Saturday 29 November 2014
Child Poverty
Conservatives Refuse to Support NDP Motion to End Child Poverty
25 years ago, federal NDP leader, Ed Broadbent, tabled a motion in the House of Commons to achieve the goal of eliminating poverty among Canadian children by the year 2000.
Ed Broadbent, then leader of the federal New Democratic Party, put forward the motion back in 1989. Today, the 78-year-old says it’s unlikely he’ll see the end of child poverty within his lifetime.
“There’s no question we failed,” says Broadbent. “The desire was there for a while. But it didn’t persist, and I have my own theory about that and my own theory is that kids don’t vote. Adults vote.”
IN QUOTES: Hill Harassment Allegations
Justin Trudeau, On Suspending His 2 MPs
"I am aware of how difficult it is for people to come forward. I believe strongly that those of us in positions of authority have a duty to act upon allegations of this nature."
Read his full statement
Liberal MP Massimo Pacetti's Statement (Nov. 5)
"At 9:30 this morning I was informed by Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, that I have been suspended from caucus, based on allegations against me of 'personal misconduct.'
I have not been provided with the specific details of the allegations that led to this suspension. House Speaker Andrew Scheer has been asked to conduct and independent investigation, which I intend to cooperate fully, and which I am confident will exonerate me.
Until such time, I will sit in the House of Commons as an independent Member, and continue to represent the citizens of my riding of Saint-Léonard/Saint-Michel, which I have represented with integrity and dedication since May 2002."
Liberal MP Scott Andrews' Statement (Nov. 5)
"Today, Judy Foote MP sent a letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons requesting an independent third-party to investigate an allegation of harassment.
While I understand there is an established process to deal with harassment between Members of Parliament and staff, there is no process to deal with allegations between MPs themselves, and therefore I encourage the Speaker or Board of Internal Economy to establish an appropriate process without delay. I believe that our Parliament needs to be a workplace free of harassment, for both staff and MPs
I intend to fully cooperate with answering any and all questions from an independent third-party investigator. However, it would not be appropriate for me to answer questions prior to a non-partisan process being established and being provided with the specifics of the allegation. I am confident such a process will find that no harassment has occurred.
NDP Whip Nycole Turmel, On Her Reaction To Liberal Suspensions
"The persons involved, the alleged victims of this harassment or misconduct, didn’t know that this would be coming. So imagine, they are victims and they are victimized a second time."
NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair, On Why He Didn't Pursue Complaints
"Our No. 1 concern was to make sure that they got the help they needed and that their wishes were respected. Those wishes included a very strong desire to keep this confidential. That was their request and we were not about to override that and make them victims a second time."
NDP MP Craig Scott, On His Allegation Grits Breached Confidentiality
"I attended a meeting with the Liberal Whip at the request of, and in order to help and support, a friend and colleague.
My good faith contribution to this meeting was confidential. This good faith has been breached, and confidentiality deliberately broken in a way that further disrespects and puts pressure on the victim. At the same time, these actions continue to completely ignore the rights of former Liberal MPs.
I got involved to help a colleague, with one cardinal rule: respect the wishes of the victim. For those who still do not understand: one must respect victims rights, whether the issue is civil, criminal or disciplinary. Unlike others, I do not believe there is any virtue, let alone an ethical duty, to act contrary to victims' wishes.
For Liberal backroom operators to claim that somehow I am responsible for Justin Trudeau's decision is simply laughable.
I will therefore not dignify this spin with any further comments."
Senator Larry Campbell, On Why Alleged Victims Must Speak Up
"As far as I'm concerned, right now we have nothing more than a smear here.
NDP MP Breaks Silence To HuffPost
In an interview with The Huffington Post Canada, one of the alleged victims shed some on the allegations that may have gotten Pacetti booted from the Liberal caucus.
The MP, who was not named in the story, said she and Pacetti had sex "without explicit consent" that hurt. She later complained directly to Trudeau.
Sources Shed Light On Andrews Allegations
Sources also spoke with The Canadian Press about the accusations surrounding Andrews, who spent time socially with the other alleged NDP victim.
From the story: "According to sources, the woman alleges that Andrews followed her home, forced his way through her door, pushed her against a wall, groped her and ground his pelvis against her. She ordered him to leave. He did.
Afterwards, sources say the woman alleges that Andrews repeatedly verbally harassed her, calling her a 'c-kteaser.'"
Andrews' lawyer denied the MP behaved improperly.
Pacetti Responds With Statement (Nov. 25)
"I am troubled that the complainant chose to air these allegations in the media as this is inconsistent with statements conveyed through her party that privacy and fairness must be respected for both sides," the statement continued.
