On June 2nd, I scrutineered the Ontario election, where I saw no ballots but was asked to sign off on the numbers printed from a machine I saw for the first time on election night. I declined.
In October, I discussed the lack of scrutineer-able ballots with a Clarington candidate who told me, “I see it as a huge problem. The sitting Council rammed phone and internet voting through in the middle of COVID. No one has any idea how we will know if it is accurate.”
“Why don’t you say that publicly?” I asked. He was aghast.
“I can’t! I’ll be called a ‘conspiracy theorist.’ People will turn against me!!” he exclaimed.
Monday, October 31, 2022
FUEL RAID SPARKED BREAKDOWN BETWEEN OPP AND OTTAWA PS
An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) liaison apologized to Freedom Convoy organizers and accused the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) of “betrayal” after an attempt by Ottawa police to raid the convoy’s fuel depot, according to new audio exclusively obtained by True North.
Tensions over the incident apparently boiled over so much that it jeopardized the working relationship between the two police services.
Ottawa police spearheaded the Feb. 6 raid on Coventry, the nickname for the Coventry Rd. parking lot the City of Ottawa initially offered to the convoy as a staging and overflow area.
The raid not only sparked a breakdown between convoy leaders and the police liaison teams, with whom they had been coordinating since the beginning of the protest, but also between the OPP and OPS.
Tensions over the incident apparently boiled over so much that it jeopardized the working relationship between the two police services.
Ottawa police spearheaded the Feb. 6 raid on Coventry, the nickname for the Coventry Rd. parking lot the City of Ottawa initially offered to the convoy as a staging and overflow area.
The raid not only sparked a breakdown between convoy leaders and the police liaison teams, with whom they had been coordinating since the beginning of the protest, but also between the OPP and OPS.
VIOLENCE RETURNING TO BC's PIPELINE COUNTRY
Arsonists have allegedly struck a parking lot full of RCMP vehicles in the same region of interior B.C. that has previously seen coordinated attacks on targets related to the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
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Before dawn on Wednesday, multiple cars were set alight in the parking lot of the Sunshine Inn in Smithers, B.C. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, it was found to have destroyed eight vehicles, including four marked RCMP cruisers and a B.C. ambulance.
“This appears to be a targeted attack on emergency services vehicles. Preliminary investigation indicates this is an arson,” read a statement by RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Madonna Saunderson.
The RCMP has identified no immediate suspects, but the hotel happens to be within an hour’s drive of a Coastal GasLink work camp that has been the subject of numerous illegal blockades and — most recently — a violent midnight attack.
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Before dawn on Wednesday, multiple cars were set alight in the parking lot of the Sunshine Inn in Smithers, B.C. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, it was found to have destroyed eight vehicles, including four marked RCMP cruisers and a B.C. ambulance.
“This appears to be a targeted attack on emergency services vehicles. Preliminary investigation indicates this is an arson,” read a statement by RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Madonna Saunderson.
The RCMP has identified no immediate suspects, but the hotel happens to be within an hour’s drive of a Coastal GasLink work camp that has been the subject of numerous illegal blockades and — most recently — a violent midnight attack.
Sunday, October 30, 2022
MEDICAL MARTIAL LAW - NEVER AGAIN
Instead of taking very obvious steps – such as giving the premiers the necessary money to buttress the shaky hospital system, and improving safety in Canada’s entirely mediocre long-term senior care homes – Trudeau opted for the vote-buying policy of sending out massive amounts of money to mainly healthy people who were arbitrarily deemed “non-essential workers.”
The sheer insanity of this decision cannot be overemphasized. Healthy people who were at almost no risk of dying from the virus were sent home to their basements, while the federal treasury was depleted to keep them there. This wasteful spending was taking place at the same time that common-sense steps – such as properly protecting the elderly in care homes, and fixing our weak hospital system, were largely ignored.
The highly political federal government decisions from that point set the tone for the increasingly radical and destructive policies made by every provincial premier after that point. The premiers took the indefensible decision to close schools, and then only to reopen them with radical “safety” measures, that severely hindered children’s educations. Even at the start of the pandemic, it was clear that children were no more at risk from this virus than they were from the usual flu virus that come and go every year. Why the premiers decided to close schools, when countries, such as Sweden and Japan, had already proven that such a step was entirely unnecessary, will be the subject of books for many years to come. Suffice it to say that it was totally unnecessary.
The sheer insanity of this decision cannot be overemphasized. Healthy people who were at almost no risk of dying from the virus were sent home to their basements, while the federal treasury was depleted to keep them there. This wasteful spending was taking place at the same time that common-sense steps – such as properly protecting the elderly in care homes, and fixing our weak hospital system, were largely ignored.
The highly political federal government decisions from that point set the tone for the increasingly radical and destructive policies made by every provincial premier after that point. The premiers took the indefensible decision to close schools, and then only to reopen them with radical “safety” measures, that severely hindered children’s educations. Even at the start of the pandemic, it was clear that children were no more at risk from this virus than they were from the usual flu virus that come and go every year. Why the premiers decided to close schools, when countries, such as Sweden and Japan, had already proven that such a step was entirely unnecessary, will be the subject of books for many years to come. Suffice it to say that it was totally unnecessary.
SLOLY: OTTAWA PS DID THEIR BEST UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES
As the Freedom Convoy took shape and headed towards Ottawa in mid-January, Sloly admitted that he had seen Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reports warning the convoy was planning on setting up shop in Ottawa “long term”.
But he insisted overall, the intelligence he received beforehand concluded protests wouldn’t last longer than one weekend (they lasted over three weeks, from Jan. 29 to Feb. 20).
Sloly also dismissed a previous statement from OPS superintendent Robert Bernier, who had warned his superior in the days before the convoy arrived in Ottawa that there seemed to be a “bizarre disconnect” between OPS preparation and the intelligence about the protests warning of a long-term event.
Saturday, October 29, 2022
FORMER CIA MASTER OF DISGUISE HELPS DISFIGURED PEOPLE
Out of desperation, he started searching Google. He landed on this place, run by a man who appears to be the master of a very singular skill.
So Steve and his wife drove from West Virginia to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and now he’s sitting in an oversized barber’s chair, surrounded by all these apparent body parts, while an 80-year-old ex-spy looks at his face — specifically, his amputated left ear, and neck tissue, which were lost to a rare glandular cancer.
A large skin graft covers the area where surgeons worked so desperately to save his life. Steve hopes the man who is currently prodding at his visible wounds can give him back what he lost.
So Steve and his wife drove from West Virginia to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and now he’s sitting in an oversized barber’s chair, surrounded by all these apparent body parts, while an 80-year-old ex-spy looks at his face — specifically, his amputated left ear, and neck tissue, which were lost to a rare glandular cancer.
A large skin graft covers the area where surgeons worked so desperately to save his life. Steve hopes the man who is currently prodding at his visible wounds can give him back what he lost.
CHINA'S ECONOMY ROTTING FROM THE HEAD
China’s prospects today look far less rosy than they once did. Having already eliminated many internal checks, President Xi Jinping used the CPC’s 20th National Congress to secure an unprecedented third term (with no future term limits in sight), and stacked the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee with loyal supporters.
This consolidation of power comes despite major unforced errors by Xi that are dragging down the economy and sapping China’s innovative potential. Xi’s “zero-COVID” policy was largely avoidable and has come at significant cost, as has his support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Even more and greater blunders are likely to follow now that Xi wields unchecked power and is surrounded by yes-men who will avoid telling him what he needs to hear.
This consolidation of power comes despite major unforced errors by Xi that are dragging down the economy and sapping China’s innovative potential. Xi’s “zero-COVID” policy was largely avoidable and has come at significant cost, as has his support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Even more and greater blunders are likely to follow now that Xi wields unchecked power and is surrounded by yes-men who will avoid telling him what he needs to hear.
Friday, October 28, 2022
FREEDOM CONVOY LAWYER WANTS CBC PRESIDENT TO TESTIFY
Throughout the Freedom Convoy, Canada’s state broadcaster and other legacy media outlets ran several negative and false stories about the peaceful protest.
In fact, the Trudeau government used reports from the legacy media to justify its use of the never-before-used Emergencies Act to quash the convoy.
This is why lawyers are demanding that CBC President & CEO Catherine Tait testify before the Public Order Emergency Commission.
In fact, the Trudeau government used reports from the legacy media to justify its use of the never-before-used Emergencies Act to quash the convoy.
This is why lawyers are demanding that CBC President & CEO Catherine Tait testify before the Public Order Emergency Commission.
FEDERAL LIBERALS OVERREACHED TO SHUT DOWN CONVOY
John Ivison: Was the invocation of the Emergencies Act necessary? Au persisted.
This is the question that caused Bernier to pause and consider whether he wanted to be the man who broke the internet. Because this is really what the multi-million-dollar commission is all about — did the government’s use of the act meet the legal threshold? Namely, was there a threat to the sovereignty and security of Canada that could not be dealt with under existing laws?
If the man charged with clearing up the mess said invoking the act was unnecessary, the commissioner might as well start writing his report now.
In the end, Bernier answered the question by opting for an evasion worthy of the House of Commons. “It’s hard for me to say since I did not get to do the operation without it,” he said.
This is the question that caused Bernier to pause and consider whether he wanted to be the man who broke the internet. Because this is really what the multi-million-dollar commission is all about — did the government’s use of the act meet the legal threshold? Namely, was there a threat to the sovereignty and security of Canada that could not be dealt with under existing laws?
If the man charged with clearing up the mess said invoking the act was unnecessary, the commissioner might as well start writing his report now.
In the end, Bernier answered the question by opting for an evasion worthy of the House of Commons. “It’s hard for me to say since I did not get to do the operation without it,” he said.
MAYOR BROWN FINED $100K BY CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA
Newly re-elected Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has been fined $100,000 by the Conservative Party of Canada as Elections Canada continues to investigate his failed federal leadership campaign.
Brown was notified of the fine last week just days before the Oct. 24 municipal election which saw him re-elected with nearly 60 per cent of the vote, according to reports and sources.
The fine totals the same amount each candidate was required to submit to the party as a compliance deposit to enter the leadership race.
Brown was booted from the CPC leadership race in July amid allegations his campaign broke party rules and violated financial provisions of the Canada Elections Act.
CLOCK TICKING ON RECOVERY OF $500M IN OVERPAYMENTS
OTTAWA — Up to a quarter of federal government employees are still experiencing problems with their pay because of the troubled Phoenix pay system, and the government might be running out of time to collect on overpayments.
A new report from Canada's auditor general says 28 per cent of civil servants in its sampling had errors in their pay, which is down from an estimated 47 per cent last year.
