies governing ethical behaviour, other than the Journalistic Standards and Practices.
The Commissioner is responsible for the development and management of the Corporation’s ethics program. She also periodically evaluates the ethical culture and climate of the organization, and makes recommendations. Educational Role
The Commissioner contributes to the development and implementation of values and ethics training, providing opportunities for awareness and learning regarding such topics as ethics responsibilities, ethical issues and ethical decision-making. Investigative Role
Concerns or complaints relating to values and ethics can be submitted directly to the Commissioner’s office by employees. Other than those relating to the Journalistic Standards and Practices. The Commissioner also acts as the designated Senior Officer for the Corporation’s Policy on the Disclosure of Wrongdoings (Whistleblower Policy).
She is also the point of contact for members of the public who have reason to believe that a CBC/Radio-Canada employee is not complying with our Code of Conduct or related policies, except for complaints regarding the Journalistic Standards and Practices, which are covered by the Ombudsmen.
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Newsroom <newsroom@globeandmail.com> Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:20:42 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: YO Alex Johnston can you please explain this notice from CBC to me real slow? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
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---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Gallant, Premier Brian (PO/CPM)"<Brian.Gallant@gnb.ca> Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 03:15:53 +0000 Subject: RE: YO Alex Johnston can you please explain this notice from CBC to me real slow? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for writing to the Premier of New Brunswick. Please be assured that your email will be reviewed. Happy Holidays!
If this is a media request, please forward your email to media-medias@gnb.camedia-medias@gnb.ca >. Thank you!
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Nous vous remercions d’avoir communiqué avec le premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick. Soyez assuré(e) que votre courriel sera examiné. Joyeuses Fêtes!
Si ceci est une demande médiatique, prière de la transmettre à media-medias@gnb.camedia-medias@gnb.ca>. Merci!
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Green Party of Canada | Parti vert du Canada <info@greenparty.ca> Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 03:16:00 +0000 Subject: Re: YO Alex Johnston can you please explain this notice from CBC to me real slow? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
> What would that be if not my real name??? > > Your account has been banned until 12/22/2017. Reason: Your username > is not keeping within our Submission Guidelines, for more information > please visit: http://www.cbc.ca/aboutcbc/discover/submissions.html. > When your account reactivates in 1 day, please change your username to > something that adheres to our Submission Guidelines. >
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Coon, David (LEG)"<David.Coon@gnb.ca> Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:02:20 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks David Coon and his boss Dizzy Lizzy May will enjoy my comment about a "Not So Happy Dentist" on PEI the Xmass N'esy Pas Chucky Leblanc? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email.
I’m out of the office and will be back on January 2nd, 2018. During this period I will not be responding personally to my emails.
If you are looking for assistance of a personal nature & live in the riding of Fredericton South, please contact my Constituency Coordinator by email at Taeyon.Kim@gnb.caTaeyon.Kim@gnb.ca > or 455-0936.
For media inquiries, please contact Shannon at Shannon.carmont@gnb.caShannon.carmont@gnb.ca> Best Regards,
David Coon MLA Fredericton South & Leader of the Green Party
Merci pour votre courriel. Je suis hors du bureau et reviendrai le 31 juillet 2017. Pendant cette période, je ne répondrai pas personnellement à mes courriels. Si vous êtes à la recherche d'une aide personnelle et habitez la circonscription de Fredericton South, veuillez contacter ma coordonnatrice de circonscription par courriel à Taeyon.Kim@gnb.caTaeyon.Kim@gnb.ca> ou 455-0936. Pour toute question concernant les médias, veuillez contacter Shannon à Shannon.carmont@gnb.caShannon.carmont@gnb.ca>
Meilleures salutations, David Coon MLA Fredericton South et chef du Parti Vert
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Gallant, Premier Brian (PO/CPM)"<Brian.Gallant@gnb.ca> Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:02:20 +0000 Subject: RE: Methinks David Coon and his boss Dizzy Lizzy May will enjoy my comment about a "Not So Happy Dentist" on PEI the Xmass N'esy Pas Chucky Leblanc? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for writing to the Premier of New Brunswick. Please be assured that your email will be reviewed. Happy Holidays!
If this is a media request, please forward your email to media-medias@gnb.camedia-medias@gnb.ca>. Thank you!
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Nous vous remercions d’avoir communiqué avec le premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick. Soyez assuré(e) que votre courriel sera examiné. Joyeuses Fêtes!
Si ceci est une demande médiatique, prière de la transmettre à media-medias@gnb.camedia-medias@gnb.ca >. Merci!
---------- Original message ---------- From: Newsroom <newsroom@globeandmail.com> Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:02:18 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks David Coon and his boss Dizzy Lizzy May will enjoy my comment about a "Not So Happy Dentist" on PEI the Xmass N'esy Pas Chucky Leblanc? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for contacting The Globe and Mail.
If your matter pertains to newspaper delivery or you require technical support, please contact our Customer Service department at 1-800-387-5400 or send an email to customerservice@globeandmail.com
This is the correct email address for requests for news coverage and press releases
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Harpelle, Paul (ENB)"<Paul.Harpelle@gnb.ca> Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:02:20 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks David Coon and his boss Dizzy Lizzy May will enjoy my comment about a "Not So Happy Dentist" on PEI the Xmass N'esy Pas Chucky Leblanc? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
I am away from my office until January 3, 2018. I will be checking my e-mails on occasion.
Je suis absent de mon bureau jusqu'au 3 janvier 2018. Je vérifierai mon courriel occasionnellement.
---------- Original message ---------- From: Elizabeth.May@parl.gc.ca Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:02:18 +0000 Subject: Thank you for contacting the Office of Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
Thank you for contacting me. This response is to assure you that your message has been received. I welcome and appreciate receiving comments and questions from constituents.
Green leader turfed from P.E.I. Legislature as sitting comes to dramatic close Bevan-Baker escorted from chamber after referring to 'farcical' debate over legislation By Kerry Campbell, CBC News Posted: Dec 20, 2017 9:28 PM AT
11 Comments According to CBC however five comments were blocked N'esy Pas? Commenting is now closed for this story.
What would that be if not my real name???
Your account has been banned until 12/22/2017. Reason: Your username is not keeping within our Submission Guidelines, for more information please visit: http://www.cbc.ca/aboutcbc/discover/submissions.html. When your account reactivates in 1 day, please change your username to something that adheres to our Submission Guidelines.
David Raymond Amos David Raymond Amos Are you sick little dudes still finding joy in blocking me for unethical political reasons within a Crown Corp's website owned by we the people?
David Raymond Amos Content disabled. David Raymond Amos I will lay odds that Jesse' minions within Viafoura are wondering if I have their names?
Survey Says???
YUP Methinks they brag too much for their own good. N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos Content disabled. David Raymond Amos Methinks that Jesse S. Moeinifar. Founder & CEO.of Viafoura has earned a not so honourable mention N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos Content disabled. David Raymond Amos Methinks CBC should be ashamed of themselves bigtime N'esy Pas Prime Minister Trudeau "The Younger", Minister Joly and Hubby Baby Lacroix?
David Raymond Amos Content disabled. David Raymond Amos Well my comment stood for about ten minutes or so N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos This comment stood for about ten minutes or so until I Tweeted and emailed about it Content disabled. David Raymond Amos For the public record what is truly "farcical" to me is that this spit and chew is about a Whistleblower Protection Act of all things.
Perhaps the "Not So Happy" Dentist and his parliamentary cohorts should check htheir email records over the Yuletide Season and dig into their memories as well to see if they recall any conversations with a certain whistleblower who has been falsely imprisoned in Canada and the USA. Steve Murphy of ATV and everybody else knows since 2006 that he was denied the right to vote but still managed to run for public office five times thus far. Nobody will admit that same whistleblower has been suing the Crown in Federal Court since 2015 for being illegally barred from all parliamentary properties in Canada including PEI. Yet there have been 9 decisions in the matter thus far that can be easily verified from the public record. The decision exactly 2 years ago of Justice Richard Bell (the first judge Harper appointed) should have been front page news across the country. However not even the crickets will comment about it.
Do tell does that statement ring any bells over the Xmass season while I prepare to try put the matter before the Supreme Court of Canada and file some more lawsuits ASAP? Or will CBC block me again and nobody gets to even read it?
David Raymond Amos David Raymond Amos Methinks I already mentioned how much I love the circus N'esy Pas?
Janet Gaudet Janet Gaudet Peter spoke the truth and he got punished for it. How ironic is that.
David Raymond Amos David Raymond Amos @Janet Gaudet The irony is that Bevan-Baker should have asked the Sgt at Arms and the Speaker why I have been suing PEI since 2015. Instead he had himself evicted in the the last minutes in order to look like some kind of hero. In a nutshell he is a player like all the rest. Democracy is a myth.
Holly Pinkham Holly Pinkham Buck Watts can do what he likes, as speaker, I suppose, but I certainly don't agree with this unnecessary drama. Mr. Bevan used a perfectly understandable and non-vulgar term to describe proceedings that were clearly objectionable.
David Raymond Amos David Raymond Amos @Holly Pinkham Ask yourself why the Green Party Leader only opted to say the oh so terrible word in the eleventh hour?
Better ask yourself why so few folks bothered to make comment about the nonsense? I said nothing all day waiting to see if anything would develop and now in mere minutes I have added my two bits worth matched the total tally of the comments about the article.
Sandy Brace Sandy Brace Mr Devon Baker is a man of integrity and cares about people more than about his ego and his bank account. He will not last in government with those attributes I am afraid. You need to be unethical sheep to stay within the click and have a place at the trough.
Janet Gaudet Janet Gaudet @Sandy Brace : I hope he will be re-elected. We need him in the Legislature as this government is a farce. I'm completely disgusted and fed up with what we've got running this province.
David Raymond Amos David Raymond Amos @Sandy Brace That not the Baker I know
David Raymond Amos David Raymond Amos @Sandy Brace "Mr Devon Baker is a man of integrity and cares about people more than about his ego and his bank account."
I meant the response above to be directed to you
David Raymond Amos David Raymond Amos @Janet Gaudet "I'm completely disgusted and fed up with what we've got running this province."
Good for you for speaking up
Green leader turfed from P.E.I. Legislature as sitting comes to dramatic close Bevan-Baker escorted from chamber after referring to 'farcical' debate over legislation By Kerry Campbell, CBC News Posted: Dec 20, 2017 9:28 PM AT
Green Leader Peter Bevan-Baker was removed from the legislature on Wednesday after refusing to withdraw the word 'farce' from the public record. Green Leader Peter Bevan-Baker was removed from the legislature on Wednesday after refusing to withdraw the word 'farce' from the public record. (P.E.I. Legislature)
The fall sitting of the P.E.I. Legislature came to a dramatic close Wednesday with Green party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker ordered removed from the legislative chamber for refusing to withdraw the word "farce."
