Steyn: I mentioned with Tucker the other night the condescension of Gentleman Jim Acosta, who airily presumes that, if you're a woman, any woman, you believe the accuser and assume this Kavanaugh guy is a serial gang-rapist. That's how it goes: Identity politics makes moron cultures of formerly sophisticated societies. So it was inevitable that when a picture from yesterday's hearing popped up, of the judge with three females sitting behind him, the wankerati of Twitter immediately assumed that they were just three regular all-American women staring in disgust at the rape beast of Bethesda.
In fact, they were Kavanaugh's wife, mother, and one of their dearest friends. And the reason they look like that is because they're crushed and broken by what Dianne Feinstein, Blumenthal, Whitehouse and the other whatever-it-takes Democrats chose to do to them. It is a testament to the thoroughness with which these malign carbuncles on the body politic set about their task that, in a certain sense, one could forgive the Twitter mob its carelessness: Mrs Kavanaugh was all but unrecognizable from the woman who'd sat behind her husband just a fortnight ago. She was, indeed, a different person, and she will be for the rest of her life.
Dianne Feinstein did that to her, consciously. The Ranking Member is in a tricky position back home. She's on the California ballot this November, but, having been outflanked on her left, she is not the official Democrat nominee. So she cannot afford to be insufficiently "progressive", and thus concluded it was necessary to, in Kavanaugh's words, "destroy" his family.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
NOT SUSTAINABLE OVER THE LONG TERM
Leader Post: At some point in the next 20 to 30 years, on current trends, one or more of the provinces is likely to default on its debts. That is the inescapable message in the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s latest annual “Fiscal Sustainability” report.
It is by no means a certainty: these sorts of extrapolatory exercises necessarily involve holding constant certain policy variables that are unlikely to be held constant. That phrase “on current trends” is there for a reason. But it is more than a possibility. The PBO’s bland phrasing, to the effect that the provinces’ fiscal position, collectively, is “not sustainable over the long term,” conceals much worse news about individual provinces.
The key table is the one labelled Net Debt: Subnational Governments, on page 24 of the report. As of 2017, the provinces’ net debts average about 26 per cent of GDP — five points better than the federal government, at 31 per cent — ranging from a high of 43 per cent in Quebec to a low of 1.6 per cent in Alberta.
It is by no means a certainty: these sorts of extrapolatory exercises necessarily involve holding constant certain policy variables that are unlikely to be held constant. That phrase “on current trends” is there for a reason. But it is more than a possibility. The PBO’s bland phrasing, to the effect that the provinces’ fiscal position, collectively, is “not sustainable over the long term,” conceals much worse news about individual provinces.
The key table is the one labelled Net Debt: Subnational Governments, on page 24 of the report. As of 2017, the provinces’ net debts average about 26 per cent of GDP — five points better than the federal government, at 31 per cent — ranging from a high of 43 per cent in Quebec to a low of 1.6 per cent in Alberta.
PREPARE FOR CONSEQUENCES OF FBI INVESTIGATION
Over the next week the FBI will collect evidence and report back to the Senate what they could find out about in any discrepancies in the testimony of both Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Ford.
In the course of their hurry-up full field effort very interesting heretofore hidden information previously posted on social media sites will be captured and reviewed.
Additionally any electronic information (e-mails) discussing how to orchestrate such a shameful last minute attacks to destroy a human being will be reviewed and analyzed.
DEVASTATION IN INDONESIA
The devastating impact of a huge tsunami in the Indonesian city of Palu has been revealed in chilling aerial photographs - in a natural disaster estimated to have killed 832 people.
The tsunami, which was triggered after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake, ripped through the Pacific Ring of Fire and crashed into the Palu at 500mph, causing widespread destruction.