Meanwhile, more than $500 million in overpayments were made to more than 100,000 employees, some dating back more than three years.
If the government doesn't collect those overpayments soon, the auditor said, it may run out of time to use some recovery mechanisms because of legal limitations.
A new report from Canada's auditor general says 28 per cent of civil servants in its sampling had errors in their pay, which is down from an estimated 47 per cent last year.
Meanwhile, more than $500 million in overpayments were made to more than 100,000 employees, some dating back more than three years.
If the government doesn't collect those overpayments soon, the auditor said, it may run out of time to use some recovery mechanisms because of legal limitations.
Thursday, October 27, 2022
RCMP ARREST 2 WOMEN WHO WERE IN SYRIAN CAMPS
The RCMP said the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team had been investigating Chouay since November 2014.
“In Syria, it is alleged that she participated in terrorist activities in the name of the Islamic State. In November 2017, Ms. Chouay was taken prisoner by the Syrian Democratic Forces,” said Insp. Beaudoin, head of the Montreal INSET.
She faces charges of participation in terrorist group activity, providing property for terrorist purposes and conspiracy to leave Canada to participate in terrorist group activity.
“In Syria, it is alleged that she participated in terrorist activities in the name of the Islamic State. In November 2017, Ms. Chouay was taken prisoner by the Syrian Democratic Forces,” said Insp. Beaudoin, head of the Montreal INSET.
She faces charges of participation in terrorist group activity, providing property for terrorist purposes and conspiracy to leave Canada to participate in terrorist group activity.
THE DAMNED, ELUSIVE RECORDING
It wasn't until September that word of a possible recording came out publicly through the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC) hearings. The commission obtained the recording from the RCMP earlier this month and released the recording publicly late last week.
An email from the MCC to accredited media on Tuesday states that "the Commission requested an affidavit from the RCMP explaining how the audio of this meeting came to be provided at this late date."
However, inquiry documents show that the commission was notified about the recording in July.
"I've never seen anything like it," said Michael Scott, a lawyer with Patterson Law who represents many of the victims' families.
"Public proceedings are done. We've received this recording after the close of public proceedings and now we've … received an affidavit that raises more questions than it answers."
An email from the MCC to accredited media on Tuesday states that "the Commission requested an affidavit from the RCMP explaining how the audio of this meeting came to be provided at this late date."
However, inquiry documents show that the commission was notified about the recording in July.
"I've never seen anything like it," said Michael Scott, a lawyer with Patterson Law who represents many of the victims' families.
"Public proceedings are done. We've received this recording after the close of public proceedings and now we've … received an affidavit that raises more questions than it answers."
DAMN REALITY & PUBLIC OPINION
Over the past decade, many European nations grew dependent on Russia for their oil and natural gas needs. How unwise this was Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine revealed. That is why, since February, many of those same European nations have been knocking desperately on Canada’s door seeking to purchase some of our enormous supplies of oil and gas resources.
A new Leger poll conducted for SecondStreet.org shows Canadians want to help. The poll of 1,535 Canadians found 72 per cent of respondents either “somewhat” or “strongly” supported “developing and exporting more oil and natural gas resources so that the world can reduce how much it purchases from Russia.”
But support was weakest where it counts the most — in the federal government. The Trudeau government seems to have taken its marching orders from the 13 per cent of Canadians who are either “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed to exporting more of our oil and natural gas. As the world scrambles to find resources we have in abundance, the government continues to focus on its climate change and renewables narrative. Reality and public opinion seem not to be part of its decision-making.
A new Leger poll conducted for SecondStreet.org shows Canadians want to help. The poll of 1,535 Canadians found 72 per cent of respondents either “somewhat” or “strongly” supported “developing and exporting more oil and natural gas resources so that the world can reduce how much it purchases from Russia.”
But support was weakest where it counts the most — in the federal government. The Trudeau government seems to have taken its marching orders from the 13 per cent of Canadians who are either “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed to exporting more of our oil and natural gas. As the world scrambles to find resources we have in abundance, the government continues to focus on its climate change and renewables narrative. Reality and public opinion seem not to be part of its decision-making.
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
PREMIER FORD HIDES BEHIND PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE
TORONTO — Doug Ford’s government is arguing “irreparable harm will occur” if a summons for the Ontario premier to testify at the Emergencies Act inquiry is not quashed, court documents show.
In a judicial review application filed with Federal Court on Tuesday, Ontario’s Attorney General cited parliamentary privilege as the reason Ford and then-solicitor general Sylvia Jones cannot testify at the hearing taking place in Ottawa.
The commission wants to know why the province declined an invitation to be part of a “tripartite” meeting with the City of Ottawa and the federal government on how to solve the weeks-long occupation by the Freedom Convoy.
“The evidence so far is that Premier Ford told Mayor Watson the table was waste of time. Why?” commission lawyer Gabriel Poliquin wrote in an email to Darrell Kloeze, a Crown attorney with the province.
In a judicial review application filed with Federal Court on Tuesday, Ontario’s Attorney General cited parliamentary privilege as the reason Ford and then-solicitor general Sylvia Jones cannot testify at the hearing taking place in Ottawa.
The commission wants to know why the province declined an invitation to be part of a “tripartite” meeting with the City of Ottawa and the federal government on how to solve the weeks-long occupation by the Freedom Convoy.
“The evidence so far is that Premier Ford told Mayor Watson the table was waste of time. Why?” commission lawyer Gabriel Poliquin wrote in an email to Darrell Kloeze, a Crown attorney with the province.
THE BOSS DEMANDED NO INTERFERENCE FROM SLOLY
OTTAWA – The Ottawa Police Service superintendent who eventually led the mission to clear the Freedom Convoy from the capital said he accepted the job on the condition then-chief Peter Sloly could not intervene in his work.
Supt. Robert Bernier became the OPS’ fourth and final “Event Commander” in charge of the force’s protest-clearing operation on Feb. 10, roughly two weeks after the beginning of the “occupation.”
But he told the Public Order Emergency Commission Tuesday that he only accepted the job on the condition that OPS top brass — and Sloly in particular — could in no way interfere with his work.
Between Feb. 3 and 10, Bernier said Sloly was acting as the “de facto” event commander and noted multiple moments throughout the first weeks of convoy protests where Sloly directly interfered in operations planning.
Supt. Robert Bernier became the OPS’ fourth and final “Event Commander” in charge of the force’s protest-clearing operation on Feb. 10, roughly two weeks after the beginning of the “occupation.”
But he told the Public Order Emergency Commission Tuesday that he only accepted the job on the condition that OPS top brass — and Sloly in particular — could in no way interfere with his work.
Between Feb. 3 and 10, Bernier said Sloly was acting as the “de facto” event commander and noted multiple moments throughout the first weeks of convoy protests where Sloly directly interfered in operations planning.
OMICRON-SPECIFIC BOOSTER FAILS ITS CLAIM
The newest omicron COVID-19 booster shots from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech do not increase neutralizing antibodies, proteins produced in the body that help prevent infection, against omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 compared to four of the original COVID-19 shots, according to a small-scale independent study.
The study suggests that the omicron booster may not protect people from getting infected with the highly transmissible subvariant BA.5, which accounts for most COVID-19 cases in the U.S. currently, any more than the previous shots, despite the updated boosters being formulated to provide better protection against infection and severe disease against the current strains.
The study suggests that the omicron booster may not protect people from getting infected with the highly transmissible subvariant BA.5, which accounts for most COVID-19 cases in the U.S. currently, any more than the previous shots, despite the updated boosters being formulated to provide better protection against infection and severe disease against the current strains.
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
RCMP OFFICER TO BE SENTENCED FOR SEX CRIMES
A B.C. RCMP officer convicted of sex offences involving minors will learn his fate on November 3, when a Supreme Court justice is scheduled to hand down a sentence for Andrew James Seangio.
The Crown is seeking a jail term of 18 to 24 months and two years’ probation for Seangio. The defence is asking for a conditional sentence to be served in the community.
In July, Seangio was found guilty by a jury on charges related to public masturbation and indecent exposure, in connection with incidents that took place between August 2018 and March 2019.
He also faces 37 charges in Ottawa related to sexual assault and voyeurism. Those allegations pre-date the charges in Vancouver.
The Crown is seeking a jail term of 18 to 24 months and two years’ probation for Seangio. The defence is asking for a conditional sentence to be served in the community.
In July, Seangio was found guilty by a jury on charges related to public masturbation and indecent exposure, in connection with incidents that took place between August 2018 and March 2019.
He also faces 37 charges in Ottawa related to sexual assault and voyeurism. Those allegations pre-date the charges in Vancouver.
THERE WAS NO PLAN, CUNNING OR OTHERWISE
On Friday, Feb. 4, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Supt. Craig Abrams was at his command post watching Ottawa's then chief of police Peter Sloly speak to reporters on live TV.
It was the eve of what was expected to be a second weekend of mayhem in the capital, with hundreds, perhaps thousands of anti-vaccine mandate and anti-government protesters ready to descend on the city to join those already encamped downtown, creating what Sloly described as an increasingly volatile and potentially dangerous environment.
What really caught Abrams's ear was Sloly's announcement that based on "new intelligence gathered literally in the last 24 hours," police planned to shut down all ramps from Highway 417 leading into the city.
It was the eve of what was expected to be a second weekend of mayhem in the capital, with hundreds, perhaps thousands of anti-vaccine mandate and anti-government protesters ready to descend on the city to join those already encamped downtown, creating what Sloly described as an increasingly volatile and potentially dangerous environment.
What really caught Abrams's ear was Sloly's announcement that based on "new intelligence gathered literally in the last 24 hours," police planned to shut down all ramps from Highway 417 leading into the city.
PANDEMIC HIRING SPREE ADDS $BILLIONS TO OTTAWA'S PAYROLL COSTS
A pandemic-fuelled hiring spree has grown the federal civil service by more than 35,000 people since April 2020, according to a CBC News analysis, helping add billions to Ottawa's payroll costs.
Figures supplied by the Treasury Board and other ministries and departments show the federal government added 19,151 jobs in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, and another 16,356 positions in fiscal 2022. All told, the feds now employ 335,957 people across the country: a 12 per cent increase from pre-COVID times, and the greatest number of public servants in Canadian history.
An additional 28,176 bureaucrats were on long-term leave in 2022, not receiving their full salaries, but many of whom remain eligible for taxpayer-funded top-ups, benefits, insurance and pension contributions.
Figures supplied by the Treasury Board and other ministries and departments show the federal government added 19,151 jobs in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, and another 16,356 positions in fiscal 2022. All told, the feds now employ 335,957 people across the country: a 12 per cent increase from pre-COVID times, and the greatest number of public servants in Canadian history.