As with media reports of this nature, in this instance many questions remain unanswered and there is no way to evaluate the veracity of the claims being made. If need be, this matter should go through a confidential process mediated by an independent third party as was proposed by the Speaker of the House of Commons. Canadian standards of fairness and the presumption of innocence can then be maintained to arrive at the truth.
I reaffirm my innocence and I will not comment on this matter in the media any further."
Tory MP, On 'Consorting Without Protection'
After the NDP MP's interviews, Tory MP Peter Goldring sent an eyebrow-raising press release warning MPs about the dangers of "consorting without protection." He later retracted the statement below and apologized.
"It will not be good enough to simply say that your intentions were honourable and you were just inviting a colleague to your apartment at two in the morning to play a game of Scrabble at the end of a day of playing sports and drinking. MPs must learn, as I have from encounters with authority figures in the past, that all do not tell the truth. I now wear ‘protection’ in the form of body-worn video recording equipment. I suggest that others do so too, particularly because some accusers hide behind a shield of supposed credibility which many times is not, and sometimes even hide behind a cloak of anonymity, which conceals their shameful indiscretion and complicity."
"I am aware of how difficult it is for people to come forward. I believe strongly that those of us in positions of authority have a duty to act upon allegations of this nature."
Read his full statement
Liberal MP Massimo Pacetti's Statement (Nov. 5)
"At 9:30 this morning I was informed by Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, that I have been suspended from caucus, based on allegations against me of 'personal misconduct.'
I have not been provided with the specific details of the allegations that led to this suspension. House Speaker Andrew Scheer has been asked to conduct and independent investigation, which I intend to cooperate fully, and which I am confident will exonerate me.
Until such time, I will sit in the House of Commons as an independent Member, and continue to represent the citizens of my riding of Saint-Léonard/Saint-Michel, which I have represented with integrity and dedication since May 2002."
Liberal MP Scott Andrews' Statement (Nov. 5)
"Today, Judy Foote MP sent a letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons requesting an independent third-party to investigate an allegation of harassment.
While I understand there is an established process to deal with harassment between Members of Parliament and staff, there is no process to deal with allegations between MPs themselves, and therefore I encourage the Speaker or Board of Internal Economy to establish an appropriate process without delay. I believe that our Parliament needs to be a workplace free of harassment, for both staff and MPs
I intend to fully cooperate with answering any and all questions from an independent third-party investigator. However, it would not be appropriate for me to answer questions prior to a non-partisan process being established and being provided with the specifics of the allegation. I am confident such a process will find that no harassment has occurred.
NDP Whip Nycole Turmel, On Her Reaction To Liberal Suspensions
"The persons involved, the alleged victims of this harassment or misconduct, didn’t know that this would be coming. So imagine, they are victims and they are victimized a second time."
NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair, On Why He Didn't Pursue Complaints
"Our No. 1 concern was to make sure that they got the help they needed and that their wishes were respected. Those wishes included a very strong desire to keep this confidential. That was their request and we were not about to override that and make them victims a second time."
NDP MP Craig Scott, On His Allegation Grits Breached Confidentiality
"I attended a meeting with the Liberal Whip at the request of, and in order to help and support, a friend and colleague.
My good faith contribution to this meeting was confidential. This good faith has been breached, and confidentiality deliberately broken in a way that further disrespects and puts pressure on the victim. At the same time, these actions continue to completely ignore the rights of former Liberal MPs.
I got involved to help a colleague, with one cardinal rule: respect the wishes of the victim. For those who still do not understand: one must respect victims rights, whether the issue is civil, criminal or disciplinary. Unlike others, I do not believe there is any virtue, let alone an ethical duty, to act contrary to victims' wishes.
For Liberal backroom operators to claim that somehow I am responsible for Justin Trudeau's decision is simply laughable.
I will therefore not dignify this spin with any further comments."
Senator Larry Campbell, On Why Alleged Victims Must Speak Up
"As far as I'm concerned, right now we have nothing more than a smear here.
NDP MP Breaks Silence To HuffPost
In an interview with The Huffington Post Canada, one of the alleged victims shed some on the allegations that may have gotten Pacetti booted from the Liberal caucus.
The MP, who was not named in the story, said she and Pacetti had sex "without explicit consent" that hurt. She later complained directly to Trudeau.
Sources Shed Light On Andrews Allegations
Sources also spoke with The Canadian Press about the accusations surrounding Andrews, who spent time socially with the other alleged NDP victim.
From the story: "According to sources, the woman alleges that Andrews followed her home, forced his way through her door, pushed her against a wall, groped her and ground his pelvis against her. She ordered him to leave. He did.
Afterwards, sources say the woman alleges that Andrews repeatedly verbally harassed her, calling her a 'c-kteaser.'"
Andrews' lawyer denied the MP behaved improperly.
Pacetti Responds With Statement (Nov. 25)
"I am troubled that the complainant chose to air these allegations in the media as this is inconsistent with statements conveyed through her party that privacy and fairness must be respected for both sides," the statement continued.