In the final minutes of the fall sitting, the Public Interest Disclosure and Whistleblower Protection Act came up for third reading. Bevan-Baker introduced a motion to have it sent back to the legislature for further debate.
"In the last few days I have witnessed some of the most discouraging debates on legislation since I was elected two-and-a-half years ago," he told the house.
"We were given the sacred trust to bring forth strong and meaningful legislation that will enhance government transparency and accountability .... And we turned that debate Mr. Speaker, at times into a farce."
New rules in offing to eject MLAs from P.E.I. Legislature
Government House leader Richard Brown rose on a point of order, taking issue with Bevan-Baker's statement, and in particular his use of the word "farce." Unparliamentary word
Speaker Buck Watts ruled the word unparliamentary, and asked Bevan-Baker to withdraw the word from the public record.
"I used the word intently and I used the word consciously," Bevan-Baker said, accusing government MLAs of voting down opposition amendments to bills before they'd been provided with written copies of the amendments.
Peter Bevan-Baker removed The Green party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker is removed from the legislature on Wednesday by the sergeant-at-arms. (P.E.I. Legislature)
"If the purpose of this house is to carefully consider legislation that is going to affect each and every Islander, then surely we have to do that with the information in front of us, and we cannot do that if we are prejudging something … before we even see it. So I will not withdraw my remark. I think at times yesterday the display of the government side was indeed farcical."
Watts provided Bevan-Baker with one more chance to withdraw his remark before ordering the sergeant-at-arms to remove the Green party leader.
Water, spouse and child support, lobbyists on agenda for fall legislature
The Whistleblower Protection Act was one of three key pieces of legislation, debate over which kept the house sitting for 22 days — the second-longest fall sitting of the P.E.I. legislature since fall sittings began 20 years ago.
Numerous amendments to the act were introduced by both opposition parties, only to be voted down by government MLAs. Opposition attempts to amend another important bill, the Lobbyist Registration Act, were similarly defeated.
Because P.E.I.'s small: What that means for government lobbyists
'Significant gaps' in P.E.I.'s new Water Act concerns group
Water Act amended
However, both opposition parties were able to exert some influence over the most important piece of legislation passed during the sitting, the province's Water Act.
'So I will not withdraw my remark. I think at times yesterday the display of the government side was indeed farcical.'— Peter Bevan-Baker
The government introduced its own amendment to the act that mirrored an amendment circulated by the Green party. The amendment removed what opposition parties were calling a "loophole" allowing cabinet to overrule a ban on fracking in the province.
Meanwhile, the PCs were able to pass an amendment which requires government to send new or amended regulations to the act to a provincial standing committee a minimum of 90 days before the regulations are enacted.
All told, government passed 17 of its bills in the fall sitting, while the Opposition saw one of its private member's bills pass, providing more protection under Workers' Compensation for Island workers suffering from PTSD.
P.E.I. Green Party Leader quits dentistry 'It became increasingly clear to me it was not something I could sustain forever' By Sara Fraser, CBC News Posted: Jul 11, 2016 5:12 PM AT
Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker says he's 'relieved' to be able to step away from dentistry to concentrate on being a full-time politician. Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker says he's 'relieved' to be able to step away from dentistry to concentrate on being a full-time politician.
It was clear as soon as he was elected more than a year ago that it would be difficult for P.E.I. Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker to maintain his dental office and do his job as newly-minted MLA for District 17, he says — and today, he threw in the towel on his dentistry practice.
Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker makes P.E.I. political history
Bevan-Baker had been a popular dentist for more than 30 years in the central part of Queens County, with more than 1,500 active patients.
"I managed to do it, on probably a continuous flow of adrenaline, for the last 12 months," Bevan-Baker said from his dental office in Hampton, P.E.I.
"But it became increasingly clear to me it was not something I could sustain forever."
He believes if he continued to do both, he'd either get sick or his work would be compromised.
'Precious' opportunity
"It just did not feel right," he said.
'I'll be so relieved to be able to devote myself to that and not feel conflicted all the time about where I should be and what I should be doing.'— Peter Bevan-Baker
Bevan-Baker assures his patients he's not abandoning them: he's brought in a new young dentist, Dr. Sean Curley of Charlottetown, who over the next few months will gradually assume the practice.
Bevan-Baker has been telling his patients one by one. The patients like Dr. Curley and he's an excellent dentist, said Bevan-Baker, which made the decision a little easier.
There have been "lots of tears, lots of hugs," said Bevan-Baker, noting he's developed close relationships with many of his patients over the years. All have been supportive of and understanding about his decision, he adds.
"That's been very touching, actually."
Financial risks "I have absolutely no job security as an MLA," admits Bevan-Baker. "Good people get kicked out of office all the time."
The next provincial election is still three years away. He said he may return to dentistry if he isn't re-elected.
"I almost didn't have a choice," he said. "I have this opportunity to do something extremely important and exciting, how could I not do that?"
Bevan-Baker takes home an MLA's salary of $68,000, plus about an extra $20,000 for being the leader of the third party.
"Less than I was making as a dentist ... but that's fine," he said. "I'm not crying poor here!"
Potential payoff Over the year he's been in office, Bevan-Baker said, he believes he's been able to gain traction for himself and his party.
Peter Bevan-Baker Peter Bevan-Baker believes he's made inroads for the party during his last year as an MLA. (Province of Prince Edward Island )
Looking after constituency concerns takes up many hours of his time, while he's also expected to be the voice of the Green Party at functions and meetings across the Island.
"There was a day last week I had breakfast in Summerside and supper in Souris, and that's just the way it is," he said. "It's not something that I can do half-heartedly ... in between root canals and extractions. It's just not tenable."
He's working on building the party, creating a shadow cabinet of critics and already looking for good candidates for the next election, hoping to build beyond his one seat in the legislature.
"Actually, I'll be so relieved to be able to devote myself to that and not feel conflicted all the time about where I should be and what I should be doing."
Bevan-Baker is also a musician, often playing trumpet and sometimes fiddle at Green Party gatherings.
Travelling today? Here are the roads, ferries closed by the New Brunswick flood
4 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
Gary MacKay Well they managed to add a few that have been closed for days. Speaking to folks in Wickham and Kars which is Rt. 705 and 124 are closed in a few locations forcing use of mud back roads. Not pleasant given the DTI had a year to grade and repair these roads as so when an emergency takes place like this they would have a safe way out. One person summed it up "Not enough votes to care about"...
David R. Amos Reply to @Gary MacKay: "Not enough votes to care about"...
Methinks you should understand that my MLA Ross Wetmore (his name suits him) and his buddy Minister Bill Oliver were made well aware today that I own property in Kars and why I ran against all their cohorts in the last election N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Gary MacKay: Methinks that my MLA Ross Wetmore should never deny that I just sent him another email N'esy Pas?
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Stewart, Jake Hon. (AAS)"<Jake.Stewart@gnb.ca> Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2019 11:21:37 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Yo Chucky Leblanc no doubt your buddy Ross Wetmore (his name suits him) will ignore this email as well N'esy Pas? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your e-mail. I am currently out of the office until Friday, April 26, 2019.
Jake Stewart Minister, Aboriginal Affairs MLA, Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin
Merci pour votre courriel. Je suis présentement hors du bureau jusqu'au vendredi le 26 avril 2019.
Jake Stewart Ministre, Affaires autochtones MLA, Miramichi-Sud-Ouest-Baie-du-Vin
---------- Original message ---------- From: Newsroom <newsroom@globeandmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2019 11:21:37 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Yo Chucky Leblanc no doubt your buddy Ross Wetmore (his name suits him) will ignore this email as well N'esy Pas? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for contacting The Globe and Mail.
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Travelling today? Here are the roads, ferries closed by the New Brunswick flood
More than 85 roads are closed or partially closed because of high water Sarah Morin · CBC News · Posted: Apr 25, 2019 9:02 AM AT
3 Comments
Gary MacKay Well they managed to add a few that have been closed for days. Speaking to folks in Wickham and Kars which is Rt. 705 and 124 are closed in a few locations forcing use of mud back roads. Not pleasant given the DTI had a year to grade and repair these roads as so when an emergency takes place like this they would have a safe way out. One person summed it up "Not enough votes to care about"...
David R. Amos Reply to @Gary MacKay: "Not enough votes to care about"...
Methinks you should understand that my MLA Ross Wetmore (his name suits him) and his buddy Minister Bill Oliver were made well aware today that I own property in Kars and why I ran against all their cohorts in the last election N'esy Pas?
On behalf of The Honourable Brian Pallister, Premier of Manitoba, we would like to acknowledge receipt of your email.
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Travelling today? Here are the roads, ferries closed by the New Brunswick flood
More than 85 roads are closed or partially closed because of high water
Sarah Morin· CBC News·
Streets and sidewalks in Fredericton are flooded from heavy rain and floodwater. (Stephen MacGillivray/Canadian Press)
The Trans-Canada Highway between Oromocto and River Glade could remain closed until early next week, according to Al Giberson, the general operations manager for the MRDC.
The closure, which begins at Exit 306 in Oromocto and reaches to Exit 423 in River Glade, forces those travelling on the highway to take a 90-kilometre detour through Saint John.
After the water recedes, the highway will need to be assessed before it's reopened, Giberson said.
There are more than 80 road closures in all, including a section of Route 10 near Chipman. That stretch of impassable road is important because Google Maps is directing drivers hoping to travel the closed Trans-Canada Highway to Route 10.
"We've got so many people travelling through to Halifax, Truro, Prince Edward Island, and I don't know why on Google Maps it didn't come up and say, 'You can't go through Highway 10,'" said Chipman fire Chief Barry Armstrong.
"It's all blocked on that end."
Armstrong said drivers are having to turn back to Fredericton and make the loop south to Saint John and then east to Sussex to meet the Trans-Canada again.
Ferries suspended
Four of the province's river ferries have been suspended as a result of the flooding.