An additional 28,176 bureaucrats were on long-term leave in 2022, not receiving their full salaries, but many of whom remain eligible for taxpayer-funded top-ups, benefits, insurance and pension contributions.
DRAGGED KICKING & SCREAMING
OTTAWA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford and former solicitor general Sylvia Jones are challenging a summons to appear as witnesses at the public inquiry examining the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act.
Commission lawyers said the summons was issued Monday after both Ford and Jones, who is now the health minister, refused multiple requests to appear.
"It was our hope that Premier Ford and Minister Jones would agree to appear before the commission voluntarily," reads a letter sent Monday by commission lead lawyers Shantona Chaudhury and Jeffrey Leon.
Monday, October 24, 2022
UNJABBED SINGLE WOMEN LOOK FOR UNJABBED SINGLE MEN
Ask any single woman about the ease of dating in today’s world and they will most certainly roll their eyes and groan. As a single woman myself, I can vouch for how tough the dating climate is for every one of us. But unvaccinated, single women now have it that much harder. The reason? The decision as to whether or not they will date vaccinated men is now on the table. And I can tell you first-hand, which has nothing to do with the viability of the candidates, themselves, as rich and interesting prospects, but rather “sex” to put it bluntly.
For these women, there is simply not enough information about the vaccine or its effects to warrant consideration. No one knows the ramifications or what is to come for those who took the vaccine.
FULLY JABBED CDC DIRECTOR CATCHES COVID
Rochelle Walensky just announced that she has COVID 19. She received the bivalent booster exactly one month ago at a CVS pharmacy. Right now she's probably in the window where the booster exerts the greatest protective effect it could possibly exert, yet still: look what happened.
If you ask the CDC director, “ What is the vaccine efficacy of the bivalent booster you have received? What is it for any symptomatic disease? What is it for severe disease?” She won't be able to answer.
That's because the leadership at the White House has permitted this product to come to the US market without any credible evidence that it has any vaccine effectiveness. We simply don't have human randomized data for clinical endpoints. All we have is human data on antibody titers, which is a surrogate endpoint of no value in the current moment.
If you ask the CDC director, “ What is the vaccine efficacy of the bivalent booster you have received? What is it for any symptomatic disease? What is it for severe disease?” She won't be able to answer.
That's because the leadership at the White House has permitted this product to come to the US market without any credible evidence that it has any vaccine effectiveness. We simply don't have human randomized data for clinical endpoints. All we have is human data on antibody titers, which is a surrogate endpoint of no value in the current moment.
500 CRIMINALS SLATED FOR DEPORTATION HAVE DISAPPEARED
Federal Conservatives are demanding that the Liberal government explain how nearly 500 wanted criminals on a deportation list went missing.
There are currently nearly 30,000 people who are set to be deported from Canada that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) lists as having unknown whereabouts. 469 of those are wanted “for criminality or criminal convictions” while 30 are wanted for severe crimes like homicide or violent sexual assault.
Conservative critic for public safety Raquel Dancho has called the figures shocking and is demanding that Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino immediately address the issue.
There are currently nearly 30,000 people who are set to be deported from Canada that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) lists as having unknown whereabouts. 469 of those are wanted “for criminality or criminal convictions” while 30 are wanted for severe crimes like homicide or violent sexual assault.
Conservative critic for public safety Raquel Dancho has called the figures shocking and is demanding that Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino immediately address the issue.
COURT RULES IN FAVOUR OF CHRISTIAN BAKER
A California court ruled in favor of a Christian baker Friday following a years-long legal battle after she refused to bake a custom cake for a lesbian wedding in 2017, citing her religious beliefs.
"We applaud the court for this decision," Thomas More Society Special Counsel Charles LiMandri said in a statement. "The freedom to practice one’s religion is enshrined in the First Amendment, and the United States Supreme Court has long upheld the freedom of artistic expression."
Cathy Miller, a cake designer who owns the popular Tastries bakery in Bakersfield, California, won what her lawyers at the Thomas More Society called "a First Amendment victory" when Judge Eric Bradshaw of the Superior Court of California in Kern County ruled against California's Department of Fair Housing and Employment, which had brought the lawsuit against her.
"We applaud the court for this decision," Thomas More Society Special Counsel Charles LiMandri said in a statement. "The freedom to practice one’s religion is enshrined in the First Amendment, and the United States Supreme Court has long upheld the freedom of artistic expression."
Cathy Miller, a cake designer who owns the popular Tastries bakery in Bakersfield, California, won what her lawyers at the Thomas More Society called "a First Amendment victory" when Judge Eric Bradshaw of the Superior Court of California in Kern County ruled against California's Department of Fair Housing and Employment, which had brought the lawsuit against her.
Sunday, October 23, 2022
EMERGENCIES ACT NOT REQUIRED
Officers “did not need the Emergencies Act”, according to a prominent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer, who testified Friday on day 7 of the hearings into the controversial use of the Act.
Chief Superintendent Carson Pardy, who was one of the most senior law enforcement officers involved in the effort during the Freedom Convoy, told Commission lawyers that the Emergencies Act invocation wasn’t required to tow vehicles and that existing police strategies in place prior to invoking the act would have been sufficient to clear the protests within the same time period.
Commission lawyer Frank Au asked Pardy, “In your view, was there a police solution to the demonstration?”
“There was a solution, and we reached that solution,” Pardy said. “We had some help with the Emergencies Act but in my humble opinion we would have reached the same conclusion with the plan that we had without (the Act).”
Chief Superintendent Carson Pardy, who was one of the most senior law enforcement officers involved in the effort during the Freedom Convoy, told Commission lawyers that the Emergencies Act invocation wasn’t required to tow vehicles and that existing police strategies in place prior to invoking the act would have been sufficient to clear the protests within the same time period.
Commission lawyer Frank Au asked Pardy, “In your view, was there a police solution to the demonstration?”
“There was a solution, and we reached that solution,” Pardy said. “We had some help with the Emergencies Act but in my humble opinion we would have reached the same conclusion with the plan that we had without (the Act).”
LIBERALS RAISE TAXES IN CANADA, WHILE OTHER COUNTRIES LOWER THEIRS
With sky-high inflation, many Canadians are having a tough time affording gasoline and groceries. In fact, nearly 60 per cent of Canadians find it difficult to feed their families, according a poll from the Angus Reid Institute from earlier this year.
The federal government could immediately make life a little more affordable for Canadians by reducing taxes. But instead of providing tax relief, the federal government has recently increased the carbon tax, alcohol taxes and payroll taxes. While the federal government increased the basic personal exemption to increase the tax-free portion of incomes, if you make more than $40,000, then your federal income tax bill is going up this year due to rising payroll taxes.
Some provincial governments have provided significant tax relief. Alberta removed its provincial gas tax in April 2022, saving taxpayers 13 cents per litre of gasoline. In May 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador cut its gas tax by 8.05 cents per litre. In July 2022, Ontario cut its gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre.
The federal government could immediately make life a little more affordable for Canadians by reducing taxes. But instead of providing tax relief, the federal government has recently increased the carbon tax, alcohol taxes and payroll taxes. While the federal government increased the basic personal exemption to increase the tax-free portion of incomes, if you make more than $40,000, then your federal income tax bill is going up this year due to rising payroll taxes.
Some provincial governments have provided significant tax relief. Alberta removed its provincial gas tax in April 2022, saving taxpayers 13 cents per litre of gasoline. In May 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador cut its gas tax by 8.05 cents per litre. In July 2022, Ontario cut its gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre.
JUDGE RULES FAUCI BE DEPOSED IN LAWSUIT
A federal judge has ordered Dr. Anthony Fauci and other Biden officials be deposed as part of a lawsuit against the Biden administration alleging the government colluded with social media companies to censor free speech related to the coronavirus and other controversial topics.
According to a court order from the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty concluded that Fauci’s high-profile public comments have made him a key figure in the lawsuit from the Republican attorneys general of Louisiana and Missouri alleging collusion between the Biden administration and social media companies to censor coronavirus related speech that could be damaging to the White House.
"Plaintiffs argue that even if Dr. Fauci can prove he never communicated with social-media platforms about censorship, there are compelling reasons that suggest Dr. Fauci has acted through intermediaries, and acted on behalf of others, in procuring the social-media censorship of credible scientific opinions," Judge Doughty, appointed by former President Trump, wrote. "Plaintiffs argue that even if Dr. Fauci acted indirectly or as an intermediary on behalf of others, it is still relevant to Plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction motion. The Court agrees."
According to a court order from the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty concluded that Fauci’s high-profile public comments have made him a key figure in the lawsuit from the Republican attorneys general of Louisiana and Missouri alleging collusion between the Biden administration and social media companies to censor coronavirus related speech that could be damaging to the White House.
"Plaintiffs argue that even if Dr. Fauci can prove he never communicated with social-media platforms about censorship, there are compelling reasons that suggest Dr. Fauci has acted through intermediaries, and acted on behalf of others, in procuring the social-media censorship of credible scientific opinions," Judge Doughty, appointed by former President Trump, wrote. "Plaintiffs argue that even if Dr. Fauci acted indirectly or as an intermediary on behalf of others, it is still relevant to Plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction motion. The Court agrees."
Saturday, October 22, 2022
PFIZER'S BLACKED OUT COVID JABS CONTRACT WITH THE EU
The European Public Prosecutors' Office has an ongoing investigation into the acquisition of Covid jabs in the European Union.
When elected members of the European Union asked Pfizer for copies of the contract the EU signed, they received 100 blacked out pages.
The CEO of Pfizer refused to attend, to answer questions from the European Parliamentarians.
'MOVING AT THE SPEED OF SCIENCE"
A Pfizer exec has made a frank admission during a parliamentary hearing, with one representative describing it as “shocking, even criminal”.
Friday, October 21, 2022
JUDGE RULES RESTRICTIONS OF CIVIL LIBERTIES ARE MOOT NOW
Yesterday, associate Chief Justice of the federal court Jocelyn Gagne dismissed the Peckford Charter challenge (along with the three other related lawsuits) concerning the federal Liberal government’s travel ban against unvaccinated Canadians. The Honourable Brian Peckford is the last surviving signatory to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (and also Chairman of TBOF).
The case was also raising critical questions over how much governments can restrict our Charter freedoms on the basis of “the science”, without every showing Canadians the science they are relying on.
In short, to Justice Gagne, the most unprecedented government restrictions of civil liberties since the FLQ crisis in the 1970s are moot now, covid is over. Harms from government policies are hypothetical or abstract.
Imagine the Court ruling on the government’s use of residential schools as “moot”. Stop living in the past! The schools are closed! It was a different government!
The case was also raising critical questions over how much governments can restrict our Charter freedoms on the basis of “the science”, without every showing Canadians the science they are relying on.