As with media reports of this nature, in this instance many questions remain unanswered and there is no way to evaluate the veracity of the claims being made. If need be, this matter should go through a confidential process mediated by an independent third party as was proposed by the Speaker of the House of Commons. Canadian standards of fairness and the presumption of innocence can then be maintained to arrive at the truth.
I reaffirm my innocence and I will not comment on this matter in the media any further."
Tory MP, On 'Consorting Without Protection'
After the NDP MP's interviews, Tory MP Peter Goldring sent an eyebrow-raising press release warning MPs about the dangers of "consorting without protection." He later retracted the statement below and apologized.
"It will not be good enough to simply say that your intentions were honourable and you were just inviting a colleague to your apartment at two in the morning to play a game of Scrabble at the end of a day of playing sports and drinking. MPs must learn, as I have from encounters with authority figures in the past, that all do not tell the truth. I now wear ‘protection’ in the form of body-worn video recording equipment. I suggest that others do so too, particularly because some accusers hide behind a shield of supposed credibility which many times is not, and sometimes even hide behind a cloak of anonymity, which conceals their shameful indiscretion and complicity."
Friday 28 November 2014
8 Facts About Tailings Ponds
Source: Pembina Institute
Alberta's Oil Sands Tailings
Tailings Ponds - Oil Sands Today
Oilsands 101: Tailings | Oilsands | Pembina Institute
Tailings are a waste byproduct from the oilsands extraction processes used in mining operations.Tailings consist of a mix of water, sand, silt, clay, contaminants and unrecovered hydrocarbons and are toxic.
Syncrude's Tailings Dam near Fort McMurray, Alberta is one of the largest dam in the world.
Duck Deaths
There have been at least 2,150 deaths of ducks related to tailings ponds in Alberta.
Bird deaths reported on Alberta oil sands tailing ponds
There are currently more than 170 square kilometres of tailings ponds in Alberta. Even when tailings ponds covered 50 square kilometers they were big enough to be seen from space.
Tailings management remains one of the most difficult environmental challenges for the oil sands mining sector.
Tailings are stored indefinitely in open lakes that cover an area approximately 50 per cent larger than the city of Vancouver.
Tailings lakes increase in volume at a rate that would fill the Toronto Skydome on a daily basis.
Tailings lakes seep. The exact amount of seepage is either not known or has not been made public.
Alberta's Oil Sands Tailings
Tailings Ponds - Oil Sands Today
Oilsands 101: Tailings | Oilsands | Pembina Institute
Tailings are a waste byproduct from the oilsands extraction processes used in mining operations.Tailings consist of a mix of water, sand, silt, clay, contaminants and unrecovered hydrocarbons and are toxic.
Syncrude's Tailings Dam near Fort McMurray, Alberta is one of the largest dam in the world.
Duck Deaths
There have been at least 2,150 deaths of ducks related to tailings ponds in Alberta.
Bird deaths reported on Alberta oil sands tailing ponds
There are currently more than 170 square kilometres of tailings ponds in Alberta. Even when tailings ponds covered 50 square kilometers they were big enough to be seen from space.
Tailings management remains one of the most difficult environmental challenges for the oil sands mining sector.
Tailings are stored indefinitely in open lakes that cover an area approximately 50 per cent larger than the city of Vancouver.
Tailings lakes increase in volume at a rate that would fill the Toronto Skydome on a daily basis.
Tailings lakes seep. The exact amount of seepage is either not known or has not been made public.
Tuesday 25 November 2014
Highlights: Auditor General's Fall 2014 Report
Auditor General Michael Ferguson's 2014 fall report points to big issues with Veterans Affairs Canada, National Defence, Library and Archives Canada and other government departments.
Read the full report:
2014 Fall Report of the Auditor General of Canada
Here are the highlights from The Canadian Press.
Veterans Affairs Failing Vets
Veterans Affairs is not providing veterans with timely access to mental health services; the disability benefits program has a complex and time-consuming application process and some vets are forced to wait as long as eight months to find out if they can receive benefits.
Many veterans must endure long delays in obtaining medical and service records from National Defence and long wait times for mental health assessments.
Nutrition North Not Working
The Nutrition North program, which subsidizes the high cost of healthy food in northern communities, does not properly distribute subsidies or ensure savings are properly passed on to consumers.
Nutrition North, which was intended to foster healthy eating, also subsidizes foods of dubious health value, such as ice cream, bacon and processed cheese spread.
No Way to Know How Automakers Benefitted From Loans
It's impossible to fully assess the effectiveness of $13.9 billion in loans Canada and Ontario provided to Chrysler and GM's Canadian subsidiaries in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis due to a lack of comprehensive reporting to Parliament.