Belleisle Bay
Evandale
Westfield
Peninsula Princess
Closures in Fredericton
Burpee Street
Cityview Avenue
St. Mary's Street
Cliffe Street
Lincoln Road
Wilsey Road
Riverside Drive
Alderwood Drive
Timber Lane
Hazelwood Drive
McMinniman Court
Beaverbrook Street
Waterloo Row
Alexandra Street
University Avenue
Brunswick Street, from Regent Street to York Street and from Church Street to Waterloo Row
River Street
Devonshire Drive
Officers' Square parking lot
Brunswick Street parking garage
Upper Queen Street lot
St. Anne's Point Boulevard
Smythe Street
Sumac Street
Colwell Drive
Bourque Lane
McFadzen Lane
Regan Street
Hachey Avenue
Corbett Avenue
Watters Drive
Winslow Street
Grey Street, from Winslow Street to Waterloo Row
King Street
Queen Street
St. John Street, from Brunswick Street to King Street
Campbell Street
Barker Street
Station Road
Union Street
Carman Avenue
Colwell Drive
Hossack Street
Jarvis Street
Glasier Road
District 1: Bathurst
Wyers Brook Road
District 2: Miramichi
South Barnaby River Road
Mullin Stream Road, gravel section
District 3: Moncton
Range Road
Caledonia Mountain Road
District 4: Saint John
Sunset Valley Road
Robinson Road
Norton Shore Road from the Ketchum Road to the Perry Point Road, Kingston Corner.
McKenzie Road
Milkish Creek Road
Carters Point Road
Elms Road
Darlings Island Road
Browns Cove Road
West Tenants Cove Road
Ganong Road
Beulah Camp Road
Route 850 form Upper Midland road to Bellisle Ferry landing
Route 860 from the intersection of Route 860 at Lakeside Road to Stock Farm Road
Route 725, from the end of chipseal to the end of gravel
Route 850, from Rogers Road to Whiting Lane
Loon Bay Road
Porter Road
Route 745, from Loon Bay Road to the end of gravel
Harding's Point Landing Road, from the ferry landing to Route 845
Basswood Ridge Road, from McMahon Road to Route 745 gravel section
Woodmans Point Road
Bloomfield Road, between Route 121 and Centennial Drive
Passekeag Road, from Centennial Drive to River Road
District 5: Fredericton area
Tweedside Road
Scotchtown Road, between civic address 523 and 548 and between civic 608 and 640
Back Road
Robertson Point Road
Elm Hill Road
Fanjoy Point Road
Lakeview Road
Craft Cove Road
Newcastle Centre Road
Pondstream Road off of Route 690
Fish Hatchery Road
Duplissea Road
Waasis Farm Road
Ferry Road in Jemseg
Merritt Smith Road in French Lake
Smith Road
Rusagonis Road
Branch Road
Waterville Road
Sunpoke Road
Tripp Settlement Road from Route 105
Kenneth Road between the West Glassville Road and the West Cross Road in Kenneth
Dorrington Hill Road, from the intersection of Johnson Settlement Road to Route 630
Route 116
Route 710, from Nickerson Point Road to Henderson Settlement
Scotchtown Road
District 6: Edmundston
Back Lake Road
How the St. John River floods
How high will the St. John River rise this spring, and does the Mactaquac Dam have anything to do with it? A New Brunswick flood, explained. 1:26
About the Author
Sarah Morin
Reporter
Sarah Morin is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick based in Fredericton. Story tip? sarah.morin@cbc.ca
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others Methinks the awful truth is that McNeil like all politicians quite simply does not care until the issue may affect his reputation Apathy rules the day N'esy Pas?
'This is the face of the health-care crisis': Woman issues plea to N.S. premier
1177 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
Gordon McPherson Not enough med students, not enough residencies. LOTS of administration though.
David R. Amos Reply to @Gordon McPherson: Politics aside I sincerely hope Inez Rudderham wins her battle with cancer ASAP and enjoys a long life raising her daughter and hopefully grows old watching a few grand children grow up as well. Clearly she is no quitter and has the kind of fighting spirit that is needed to beat such things. My hat is off and my heart reaches out to the Lady and her child. Good luck and get well soon.
David Douglas Reply to @Ken Likness: Yikes! & here I am thinking of moving to BC (from Alberta) just to escape the newly elected PC Govts HealthCare plan. Sure they'll save taxpayers money, but I really don't want gurneys in hospital corridors even if it does save costs. (Ralph Klein (PC premier from previous times) closed many hospitals, so, of course, there weren't enough hospital rooms for those who were not elected PC members. (He got a private room when HE was hospitalized)) What have they got in BC? Shared gurneys? Wow, that would cut costs even more!
David Douglas
Reply to @David Douglas: I hope none of the newly elected PCs are reading this (in Alberta). I don't want them to think that that's a good idea!
David R. Amos
Reply to @David Douglas: (He got a private room when HE was hospitalized))
FYI Whereas I was one of many Maritimers that Ralph Klein hoped would freeze in the dark I have talked personally to him a few times in the past and took on his Attorney General as well before I ran for a seat in the the 39th Parliament. I also spoke to Ralphy Baby not long before he died and he asked why I as still picking on him. He sent me an email as well (His last email address was pretty funny) To this very day I do not have a health care card nor a family doctor. However I am not whining about that fact. In fact I am doing something about it while preparing to litigate again in defense of my rights and run for public office for the 7th time
Keith Adams Trudeau's track record of funding and gifting Canadians' tax dollars to any and all foreign interests and ignoring the plight of ordinary Canadians is clearly exemplified in this poor lady's tragic case of an uncaring government.
Hurry up October...
David R. Amos
Reply to @Keith Adams: Methinks you should check my work N'esy Pas?
Clayton Allen Nice to know we have enough money for a new art gallery and Football Field but can't get doctors. Nickel And dime healthcare workers, but give millions for a ferry terminal in another country? Honestly how does McNeil Even look himself in the mirror. He should resign!
David R. Amos
Reply to @Clayton Allen: "Honestly how does McNeil Even look himself in the mirror"
Methinks the awful truth is that he like all politicians quite simply does not care until the issue may affect his reputation Apathy rules the day N'esy Pas?
Alison Mustard Regarding Mr. MacNeils response: He said he will not commit to meeting her until he hears back from the department. The department does not respond. There have been hundreds of letters regarding the refusal of the department to reinstate Dr. MacGillivray (a very experienced, capable and well-loved, by her patients, surgeon) who was forced to resign when the NS Health Authority refused to consider any of her proposals to cut back her practice a bit. She wants to work in Inverness, we want to have her, the "department" won't allow it. They won't tell us why. It also took me over two years to get diagnosed - two surgeries, chemo, radiation - the price of which would more than likely have paid three specialists salaries for a year.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Alison Mustard: Well put
Mina Malek The system is broken and there are multiple solutions and I guess it is all politics using a strategy of denying the presence of the problem so as not to take action.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mina Malek: "I guess it is all politics"
Methinks everybody knows that everything is political and its always about the money N'esy Pas?
Mina Malek Lots of people health deteriorate or they suffer because of the long waiting and the limited access to physicians, family doctors and health care facilities. this not the first case and of course not the last. It is torture for someone suffering and waiting long time for treatment.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mina Malek: Methinks all the politicians know why I agree because they know I don't even have a Health Care Card yet N'esy Pas?
Awistoyus Nahasthay Want better health care...then be willing to pay higher taxes! The problem is most Canadians are not willing to do that, so use politicians as scapegoats for their own failings. Not to say politicians are without blame. It would be nice if we had politicians in this country who had the backbone to actually show leadership and say "we NEED to raise taxes", rather than hiding behind milquetoast PR statements designed to placate an apathetic citizenry that wants nothing more than to pass the buck.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Awistoyus Nahasthay: "Want better health care...then be willing to pay higher taxes! "
Methinks many would agree that we are entitled to what we are already paying for and with me that should begin with a Health Care Card N'esy Pas?
David Sampson The health care model is broken and those responsible at the helm must first recognize that it’s broken and then act, expeditiously, to turn things around. It’s not simply a family doctor issue albeit that’s what most obvious. It’s complicated but isn’t that what these enormously well paid administrators are paid to do.....solve problems!
David R. Amos
Reply to @David Sampson: "The health care model is broken and those responsible at the helm must first recognize that it’s broken and then act, expeditiously, to turn things around"
Dream on
Paul Whittaker My family has been without a family doctor since mid 2018 and expects to wait up to 2 years for a new family doctor. This is Ontario where Mr Ford is slashing left and right just like Mr Harris did before him. Strange, Cuba has doctors all over the world and yet Canada cannot meet our own needs.Fords answer as with Harris will be to bring in privatization. In the USA Americans borrowed 80 billion last year to pay medical bills.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Paul Whittaker: Methinks all the politicians are well aware of the fact that I know a lot about what you just stated Anyone can Google my name N'esy Pas?
Roger Stanley True story. When our Dr. retired both me and my 70 year-old dad applied to be accepted by a new Dr. to town. I had no health issues, my dad a few. I was accepted, he was rejected. Our health system is broken.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Roger Stanley: Methinks your Father and I are in the same boat N'esy Pas?
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---------- Original message ---------- From: Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario <Premier@ontario.ca> Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2019 02:07:38 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: 'This is the face of the health-care crisis': Woman issues plea to N.S. premier To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
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'This is the face of the health-care crisis': Woman issues plea to N.S. premier Social Sharing
'I fought for my life,' says cancer patient Inez Rudderham in emotional viral video Alex Cooke · CBC News · Posted: Apr 25, 2019 1:29 PM AT
863 Comments
David R. Amos Awaiting moderation Reply to @Gordon McPherson: Politics aside I sincerely hope Inez Rudderham wins her battle with cancer ASAP and enjoys a long life raising her daughter and hopefully grows old watching a few grand children grow up as well. Clearly she is no quitter and has the kind of fighting spirit that is needed to beat such things. My hat is off and my heart reaches out to the Lady and her child. Good luck and get well soon.
'This is the face of the health-care crisis': Woman issues plea to N.S. premier
'I fought for my life,' says cancer patient Inez Rudderham in emotional viral video
Alex Cooke· CBC News·
Inez Rudderham speaks about her issues with Nova Scotia's health-care system in an emotional video that's since gone viral. (Marilyn Inez/Facebook)
A mother in Nova Scotia living with cancer is challenging Premier Stephen McNeil to meet with her after a years-long battle with the province's health-care system.
In an emotional video posted to her Facebook page this week, Inez Rudderham said she went undiagnosed for two years because she couldn't access a family doctor. By the time she was diagnosed, her anal cancer had progressed to its third stage.
"I dare you to take a meeting with me, and explain to me, and look into my eyes and tell me that there is no health-care crisis in my province of Nova Scotia," said Rudderham, 33, as she wiped away tears.
"I dare you."
Rudderham said she was turned away from emergency departments three times before her concerns were taken seriously.
"I fought for my life," said Inez, who said radiation treatments on her pelvis has left her "barren and infertile."