Indonesian media, citing the national disaster agency, said Saturday that a further 540 people were injured in Palu City alone, on the the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
Saturday, September 29, 2018
REJECTING GREEN SMOKE A WORLDWIDE TREND
FP: Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s repeal of the Green Energy Act and balks by premiers of other Canadian provinces at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s climate agenda aren’t rearguard moves by Donald Trump wannabes. They are part of a worldwide trend rejecting renewables, rejecting climate change alarmism, and embracing coal and other fossil fuels. Renewables and the high electricity rates they ushered in drove individuals into energy poverty and led industry to flee, putting the lie to the claim that wind and solar are the fuels of the future. Wind and solar, rather, have become the fossils of the energy industry; oil, gas and coal remain the fuels of the future.
NAFTA DEAL THAT BENEFITS MOST CANADIANS
According to U.S. officials, if Canada does not reach a deal with the United States for a trilateral NAFTA pact by September 30, Washington will proceed with a Mexico-only agreement, leaving Canada out in the cold.
As often happens in trade talks, several obstacles stand before a new agreement including the Trudeau government’s reluctance—mindful of the Quebec election on October 1—to dismantle even a modest part of Canada’s supply management system, which slaps tariffs on imports of staple foods such as milk, eggs and poultry.
Canadian trade negotiators also reportedly refuse to lengthen the period of data protection for biologic drugs, insist on protecting Canada’s cultural industries, and remain attached to the current NAFTA dispute resolution process.
DOWNSIDE OF LEGALIZING MARIJUANA
Wente, G&M: It’s unfashionable to mention the downside of marijuana these days. People who do it sound like old fuddy-duddies. These days the story of marijuana is a happy one, filled with financial opportunity for anybody smart enough to cash in on the action. The cannabis market in Canada could reach more than $7-billion in 2019, just for starters . So many stores to build, marketing plans to execute, branding programs to devise! So many stocks in companies with billion-dollar market caps to buy and sell! All these money-making dreams implicitly rely on an image of marijuana that is basically harmless, if not downright wholesome.
How did pot get sanitized? I asked Keith Humphreys, a professor of psychology at Stanford University with an interest in addiction and drug policies.
“It started with all that reefer madness stuff,” he says in an interview. It was so plainly exaggerated. Later, we grew up with the unfairness and cruelty of drug laws that punished poor and minority kids who were caught with a joint. But attitudes about the legitimacy of pot really changed with the spread of medical marijuana, which promised to treat every ill from cancer to the heartbreak of psoriasis. Now that even the white-coats at Shoppers Drug Mart have a licence to sell it, it has finally achieved an aura of utter respectability.
How did pot get sanitized? I asked Keith Humphreys, a professor of psychology at Stanford University with an interest in addiction and drug policies.
“It started with all that reefer madness stuff,” he says in an interview. It was so plainly exaggerated. Later, we grew up with the unfairness and cruelty of drug laws that punished poor and minority kids who were caught with a joint. But attitudes about the legitimacy of pot really changed with the spread of medical marijuana, which promised to treat every ill from cancer to the heartbreak of psoriasis. Now that even the white-coats at Shoppers Drug Mart have a licence to sell it, it has finally achieved an aura of utter respectability.
FACEBOOK VIOLATES SECURITY & PRIVACY
Add “a phone number I never gave Facebook for targeted advertising” to the list of deceptive and invasive ways Facebook makes money off your personal information. Contrary to user expectations and Facebook representatives’ own previous statements, the company has been using contact information that users explicitly provided for security purposes—or that users never provided at all—for targeted advertising.
A group of academic researchers from Northeastern University and Princeton University, along with Gizmodo reporters, have used real-world tests to demonstrate how Facebook’s latest deceptive practice works. They found that Facebook harvests user phone numbers for targeted advertising in two disturbing ways: two-factor authentication (2FA) phone numbers, and “shadow” contact information.
EU, RUSSIA & CHINA DODGING USA SANCTIONS
The EU, Russia, China, and Iran will create a special purpose vehicle (SPV), a “financially independent sovereign channel,” to bypass US sanctions against Tehran and breathe life into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is in jeopardy. "Mindful of the urgency and the need for tangible results, the participants welcomed practical proposals to maintain and develop payment channels, notably the initiative to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to facilitate payments related to Iran's exports, including oil," they announced in a joint statement. The countries are still working out the technical details. If their plan succeeds, this will deliver a blow to the dollar and a boost to the euro.