Massive Departmental Records Backlog
Library and Archives Canada doesn't know which departmental records should either be disposed of or archived, and has a backlog of 98,000 boxes of material waiting to be archived -- some of it dating back to 1890 -- with no plan for how to deal with it.
Sex Offender Registry May Be Incomplete
Canada's national sex offender registry may not include some Canadians convicted of crimes abroad because the RCMP doesn't have access to Foreign Affairs information on convicts released from prisons in other countries.
Water Purifiers Produced Less Than Expected
Canada's reverse-osmosis water purifiers, long a marquee element of the Canadian military's disaster relief efforts, produced only 65 per cent of projected output in the wake of last year's Typhoon Haiyan disaster in the Philippines, and only 73 per cent of that was ever distributed.
Military Moving Program Needs Better Oversight
The military's Integrated Relocation Program, which compensates members when their work requires them to move, requires better oversight and review.
Auditor General Michael Ferguson hands down fall report
Auditor general report findings downplayed by Stephen Harper
Nutrition North's impact on northerners uncertain, auditor general says
$15M Library and Archives Canada system never used
Future generations may not be able to enjoy Canada's recorded heritage — including photos, maps and important documents — because Library and Archives Canada is not collecting all of the material it should from federal agencies, the auditor general says.
Read the full report:
2014 Fall Report of the Auditor General of Canada
Here are the highlights from The Canadian Press.
Veterans Affairs Failing Vets
Veterans Affairs is not providing veterans with timely access to mental health services; the disability benefits program has a complex and time-consuming application process and some vets are forced to wait as long as eight months to find out if they can receive benefits.
Many veterans must endure long delays in obtaining medical and service records from National Defence and long wait times for mental health assessments.
Nutrition North Not Working
The Nutrition North program, which subsidizes the high cost of healthy food in northern communities, does not properly distribute subsidies or ensure savings are properly passed on to consumers.
Nutrition North, which was intended to foster healthy eating, also subsidizes foods of dubious health value, such as ice cream, bacon and processed cheese spread.
No Way to Know How Automakers Benefitted From Loans
It's impossible to fully assess the effectiveness of $13.9 billion in loans Canada and Ontario provided to Chrysler and GM's Canadian subsidiaries in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis due to a lack of comprehensive reporting to Parliament.
Massive Departmental Records Backlog
Library and Archives Canada doesn't know which departmental records should either be disposed of or archived, and has a backlog of 98,000 boxes of material waiting to be archived -- some of it dating back to 1890 -- with no plan for how to deal with it.
Sex Offender Registry May Be Incomplete
Canada's national sex offender registry may not include some Canadians convicted of crimes abroad because the RCMP doesn't have access to Foreign Affairs information on convicts released from prisons in other countries.
Water Purifiers Produced Less Than Expected
Canada's reverse-osmosis water purifiers, long a marquee element of the Canadian military's disaster relief efforts, produced only 65 per cent of projected output in the wake of last year's Typhoon Haiyan disaster in the Philippines, and only 73 per cent of that was ever distributed.
Military Moving Program Needs Better Oversight
The military's Integrated Relocation Program, which compensates members when their work requires them to move, requires better oversight and review.
Auditor General Michael Ferguson hands down fall report
Auditor general report findings downplayed by Stephen Harper
Nutrition North's impact on northerners uncertain, auditor general says
$15M Library and Archives Canada system never used
Future generations may not be able to enjoy Canada's recorded heritage — including photos, maps and important documents — because Library and Archives Canada is not collecting all of the material it should from federal agencies, the auditor general says.
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Joe Oliver's $800-per-table fiscal update
New Democrat finance critic Nathan Cullen is right by saying that Finance Minister Joe Oliver's decision to deliver his fall economic update in front of a $800-per-table Canadian Club crowd could constitute contempt of Parliament.
"As legislators, MPs must have access to this information to be able to do their job," Cullen told the House of Commons Monday. "We must be able to analyze the state of the finances of this country."
By sharing the details of those finances at a private lunch, Cullen said, the minister not only "impeded our access" to the information, but also "flouted the democratic principle stating that elected officials should have access to this information before bankers and other financiers."
"As legislators, MPs must have access to this information to be able to do their job," Cullen told the House of Commons Monday. "We must be able to analyze the state of the finances of this country."
By sharing the details of those finances at a private lunch, Cullen said, the minister not only "impeded our access" to the information, but also "flouted the democratic principle stating that elected officials should have access to this information before bankers and other financiers."
Sunday 16 November 2014
Brigette DePape's "Stop Harper!" campaign
Brigette DePape is a Canadian activist from Winnipeg, Manitoba who came to Canadian national attention on June 3, 2011.