"At 33, I am in menopause because when my tumour was a polyp I did not have access to a family doctor and the ERs wouldn't help me."
Rudderham also spoke about mental-health services in Nova Scotia.
She said she began pursuing mental-health services in January to help her cope with her diagnosis. She said she will have to wait until the summer to receive counselling.
"This is the face of the health-care crisis in Nova Scotia. I cannot receive help for trauma that I experienced because of this failed system until July," she said.
"What about my four-year-old daughter who doesn't have me there, fully, because I need help and I'm not receiving it?"
The video has taken social media by storm, amassing over 50,000 shares since it was posted on Tuesday.
Experience is all too common: Doctors Nova Scotia
Tim Holland, the president of Doctors Nova Scotia, said this isn't the first time he's heard this kind of story.
He said Rudderham's experience has all of the elements of the problems Nova Scotians are facing in the health-care system.
"Lack of a family physician, having to access emergency department services for health care — knowing full well that those emergency departments aren't equipped to be diagnosing cancer like this, and are also stretched thin themselves," he said.
Dr. Tim Holland, president of Doctors Nova Scotia, says he's heard stories like Rudderham's all too often. (Craig Paisley/CBC)
He said these challenges are being seen across the country, and said the fix is "multi-factorial:" recruiting and retaining doctors and improving work environments by engaging them in important decisions and cutting back on red tape.
Response from the province
On Thursday, Premier Stephen McNeil said he has asked the Health Department to reach out to Rudderham to find out more about her situation.
He said he will not commit to meeting her until he hears back from the department.
"There are challenges in the health-care system in parts of accessing primary care. We've always acknowledged that," he said. "But we've continued to make adjustments."
Premier Stephen McNeil said he's asked the Health Department to contact Rudderham, and he won't commit to a meeting with her until he hears back from the department. (Jeorge Sadi/CBC)
Speaking with reporters following a cabinet meeting in Halifax, Health Minister Randy Delorey said staff with the Nova Scotia Health Authority have tried to make contact with Rudderham.
"I think, again, there's some very specific concerns that were being raised about an individual's personal experiences within the health-care system," said Delorey.
"I think the health authority's taking the right approach to reach out, to connect … with the individual as they do and provide opportunities."
Delorey shied away from using terms like "crisis" in reference to the province's health-care system, saying issues within the system are shared across the country.
He also said the province is making progress through new investments and programs.
"We've been focused on these efforts for the last number of years," he said. "Our focus has been on primary care and we've been seeing those improvements."
Health Minister Randy Delorey said the issues Nova Scotia's health system faces are part of a nationwide problem. (Craig Paisley/CBC)
Also speaking after the meeting, Tory MLA Tim Halman said there has to be a "sense of urgency" when it comes to fixing gaps in Nova Scotia's health-care system.
"This is heartbreaking. If anyone knows my story, watching that video, I see a lot there on so many levels," he said, referencing his wife who died from cancer in 2017.
"From the perspective of an MLA, our system failed her."
Attempts to reach Rudderham for comment were unsuccessful.
'There's no stopping me'
Rudderham has been documenting her journey through Nova Scotia's health-care system since June 2018, about two weeks after she said she was diagnosed with cancer.
In the first video she posted after being diagnosed, she explained that she had been feeling unwell for about a year and that three doctors looked at her before she was given a rectal exam.
Rudderham said she used to have a family doctor but she left.
"You need to advocate for your own health," said Rudderham. "I should have started advocating for myself sooner than I did."
She also asked that people put pressure on the government instead of blaming health-care workers. "Our doctors and our nurses are working in a system that does not support them," she said.
Rudderham says she went to three different emergency departments before she was given a rectal exam. (Robert Short/CBC)
In a follow-up video, Rudderham said she was initially diagnosed with a colorectal tumour, and later found out the tumour was actually in her anus. She said this was a good thing because its placement would make it easier to operate.
She joked that the growth, which was initially about six inches, had been named "Arnold," before she became serious once again.
"I don't want to make it seem like I'm taking light of this, because I'm not. I know full well what I'm facing," she said.
I can choose to see it for what it is, which is a really beautiful opportunity for me to stand up and fight a really good fight and come out on the other side however I choose to."
Rudderham added: "Because after this, there's no stopping me."
N.S. cancer patient shocked and grateful for support following powerful video
'My community deserves more. Canadians deserve more. And I want that for them.'
Mairin Prentiss· CBC News·
Inez Rudderham, 33, says she is shocked, overwhelmed and grateful for the support she's received from her community of Windsor, N.S., and across Canada after posting an impassioned video about her cancer that went undiagnosed for two years. (Elizabeth Chiu/CBC)
Unable to work because of her cancer diagnosis and under mounting financial pressure, Inez Rudderham decided to sell her family home in Windsor, N.S.
On the day she found out the house had sold, she also heard that she would not get a mental health appointment, to help her cope, until the summer.
That's when she decided to hit record and speak directly to the premier of Nova Scotia. "It just broke me," said Rudderham in an interview with CBC.
"It was done in a moment of emotion and passion and vulnerability. So I didn't think it through. I just shared what I was feeling and I posted it."
Rudderham, 33, challenged Premier Stephen McNeil to meet with her during the emotional video describing how her cancer went undiagnosed for two years because she didn't have a family doctor. She said she went to the emergency room three times before she was given an exam to diagnose her stage three anal cancer.
"I dare you to take a meeting with me, and explain to me, and look into my eyes and tell me that there is no health-care crisis in my province of Nova Scotia," said a tearful Rudderham in the video.
After going through 30 rounds of radiation treatment and two rounds of chemotherapy, she is now in full remission as of January. But the fallout from her cancer has affected her physically and emotionally.
Under financial stress, Rudderham was forced to sell her Windsor, N.S., home. It sold on Tuesday, the same day she decided to record a video demanding to meet with Premier Stephen McNeil over what she calls a health-care crisis in the province. (Elizabeth Chiu/CBC)
She began pursuing mental-health services in January. She won't be seen until July.
"I have a support network. I'm very fortunate. But not everybody has that," said Rudderham.
"My community deserves more. Canadians deserve more. And I want that for them. I want it for me."
She said she feels a responsibility to advocate for all Nova Scotians who are demanding better health care.
"I have a story that people can relate to and I think that that's important that I use my voice in a way that can help because I don't ever want to see any 31-year-old mother being told that she's crazy and that the symptoms are all in her head," she said.
Rudderham hasn't heard from McNeil or his staff. But she is preparing herself to return a phone call to the Nova Scotia Health Authority.
Earlier this week, McNeil said he asked the Health Department to reach out to Rudderham to find out more about her situation.
He would not commit to meeting with her until he had heard back from the department.
"There are challenges in the health-care system in parts of accessing primary care. We've always acknowledged that," he told reporters after a cabinet meeting Thursday. "But we've continued to make adjustments."
'Denial will get us nowhere'
"I just wanted him to acknowledge the fact that there is an issue with the health care system in Nova Scotia," said Rudderham. "I'm not particular on what terms he wants to use. He doesn't have to call it a crisis. But denial will get us nowhere.
"I just want to sit down with him and I want to be educated. I want to know why this isn't working and what I can do as a citizen to help make it better."
Despite it all, Rudderham said she is resilient and sees cancer as an opportunity to grow stronger. She is now being followed by a family doctor.
Shocked by the response
Her impassioned video, which has been viewed over 2.5 million times since Tuesday, has garnered national attention.
"Never in a million years did I think that it would reach the audience that it has," she said.
Enormously grateful for the support, Rudderham said she wants to thank everyone in her community and Canada for rallying around her.
"Thank you doesn't seem enough. But just thank you to everybody."
"When you see people who are hurting step up and support you in your own hurt that, I think, is just such an indicator of who we are as a country."
'She has a lot of power'
A friend, Mary Moore, said she hopes Rudderham's voice will help spur change in the province.
"She has a lot of power and she has a lot of passion about what she's speaking of and knows very much first hand what it feels like to be feeling stuck. That there's no real answer and no where to find that answer," said Moore.
Mary Moore said she tried to focus on Rudderham, rather than the cancer while her friend was going through treatment. (Brian MacKay/CBC)
Nataly Regan, another friend, said it was Rudderham's determination that got her through cancer. "She was not just fighting for herself, she was fighting for her daughter and her husband."
Nataly Regan said the community of Windsor, N.S., rallied around Rudderham after she was diagnosed with stage three cancer. (Elizabeth Chiu/CBC)
Regan said she is proud of the strength Rudderham has shown in sharing her story.
"It could be any one of us that is in her position. I don't think I'd be brave enough to do that video. Good on her for doing it, because people are finally listening."
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others "Content disabled" Methinks I will mention this during the next federal election after all New Brunswick does not even have a Constitution yet thanks to crooked dudes such as Anthony Lockwood and his cohorts N'esy Pas?
Threatened Risteen building in Fredericton considered for heritage designation
Development blocked for 60 days while heritage board considers fate of 1820s stone cut building
CBC News·
The historic Risteen Building is at risk of being torn down to accommodate an apartment complex. (Joe McDonald/CBC)
The City of Fredericton has halted any work on the Risteen building in downtown Fredericton for 60 days, so council can assess whether the property should be brought under the heritage preservation bylaw.
A temporary order to cease activity was issued to developer Gabriel Elzayat when his application to demolish the building was submitted.
"And if (council) elect to designate it, then the bylaw needs to be amended and it becomes part of the heritage bylaw area," said Juan Estepa, the manager of heritage and urban design with the city.
That could take months, said Estepa.
"Then it's up to the Preservation Review Board to consider the demolition request and any development that may happen on that property," he said.
The first cut stone building in New Brunswick, the Risteen building was built in the 1820s by Anthony Lockwood, surveyor general of New Brunswick.
It later became the Risteen Sash and Door factory, supplying many of the finishings to houses and buildings around the city.
Elzayat wants to build apartments on the site. He owns several buildings in the immediate area that are also expected to be part of the development. He did not wish to comment on the council order.
"This developer bought the property knowing that this was a potential situation, and it was a risk he was prepared to take," Estepa said.
David R. Amos Methinks CBC just did a rather telling thing again N'ey Pas?
David R. Amos
Content disabled
"That could take months, said Estepa."
Great
Methinks I will mention during the next federal election after all New Brunswick does not even have a Constitution yet thanks to crooked dudes such as Anthony Lockwood and his cohorts N'esy Pas?
Mark (Junkman) George Sometimes a building comes to an end of it's useful life. Should "we" preserve old buildings is the question. Sure "we" should, but only when "we" get our money out, and do it.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: Methinks folks should check its history closer N'esy Pas?