In short, to Justice Gagne, the most unprecedented government restrictions of civil liberties since the FLQ crisis in the 1970s are moot now, covid is over. Harms from government policies are hypothetical or abstract.
Imagine the Court ruling on the government’s use of residential schools as “moot”. Stop living in the past! The schools are closed! It was a different government!
DECLINING NUMBERS OF CHINESE TRAVELERS TO CANADA
Three years ago, 55 jumbo jets from China were touching down at Vancouver International Airport every week.
Now there are only eight flights a week from the world’s most-populous country.
There has been an almost similar plunge in the proportion of Chinese nationals applying for Canada’s 10-year visas. A related decline means fewer people from China are seeking student visas, and showing relatively modest interest in permanent-residence status.
INCOMPETENCE, OVER-REACTION & PARANOIA
The gong-show autopsy of the Freedom Convoy, playing out now as an inquest into the invoking of the Emergencies Act, shows more of why the protest lived rather than why it eventually died out.
Incompetence would not be too strong a word. Over-reaction could also be worked in, driven by paranoia and self-serving politics.
Let’s be blunt. The Freedom Convoy interrupted a relatively small pocket of Ottawa near Parliament Hill while the rest of the country was largely sleeping well. Yet it was given the profile of a massive and potentially dangerous civil disobedience exercise that had gone irretrievably off the rails.
Incompetence would not be too strong a word. Over-reaction could also be worked in, driven by paranoia and self-serving politics.
Let’s be blunt. The Freedom Convoy interrupted a relatively small pocket of Ottawa near Parliament Hill while the rest of the country was largely sleeping well. Yet it was given the profile of a massive and potentially dangerous civil disobedience exercise that had gone irretrievably off the rails.
DISAPPEARED RECORDINGS MIRACULOUSLY RESURFACE
Audio from a controversial meeting with RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki has been released by the Nova Scotia mass shooting inquiry after it was initially thought that the recordings no longer existed. The meeting is at the centre of allegations of political interference into the investigation of the massacre. In recordings made on April 28, 2020 — nine days after the killings — Lucki says she understands the police force can’t release certain details about the investigation into how a lone gunman killed 22 people during a 13-hour rampage. But she goes on to say she felt frustrated when she learned the speaking notes used for an RCMP news conference earlier that day did not include basic information about the killer’s weapons. Lucki said her desire to publicly share these basic facts was in response to a request she received from a minister’s office, though she did not specify which minister or the exact nature of the request. There are three recordings in all, capturing almost 24 minutes of conversation. It is not clear whether the recordings released Thursday represent the entirety of what was said that day.
Thursday, October 20, 2022
COVID-19 JAB ON VACCINES FOR CHILDREN SCHEDULE IN USA
Today the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met to discuss and vote on whether or not to add the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna to the list of recommended childhood vaccines for children six months and older. In a unanimous vote, the ACIP approved the addition. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are still under emergency use authorization (EUA), making their consideration and approval for inclusion on the Vaccines for Children (VFC) schedule unprecedented.
On October 12, the FDA approved a EUA for the omicron vaccine version from Pfizer for children five and older. The Moderna version earned a EUA for children six and older. The CDC immediately followed suit. Neither agency convened its advisory committees to evaluate the data. The original vaccine series is authorized under a EUA for children older than six months.
The committee emphasized that adding the COVID vaccines to the VFC ensured access to families who cannot afford vaccines and reiterated that the agency does not issue vaccine mandates for school attendance. These statements are performative, as it is well-established that states and school districts use the VFC to issue mandates.
On October 12, the FDA approved a EUA for the omicron vaccine version from Pfizer for children five and older. The Moderna version earned a EUA for children six and older. The CDC immediately followed suit. Neither agency convened its advisory committees to evaluate the data. The original vaccine series is authorized under a EUA for children older than six months.
The committee emphasized that adding the COVID vaccines to the VFC ensured access to families who cannot afford vaccines and reiterated that the agency does not issue vaccine mandates for school attendance. These statements are performative, as it is well-established that states and school districts use the VFC to issue mandates.
PRONOUNS DAY AT WATERLOO SCHOOL BOARD
If you wonder why the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is such a hot woke mess, look no further than their proclamation Wednesday of International Pronouns Day.
The online blurb claims International Pronouns day is to “raise awareness” of personal pronouns – and that sharing and using the pronouns people choose “affirms human dignity.”
Using the wrong pronoun, as in “she” instead of “they,” can be “extremely hurtful, damaging and offensive” in particular to transgendered people, the board says.
The online blurb claims International Pronouns day is to “raise awareness” of personal pronouns – and that sharing and using the pronouns people choose “affirms human dignity.”
Using the wrong pronoun, as in “she” instead of “they,” can be “extremely hurtful, damaging and offensive” in particular to transgendered people, the board says.
OPP: FREEDOM CONVOY NOT A DIRECT THREAT
OTTAWA – The Ontario Provincial Police intelligence unit never found evidence demonstrating that the Freedom Convoy posed a direct threat to national security before the unprecedented use of the Emergencies Act was invoked by the federal government.
The head of the OPP’s Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau (POIB) Superintendent Pat Morris testified in front of the Public Order Emergency Commission (POEC) that at no point during the protests did he receive reliable intelligence that led to believe there was a risk that would rise to the level of a potential threat to national security.
During cross-examinations by different parties’ lawyers, he also agreed with the assertion that intelligence he saw never pointed to extremism.
The head of the OPP’s Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau (POIB) Superintendent Pat Morris testified in front of the Public Order Emergency Commission (POEC) that at no point during the protests did he receive reliable intelligence that led to believe there was a risk that would rise to the level of a potential threat to national security.
During cross-examinations by different parties’ lawyers, he also agreed with the assertion that intelligence he saw never pointed to extremism.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
WHERE WAS THE OUTRAGE?
Think of all the institutions that have marched in lockstep during the dramatic decline in civilization over three years. It’s been media, Big Tech, large corporations, academia, the medical industry, central banks, and government at all levels. They have all been in on the lie. They sat by and said nothing or even cheered as governments utterly wrecked rights and liberties that humanity has fought for over 800 years.
All these people hold on to their jobs for dear life. Their biggest fear is getting fired. Not even a tenured professor is safe. A passive-aggressive dean can always pile on a burdensome teaching load or move you to a smaller office. There are ways that colleagues and the dean can come after you.
This sets up a terrible reality. The people who are responsible for shaping the public mind end up as the most craven class of obsequious simps on the planet earth. We want these people to be brave and independent — we need them to be — but in practice they are the complete opposite.
All these people hold on to their jobs for dear life. Their biggest fear is getting fired. Not even a tenured professor is safe. A passive-aggressive dean can always pile on a burdensome teaching load or move you to a smaller office. There are ways that colleagues and the dean can come after you.
This sets up a terrible reality. The people who are responsible for shaping the public mind end up as the most craven class of obsequious simps on the planet earth. We want these people to be brave and independent — we need them to be — but in practice they are the complete opposite.
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
CANADIAN ARMED FORCES ON A RECRUITMENT BLITZ
The Canadian Armed Forces—its reputation severely harmed by sexual misconduct charges and racism allegations, even in its highest ranks—is now on a recruitment blitz to replenish its dwindling troops.
The situation is so dire, in fact, that the force’s commander, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre, is publicly calling on the country to rally behind its military as it faces an unprecedented personnel crisis that he says is threatening its ability to protect and defend Canada.
The extraordinary appeal comes as Eyre and his senior staff struggle to fill around 10,000 empty positions at a time when Canada’s military is facing a growing number of threats and requests for help at home and abroad.
The situation is so dire, in fact, that the force’s commander, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre, is publicly calling on the country to rally behind its military as it faces an unprecedented personnel crisis that he says is threatening its ability to protect and defend Canada.
The extraordinary appeal comes as Eyre and his senior staff struggle to fill around 10,000 empty positions at a time when Canada’s military is facing a growing number of threats and requests for help at home and abroad.
RECRUITING ISLAMIC STATE FIGHTERS NETS 20 YEAR SENTENCE
SAN DIEGO — A Canadian who lived in Southern California was sentenced to 20 years in U.S. prison on Monday for helping at least a half-dozen Canadians and Americans join the Islamic State group in Syria in 2013 and 2014 — including the first known American to die fighting for the militant organization.
Abdullahi Ahmed Abdullahi directly funded “violent acts of terrorism,” including the kidnapping and killing of people in Syria, said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman in a statement.
Prosecutors also said Abdullahi provided money to send an 18-year-old cousin from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to join IS fighters in Syria, as well as three other cousins from Edmonton, Canada.
GOVERNMENT FAILURE AT EVERY LEVEL
Steve Kanellakos detailed a catalogue of bad calls, starting with then Ottawa police chief Peter Sloly’s initial assessment that the several hundred trucks that arrived on Friday, January 28th, would be gone by the following Wednesday.
This, despite police receiving notification from local hotels that Freedom Convoy organizers were looking for accommodation for 10 to 15,000 people, possibly until April. It was also well known by that stage that the convoy had raised $5 million to finance a long stay in the capital.
Regardless, after Mayor Jim Watson and his staff reviewed the first weekend, they were relatively sanguine.
LIBERALS' DEEPLY FLAWED CYBERSECURITY LEGISLATION
OTTAWA — A new research report says federal cybersecurity legislation is so flawed it would allow authoritarian governments around the world to justify their own repressive laws.
The report says the powers being sought by Ottawa are insufficiently bounded, come with overly broad secrecy clauses, and would potentially limit the ability of private companies to dispute demands, orders or regulations issued by the government.
The report describes a scenario where the federal broadcast regulator could draft one set of public law through its decisions while "a kind of secret law" that unfolds through orders and regulations would actually guide telecommunications providers' cybersecurity behaviour.
Monday, October 17, 2022
WHEN NOBODY WANTS TO GO FIRST
OTTAWA – The City of Ottawa declared a state of emergency during the trucker convoy to spur the provincial and federal governments into action, according to evidence presented at the Emergencies Act commission.
The commission’s mandate is to consider why the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act, which gave it sweeping powers to freeze financial assets, block protests and led to a massive police operation in downtown Ottawa last February.
Ottawa’s city manager Steve Kanellakos testified on Monday the city initially held off on its own declaration of emergency, but after the second weekend of the protest felt it had no choice. Kanellakos said the main goal was to get other levels of government to act.
The commission’s mandate is to consider why the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act, which gave it sweeping powers to freeze financial assets, block protests and led to a massive police operation in downtown Ottawa last February.
Ottawa’s city manager Steve Kanellakos testified on Monday the city initially held off on its own declaration of emergency, but after the second weekend of the protest felt it had no choice. Kanellakos said the main goal was to get other levels of government to act.