While a participant in the Canadian Senate Page Program in 2011, DePape stood in protest during the Throne Speech in the Senate, silently holding up a sign that said "Stop Harper!" This action led to her prompt dismissal, for breaching the non-partisan nature of the page position and disrupting the Governor General in Parliament.
Page Brigette DePape stands in the middle of the floor of the Senate as Governor General David Johnston delivers the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Friday June 3, 2011.
A few days after her protest in the Senate chamber, Michael Moore offered DePape a job. DePape stated that she had also received job offers from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Council of Canadians.
On June 8, 2011, DePape announced the creation of a "Stop Harper Fund" to support "organizations and individuals engaging in creative non-violent direct actions against the Harper government's agenda." The fund planned to organized an advisory committee to direct funds to selected organizations, and legal and fiscal governance to ensure the donations were spent in accordance with the fund's stated mandate.
She was photographed holding a sign reading "Stop Harper's Gang" when Danielle Smith (leader of the Wildrose party) cast her vote.
Former Commons page Brigette DePape holds up a sign as Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith leaves a polling station with her husband David Moretta, left, in High River, Alberta to cast her ballot for the Alberta election Monday, April, 23, 2012. DePape disrupted the federal throne speech last year with her "Stop Harper" sign.
Brigette DePape speaks to reporters as Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith's bus leaves a polling station in High River, Alta., Monday, April, 23, 2012.
While a participant in the Canadian Senate Page Program in 2011, DePape stood in protest during the Throne Speech in the Senate, silently holding up a sign that said "Stop Harper!" This action led to her prompt dismissal, for breaching the non-partisan nature of the page position and disrupting the Governor General in Parliament.
Page Brigette DePape stands in the middle of the floor of the Senate as Governor General David Johnston delivers the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Friday June 3, 2011.
A few days after her protest in the Senate chamber, Michael Moore offered DePape a job. DePape stated that she had also received job offers from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Council of Canadians.
On June 8, 2011, DePape announced the creation of a "Stop Harper Fund" to support "organizations and individuals engaging in creative non-violent direct actions against the Harper government's agenda." The fund planned to organized an advisory committee to direct funds to selected organizations, and legal and fiscal governance to ensure the donations were spent in accordance with the fund's stated mandate.
She was photographed holding a sign reading "Stop Harper's Gang" when Danielle Smith (leader of the Wildrose party) cast her vote.
Former Commons page Brigette DePape holds up a sign as Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith leaves a polling station with her husband David Moretta, left, in High River, Alberta to cast her ballot for the Alberta election Monday, April, 23, 2012. DePape disrupted the federal throne speech last year with her "Stop Harper" sign.
Brigette DePape speaks to reporters as Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith's bus leaves a polling station in High River, Alta., Monday, April, 23, 2012.
Canadian Cities By GDP
Per capita GDP, 2009.
Source: StatsCan
20: London, Ont. - $40,905
19: Kingston, Ont. - $40,968
18: Saguenay, Que. - $41,398
17: Montreal - $41,505
16: Winnipeg - $41,810
15: Moncton, N.B. - $41,995
14: Sudbury, Ont. - $42,138
13: Halifax - $43,471
12: Quebec City - $43,559
11: Kitchener-Waterloo - $43,989
10: Guelph, Ont. - $44,217
9: Vancouver - $44,249
8: Victoria, B.C. - $46,763
7: Toronto - $48,532
6: Saskatoon - $49,213
5: St. John's - $49,844
4: Ottawa - $55,506
3: Edmonton - $59,941
2: Calgary - $61,246
1: Regina - $65,404
The agency’s analysis of gross domestic product (GDP) for Canada’s 33 major metro regions shows St. John’s, Nfld., is now richer than Toronto.
Source: StatsCan
20: London, Ont. - $40,905
19: Kingston, Ont. - $40,968
18: Saguenay, Que. - $41,398
17: Montreal - $41,505
16: Winnipeg - $41,810
15: Moncton, N.B. - $41,995
14: Sudbury, Ont. - $42,138
13: Halifax - $43,471
12: Quebec City - $43,559
11: Kitchener-Waterloo - $43,989
10: Guelph, Ont. - $44,217
9: Vancouver - $44,249
8: Victoria, B.C. - $46,763
7: Toronto - $48,532
6: Saskatoon - $49,213
5: St. John's - $49,844
4: Ottawa - $55,506
3: Edmonton - $59,941
2: Calgary - $61,246
1: Regina - $65,404
The agency’s analysis of gross domestic product (GDP) for Canada’s 33 major metro regions shows St. John’s, Nfld., is now richer than Toronto.
Which Canadians Take The Most Sick Days?