Linda Christie Hazlett Great solid old building. Every city should keep a few of their historical properties. Have often noticed the stonework on the building when I was driving by
David R. Amos
Reply to @Linda Christie Hazlett: I agree
Graham McCormack Reply to @Linda Christie Hazlett: And who should pay for its upkeep?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Graham McCormack: "And who should pay for its upkeep?"
Methinks you should ask our latest Minister of Heritage Robert Gauvin N'esy Pas?
Aaron James
And here we go again. A small group of people wanting to keep Fredericton old and decrepit, instead of new and vibrant. It's too bad we can't have nice things around here.
Shawn McShane
Reply to @Aaron James: New and vibrant and old and decrepit are in the eyes of the beholder. I find the new builds uninspiring and cheaply built, the motivation is pure profit.
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others Methinks folks forgot the British Queen is our de facto Head of State, the "Protector of the Faith" of the Church of England and she is on our money N'esy Pas?
Court of Appeal ruling prevents nursing home workers from striking
Siding with province, court overrules previous judgment that allowed nursing home workers to strike
Hadeel Ibrahim· CBC News·
Nursing home workers will not be allowed to strike for now, after the New Brunswick Court of Appeal sided with the province in a decision Thursday. (Hadeel Ibrahim/CBC)
The City of Fredericton has halted any work on the Risteen building in downtown Fredericton for 60 days, so council can assess whether the property should be brought under the heritage preservation bylaw and its future decided by the heritage review board.
A temporary order to cease activity was issued to developer Gabriel Elzayat when his application to demolish the building was submitted.
"And if (councillors) elect to designate it, then the bylaw needs to be amended and it becomes part of the heritage bylaw area," said Juan Estepa, the manager of heritage and urban design with the city.
That could take months, said Estepa.
"Then it's up to the Preservation Review Board to consider the demolition request and any development that may happen on that property," he said.
The first cut stone building in New Brunswick, the Risteen building was built in the 1820s by Anthony Lockwood, surveyor general of New Brunswick.
It later became the Risteen Sash and Door factory, supplying many of the finishings to houses and buildings around the city.
Elzayat wants to build apartments on the site. He owns several buildings in the immediate area that are also expected to be part of the development. He did not wish to comment on the council order.
"This developer bought the property knowing that this was a potential situation, and it was a risk he was prepared to take," Estepa said.
Corrections
A secondary headline incorrectly said that the heritage review board would consider the fate of the building. In fact, it's council that has 60 days to consider the building's future.
George Johnson Awwww, poor babies, I do the same work and just seen a dentist which will cost 4,000 dollars, zero coverage on a whoping 12.75 / hr, how much do all you nursing home workers pay for dental, prescriptions, how much pay do you all lose if you are sick and can't work, how about zero holidays because you can't afford to take a day off but still have to run a car to work, mine is 16 years old and each day it gets me there I feel lucky. I could go on and on but you all would not care a bit because its not you, greedy bunch of entitled babies, feel so bad for you's.
Kelly Sherrard
Reply to @george johnson: i can assure you their medical/dental plan wouldn't cover the $4,000 cost. The plan is pretty pathetic. I had a better plan working in private industry in Halifax. As for your sick days without pay, zero holidays.... that is what people striked years ago to get. If you don't work someplace that has a union, you shouldn't point the finger of jealousy at others who do. Find another job with your education there should be lots of doors open.
David R. Amos
Reply to @george johnson: "I could go on and on but you all would not care a bit because its not you"
Methinks that is the awful truth of it when greed and apathy rule the day N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @kelly sherrard: Methinks you know many CUPE members who are working hard against me N'esy Pas?
Mack Leigh Past time that this whole issue was settled... Ultimately the ONLY ones who will suffer are the seniors who are at the mercy of both government and the workers... Caregivers cannot help but be impacted negatively by all of this dragging on and that includes the level of care they are able or willing to provide to our seniors..
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mack Leigh: "Ultimately the ONLY ones who will suffer are the seniors who are at the mercy of both government and the workers."
YUP
Danny Debdee They still have some leverage. Time for the workers to stop working overtime, stop covering shifts, etc....
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Danny Debdee: The ONLY reason they need to work overtime and shift cover is because of the ridiculous sick days and personal days policy they all get.
David R. Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Johnny Horton: Methinks inquiring minds would like to know if you decided to run for pubic office what name would the Crown allow you to put on the ballot N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos: BINGO
Fay Briggs What are the nursing home employees going to do now? This ruling will affect all unionized workers in New Brunswick. The teachers, the bus drivers who are in need of a new contract. The EMO's etc. It will be interesting to watch.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Fay Briggs: "It will be interesting to watch."
YUP
Alex Forbes If you don't like your jobs, quit. See if you can get better pay elsewhere (you can't; at least not in NB). These unions are putting mammon over God.
Archie Levesque Reply to @Alex Forbes: mammon over God? What does this mean? and what does a fictional entity have to do with anything?
David R. Amos Reply to @Archie Levesque: "what does a fictional entity have to do with anything?"
Methinks you forgot that the British Queen is our de facto Head of State and that she is also the "Protector of the Faith" of the Church of England and she is on our money. Furthermore whereas the Charter clearly states the following we are stuck with that fictional entity N'ey Pas?
'Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law"
William Wallace Reply to @Johnny Horton: What do you earn, and what do you have for benefits??
Johnny Horton
Reply to @William Wallace:
The median Nb salary is under $31000 a year.
As to your question, I will only tell you thst I am currently self employed. I’m responsible for finding my own work, pricing it so people will hire me and meeting deadlines. All with no benefits, no sick days and no pension, or even CPP payments for old age security. As well as no EI.
David R. Amos Content disabled Reply to @Johnny Horton: "All with no benefits, no sick days and no pension, or even CPP payments for old age security"
Yea Right Methinks you work under the table N'esy Pas?
Johnny Horton
Reply to @David R. Amos:
It’s only been in the past few years that self e played can pay into cpp. For decades they could not and thus got no pension at 65.
Nah, all above board, I even charge gst .)
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Johnny Horton: I owned and operated a business over 30 years ago How do you explain my CPP benefits? Furthermore why did my comment you responded to go "Poof" as usual?
Trudeau government ran $3.1-billion surplus in first 11 months of 2018-19
Numbers suggest much better outcome than $14.9-billion annual deficit projection
The Canadian Press·
Pedestrians make their way across Parliament Hill in Ottawa. A preliminary estimate of the federal books says the government posted a surplus of $3.1 billion through the first 11 months of this fiscal year. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
A preliminary estimate of the federal books says the government posted a surplus of $3.1 billion through the first 11 months of the fiscal year.
The number in the Finance Department's latest fiscal monitor suggests that with one month to go in the 2018-19 fiscal year, the government's balance sheet is on track to be far better than the Liberals' $14.9-billion deficit projection.
The April-to-February surplus is an improvement compared to the same period in 2017-18, when the government ran a shortfall $6 billion
The report says overall revenues were up $23.5 billion, or 8.5 per cent, compared to same 11-month stretch the previous year, due in large part to higher revenues from taxes and incoming employment insurance premiums.
Program expenses rose by $12.7 billion, or 4.8 per cent, mostly because of increases in major transfers to individuals and other levels of government as well as higher direct program spending. In February alone, the report says the government had a surplus of $4.3 billion.
Last month, the Liberals' budget predicted the government would run annual deficits of $19.8 billion in 2019-20, $19.7 billion in 2020-21 and $14.8 billion in 2021-22.
Reply to @Mario Rotella: Methinks this number pales in comparison to how much money was squandered since 2015 N'esy Pas?
Joe Smithson
Reply to @David R. Amos:
Ask Harper about that he did the same n’esy pas....
David R. Amos
Reply to @Joe Smithson: "Ask Harper about that he did the same n’esy pas.... "
Methinks you should ask yourself why I ran against Harper 3 times and am preparing to run again N'esy Pas?
John Silver
After Harper government balanced the budget, Trudeua government increases the debt by 5.7% the record amount for non-war period. Taxes were increased, most of Candians did not receive new services. And at the end, they paused wasting spree for one year to keep in power. Hopefully, Candians will not be fooled
David R. Amos
Reply to @John Silver: "Hopefully, Candians will not be fooled "
Methinks about 30 percent always are. Which 30 percent depends on what political party holds the governmental mandate at the time N'esy Pas?
Rich Large
And yet as recently as one month ago, Morneau forecast a deficit of $19.8 billion. Clearly, Liberals haven't got a clue what's going on.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Rich Large: "Clearly, Liberals haven't got a clue what's going on."
Oh So True
Richard Sharp
Reply to @Rich Large:
It's unfortunate that erroneous and unfounded claims like yours which attract such adoration are even allowed up. As clearly written in the CBC headline itself, the feds actually predicted a month ago that the 2018-19 deficit would be $14.9 billion, not $19.8 as you claim. Here is a more complete version of the CP piece:
Lowest unemployment rate in 40 years is a good thing no matter what conservatives tell you!!!
David R. Amos
Reply to @Troy Mann: Methinks it is obviously you who is trying to tell us something N'esy Pas?
Martin Howser
And they did it, without dipping into EI fund or selling off the national assets to the Saudis... (mentioning no names here)
Troy Mann
Reply to @Martin Howser:
Lies is all you have
Lowest unemployment rate in 40 years is good for Canada even though conservatives hate Canada
David R. Amos
Reply to @Martin Howser: (mentioning no names here)
Methinks its no time to be shy N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Troy Mann: "Lies is all you have"
Oh My My
Methinks you learn to debate rather than mere insult folks Furthermore you are being a little redundant as well N'esy Pas?
Richard Dekkar
This is nuts! Just a month after the budget and they were off by this much? Given it's the same crew who cooked Ontario's books - and that province's Auditor General slammed them for it, either these numbers can't believed, or everything the Liberals say can't be believed, or both!
If true, don't virtue signal spend it. Bring down taxes across the board.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Richard Dekkar: "This is nuts!"
Methinks that is the way a proper Circus should be N'esy Pas?
Hugh MacDonald
Wife: I bought a new coat on sale for $150 and saved $50 and I also bought a new chair on sale for $350 and saved $100. Husband: If you keep racking up those kinds of savings, we'll have enough to buy a new car.
Jerry Smith
Reply to @Hugh MacDonald: Perfect analogy Hugh!!
David R. Amos
Reply to @Jerry Smith: "Perfect analogy Hugh!!"