THE CITY MOUSE & THE COUNTRY MOUSE
Ian Cumming is a Farmer, and Agricultural Journalist - He has his finger on the pulse of what is happening in rural Canada. What does he have to say about what is happening in rural Canada right now? He joins Stephen LeDrew
Justin Trudeau Is About to Make Your Groceries Even More Expensive
Is Justin Trudeau's Woke Agenda Destroying Rural Culture?
EXPECT VERY HIGH ENERGY BILLS THIS WINTER
Most Canadians who pay for natural gas or electricity can expect their bills to rise by between 50 and 100 per cent on average this winter, according to one energy analyst.
Some consumers could see their bills rise by as much as 300 per cent while others could see minimal increases, but the overall trend is clear, says EnergyRates.ca founder Joel MacDonald.
“In general, Canadians join the global community in seeing exceptionally high electricity and natural gas bills," MacDonald told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview on Friday. "There are a few provinces where some of those increases are muted by the structure of the marketplace, but in general the answer is very high energy bills."
Some consumers could see their bills rise by as much as 300 per cent while others could see minimal increases, but the overall trend is clear, says EnergyRates.ca founder Joel MacDonald.
“In general, Canadians join the global community in seeing exceptionally high electricity and natural gas bills," MacDonald told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview on Friday. "There are a few provinces where some of those increases are muted by the structure of the marketplace, but in general the answer is very high energy bills."
RCMP REFUSED RELEASE OF BADGE NUMBERS
OTTAWA — Internal documents show the RCMP refused to release the badge numbers of officers who cleared "Freedom Convoy" protesters from the Ambassador Bridge last winter, citing a risk of violence from their supporters.
The situation was detailed in a briefing note and threat assessment prepared for RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, who was asked to approve the decision because the force recognized it raised questions around transparency.
"This will allow you to explain to the membership the substantial efforts made by the RCMP to protect members' safety, while making every effort to meet RCMP's commitment and openness and transparency with the public," read the note to Lucki, released in August to a requester under the Access to Information Act.
Friday, October 14, 2022
FORMER OTTAWA POLICE CHIEF TESTIFIES AT INQUIRY
Peter Sloly says he resigned as chief of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) in the middle of the Freedom Convoy crisis partly because he feared eroded trust in his leadership was delaying extra officers from other jurisdictions.
"When trust starts to leave policing, that increases public safety risk," Sloly told a parliamentary committee on Thursday, marking only his second public in-person remarks since his departure.
Sloly resigned 19 days into the lengthy occupation of parts of downtown Ottawa last winter amid public outrage over his force's failure to turf protesters.
"When trust starts to leave policing, that increases public safety risk," Sloly told a parliamentary committee on Thursday, marking only his second public in-person remarks since his departure.
Sloly resigned 19 days into the lengthy occupation of parts of downtown Ottawa last winter amid public outrage over his force's failure to turf protesters.
DRAMA BEGINS AT EMERGENCIES ACT INQUIRY
OTTAWA — The national inquiry into the invocation of the Emergencies Act, in the wake of the truckers’ convoy occupation of downtown Ottawa, is going to be used as a political bullhorn for all kinds of individuals and groups who have been granted standing.
Commissioner Paul Rouleau will need to keep a tight grip on proceedings to prevent them pinballing all over the place, as discredited police officers and politicians seek to rehabilitate their reputations, and disgruntled provincial governments express umbrage that they were not consulted.
But Lakehead University law professor Ryan Alford made an opening statement that gets to the nub of the inquiry: the federal government has to prove it met the legal standard for using the emergency provision of last resort.
CHINA INCENSED AS CANADIAN MPs VISIT TAIWAN
A group of Canadian members of Parliament are in Taiwan, a move China claims “blatantly violates the one-China principle” and “grossly interferes” with Beijing’s internal affairs.
Liberal MP Judy Sgro, who had hinted at a potential visit two months ago, tweeted out images of her visit Thursday morning.
“Canada is committed to expanding and diversifying trade, attracting global investment and creating new opportunities,” she wrote alongside images of her meeting with the Taiwan premier.
Liberal MP Judy Sgro, who had hinted at a potential visit two months ago, tweeted out images of her visit Thursday morning.
“Canada is committed to expanding and diversifying trade, attracting global investment and creating new opportunities,” she wrote alongside images of her meeting with the Taiwan premier.
Thursday, October 13, 2022
FIGHTING BACK AGAINST WOKE SCHOOL BOARD
She showed the crowd an Early Years document provided by the board to teachers in which they are encouraged to teach kids as young as five that they “get to decide” if they’re a boy, girl, or something else (that the child has agency.)
“Telling children they can choose whether they’re a boy or girl will confuse them,” Burjoski said.
“Ideas about gender are being taught to younger children by teachers who see themselves as activists.”
She added that school boards are instructing teachers and administrators not to advise a student’s parents if they wish to change their gender, their name and their pronouns.
“Telling children they can choose whether they’re a boy or girl will confuse them,” Burjoski said.
“Ideas about gender are being taught to younger children by teachers who see themselves as activists.”
She added that school boards are instructing teachers and administrators not to advise a student’s parents if they wish to change their gender, their name and their pronouns.
ONTARIO DOCTOR DARED TO ADVOCATE AGAINST LOCKDOWNS
An Ontario doctor is challenging a professional censure placed on her record by the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSO) after she took to social media to warn against the harms of Covid lockdowns.
The Democracy Fund (TDF) and Libertas Law lawyer Lisa Bildy are representing Dr. Kulvinder Kaur Gill. Dr. Gill will appear before the Health Professionals Appeal and Review Board (HPARB) to request that the cautions against her record be scrubbed.
In a TDF press release, Dr. Gill claims that she was the subject of a malicious online campaign due to her advocacy on Twitter against lockdowns.
The Democracy Fund (TDF) and Libertas Law lawyer Lisa Bildy are representing Dr. Kulvinder Kaur Gill. Dr. Gill will appear before the Health Professionals Appeal and Review Board (HPARB) to request that the cautions against her record be scrubbed.
In a TDF press release, Dr. Gill claims that she was the subject of a malicious online campaign due to her advocacy on Twitter against lockdowns.
OUR ENEMIES ARE ON WAR FOOTING, CANADA NOT READY
John Ivison: The chief of the defense staff appeared at the public safety and national security committee on Parliament Hill last Thursday and warned in the starkest terms possible that dark forces are gathering in a “chaotic and dangerous world” and that Canada’s geographic isolation is no longer a viable defense against them. Russia and China already “consider themselves to be at war with the West,” he said. They are interested, not just in “regime survival, but in regime expansion.”
But for all the Liberal government’s rhetoric about defending the rules-based order, there are few signs that the prime minister, his cabinet or his senior advisers are seized by the sense that the lights may go out in democracies around the world.
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Eyre was frank that Canada is not ready for this struggle, despite its efforts at “reconstitution,” and is currently short about 10,000 Forces personnel.
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
OUTRAGEOUS: $54MILLION SPENT ON ARRIVECAN APP
The endeavour was the brainchild of Lazer Technologies, a Toronto-based app developer that was among many in the Canadian tech sphere who were outraged to learn the federal government managed to spend $54 million on ArriveCan, a relatively simple border screening app.
And so, Lazer initiated a “hackathon” among its employees to see how quickly it would take to replicate the entire app from scratch.
Developer Daniel Whiffing accepted the challenge, and by dinner time on Thanksgiving Day he had created a working clone of ArriveCan that is near-indistinguishable from the original. Whiffing even posted the code online so fellow programmers can check his work.
DECADES OF NEGLECT OF OUR MILITARY
In case anyone hadn’t noticed, our military is in crisis. For years, we’ve heard stories about how Ottawa’s chronic neglect of the Canadian Armed Forces has left it with outdated hardware — sidearms that belong in a history museum, Cold War-era fighter jets, second-hand subs that even the most unscrupulous of used car salesmen wouldn’t try to hock — but a recruitment deficit exacerbated by the pandemic and a series of sexual assault scandals has exposed an even bigger problem: even if we had state-of-the-art equipment, there’s no one there to use it.
PREMIER SMITH VOWS TO PROTECT THE UNJABBED
EDMONTON — Danielle Smith, sworn in Tuesday as Alberta's new premier, said she will shake up the top tier of the health system within three months and amend provincial human rights law to protect those who choose not to get vaccinated.
“(The unvaccinated) have been the most discriminated-against group that I’ve ever witnessed in my lifetime,” Smith told reporters at the legislature.
“I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a situation in my lifetime where a person was fired from their job or not allowed to watch their kids play hockey or not allowed to go visit a loved one in long-term care or hospital, not allowed to get on a plane to either go across the country to see family or even travel across the border.
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
FLORIDA'S SURGEON GENERAL EXPOSES COVID-JAB RISKS
On Oct. 7, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo shared an analysis his agency performed on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. It showed an increased risk of cardiac death for men 18-39 who received the vaccine:
This analysis found that there is an 84% increase in the relative incidence of cardiac-related death among males 18-39 years old within 28 days following mRNA vaccination. With a high level of global immunity to COVID-19, the benefit of vaccination is likely outweighed by this abnormally high risk of cardiac-related death among men in this age group. Non-mRNA vaccines were not found to have these increased risks.
Based on these findings, Ladapo recommended males aged 18-39 not receive the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The new guidance he issued also noted that males over 60 had a 10% increased risk of cardiac-related death within 28 days of mRNA vaccination. It encouraged Floridians to discuss all the potential risks and benefits of the mRNA vaccine with their physician.
This analysis found that there is an 84% increase in the relative incidence of cardiac-related death among males 18-39 years old within 28 days following mRNA vaccination. With a high level of global immunity to COVID-19, the benefit of vaccination is likely outweighed by this abnormally high risk of cardiac-related death among men in this age group. Non-mRNA vaccines were not found to have these increased risks.
Based on these findings, Ladapo recommended males aged 18-39 not receive the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The new guidance he issued also noted that males over 60 had a 10% increased risk of cardiac-related death within 28 days of mRNA vaccination. It encouraged Floridians to discuss all the potential risks and benefits of the mRNA vaccine with their physician.
WHO BLEW UP THE NORD STREAM PIPELINE?
On September 26, 2022, seismologists in Denmark and Sweden recorded underwater seismic activity in the Baltic Sea between 2.1 and 2.3 on the Richter scale, equivalent to an explosion of several hundred pounds of TNT. After investigations, authorities in both countries determined that there had been apparent efforts to sabotage the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. Both lines of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and one line of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, yet to be commissioned, were impacted.