Source: Canadian Taxpayers Federation
10: Alberta
Private sector: 5.6 sick days
Government workers: 9.1 sick days
9: Ontario
Private sector: 5.8 sick days
Government workers: 8.8 sick days
8: Prince Edward Island
Private sector: 6.3 sick days
Government workers: 11.3 sick days
Nationwide
Private sector: 6.7 sick days
Federal government workers: 17.9
7: Saskatchewan
Private sector: 6.9 sick days
Government workers: 11 sick days
6: New Brunswick
Private sector: 7.1 sick days
Government workers: 10.7 sick days
5. Manitoba
Private sector: 7.1 sick days
Government workers: 12.1 sick days
4: British Columbia
Private sector: 7.4 sick days
Government workers: 12 sick days
3: Newfoundland and Labrador
Private sector: 7.9 sick days
Government workers: 10.7 sick days
2: Nova Scotia
Private sector: 8.4 sick days
Government workers: 12 sick days
1. Quebec
Private sector: 8.5 sick days
Government workers: 12.2 sick days
Some 1 million Canadians will call in sick on either Black Friday or Cyber Monday in order to go shopping, according to a new survey from IPG Mediabrands
That’s bad news for most employers but good news for retailers, who can expect to see $13.4 billion in sales on the two days ($6.8 billion on Black Friday and $6.6 billion on Cyber Monday).
That could actually more than offset the cost of the lost work days. A Conference Board of Canada report looking at 2012 found absenteeism costs Canada’s economy about $16.6 billion, and that's for an entire year.
.
10: Alberta
Private sector: 5.6 sick days
Government workers: 9.1 sick days
9: Ontario
Private sector: 5.8 sick days
Government workers: 8.8 sick days
8: Prince Edward Island
Private sector: 6.3 sick days
Government workers: 11.3 sick days
Nationwide
Private sector: 6.7 sick days
Federal government workers: 17.9
7: Saskatchewan
Private sector: 6.9 sick days
Government workers: 11 sick days
6: New Brunswick
Private sector: 7.1 sick days
Government workers: 10.7 sick days
5. Manitoba
Private sector: 7.1 sick days
Government workers: 12.1 sick days
4: British Columbia
Private sector: 7.4 sick days
Government workers: 12 sick days
3: Newfoundland and Labrador
Private sector: 7.9 sick days
Government workers: 10.7 sick days
2: Nova Scotia
Private sector: 8.4 sick days
Government workers: 12 sick days
1. Quebec
Private sector: 8.5 sick days
Government workers: 12.2 sick days
Some 1 million Canadians will call in sick on either Black Friday or Cyber Monday in order to go shopping, according to a new survey from IPG Mediabrands
That’s bad news for most employers but good news for retailers, who can expect to see $13.4 billion in sales on the two days ($6.8 billion on Black Friday and $6.6 billion on Cyber Monday).
That could actually more than offset the cost of the lost work days. A Conference Board of Canada report looking at 2012 found absenteeism costs Canada’s economy about $16.6 billion, and that's for an entire year.
.
Friday 14 November 2014
5 PMs Who've Served Longer Than Harper
Stephen Harper is now the sixth longest-serving prime minister in Canadian history.
On November 13, 2014 -- his 3,203-rd day on the job -- Stephen Harper leapfrogged former PM (and fellow Conservative) Brian Mulroney to become the sixth longest-serving prime minister in Canadian history.
But he still has a ways to go to catch the five former leaders ahead of him.
In his acclaimed 2013 book, 'The Longer I'm Prime Minister: Stephen Harper and Canada, 2006 –,' Paul Wells equated Harper's endurance, in part, to his discipline. Wells wrote that Harper has avoided chasing after bold projects that can blow up in a leader's face and has not allowed a rival from within his ranks rise to the point of challenging him.
"Harper brings a temper and a vengeful streak to office, but he is also awesomely clear-eyed," Wells wrote. "Because he is temperamentally the most conservative Canadian prime minister of his lifetime, he will not ever run out of ideas for conservative things to do. So on any day he has a choice: he can do the big conservative thing that would be the end of his career, or he can do some of the small conservative things that won't. He is amazed that earlier leaders had a hard time choosing."
Political historian Jack Granatstein said that length of time in office is a "serious measure" of a PM's success.
"You have to keep winning elections. You have to keep your party quiet, happy and satisfied. And you have to manage the affairs of the country and its dealing abroad. Anyone who can do that for almost nine years is somebody who is very effective," Granatstein said.
"It doesn't mean you’re popular – God knows the dislike of Harper is extreme and widespread – but he is effective."
Tories are hoping Harper can win at least one more time when Canadians head to the ballot box next year. The party's main slogan, which has appeared in messages to supporters and in a campaign-style ad released in September, is "We're Better Off With Harper."