At least it was funny
Dave Roux
Must be an election comming up.....seems kinda funny
David R. Amos
Reply to @Dave Roux: ."seems kinda funny "
Welcome to the Circus
Frank Albanese
A 3.1B surplus after a 14.9B projected deficit coming into an election. Yeah, let's trust those numbers.......
Will Eves
Reply to @Frank Albanese: Trust the facts, not your 'gut'
David R. Amos
Reply to @Will Eves: Methinks my gut has served me far better than any politician''s facts It makes no sense to quit trusting it now N'esy Pas?
Patrick Anglin
Yes, deficits can disappear if you focus on growth.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Patrick Anglin: "Yes, deficits can disappear if you focus on growth."
Or raise taxes
Federal government still on pace for $15B deficit despite surplus through most of 2018-19
Last month's budget pledged billions in additional spending for previous fiscal year
Andy Blatchford· The Canadian Press·
Pedestrians make their way across Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The federal government says it remains on track to post a budgetary shortfall of about $15 billion in 2018-19 even though a preliminary estimate says it posted a surplus of $3.1 billion through the first 11 months of this fiscal year. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
The Trudeau government says it remains on track to post a budgetary shortfall of about $15 billion in 2018-19 even though a new estimate says the federal books ran a $3.1-billion surplus through the first 11 months of the fiscal year.
The number was released Friday in the Finance Department's latest fiscal monitor, a document that provides a preliminary look at the federal balance sheet.
In last month's budget, the Liberals projected the government to post a $14.9-billion shortfall in 2018-19 — so a report showing Ottawa $3.1 billion in the black with one month to go appears to have the government on pace for a better fiscal result.
The surplus, however, is poised to be more than wiped out by promised spending, the department said. The budget contained "several significant measures" that will be booked in the 2018-19 fiscal year once the legislation is adopted, the report said.
It listed big-ticket items from the budget, including a $2.2-billion transfer to communities for infrastructure projects, $1 billion to improve energy efficiency in buildings and $900 million towards forgiving and reimbursing loans to Indigenous governments for comprehensive claim negotiations.
"Taking these measures, along with expected March 2019 results and end-of-year adjustments, into account, the results to date are broadly in line with the budgetary deficit for 2018-19 projected in budget 2019," the Finance Department said.
The government has raked in higher-than-expected revenues following a strong economic run in 2017 and 2018. The economy, however, has eased up in recent months after nearly stalling in late 2018 following a sudden fall in oil prices.
The report Friday said the April-to-February surplus was an improvement compared to the same period in 2017-18, when the government ran a deficit of $6 billion.
Jump in revenue
Overall revenues during the period were up $23.5 billion, or 8.5 per cent, compared to same 11-month stretch the previous year. The increase was due in large part to higher revenues from taxes and incoming employment-insurance premiums, the report said.
Program expenses rose by $12.7 billion, or 4.8 per cent, mostly because of increases in major transfers to individuals and other levels of government as well as higher direct program spending.
The department said public debt charges increased $1.7 billion, or 8.4 per cent, in a change mostly due to the higher effective interest rate on government debt.
In February alone, the report said the government had a surplus of $4.3 billion, which was driven by a revenue boost of $3.5 billion, or 12.2 per cent, compared to the year before.
The Liberals' budget also predicted the government would run annual deficits of $19.8 billion in 2019-20, $19.7 billion in 2020-21 and $14.8 billion in 2021-22.
With the federal election just six months away, Canadians should expect to hear more and more debate focused on the country's fiscal situation.
The opposition Conservatives and some economists have criticized the Trudeau government for ditching its 2015 campaign vow to run annual deficits of no more than $10 billion and to balance the books by 2019. The Liberals have also faced objections for not providing a timetable to return to budgetary balance.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau has instead focused on reducing the net-debt-to-GDP ratio — a measure of how burdensome the national debt is — each year. He's argued the extra spending, in areas such as infrastructure, has been necessary to help raise the country's long-term growth.
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 47 others Methinks everybody knows I don't care what the many minions of Irving Clan or NB Power's Yankee vice-president of nuclear energy say about anything N'esy Pas?
Irving Oil makes rare public comment on carbon pricing, offers support with a catch
67 Comments
David R. Amos "Massicotte invited the Council of Canadians activists to respond"
Methinks I should ask if folks think Ann Pohl uttered "fine words" N'esy Pas?
David R. AmosReply to @David R. Amos:
"New Brunswick independent Sen. René Cormier, a committee member, said he still hasn't come to a conclusion on how he'll vote on Bill C-69. "I'm still listening very, very carefully."
Methinks René Cormier and Mikey Holland must know by now that that I don't care what Brett Plummer, NB Power's Yankee vice-president of nuclear energy says about anything N'esy Pas?
Brett Plummer said "NB Power is already planning 15 years ahead in looking at new, smaller-scale and emissions-free nuclear reactors, but "this uncertainty could lead to investors going elsewhere to build their projects."
Roy Kirk I don't u understand why people are so bent out of shape over the carbon tax on gasoline. Most people get it back as a tax rebate. That's a much better deal than the 25 cent excise tax that's on the same fuel, and the HST that's on top of that, none of which is rebated back to the user.
Daryl Doucette Reply to @Roy Kirk: Bent out of shape? Why take it if they are just going to give it back? Utter loonacy.
David R. Amos Reply to @Roy Kirk: "Most people get it back as a tax rebate."
I won't because I can't file with the CRA
David R. Amos
Reply to @daryl doucette: 'Utter loonacy."
YUP
Robert G. Holmes Question for Irving Oil; What does your long range Sustainable Development Plan, (Industry business centre by Industry), look like today, as compared to 10 years ago? ie. where are we headed?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Robert G. Holmes: Methinks you know as well as I that all you will ever hear in response is crickets N'esy Pas?
Steve Dueck Yah...I support it too...as long as it doesn’t take money from my pocket...which it does...so like Irving...I really don’t support it at all.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Steve Dueck: Actually , it puts your money back in your pocket , if you can understand .
Steve Dueck
Reply to @Lou Bell: oh I fully understand...but until we..the tax paying public...actually see it...I will remain cynical. Politicians are not known for telling the truth
Daryl Doucette
Reply to @Lou Bell: that is simply not true.
David R. Amos
Reply to @daryl doucette: You are correct
Ron Haverkamp We need to ask ourselves why any private company would support a tax on their products. This carbon scheme wreaks of suspicion. The poorest of our society will suffer even more
David R. Amos
Reply to @Ron Haverkamp: "The poorest of our society will suffer even more"
Methinks that is how the wicked game is played for the benefit of the wealthy few N'esy Pas?
Brian Robertson Cue all the Irving haters to air all past greivances. Envy is such a sad trait in people.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Brian Robertson: Methinks many folks have many good reasons to hold the Irving Clan in high contempt N'esy Pas?
Daryl Doucette Some one should ask the Irvings why they don't pay their fair share of property taxes.
David R. Amos
Reply to @daryl doucette: "Some one should ask the Irvings why they don't pay their fair share of property taxes."
Methinks that question should asked of Mr Higgs and his minions N'esy Pas?
Buddy Best LOL You don't compete with the Irving Monopoly. They own the governments. I expect with this new tax their profits will only increase. (Tax free)
David R. Amos
Reply to @Buddy Best: I agree
Jan Lenova "The owner of New Brunswick's single biggest emitter of carbon dioxide says it supports the idea of carbon pricing" ...because all of these Corporations simply pass the buck of their Carbon Tax onto the backs of Canadian Taxpayers/Consumers, hence why prices have all skyrocketed.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Jan Lenova: Methinks this was just another fancy smoke and mirror show in order to support more taxation N'esy Pas?
David Webb In other words, we can't pass along this tax to our US customers, until and if they ever have a tax to compete, so better pony up an equivalent amount to offset. Canada driving business out of the country.
David R. Amos
Reply to @David Webb: BINGO
Ray Bungay Ms Pohl you do not, could and will not speak for me and millions of Canadians. I do not like this tax and I will complain publicly about until it is removed on ordinary hard working New Brunswick workers and retirees. We do not drive and more hence no car. This tax is going to hit my wife and I very hard because we have zero, nada, no, etc. choice but to heat our rented apartment by electricity. What does the Council of Few Canadians plan to do that would benefit my life and thousands of other on the edge $$$$$ wise seniors. Oh I hear much quiet! That only means you are just has much an embarrassment as Trudeau is.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Ray Bungay: "Ms Pohl you do not, could and will not speak for me and millions of Canadians"
I Wholeheartedly Agree Sir
Colin Seeley Message to Ms. Pohl and the Council of Some Canadians.
Canadians are not going to accept a Carbon Tax.
Confederation has done major damages to NB.
Losing Irving would be existential doom.
My fear is committee failure to see realities .
Perhaps Trudeau will buy a refinery.
Peter Demerchant Reply to @Colin Seeley: "loosing Irving would be existential doom"........thanks now I have to make a new Saturday morning coffee after spitting most of the first one on the floor in uncontrolled laughter
Buddy Best
Reply to @Colin Seeley: If the Irvings want to leave I, for one, will help them pack. Good rid-dins!!!
Daryl Doucette
Reply to @Buddy Best: you got that right.
Marc LeBlanc
Reply to @Colin Seeley: Imagine where New Brunswick would be if Irving Oil wasn't using Bermuda as a tax haven and they were paying their fair share of taxes like every other poor business person working 70-80 hours a week just to feed themselves
Colin Seeley
Reply to @Peter demerchant:
Alberta is listening . Can’t wait to see you in being pulled up King Street in a Rickshaw !
NYC prices will apply.
$25 USD.
Peter Demerchant
Reply to @Colin Seeley: Haha, I will need a jacka@% to pull it, so keep your phone on
Daryl Doucette
Reply to @Marc LeBlanc: exactly. GREEEED!
Buddy Best
Reply to @Colin Seeley: Second biggest employer in the province after our inflated government. No diversity. If they were to leave there would be several (not one) new employers in this province with far less of a grip on the throats of governments and the average tax paying consumer. It would be 5 years for the dust to settle and folks returning home to NB.
David R. Amos
Reply to @: "exactly. GREEEED!"
Methinks we all know the Irving Clan is the greediest of all N'esy Pas?
Colin Seeley “ Federal data show Irving Oil's Saint John refinery emitted three million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2016, the highest level of any single facility in the province.”
It would be of interest to see a list of the emitters of GHG in NB
Ray Bungay
Reply to @Colin Seeley: Yes McCains, Gagnon, non Irving Forest operations and of course NBP and Emera
Buddy Best
Reply to @Colin Seeley: Why? Irving sets the bar for corporate neglect of the environment. That is just one element of their massive control over commerce, refining and manufacturing here. This has been going on for decades and in most cases ignored by governments. This to the detriment of all it's residents. Those able, including the new comers, are bailing.