The move is being made in order to save the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. According to Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the SPV will facilitate payments for Iran’s exports, such as oil, and imports so that companies can do business with Tehran as usual.
The move is being made in order to save the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. According to Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the SPV will facilitate payments for Iran’s exports, such as oil, and imports so that companies can do business with Tehran as usual.
FBI INVESTIGATES ALLEGATIONS AGAINST KAVANAUGH
Brett Kavanaugh's nomination has been stalled on the Senate floor after GOP leadership agreed Friday afternoon to a one-week delay for an FBI investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against the Supreme Court nominee. Earlier in the day, the Judiciary Committee approved Kavanaugh's advancement by a vote of 11-10 along party lines.
"There's going to be a supplemental FBI background investigation" said Majority Whip Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in a Friday statement, which he said would last no longer than a week.
"There's going to be a supplemental FBI background investigation" said Majority Whip Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in a Friday statement, which he said would last no longer than a week.
Friday, September 28, 2018
DRIVE CLEAN HEADED FOR THE RHUBARB
Premier Doug Ford, Environment Minister Rod Phillips and Transportation Minister John Yakabuski announced Friday morning that the provincial government will end the mandatory emissions test for passenger vehicles next April.
“I’m proud to announce the end of the outdated Drive Clean program,” Ford said.
Drive Clean, the mandatory emissions test for passenger vehicles was brought in by the previous Conservative government in 1999 to curb polluting vehicles, a major source of smog.
“I’m proud to announce the end of the outdated Drive Clean program,” Ford said.
Drive Clean, the mandatory emissions test for passenger vehicles was brought in by the previous Conservative government in 1999 to curb polluting vehicles, a major source of smog.
What began as a revenue-neutral program, became a profitable endeavor by 2011. The annual report from the auditor general in 2012 stated that the improved pollution controls in vehicles accounted for the 75 per cent reductions in vehicle emissions, not Drive Clean.
SCRAP-THE-CARBON-TAX RALLY IN ALBERTA
Newly minted Ontario Premier Doug Ford is coming to Alberta next month for a United Conservative Party rally opposing carbon tax programs.
Ford will attend the free Oct. 5 event at the BMO Centre, where he’ll be hosted by UCP Leader Jason Kenney.
Ford scrapped Ontario’s cap-and-trade system after taking office in June and has vowed to legally challenge the federal government’s contentious carbon pricing plan.
Ford will attend the free Oct. 5 event at the BMO Centre, where he’ll be hosted by UCP Leader Jason Kenney.
Ford scrapped Ontario’s cap-and-trade system after taking office in June and has vowed to legally challenge the federal government’s contentious carbon pricing plan.
CRTC's TURTLE-SPEED INTERNET FOR RURALS
Calgary Herald: “We are disappointed that the fund initially allows for speeds that are half of the CRTC’s Basic Service Objective target of 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload,” Brain Holland, CEO of the Canadian Internet Registration Authority, said in a statement.
“We encourage applicants to strive to meet these targets to ensure Canadians have access to quality of internet access that is required to participate meaningfully in the digital economy,” he said.
OpenMedia, a consumer advocacy group, called the decision a “stunning step backwards” that “demonstrates a serious lack of ambition” by not meeting the CRTC’s definition of basic service. It wants Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains to order the CRTC to reconsider the decision.
“We encourage applicants to strive to meet these targets to ensure Canadians have access to quality of internet access that is required to participate meaningfully in the digital economy,” he said.
OpenMedia, a consumer advocacy group, called the decision a “stunning step backwards” that “demonstrates a serious lack of ambition” by not meeting the CRTC’s definition of basic service. It wants Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains to order the CRTC to reconsider the decision.
GIVE THE BOOT TO SHARED SERVICES CANADA
Canada's tax and border agencies say they've been ripped off — to the tune of $13 million — by the federal government's IT provider, Shared Services Canada.