5. Jean Chretien - Liberal
Days in office: 3,689
4. Sir Wilfrid Laurier - Liberal
Days in office: 5,564
3. Pierre Trudeau - Liberal
Days in office: 5,642
2. Sir John A. Macdonald - Liberal-Conservative
Days in office: 6,934
1. William Lyon Mackenzie King - Liberal
Days in office: 7,837
On November 13, 2014 -- his 3,203-rd day on the job -- Stephen Harper leapfrogged former PM (and fellow Conservative) Brian Mulroney to become the sixth longest-serving prime minister in Canadian history.
But he still has a ways to go to catch the five former leaders ahead of him.
In his acclaimed 2013 book, 'The Longer I'm Prime Minister: Stephen Harper and Canada, 2006 –,' Paul Wells equated Harper's endurance, in part, to his discipline. Wells wrote that Harper has avoided chasing after bold projects that can blow up in a leader's face and has not allowed a rival from within his ranks rise to the point of challenging him.
"Harper brings a temper and a vengeful streak to office, but he is also awesomely clear-eyed," Wells wrote. "Because he is temperamentally the most conservative Canadian prime minister of his lifetime, he will not ever run out of ideas for conservative things to do. So on any day he has a choice: he can do the big conservative thing that would be the end of his career, or he can do some of the small conservative things that won't. He is amazed that earlier leaders had a hard time choosing."
Political historian Jack Granatstein said that length of time in office is a "serious measure" of a PM's success.
"You have to keep winning elections. You have to keep your party quiet, happy and satisfied. And you have to manage the affairs of the country and its dealing abroad. Anyone who can do that for almost nine years is somebody who is very effective," Granatstein said.
"It doesn't mean you’re popular – God knows the dislike of Harper is extreme and widespread – but he is effective."
Tories are hoping Harper can win at least one more time when Canadians head to the ballot box next year. The party's main slogan, which has appeared in messages to supporters and in a campaign-style ad released in September, is "We're Better Off With Harper."
5. Jean Chretien - Liberal
Days in office: 3,689
4. Sir Wilfrid Laurier - Liberal
Days in office: 5,564
3. Pierre Trudeau - Liberal
Days in office: 5,642
2. Sir John A. Macdonald - Liberal-Conservative
Days in office: 6,934
1. William Lyon Mackenzie King - Liberal
Days in office: 7,837
Saturday 8 November 2014
Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights
LINDA DUNCAN INTRODUCES LANDMARK ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS BILL
Private Member’s Bill
Canada fares surprisingly poorly when it comes to protecting the environment. In 2013, the Conference Board of Canada ranked us 15th out of 17 countries based on a wide range of environmental metrics. Tens of thousands of Canadians die prematurely each year because of environmental hazards such as air pollution, and millions suffer illnesses.
Source : No Breathing Room
National Illness Costs of Air Pollution
NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair says the private member’s bill introduced by Edmonton MP Linda Duncan would safeguard the right of present and future generations to have a clean environment.
Duncan says the bill also gives people the right to take the federal government to court when those rights are denied. It’s the second time Duncan has tried to enact an environmental bill of rights. She says the Conservatives and Liberals shot down her first bill five years ago.
Source
Private Member’s Bill
Canada fares surprisingly poorly when it comes to protecting the environment. In 2013, the Conference Board of Canada ranked us 15th out of 17 countries based on a wide range of environmental metrics. Tens of thousands of Canadians die prematurely each year because of environmental hazards such as air pollution, and millions suffer illnesses.
Source : No Breathing Room
National Illness Costs of Air Pollution
NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair says the private member’s bill introduced by Edmonton MP Linda Duncan would safeguard the right of present and future generations to have a clean environment.
Duncan says the bill also gives people the right to take the federal government to court when those rights are denied. It’s the second time Duncan has tried to enact an environmental bill of rights. She says the Conservatives and Liberals shot down her first bill five years ago.
Source
Monday 3 November 2014
World's Most Prosperous Countries
Legatum Prosperity Index, 2014
20. Hong Kong
19. Japan
18. Singapore
17. Belgium
16. Luxembourg
15. Austria
14. Germany
13. United Kingdom
12. Ireland
11. Iceland
10. United States
9. Netherlands
8. Finland
7. Australia
6. Sweden
5. Canada
4. Denmark
3. New Zealand
2. Switzerland
1. Norway
Canada has fallen one spot on a ranking of the world’s most prosperous countries, but is still doing better than it was just a few years ago.
20. Hong Kong
19. Japan
18. Singapore
17. Belgium
16. Luxembourg
15. Austria
14. Germany
13. United Kingdom
12. Ireland
11. Iceland
10. United States
9. Netherlands
8. Finland
7. Australia
6. Sweden
5. Canada
4. Denmark
3. New Zealand
2. Switzerland
1. Norway
Canada has fallen one spot on a ranking of the world’s most prosperous countries, but is still doing better than it was just a few years ago.
5 Key Ontario Liberal Scandals
Kathleen Wynne hoped Ontario voters can look past these five scandals when they cast their ballots on June 12.