Colin Seeley
Reply to @Buddy Best:
Alberta and hard working blue collar Canadians are listening to the Bolshevik like drivel such as yours.
Suppressing the Canadian economy will not save the Planet.
Daryl Doucette
Reply to @Buddy Best: It is not " ignored' by government....they know full well but $$$$keeps them quiet.
Buddy Best
Reply to @Colin Seeley: That is trade secret. You can bet Irving would make the short list many times. Irving Paper, Irving Pulp and Paper, Irving Owned NBSR and rail-side storage units. JDI, Irving Forest Industries clear cut and spray, Kent's Building........
Buddy Best
Reply to @Colin Seeley: Your debating tactics need a little fine tuning. Attack the messenger when you can justify your cause.
David R. Amos
Reply to @daryl doucette: "they know full well but $$$$keeps them quiet."
Methinks everybody knows that N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Buddy Best: "Attack the messenger when you can justify your cause."
Methinks that is just another one of those things he does that folks fail to appreciate N'esy Pas?
Shawn Hickey Irving always has a catch. The special treatment catch. I don't blame them.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Shawn Hickey: I do
Shawn Hickey
Reply to @David R. Amos: you would do the same.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Shawn Hickey: So you say
Cam Randal Basically, Irving is in favour of the carbon tax as long as it does not impact the company's bottom line. The NB government will do due diligence to establish a carbon pricing scheme that benefits (saves money, reduces taxes, etc) for Irving.
Meanwhile, the working poor struggle to make ends meet, and pay carbon tax, so that the Irving Corp. remains competitive.
Colin Seeley
Reply to @Cam Randal:
And Irving also provides thousands of jobs.
Similar to the SNC jobs Trudeau tried to save by pressuring Jody.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Colin Seeley: big corporations and the money run governments, no matter the party in power. Trudeau is no worse than Harper, nor Higgs for that matter.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: "big corporations and the money run governments, no matter the party in power. Trudeau is no worse than Harper, nor Higgs for that matter."
Methinks you should explain why you make fun of my running as a Independent N'esy Pas?
Irving Oil makes rare public comment on carbon pricing, offers support with a catch
Irving Oil is the province's single biggest emitter of carbon dioxide
Jacques Poitras· CBC News·
An Irving Oil storage facility and crude rail cars are photographed at the edge of Courtenay Bay on in Saint John, New Brunswick. (Devaan Ingraham/Reuters)
The owner of New Brunswick's single biggest emitter of carbon dioxide says it supports the idea of carbon pricing — as long as it doesn't harm the company's competitiveness.
But officials with Irving Oil did not offer a precise idea of where that threshold is during rare public comments earlier this week.
"We think that there's a role for us to play," Andy Carson, the company's director of growth and strategy, told a committee of senators during a hearing in Saint John. "There should be a price that we pay in connection with the carbon that we emit as part of our production."
But when pressed for more details, Carson and another Irving executive would only say that too high a carbon tax could shut down the company and its efforts to reduce emissions.
"We wouldn't want to find ourselves in a position where we've taxed our industry out of business," said Jeff Matthews, chief financial officer. He said that would shift more refining to countries with less stringent environmental regulations.
Federal data show Irving Oil's Saint John refinery emitted three million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2016, the highest level of any single facility in the province.
Jeff Matthews, Irving Oil's chief financial officer, speaks during the senate hearing on Bill C-69 in Saint John on Thursday. (Roger Cosman/CBC)
Irving Oil has not responded to recent requests for comment from CBC News on the ongoing political debate on carbon taxes.
The previous Liberal government of Brian Gallant adopted the federal government's industrial "backstop" for large emitters in the province.
It would require large facilities to reduce emissions to below the average in their sector — known as a "performance standard"— or be forced to purchase credits.
Company says climate change 'important issue'
Carson and Matthews were put on the spot Thursday by Quebec Senator Paul Massicotte, a member of a Senate committee that held hearings in Saint John on federal Bill C-69.
The bill would overhaul how major energy projects are reviewed and regulated. When two members of the Council of Canadians warned of a looming environmental crisis caused by climate change, Massicotte asked the Irving officials to respond.
Andy Carson, Irving Oil's director of growth and strategy, said the company believes climate change is an 'important issue.' (Roger Cosman/CBC)
Carson called climate change "a very, very significant and important issue" and said the company has worked with federal officials developing the current system.
"Our position has never been 'we disagree with this fundamentally.' It's been much more constructive," he said.
But Carson didn't comment specifically on the current federal system. Instead he told the committee that electric-vehicle charging stations are now available at several Irving gas stations throughout New Brunswick.
The charging stations may seem "surprising," he said, but it's part of the company's strategy to "position ourselves to serve the customers of the future."
Massicotte invited the Council of Canadians activists to respond, and one of them, Ann Pohl, said while Carson had uttered "fine words," the existing carbon price isn't going to be enough to reduce emissions.
Ann Pohl of the Council of Canadians speaks during the senate hearing on Bill C-69 in Saint John on Thursday. (Roger Cosman/CBC)
"So can you tell exactly what your position was, or Irving's position was, on carbon pricing?" she asked Carson.
Carson and Matthews both said that whatever price is in place has to allow Canadian companies to compete against their counterparts elsewhere, including in countries where there is no carbon tax.
After Matthews warned that a high tax would shift refining to countries with weaker environmental rules, Massicotte accused him of using "an element of fear" in his comments.
Province crafting own price on carbon
New Brunswick's Progessive Conservative government is drafting its own alternate carbon-pricing system for industry, though it's not clear if Ottawa will accept it.
Environment Minister Jeff Carr has said its weaker standard for measuring emissions "would lead to industry being on a fair playing field with our neighbours and exporters in other jurisdictions around." Carr said large emitters would "still pay a small amount."
Pohl said Friday she was disappointed that Irving Oil didn't offer any specific comments on the current federal carbon tax.
"If he'd been on a witness stand, a lawyer would have gotten up and said, 'the witness is not answering the question,'" she said.
"What I heard was, 'We don't want to appear to be opposed to carbon pricing.' But it sounds like they are."
Muddied review process or much-needed change: New Brunswickers weigh in on Bill C-69
Senate committee hears from bill supporters on both sides
Jacques Poitras· CBC News·
Jeff Matthews, Irving Oil's chief financial officer, speaks during the senate hearing on Bill C-69 in Saint John on Thursday. (Roger Cosman/CBC)
The national political battle over energy, climate and pipelines returned to Saint John Thursday as a committee of senators heard from New Brunswickers how to overhaul federal regulatory reviews of major projects.
The Senate committee is holding cross-Canada hearings into Bill C-69, legislation introduced by the Trudeau government that would add new steps and more public input into the reviews.
Hanging over the hearing was the ghost of the Energy East pipeline, which would have carried Alberta oil across the country to Saint John for exporting and refining.
The cancellation of the project in 2017 was blamed on overly strict federal criteria from the National Energy Board. Energy executives say Bill C-69 will only make the burden worse.
The Energy East pipeline would have stretched from Alberta to an export terminal in New Brunswick and could have carried up to 1.1 million barrels of oil per day. (Alex Panetta/The Canadian Press)
The bill "has the potential to … create confusion and unpredictability around how projects might be developed going forward," said Irving Oil's chief financial officer Jeff Matthews.
"So that lack of clarity around how we create opportunities, how we attract investors, how we execute on projects, will lead to lost opportunities."
Energy East demise
Irving Oil was a partner with TransCanada Corp. in a proposed Energy East export terminal that would have allowed the vast majority of oil in the pipeline to be exported on ships to foreign markets.
While the new federal review criteria were blamed for Energy East's demise, economists and other experts say the more likely reason was the projections of reduced oil sands production that did not require as much pipeline capacity.
The relatively more advanced Keystone XL and Trans Mountain projects also meant there was less need for Energy East.
Even so, Matthews told the senators that a newer, more thorough regulatory process would make it harder for Irving to contemplate such big projects in the future.
"For us as an organization that looks at these opportunities every day … this has the potential to impact that," Matthews said.
Proposed changes
Bill C-69 would undo several changes made by the Harper government in 2012 that streamlined the approval process for pipelines and other major energy projects.
The Conservative changes included limiting interventions to people or groups directly affected by the project — to avoid large numbers of activists dominating hearings and slowing them down.
The Liberal legislation reverses that change and added a new pre-assessment process and three different advisory committees, as well as more formal consultation with Indigenous people.
The federal Liberals argue that projects are more likely to win public support and be built if projects are subject to more rigorous and credible reviews with more public input.
Finding trust in the process
Saint John clean-air activist Gordon Dalzell adopted that argument Thursday in urging senators to pass the legislation.
"Yes, there will be delays, it will be cumbersome, some of these applications, but at the end of the day, after people have their say and the process is completed, I believe there will be better social acceptance and there will be better trust in the process," he said.
Clean-air activist Gordon Dalzell speaks during the senate hearing Thursday. (Roger Cosman/CBC)
"It's more likely that people — even though they may not agree with it — will have to accept that yes, this decision has been made, but we did have a good process, we did have our say."
Others, however, warned of the ambiguity in the bill, which would leave some decisions about the review process up to the federal environment minister or the federal cabinet.
"In a general way, we support the concepts and the ideas that Bill 69 sets out to put in play," said Arlene Dunn of Canada's Building Trades Union.
"However Bill 69 in its current form leaves much of the substance of the bill up to a regulatory framework that currently does not exist. You are essentially asking Canadians to buy something sight unseen."
NB Power voices concern
Brett Plummer, NB Power's vice-president of nuclear energy, warned that the legislation could actually set back the public utility's efforts to further reduce how much electricity it generates from fossil fuels.
The bill would transfer and duplicate some oversight of nuclear power now under the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Plummer said, which "could potentially result in uncertainty and duplication of regulatory oversight at the provincial and federal levels."
Brett Plummer, NB Power's vice-president of nuclear energy, expressed concern over Bill C-69 in Saint John on Thursday. (Roger Cosman/CBC)
He said NB Power is already planning 15 years ahead in looking at new, smaller-scale and emissions-free nuclear reactors, but "this uncertainty could lead to investors going elsewhere to build their projects."
New Brunswick independent Sen. René Cormier, a committee member, said he still hasn't come to a conclusion on how he'll vote on Bill C-69.
"I'm still listening very, very carefully."
He said judging by the volume of email and phone calls his office is getting, Canadians want strong environmental safeguards but in a way that balances them with economic growth.