Repairs to the damaged pipelines will not be easy. The steel pipelines are about 1.6 inches thick and covered with about 4.3 inches of concrete in order to maintain stability on the seabed. They lie in waters ranging from 165 to 328 feet in depth, and the pressure of the depths would require saturation diving. Divers could stay only around ten hours at that depth and would require around 30 days in a hyperbaric chamber to combat decompression sickness. While the repairs to the pipelines would require an extensive period of time to effect and substantial expense, the efforts to sabotage them would require minimal time and expense, and a relatively low level of technological expertise.
The question remains: who done it?
Repairs to the damaged pipelines will not be easy. The steel pipelines are about 1.6 inches thick and covered with about 4.3 inches of concrete in order to maintain stability on the seabed. They lie in waters ranging from 165 to 328 feet in depth, and the pressure of the depths would require saturation diving. Divers could stay only around ten hours at that depth and would require around 30 days in a hyperbaric chamber to combat decompression sickness. While the repairs to the pipelines would require an extensive period of time to effect and substantial expense, the efforts to sabotage them would require minimal time and expense, and a relatively low level of technological expertise.
The question remains: who done it?
DEVOTEES OF MASS SURVEILLANCE
The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), passed in 2016, limits the ways personal data is collected in terms of legitimate purposes. The European Court of Justice has also made it clear that the mass retention of phone and location data violates the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Human Rights.
Despite this, EU member states continue to subvert, by varying degrees, such protections. Fixated by notions of protecting society from the unsavoury and the criminal, lawmakers continue to flirt and court the mass surveillance properties inherent in such regulations.
A neatly grim example of this arose in July, when the Belgian parliament passed laws mandating the retention of user data by telecommunications and internet providers. This was a second run by the parliament, given the invalidation in April 2021 by the Belgian Constitutional Court of the previous data retention law. That particular statute permitted the storage of every Belgian’s telecom, location and internet metadata for up to 12 months. Those behind the new law, such as the Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne, claim it to be a targeted measure that preserves privacy; in truth it permits general data surveillance.
Despite this, EU member states continue to subvert, by varying degrees, such protections. Fixated by notions of protecting society from the unsavoury and the criminal, lawmakers continue to flirt and court the mass surveillance properties inherent in such regulations.
A neatly grim example of this arose in July, when the Belgian parliament passed laws mandating the retention of user data by telecommunications and internet providers. This was a second run by the parliament, given the invalidation in April 2021 by the Belgian Constitutional Court of the previous data retention law. That particular statute permitted the storage of every Belgian’s telecom, location and internet metadata for up to 12 months. Those behind the new law, such as the Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne, claim it to be a targeted measure that preserves privacy; in truth it permits general data surveillance.
FULL-BORE WOKE AT WATERLOO SCHOOL BOARD
The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) received criticism on social media after it wished students, staff and families a “happy long weekend holiday” rather than a happy Thanksgiving.
Media personality and parental rights advocate Tanya Granic Allen commented, tweeting out “well if you’re going to go woke, might as well go full-bore!”
WRDSB’s social media post comes amid some activists saying Thanksgiving should be reimagined due to its “colonial roots.”
Media personality and parental rights advocate Tanya Granic Allen commented, tweeting out “well if you’re going to go woke, might as well go full-bore!”
WRDSB’s social media post comes amid some activists saying Thanksgiving should be reimagined due to its “colonial roots.”
Monday, October 10, 2022
$3.7M SPENT ON GUN BUYBACK, NOT ONE FIREARM PURCHASED
The Liberal government has spent millions on its federal gun buyback scheme despite not yet buying a single firearm from law-abiding gun owners.
The $3.7 million bill for the program currently only includes $2.1 million for salaries of 10 officials at the Firearms Buyback Secretariat and another $1.6 million to operate the office.
Estimates by the Parliamentary Budget Officer place the cost of the final buyback scheme at $756 million but the true cost will likely be much higher as this figure doesn’t take into account bureaucratic costs like paying staff.
The $3.7 million bill for the program currently only includes $2.1 million for salaries of 10 officials at the Firearms Buyback Secretariat and another $1.6 million to operate the office.
Estimates by the Parliamentary Budget Officer place the cost of the final buyback scheme at $756 million but the true cost will likely be much higher as this figure doesn’t take into account bureaucratic costs like paying staff.
LIBERAL MP HOUSEFATHER BLOWING HORSEFEATHERS
Facing questions about a $54 million price tag for the federal government’s ArriveCan app, a Liberal member of parliament said won’t apologize for an app that “saved the lives of tens of thousands of Canadians.”
The figure was offered by Mount Royal member of parliament Anthony Housefather, who serves as the parliamentary secretary to Public Services and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek.
Housefather was responding to a question from Conservative MP and health critic Michael Barrett. Barrett cited a Globe and Mail report about how tech experts were “confounded” by ArriveCan’s $54 million price tag, 36 times the $1.5 million they estimated a similar project in the private sector would cost.
The figure was offered by Mount Royal member of parliament Anthony Housefather, who serves as the parliamentary secretary to Public Services and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek.
Housefather was responding to a question from Conservative MP and health critic Michael Barrett. Barrett cited a Globe and Mail report about how tech experts were “confounded” by ArriveCan’s $54 million price tag, 36 times the $1.5 million they estimated a similar project in the private sector would cost.
CCB FAVOURS MIDDLE & UPPER-INCOME CANADIANS
The Trudeau government recently increased the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a tax-free benefit paid to eligible parents with children under the age of 18. From the CCB’s inception in 2015, when it replaced two existing programs, the government’s common refrain has been that the CCB better focuses assistance to lower-income families, lowers child poverty and is an overall better program. But in reality, the CCB spends more on middle- and upper-income families than its predecessor programs, requires borrowing and is much more expensive than it needs to be.
ASSANGE EXPOSED USA GOVERNMENT SECRECY
The last four years have revealed why activists like Assange, who has been held for years in a maximum-security British prison, are vital to any hope of making rulers accountable to the citizenry. Attorney General Ramsey Clark warned in 1967, “Nothing so diminishes democracy as secrecy.” At this point, America is an Impunity Democracy in which government officials pay no price for their abuses.
Assange was targeted by the U.S. government after his organization, Wikileaks, disclosed tens of thousands of documents and some videos exposing crimes committed by the U.S. military against Afghan and Iraqi civilians. A 2010 Christian Science Monitor report on the leak noted that it was “unclear how Americans might react to revelations about apparent indiscriminate killing of Afghan civilians” by American forces. But the Monitor headline captured the verdict in Washington: “Congress's response to WikiLeaks: shoot the messenger.” Vice President Joe Biden denounced Assange as a “high-tech terrorist.”
Assange was targeted by the U.S. government after his organization, Wikileaks, disclosed tens of thousands of documents and some videos exposing crimes committed by the U.S. military against Afghan and Iraqi civilians. A 2010 Christian Science Monitor report on the leak noted that it was “unclear how Americans might react to revelations about apparent indiscriminate killing of Afghan civilians” by American forces. But the Monitor headline captured the verdict in Washington: “Congress's response to WikiLeaks: shoot the messenger.” Vice President Joe Biden denounced Assange as a “high-tech terrorist.”
Sunday, October 9, 2022
CBC A PREDATORY THREAT TO PRIVATELY OWNED MEDIA
Lilley: Is now a good time to talk about one of the most destructive forces in the Canadian media? I’m not talking Google or Facebook – though they are challenges to be dealt with – I’m talking about the predatory state-owned operation known as CBC.
The CBC is a major problem for every privately owned media outlet in this country. They undercut us all on price, they give away content for free that the rest of us need to find a way to pay for and they use their subsidies to go well outside their mandate while failing to fulfil the duties handed down by Parliament.
Around the world, media outlets are struggling to adjust to the changing landscape, but CBC offers unique challenges to Canadian media companies that our counterparts in the United States or Britain don’t face. BBC may have a massive footprint in Britain, much like CBC does here, but they aren’t allowed to compete domestically for online ads with their private sector counterparts.
The CBC is a major problem for every privately owned media outlet in this country. They undercut us all on price, they give away content for free that the rest of us need to find a way to pay for and they use their subsidies to go well outside their mandate while failing to fulfil the duties handed down by Parliament.
Around the world, media outlets are struggling to adjust to the changing landscape, but CBC offers unique challenges to Canadian media companies that our counterparts in the United States or Britain don’t face. BBC may have a massive footprint in Britain, much like CBC does here, but they aren’t allowed to compete domestically for online ads with their private sector counterparts.
BOC PUMPED OUT NEW MONEY DURING LIBERAL SPENDING ORGY
Now consider another fact: According to Bank of Canada numbers, the money supply (the number of dollars in circulation in Canada) grew by more than 22% between the start of the pandemic and spring this year.
That means more than one in five dollars currently in circulation in Canada didn’t exist pre-pandemic. When you think about it, that’s a staggering amount.
As the Trudeau government kept spending (and spending and spending) on pandemic related “relief” programs, the Bank of Canada kept pumping out more and more new money to cover this orgy of government expenditure.
That means more than one in five dollars currently in circulation in Canada didn’t exist pre-pandemic. When you think about it, that’s a staggering amount.
As the Trudeau government kept spending (and spending and spending) on pandemic related “relief” programs, the Bank of Canada kept pumping out more and more new money to cover this orgy of government expenditure.
RUSSIAN GENERAL ADMITS DIRE REALITY OF PUTIN'S WAR
Russian Colonel General Andrey Kartapolov admitted the Kremlin's military is facing a dire situation in Ukraine during a recent appearance on Russian-state television.
Kartapolov's admission comes more than seven months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Ukraine invasion on February 24. Kremlin officials first hoped for a quick defeat against their Eastern European neighbor. However, the "special military operation" revealed several weaknesses in their military including challenges recruiting and maintaining motivated troops as well as leadership issues.
These weaknesses, coupled with Kyiv's stronger-than-expected response and Western military aid, has allowed Ukraine to launch its own counteroffensives to retake Russian-occupied territory in recent weeks. Ukraine has said it retook thousands of square miles of land in Eastern Ukraine, near Kharkiv—delivering a massive loss for Moscow that forced Putin to order a partial mobilization of troops.
Kartapolov's admission comes more than seven months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Ukraine invasion on February 24. Kremlin officials first hoped for a quick defeat against their Eastern European neighbor. However, the "special military operation" revealed several weaknesses in their military including challenges recruiting and maintaining motivated troops as well as leadership issues.
These weaknesses, coupled with Kyiv's stronger-than-expected response and Western military aid, has allowed Ukraine to launch its own counteroffensives to retake Russian-occupied territory in recent weeks. Ukraine has said it retook thousands of square miles of land in Eastern Ukraine, near Kharkiv—delivering a massive loss for Moscow that forced Putin to order a partial mobilization of troops.