In March 2017, the RCMP pulled the plug on its business arrangement with SSC, citing frequently unreliable IT services in critical areas of law enforcement.
SSC's issues with Correctional Service Canada came to a head in October 2017, when a vital data centre went down for almost 20 hours, cutting off email and more than 80 other key systems. The problem was only identified when a night security guard noticed all the lights were off in the data centre, and made a telephone call to alert technicians.
In March 2017, the RCMP pulled the plug on its business arrangement with SSC, citing frequently unreliable IT services in critical areas of law enforcement.
SSC's issues with Correctional Service Canada came to a head in October 2017, when a vital data centre went down for almost 20 hours, cutting off email and more than 80 other key systems. The problem was only identified when a night security guard noticed all the lights were off in the data centre, and made a telephone call to alert technicians.
CANADA'S MILITARY BUDGET: SALVAGE OR SCRAP
We are a country that can’t build navy ships on time or budget, is still replacing Sea King helicopters which arrived when John F. Kennedy was U.S. president and has a government which will fail to order new fighter jets in this mandate.
On the bright side, Canada is displaying a unique skill set.
When it comes to wringing or extending the life of equipment others deem surplus, salvage or scrap, we are second to none.
On the bright side, Canada is displaying a unique skill set.
When it comes to wringing or extending the life of equipment others deem surplus, salvage or scrap, we are second to none.
SAUDIS RESENT FREELAND'S LECTURES & DEMANDS
Canada’s Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland was hoping to hold a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir on the side-lines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to help mend fences between the two countries after an explosive dispute during the summer.
However, the Saudi minister said his country cannot be treated like a banana republic and does not accept to be lectured to over human rights or given orders.
“It’s outrageous from my perspective that a country will sit there and lecture us and make demands,” Al Jubeir said.
However, the Saudi minister said his country cannot be treated like a banana republic and does not accept to be lectured to over human rights or given orders.
“It’s outrageous from my perspective that a country will sit there and lecture us and make demands,” Al Jubeir said.
‘We demand the immediate release.’ Really? We demand the immediate independence of Quebec. We demand the immediate granting of equal rights to [native] Canadian Indians. What on earth are you talking about?” he rhetorically asked, referring to tweets by Canadian officials demanding the immediate release of an antigovernment activist.
HUMILIATION & FRUSTRATION DEALING WITH CRA
Driven by an Auditor General's report of a year ago showing major problems with the CRA's call centre and the accuracy of the information the CRA was providing to taxpayers — and by concerns that Canada continues to let big tax cheats hide money in tax havens — some opposition MPs have been calling on the government to make major changes to the way the CRA conducts itself and who it goes after.
But despite the changes the CRA insists it has made, and promises by the minister to make the CRA client-focused and friendlier, MPs have told CBC that helping constituents deal with the CRA is still a major part of their work.
"The problems are systemic, appear to be getting worse, not better from discussions I've had with countless tax professionals across Canada and it's time for action," said Pat Kelly the Conservative critic for the CRA.
But despite the changes the CRA insists it has made, and promises by the minister to make the CRA client-focused and friendlier, MPs have told CBC that helping constituents deal with the CRA is still a major part of their work.
"The problems are systemic, appear to be getting worse, not better from discussions I've had with countless tax professionals across Canada and it's time for action," said Pat Kelly the Conservative critic for the CRA.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
NEGLIGENCE CAUSED COLLAPSE OF BC TAILINGS DAM
Vancouver Sun: The regulatory body for engineers in B.C. is alleging negligence or unprofessional conduct by three engineers after the 2014 collapse of a tailings dam at the Mount Polley mine.
The resulting spill at the gold and copper mine was among the largest in B.C.’s history and sent 24 million cubic metres of mine waste and sludge into waterways.
The resulting spill at the gold and copper mine was among the largest in B.C.’s history and sent 24 million cubic metres of mine waste and sludge into waterways.