Running out of time
Alberta independent senator Paula Simons said the existing system passed by the Harper government is "so widely unpopular" that it's clear changes are needed.
Sen. Paula Simons described the Harper government's design as 'widely unpopular.' (Roger Cosman/CBC)
But she said there are problems with the bill and she thinks the newfound independence of the Senate will allow it to improve the clarity and accountability of the legislation.
If the Senate votes to amend the legislation, it will have to go back to the House of Commons for a second vote before it can pass.
With an October election coming, supporters of Bill C-69 worry there won't be time for that.
"It's much better than what we have right now," said Ann Pohl of the Kent County chapter of the Council of Canadians. "Please improve it as much as you can but make sure it gets through this government."
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---------- Original message ---------- From: "Hon.Ralph.Goodale (PS/SP)"<Hon.ralph.goodale@canada.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:39:00 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks this afternoon Harjit Sajjan and his minions should go to Federal Court pull my file (T-1557-15) from the docket then read statement 83 real slow N'esy Pas? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Merci d'avoir ?crit ? l'honorable Ralph Goodale, ministre de la S?curit? publique et de la Protection civile. En raison d'une augmentation importante du volume de la correspondance adress?e au ministre, veuillez prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de votre courriel. Soyez assur? que votre message sera examin? avec attention. Merci! L'Unit? de la correspondance minist?rielle S?curit? publique Canada *********
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Due to the significant increase in the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note there could be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed. Thank you! Ministerial Correspondence Unit Public Safety Canada
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan visits areas affected by flooding in New Brunswick
4 Comments
David R. Amos Methinks this afternoon Harjit Sajjan and his minions should go to Federal Court across the street from Carl Urquhart's old cop shop in Fredericton and pull my file (T-1557-15) from the docket then read statement 83 real slow N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps I sure hope it's over soon. This is about all we read about here.
Greg Smith
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: It gives the perpetually unemployed and undereducated climate change deniers something to read and complain about in between submitting their EI reports.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks you should learn to relax and enjoy the Circus N'esy Pas?
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan visits areas affected by flooding in New Brunswick
Sajjan and New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart will speak at a news conference at 11:35 a.m.
Elizabeth Fraser· CBC News·
LIVE
CBC News
Federal defence minister, N.B. EMO update flood situation LIVE
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization officials deliver the latest update on the flood situation in the province Emergency officials are keeping a close eye on the St. John River, as water levels continue to hover above flood stage in southern New Brunswick. Geoffrey Downey, a spokesperson for the Emergency Measures Organization, says heavy rain over the weekend has forced water levels to sit above flood stage from Fredericton all the way to Saint John. "Anywhere that's above flood stage, you have problems," Downey said in an interview with Information Morning Fredericton
Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart are visiting Saint John and will be speaking at a news conference at 11:35 a.m. today.
Water levels in Fredericton are expected to sit around 7.5 metres throughout the day. Flood stage is 6.5 metres in Fredericton
Although water levels rose another 10 centimetres in New Brunswick's capital over the weekend, Downey said the river is expected to drop by Tuesday.
"The rain is what's driving the height at the moment, there's not a whole lot of snow left in the woods," he said.
Who's still above flood stage?
In Maugerville, water levels are expected to increase to 6.7 metres. Flood stage is six metres. Water levels in Jemseg will remain steady at 6.2 metres. Flood stage is 4.3 metres.
When it comes to flooding, emergency officials are hopeful the worst is over. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
In Grand Lake, water levels are expected to sit at 6.3 metres. Flood stage in that area is five metres.
In Sheffield-Lakeville Corner, the water level is at 6.5 metres. Flood stage is 4.8 metres.
In Oak Point, the water level is 5.3 metres. Flood stage is 4.7 metres.
And in the Quispamsis-Saint John area, the water level is 5.1 metres. Flood stage is 4.2 metres.
The worst is over
Wayne Tallon, the director of Fredericton's Emergency Measures Organization, said he is optimistic the worst of this year's flooding is over.
"The good news is that we hope that's the height it'll reach and it'll start going down," he said.
Tallon said inspectors with the province and Fredericton Fire Department will start assessing areas that were flooded to see the total amount of damage. He doesn't expect damage to be as bad as 2018.
Emergency officials say heavy rain is to blame for an increase in water levels. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
"We didn't get the really high winds," he said.
"The winds are the factor that causes a lot of damage because it creates waves."
Residents could return home today
Bill Lawlor, the provincial director with the Red Cross, said 437 households and 1,095 individuals have registered with the non-profit organization.
Kevin Clifford, the director of the Saint John EMO and the city's fire chief, said residents could be returning back to their homes as early as Monday night.
Once residents return back to their homes, he's encouraging them to remove anything that's wet or has been damaged by flooding to prevent the spread of mould.
How the St. John River floods
How high will the St. John River rise this spring, and does the Mactaquac Dam have anything to do with it? A New Brunswick flood, explained. 1:26
He said residents should be removing these items between a 24- and 48-hour time period.
"After 48 hours scientists have told us that the mould will take root in the homes," he said. Clifford said emergency officials will assist in removing items from homes, many of which were already impacted by last year's flood.
Clifford said emergency officials assisted more than 50 homes in the Saint John area last year.
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Hon.Ralph.Goodale (PS/SP)"<Hon.ralph.goodale@canada.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:39:00 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks this afternoon Harjit Sajjan and his minions should go to Federal Court pull my file (T-1557-15) from the docket then read statement 83 real slow N'esy Pas? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Merci d'avoir ?crit ? l'honorable Ralph Goodale, ministre de la S?curit? publique et de la Protection civile. En raison d'une augmentation importante du volume de la correspondance adress?e au ministre, veuillez prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de votre courriel. Soyez assur? que votre message sera examin? avec attention. Merci! L'Unit? de la correspondance minist?rielle S?curit? publique Canada *********
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Due to the significant increase in the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note there could be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed. Thank you! Ministerial Correspondence Unit Public Safety Canada
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Fitch, Leanne"<leanne.fitch@fredericton.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:38:59 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks this afternoon Harjit Sajjan and his minions should go to Federal Court pull my file (T-1557-15) from the docket then read statement 83 real slow N'esy Pas? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Due to a very high volume of incoming email to this account there is an unusual backlog of pending responses. Your message may not be responded to in a timely fashion. If you require a formal response please send your query in writing to my attention c/o Fredericton Police Force, 311 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B1 or phone (506) 460-2300. If this is an emergency related to public safety please call 911.
En raison du grand nombre de courriels que reçoit cette messagerie, il se peut qu’une réponse tarde un peu à venir. Si vous avez besoin d'une réponse officielle, veuillez envoyer votre demande par écrit à mon attention aux soins (a/s) de la Force policière de Fredericton 311, rue Queen, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B1, ou composer le 506 460-2300. S'il s'agit d'une urgence de sécurité publique, faites le 911.
This e-mail communication (including any or all attachments) is intended only for the use of the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, any use, review, retransmission, distribution, dissemination, copying, printing, or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this e-mail, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact the sender and delete the original and any copy of this e-mail and any printout thereof, immediately. Your co-operation is appreciated.
Any correspondence with elected officials, employees, or other agents of the City of Fredericton may be subject to disclosure under the provisions of the Province of New Brunswick Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Le présent courriel (y compris toute pièce jointe) s'adresse uniquement à son destinataire, qu'il soit une personne ou un organisme, et pourrait comporter des renseignements privilégiés ou confidentiels. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire du courriel, il est interdit d'utiliser, de revoir, de retransmettre, de distribuer, de disséminer, de copier ou d'imprimer ce courriel, d'agir en vous y fiant ou de vous en servir de toute autre façon. Si vous avez reçu le présent courriel par erreur, prière de communiquer avec l'expéditeur et d'éliminer l'original du courriel, ainsi que toute copie électronique ou imprimée de celui-ci, immédiatement. Nous sommes reconnaissants de votre collaboration.
Toute correspondance entre ou avec les employés ou les élus de la Ville de Fredericton pourrait être divulguée conformément aux dispositions de la Loi sur le droit à l’information et la protection de la vie privée.
GOV-OP-073
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Anderson-Mason, Andrea Hon. (JAG/JPG)"<Andrea.AndersonMason@gnb.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:38:58 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks this afternoon Harjit Sajjan and his minions should go to Federal Court pull my file (T-1557-15) from the docket then read statement 83 real slow N'esy Pas? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued. You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read, reviewed and taken into consideration. If your issue is Constituency related, please contact Lisa Bourque at my constituency office at Lisa.Bourque@gnb.caLisa.Bourque@gnb.ca
> or (506) 755-2810. Thank you.
Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations. Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons. Si c’est au sujet du bureau de circonscription, veuillez contacter Lisa Bourque à Lisa.Bourque@gnb.caLisa.Bourque@gnb.ca> ou (506)755-2810. Merci.
Andrea Anderson-Mason, Q.C. / c.r.
---------- Original message ---------- From: "Eidt, David (JAG/JPG)"<David.Eidt@gnb.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:38:59 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks this afternoon Harjit Sajjan and his minions should go to Federal Court pull my file (T-1557-15) from the docket then read statement 83 real slow N'esy Pas? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
I am out of the office until Tuesday afternoon, April 30. For immediate assistance, please dial (506) 453-2222.
Je suis absent du bureau jusqu'au 30 avril. Si vous avez besoin de l'assistance immediate svp appeler 453-2222.
---------- Original message ---------- From: Jane.Philpott@parl.gc.ca Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:38:59 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks this afternoon Harjit Sajjan and his minions should go to Federal Court pull my file (T-1557-15) from the docket then read statement 83 real slow N'esy Pas? To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
Hello,
Thank you for your email to the Honourable Jane Philpott, Member of Parliament for Markham-Stouffville.
This automated message is to acknowledge that we are in receipt of your email. Due to the high volume of correspondence, there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured it will be given every consideration.
If you have not already done so, please send us your full name, address and postal code which will enable us to assist you more quickly.
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Office of the Hon. Jane Philpott Member of Parliament, Markham-Stouffville
David R. Amos Methinks this afternoon Harjit Sajjan and his minions should go to Federal Court across the street from Carl Urquhart's old cop shop in Fredericton and pull my file (T-1557-15) from the docket then read statement 83 real slow N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps I sure hope it's over soon. This is about all we read about here.
Greg Smith Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: It gives the perpetually unemployed and undereducated climate change deniers something to read and complain about in between submitting their EI reports.
David R. Amos Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks you should learn to relax and enjoy the Circus N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps Reply to @David R. Amos: I could not be more relaxed!