CHINA STOCKPILED PPE MONTHS BEFORE COVID OUTBREAK
China began severely restricting the export of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns and masks, months before notifying the world of the outbreak of Covid-19, it has emerged.
PPE exports to the US fell by around 50 per cent between August and September of 2019, in a significant drop which raised alarm bells at key US government agencies.
China also started to buy up global PPE stocks in Europe, Australia and the US around the same time, experts said.
Saturday, October 8, 2022
CANADA'S GREEN PARTY WITHERS ON THE VINE
Rex Murphy: The Green Party of Canada may be in a free fall over pronoun etiquette. It may have just chased its first Black, Jewish leader, Annamie Paul, out of the party. No other “progressive” political party in the present moment could survive what happened to Ms. Paul. Saving the planet, however, allows for impressively strange turns.
But pay no attention to these things. The Green party may be devouring itself. But its once and future leader — that would be Ms. May — has a stated life mission of saving the planet. A big chore.
And, so, let us not let these feeble and distractive imbroglios within the party that May has made, and which is solely her own creature, turn you away from the message that only Greens and their caucus of two can hold back planetary doom.
But pay no attention to these things. The Green party may be devouring itself. But its once and future leader — that would be Ms. May — has a stated life mission of saving the planet. A big chore.
And, so, let us not let these feeble and distractive imbroglios within the party that May has made, and which is solely her own creature, turn you away from the message that only Greens and their caucus of two can hold back planetary doom.
LIBERALS WITHDRAW CAF MEMBERS IN DEVASTATED NOVA SCOTIA
Daniel Minden, press secretary to Defense Minister Anita Anand, confirmed in an email there were about 550 members of the Canadian Armed Forces in Nova Scotia last weekend, but that number had dropped to 400 by Thursday.
“In a province where we have something like 10,000 military personnel stationed here, it’s my personal belief that pretty much every single one of those people would drop everything to help their fellow Nova Scotians, should they be asked,” Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said at the time.
“As we enter Thanksgiving weekend, there are still thousands of Nova Scotians who are without power 14 days after the storm,” the statement said. “The damage was devastating, and the cleanup is extensive. More people supporting these efforts can make a huge difference for Nova Scotians.”
LEGACY MEDIA PUSHING DISINFORMATION. AGAIN
It’s Fake News Friday and once again the legacy media is hounding Pierre Poilievre more than they appear to be holding the government to account. Global News wrote an entire news story about Youtube tags used in Poilievre’s videos in an effort to make the case that Poilievre is appealing to “male supremacy” and “extremist” groups.
Not to be outdone, the National Observer wants Canadians to know that when Conservatives “stand with farmers” over Trudeau’s fertilizer reduction scheme, Conservatives and even True North are actually just pushing disinformation.
Not to be outdone, the National Observer wants Canadians to know that when Conservatives “stand with farmers” over Trudeau’s fertilizer reduction scheme, Conservatives and even True North are actually just pushing disinformation.
CLASH OVER ONLINE STREAMING BILL
The online streaming bill, which has passed the House of Commons and is now being considered by the Senate, would force streaming platforms to promote Canadian TV, movies, videos or music, and help fund Canadian content.
YouTube executive Jeanette Patell said the amendments the company is asking for will not limit the financial contribution it's already making to support Canadian content.
Patell told a Senate committee last month that Bill C-11 gives far too much discretion to Canada's broadcasting regulators to make demands around user-generated content.
HOPING THE PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY
OTTAWA – Diversity and Inclusion Minister Ahmed Hussen admitted to MPs he was alerted to the antisemitic tweets of a consultant hired by the government for anti-racism training a month before he first spoke out on the issue.
Earlier this year, Hussen’s department gave a $133,000 grant to the Community Media Advocacy Centre (CMAC) to build an anti-racism strategy for the broadcasting sector. On Twitter, Laith Marouf, a senior consultant with CMAC, has referred to “Jewish White Supremacists,” as “loud mouthed bags of human feces.” He also used anti Francophone slurs and called French an “ugly language”
Friday, October 7, 2022
COVID HYPERBOLE IN PETERBOROUGH ON
Peterborough, Ontario is telling people to stay masked and avoid indoor social gatherings this Thanksgiving, citing a “very high” Covid risk.
Peterborough Public Health issued an advisory warning Wednesday upgrading its Covid-19 Risk Index.
As of Thursday, Peterborough Public Health’s Covid tracking portal states there are 493 active cases with a seven-day rolling average of 84 cases. In comparison, in January there was a seven-day rolling average of 197 cases.
Peterborough Public Health issued an advisory warning Wednesday upgrading its Covid-19 Risk Index.
As of Thursday, Peterborough Public Health’s Covid tracking portal states there are 493 active cases with a seven-day rolling average of 84 cases. In comparison, in January there was a seven-day rolling average of 197 cases.
CORPORATIONS ENDING SPONSORSHIP OF HOCKEY CANADA
TORONTO — Canadian Tire Corp. has ended its partnership with Hockey Canada as the fallout from the sporting organization's handling of alleged sexual assaults grows.
The retailer joins a list of top-tier sponsors including Telus Corp., Scotiabank, Tim Hortons and Chevrolet Canada that have pulled their support for hockey's national governing body.
Canadian Tire spokeswoman Jane Shaw says the company made the decision to end its partnership with Hockey Canada after careful consideration.
CRA IDENTIFIES $76M OWED, WON'T SAY IF IT'S BEEN COLLECTED
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has identified more than $76 million in taxes owed by Canadians named in the Panama and Paradise Papers leaks of offshore accounts. But the agency can't — or won't — say whether it has collected a cent of it.
A year after the massive leak of the Pandora Papers — which led to investigations and legislative changes in several countries around the world — the CRA says its "compliance action" is still in progress and it can't say how many, if any, Canadians named in the papers are being audited or investigated.
Opposition critics say the new information shows the CRA needs to do a better job of cracking down on tax evasion and tax avoidance by wealthy Canadians.
A year after the massive leak of the Pandora Papers — which led to investigations and legislative changes in several countries around the world — the CRA says its "compliance action" is still in progress and it can't say how many, if any, Canadians named in the papers are being audited or investigated.
Opposition critics say the new information shows the CRA needs to do a better job of cracking down on tax evasion and tax avoidance by wealthy Canadians.
DANIELLE SMITH WINS UCP LEADERSHIP RACE
CALGARY — The political story of Danielle Smith is one of triumph then defeat, followed by betrayal, banishment and, now, redemption.
Smith, a 51-year-old Alberta-born journalist and restaurant owner won the leadership of the United Conservative Party on Thursday to become its new leader and the next premier of Alberta.
It’s a stunning comeback for Smith, who eight years ago was a reviled outcast in the conservative movement after she engineered a floor crossing for the ages.
Thursday, October 6, 2022
20 YR PRISON SENTENCE FOR RANSOMEWARE CRIMINAL
A U.S. federal court judge sentenced a Gatineau man to 20 years in prison on Tuesday for using ransomware to extort millions of dollars from companies, municipalities and hospitals.
Sebastian Vachon-Desjardins, 35, pleaded guilty to using a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker to target victims all over the world during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a media release on Tuesday.
“The defendant identified and attacked high-value ransomware victims and profited from the chaos caused by encrypting and stealing the victims’ data,” Kenneth Polite Jr., an assistant attorney general with the justice department’s criminal division, said in a statement. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that ransomware actors will face significant consequences for their crimes and exemplifies the department’s steadfast commitment to pursuing actors who participate in ransomware schemes.”
Sebastian Vachon-Desjardins, 35, pleaded guilty to using a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker to target victims all over the world during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a media release on Tuesday.
“The defendant identified and attacked high-value ransomware victims and profited from the chaos caused by encrypting and stealing the victims’ data,” Kenneth Polite Jr., an assistant attorney general with the justice department’s criminal division, said in a statement. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that ransomware actors will face significant consequences for their crimes and exemplifies the department’s steadfast commitment to pursuing actors who participate in ransomware schemes.”
DOUBLING DOWN ON ENERGY BLUNDERS
As Europe faces a winter of skyrocketing natural gas prices driving millions of people unable to afford to heat their homes into energy poverty, it’s alarming how western leaders — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau among them — continue to take precisely the wrong message from what has happened.
From Trudeau, to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other European leaders, to the Biden administration in the U.S., their misguided battle cry is the same.
It’s that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which has dramatically curtailed natural gas exports to Europe, demonstrates the failure of western democracies to abandon fossil fuel energy quickly enough in favour of renewables, providing proof this transition must proceed faster than ever before.
$BILLIONS LOST DUE TO ARRIVECAN APP
The controversy-plagued ArriveCAN app caused billions worth of lost revenue for the Canadian tourism industry, parliamentarians heard on Tuesday.
As first reported by The Epoch Times, Mayor of Niagara Falls, Jim Diodati, gave a scathing testimony on the impact that ArriveCAN had on the tourism industry in the House of Commons Standing Committee on International trade.
According to Diodati, 20 million visitors come to the Niagara region each year, but due in part to ArriveCAN, tourism has fallen to half of pre-pandemic levels causing billions of dollars in losses.
As first reported by The Epoch Times, Mayor of Niagara Falls, Jim Diodati, gave a scathing testimony on the impact that ArriveCAN had on the tourism industry in the House of Commons Standing Committee on International trade.
According to Diodati, 20 million visitors come to the Niagara region each year, but due in part to ArriveCAN, tourism has fallen to half of pre-pandemic levels causing billions of dollars in losses.
EU SANCTIONS AGAINST IRANIAN REGIME
In yet further confirmation that talks toward a restored JCPOA nuclear deal have completely unraveled, France says the European Union is eyeing new sanctions on top Iranian officials over the ongoing "anti-hijab" protests.
Multiple security officials could be targeted by the sanctions for leading a crackdown on protesters which has resulted in the deaths of over 130 Iranians, with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna telling lawmakers on Tuesday, "France's action at heart of EU... (is) to target those responsible for the crackdown by holding them responsible for their acts."
Colonna detailed this is likely to involve asset freezes and travel bans for the top security officials, due to their repeat human rights violations.
Multiple security officials could be targeted by the sanctions for leading a crackdown on protesters which has resulted in the deaths of over 130 Iranians, with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna telling lawmakers on Tuesday, "France's action at heart of EU... (is) to target those responsible for the crackdown by holding them responsible for their acts."
Colonna detailed this is likely to involve asset freezes and travel bans for the top security officials, due to their repeat human rights violations.
LIBERAL GOV'T HAS $105MILLION CONTRACT WITH WEF
The Liberal government has admitted in writing that they have an ongoing $105.3 million contract with the World Economic Forum to introduce digital identities for travel to Canada.
Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis published an Inquiry of Ministry she sent to Transport Minister Omar Alghabra in June.
Lewis demanded that the government provide information on how many Canadian travelers” have opted into the program, what data was collected and how much has been spent on the pilot among other things.
Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis published an Inquiry of Ministry she sent to Transport Minister Omar Alghabra in June.
Lewis demanded that the government provide information on how many Canadian travelers” have opted into the program, what data was collected and how much has been spent on the pilot among other things.
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
GRAVE CONCERNS ABOUT COVID-19 POLICIES
On October 4, 2020 a landmark declaration was released by its three of the world’s most eminent public health policy experts inviting others to sign the document. Known as the Great Barrington Declaration – which stated that |”As infectious disease epidemiologists and public health scientists we have grave concerns about the damaging physical and mental health impacts of the prevailing COVID-19 policies and recommend an approach we call Focused Protection.”
As of September, 2022, approximately 940,000 scientists, health care providers and other leaders world- wide have signed the Great Barrington Declaration (also link below) shattering early claims by leaders of the Covid-19 response that there was a “consensus” on many issues including the efficacy of lockdowns. The Declaration represented a profound departure from the approach taken by so many jurisdictions around the world including Canada that undertook harsh measures including mandates and lockdowns. Ironically, despite these lockdowns and mandates, Canada experienced some of the highest levels of mortality from Covid-19 in comparison to other developed nations and spent more money than almost any other OECD nation – in other words – a major failure of public policy.
As of September, 2022, approximately 940,000 scientists, health care providers and other leaders world- wide have signed the Great Barrington Declaration (also link below) shattering early claims by leaders of the Covid-19 response that there was a “consensus” on many issues including the efficacy of lockdowns. The Declaration represented a profound departure from the approach taken by so many jurisdictions around the world including Canada that undertook harsh measures including mandates and lockdowns. Ironically, despite these lockdowns and mandates, Canada experienced some of the highest levels of mortality from Covid-19 in comparison to other developed nations and spent more money than almost any other OECD nation – in other words – a major failure of public policy.
BUSINESSES MAY NOW CHARGE CREDIT CARD FEES
Starting Thursday, businesses in Canada will be able to pass credit card fees on to their customers.
The change is the result of a multimillion-dollar class-action settlement involving Visa and Mastercard over what are known as interchange or swipe fees: the money credit card companies, banks and payment processors collect from merchants with every transaction.
Those fees can range from around one per cent to as much as three per cent for cards, with perks like cash back or loyalty points cutting into business profits.
Despite the change, retail expert Bruce Winder told CTV News Channel on Wednesday he does not believe restaurants or retailers will pass the fees on to consumers on a large scale.
The change is the result of a multimillion-dollar class-action settlement involving Visa and Mastercard over what are known as interchange or swipe fees: the money credit card companies, banks and payment processors collect from merchants with every transaction.
Those fees can range from around one per cent to as much as three per cent for cards, with perks like cash back or loyalty points cutting into business profits.
Despite the change, retail expert Bruce Winder told CTV News Channel on Wednesday he does not believe restaurants or retailers will pass the fees on to consumers on a large scale.
MEDIA LYING ABOUT CLIMATE & HURRICANES
Over the last several weeks, many mainstream news media outlets have claimed that hurricanes are becoming more expensive, more frequent, and more intense because of climate change.
All of those claims are false.
The increasing cost of hurricane damage can be explained entirely by more people and more property in harm’s way. Consider how much more developed Miami Beach is today compared to a century ago. Once you adjust for rising wealth, there is no trend of increasing damage.
All of those claims are false.
The increasing cost of hurricane damage can be explained entirely by more people and more property in harm’s way. Consider how much more developed Miami Beach is today compared to a century ago. Once you adjust for rising wealth, there is no trend of increasing damage.
TAM'S SELF-SERVING REVIEW
I’m surprised Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, didn’t suffer a grade-four shoulder separation giving herself such a congratulatory pat on her own back.
Tam, with help from staff at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), has written a report giving her agency credit for saving nearly 800,000 Canadian lives and preventing nearly two million admissions to Canadian hospitals with the pandemic-fighting measures they have taken over the past two-and-a-half years – masks, social distancing, vaccine mandates.
Talk about self-serving.
The study was conducted by PHAC researchers using PHAC data, reviewed by Tam’s peers and included in the journal Canada Communicable Disease Report, which is published by PHAC.
Tam, with help from staff at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), has written a report giving her agency credit for saving nearly 800,000 Canadian lives and preventing nearly two million admissions to Canadian hospitals with the pandemic-fighting measures they have taken over the past two-and-a-half years – masks, social distancing, vaccine mandates.
Talk about self-serving.
The study was conducted by PHAC researchers using PHAC data, reviewed by Tam’s peers and included in the journal Canada Communicable Disease Report, which is published by PHAC.
TARGETING THE WRONG GUN OWNERS
The governments of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have all called on the government to abandon the mandatory buyback program and have said they do not want local police resources used to enforce the program.
Conservative MP Raquel Dancho said Mendicino should be focusing on rising crime rates instead of diverting resources that police need.
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“The problem certainly is gun smuggling, but you’re investing considerably less money in border enforcement and considerably less money in community protection,” she said to Mendicino. “You’re planning to redirect RCMP resources and possibly other police resources to your confiscation regime.”
IT'S TIME FOR CANADA TO GROW UP
In recent years, childishness has been the dominant fashion in Canada. We obsess about marginal issues that make us feel good, while nasty regimes around the world laugh at our moral pretentiousness and undermine the institutions we have so painstakingly created.
Children, as child psychologist Mary O’Kane reminds us, have an innate tendency to engage in magical thinking. They often believe that if they wish hard enough for something to happen, it will. They find it difficult to tell the difference between fantasy and reality and will accept totally improbable explanations for events.
But when Saint Paul calls on us to put away childish things, he is inviting us to see the world as it really is, not as we wish it was. Life is hard. It is an illusion to think it can, or even should, be care-free, easy, effortless and painless, and that unpleasant things can simply be wished away.
Children, as child psychologist Mary O’Kane reminds us, have an innate tendency to engage in magical thinking. They often believe that if they wish hard enough for something to happen, it will. They find it difficult to tell the difference between fantasy and reality and will accept totally improbable explanations for events.
But when Saint Paul calls on us to put away childish things, he is inviting us to see the world as it really is, not as we wish it was. Life is hard. It is an illusion to think it can, or even should, be care-free, easy, effortless and painless, and that unpleasant things can simply be wished away.
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
TRUDEAU GOV'T FAR OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY
Rex Murphy: The greatest and most characteristic failure of the Trudeau administration has been its war against the oil and gas industry. It was so-early signalled. There is, for example, this brilliant pat-on-his-own-back — a yoga twist Mr. Justin has perfectly mastered — from nine years ago:
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“I am pleased to announce that we will keep our commitment to implement a moratorium on crude oil tanker shipping on British Columbia’s north coast.”
From out of that deep but callow mindset came the blocking of pipelines, the wretched, useless (and in this time of rampant inflation) insulting so-called “carbon taxes,” the supine genuflections to the international global warming extremists, the hobbling of a mighty natural resource, and latterly the incredible elevation of a one-time Greenpeace activist and tower-climber, Steven Guilbeault (name his other qualifications), to a ministry in a supposedly mature national government.
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“I am pleased to announce that we will keep our commitment to implement a moratorium on crude oil tanker shipping on British Columbia’s north coast.”
From out of that deep but callow mindset came the blocking of pipelines, the wretched, useless (and in this time of rampant inflation) insulting so-called “carbon taxes,” the supine genuflections to the international global warming extremists, the hobbling of a mighty natural resource, and latterly the incredible elevation of a one-time Greenpeace activist and tower-climber, Steven Guilbeault (name his other qualifications), to a ministry in a supposedly mature national government.
3D PRINTED GUNS NET $21K IN GUN BUYBACK EVENT
Another person outsmarted a state government trying to confiscate firearms via a gun buyback program with merely a 3D printer and PLA filament.
A man named "Kem" printed 110 firearms on a $200 printer he got for Christmas and turned them into a gun buyback program held at the Utica Police Department in Oneida County, New York.
He drove six hours across the state to turn in the firearms he printed in August, collecting a whopping $21,000 from the New York State Attorney General's Office.
A man named "Kem" printed 110 firearms on a $200 printer he got for Christmas and turned them into a gun buyback program held at the Utica Police Department in Oneida County, New York.
He drove six hours across the state to turn in the firearms he printed in August, collecting a whopping $21,000 from the New York State Attorney General's Office.
CANADIAN CONSUMER TAX INDEX 2022
The Canadian Consumer Tax Index tracks the total tax bill of the average Canadian family from 1961 to 2021. Including all types of taxes, that bill has increased by 2,440% since 1961.
Taxes have grown much more rapidly than any other single expenditure for the average Canadian family: from 1961 to 2021, expenditures on shelter increased by 1,751%, clothing by 643%, and food by 790%.
The 2,440% increase in the tax bill has also greatly outpaced the increase in the Consumer Price Index (802%), which measures the average price that consumers pay for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, health and personal care, education, and other items.
The 2,440% increase in the tax bill has also greatly outpaced the increase in the Consumer Price Index (802%), which measures the average price that consumers pay for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, health and personal care, education, and other items.
Monday, October 3, 2022
LIBERALS' DEFENSE OF THEIR CARBON TAX IS INDEFENSIBLE
For some background: the Conservative opposition is advocating for the government to pause any further increases to the harmful carbon tax which has been costing Canadians severely at the pump and on most other bills for a long time now.
The Conservatives are joined in this effort by advocacy groups, as well as provincial governments across Canada, including Newfoundland & Labrador Liberal Premier Andrew Furey.
The government’s response to Canadians begging for help was swift: “No.”
The Conservatives are joined in this effort by advocacy groups, as well as provincial governments across Canada, including Newfoundland & Labrador Liberal Premier Andrew Furey.
The government’s response to Canadians begging for help was swift: “No.”
DEMOGRAPHIC TIME BOMB HAS ARRIVED
Unlike interest rates or the weather, long-run demographic trends are highly predictable. Today, we are facing a demographic storm that will have far-reaching impacts on the economy and geopolitics.
Labour markets will be tight for years to come, which will fuel inflation. With falling national saving rates, the saving glut and low real interest rates that have spurred investment will disappear. Like Japan in recent years, GDP growth will stall in many high- and middle-income countries, as more people leave the workforce. Unless productivity remarkably improves, annual GDP growth will fall below 1.5 per cent in many large countries, half the typical post-Second World War rate of three per cent.
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