And they have so it seemed.
Let's not forget these scandals.
Ornge
Ontario's publicly funded air ambulance service has been under fire for almost two years over sky-high salaries, financial irregularities and corruption allegations. A legislative committee has been probing the service's complex structures and pay scales in detail, and opposition parties have been alleging wrongdoing with nearly every revelation. The auditor general has criticized the governing Liberals for failing to oversee Ornge, despite giving it $730 million over five years and allowing it to borrow another $300 million. The Liberals insist Ornge went rogue with a web of for-profit companies and questionable business deals, as well as exorbitant salaries and lavish expenses.
Cancelled Gas Plants
Scandal has swirled around the government's decision to cancel the construction of two Toronto-area gas plants ahead of the 2011 election, in which the government then led by Dalton McGuinty was reduced to minority status. The cancellation costs have now been pegged at $1.1 billion, but opposition parties have accused the Liberals of actively trying to cover up that figure. Ontario's privacy commissioner has concluded that staff working for McGuinty and a former energy minister broke the law by deleting emails pertaining to the project. Ontario Provincial Police are also investigating the document deletions, seizing government computers at both Queen's Park and beyond.
eHealth
The provincial agency was given a $1-billion budget to develop electronic health records, but wound up building themselves a bad reputation. A lot of the eHealth money went for untendered contracts given to highly paid consultants who then billed taxpayers for additional expenses in a scandal that cost former health minister David Caplan his job. In 2009, the auditor general said the agency had very little progress to show for its efforts, and opposition parties have alleged further financial mismanagement since then.
Windsor Parkway
The government has taken heat for not immediately acting when it learned a $1.4-billion infrastructure project didn't live up to safety standards. The Liberals were told that questionable materials were being used on the support beams on Windsor's Herb Gray Parkway in December 2012, but didn't halt the project until July. More than 500 support beams are being replaced by the project overseer at no cost to the tax payers, but the NDP has accused the Wynne government of trying to cover up the affair and only backing down when threatened with media exposure.
PanAm Games
Premier Kathleen Wynne has hailed the 2015 games as a cause for celebration, but opposition parties call it just another scandal. The $1.4-billion budget for the games does not include some key expenses, like the $700 million athletes' village. The government has also come under fire for $7 million worth of bonuses paid out to 64 executives.
Liberal government releases previously leaked ORNGE report
Ont. gas-plant probe running out of gas
And they have so it seemed.
Let's not forget these scandals.
Ornge
Ontario's publicly funded air ambulance service has been under fire for almost two years over sky-high salaries, financial irregularities and corruption allegations. A legislative committee has been probing the service's complex structures and pay scales in detail, and opposition parties have been alleging wrongdoing with nearly every revelation. The auditor general has criticized the governing Liberals for failing to oversee Ornge, despite giving it $730 million over five years and allowing it to borrow another $300 million. The Liberals insist Ornge went rogue with a web of for-profit companies and questionable business deals, as well as exorbitant salaries and lavish expenses.
Cancelled Gas Plants
Scandal has swirled around the government's decision to cancel the construction of two Toronto-area gas plants ahead of the 2011 election, in which the government then led by Dalton McGuinty was reduced to minority status. The cancellation costs have now been pegged at $1.1 billion, but opposition parties have accused the Liberals of actively trying to cover up that figure. Ontario's privacy commissioner has concluded that staff working for McGuinty and a former energy minister broke the law by deleting emails pertaining to the project. Ontario Provincial Police are also investigating the document deletions, seizing government computers at both Queen's Park and beyond.
eHealth
The provincial agency was given a $1-billion budget to develop electronic health records, but wound up building themselves a bad reputation. A lot of the eHealth money went for untendered contracts given to highly paid consultants who then billed taxpayers for additional expenses in a scandal that cost former health minister David Caplan his job. In 2009, the auditor general said the agency had very little progress to show for its efforts, and opposition parties have alleged further financial mismanagement since then.
Windsor Parkway
The government has taken heat for not immediately acting when it learned a $1.4-billion infrastructure project didn't live up to safety standards. The Liberals were told that questionable materials were being used on the support beams on Windsor's Herb Gray Parkway in December 2012, but didn't halt the project until July. More than 500 support beams are being replaced by the project overseer at no cost to the tax payers, but the NDP has accused the Wynne government of trying to cover up the affair and only backing down when threatened with media exposure.
PanAm Games
Premier Kathleen Wynne has hailed the 2015 games as a cause for celebration, but opposition parties call it just another scandal. The $1.4-billion budget for the games does not include some key expenses, like the $700 million athletes' village. The government has also come under fire for $7 million worth of bonuses paid out to 64 executives.
Liberal government releases previously leaked ORNGE report
Ont. gas-plant probe running out of gas
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