TORONTO'S SOLUTION TO ITS RISE IN CRIME
Toronto Sun: In a year where gangland shootings, murders and drug overdoses could set records, Toronto Police have decided to trim the very units that fight all three.
Increase them? No, decrease them!
“That is what we were told,” said a police source of a meeting Tuesday at headquarters where the cuts were revealed. “It’s a done deal.”
Increase them? No, decrease them!
“That is what we were told,” said a police source of a meeting Tuesday at headquarters where the cuts were revealed. “It’s a done deal.”
DID CSIS OVERSTEP THE LAW?
Federal lawyers want closed-door hearings in a high-profile court case about allegations of Canadian Security Intelligence Service spying on anti-pipeline activists.
The civil liberties group behind a complaint about the purported CSIS wrongdoing opposes the federal secrecy request, saying it blatantly violates the principle that justice must be seen to be done.
The matter is slated to be heard today in an open session of the Federal Court of Canada.
The judge's decision will determine how much the public gets to see and hear in the coming months when the court looks at the central issue: whether Canada's spy agency overstepped the law in monitoring environmental activists.
PIPE(LINE) DREAMS OF TRANS MOUNTAIN CORP.
CALGARY — The president and CEO of Trans Mountain Corp. says its sidelined pipeline project could be back on track by next year under a new National Energy Board hearing schedule, setting it up for a possible 2022 opening date.
The timeline unveiled by the federal pipeline regulator on Wednesday is "reasonable and fair," said Ian Anderson, the former CEO of Kinder Morgan Canada who became head of the resulting Crown corporation when Ottawa closed its $4.5-billion purchase of the pipeline and its expansion project in early September.
He told reporters in Calgary it's possible construction that was halted when the Federal Court of Appeal overturned the expansion project's NEB approval in late August could be restarted in 2019
The timeline unveiled by the federal pipeline regulator on Wednesday is "reasonable and fair," said Ian Anderson, the former CEO of Kinder Morgan Canada who became head of the resulting Crown corporation when Ottawa closed its $4.5-billion purchase of the pipeline and its expansion project in early September.
He told reporters in Calgary it's possible construction that was halted when the Federal Court of Appeal overturned the expansion project's NEB approval in late August could be restarted in 2019
OPINIONS AND A BIG MOUTH
At a riding association event this summer in Westmount, the wife of one of Quebec's most prominent politicians insulted Canadians who live in Saskatchewan and Ontario, and said that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was incompetent.
Isabelle Brais, wife of Coalition Avenir Quebec leader Francois Legault, was the guest of honour at a party fundraiser for CAQ candidates Benoit Charette, the incumbent for Deux Montagnes, and Michelle Morin, who is running in Westmount-Saint Louis.
CTV obtained a recording that was made by someone in the crowd of 40 people attending the fundraiser on August 14.
Isabelle Brais, wife of Coalition Avenir Quebec leader Francois Legault, was the guest of honour at a party fundraiser for CAQ candidates Benoit Charette, the incumbent for Deux Montagnes, and Michelle Morin, who is running in Westmount-Saint Louis.
CTV obtained a recording that was made by someone in the crowd of 40 people attending the fundraiser on August 14.
TRUMP: "CANADA HAS TREATED US VERY BADLY"
FP: U.S. President Donald Trump says he rejected a request for a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss NAFTA this week because Canada’s tariffs are too high and the country’s negotiators have refused to budge.
In a wide-ranging press conference in New York on Wednesday, Trump also said, “We are very unhappy with the negotiations and the negotiating style of Canada. We don’t like their representative very much.” It was unclear who Trump was referring to but Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland has been the chief NAFTA negotiator for Canada.
“We are not getting along with their negotiators,” he said. “Canada has treated us very badly.”
In a wide-ranging press conference in New York on Wednesday, Trump also said, “We are very unhappy with the negotiations and the negotiating style of Canada. We don’t like their representative very much.” It was unclear who Trump was referring to but Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland has been the chief NAFTA negotiator for Canada.
“We are not getting along with their negotiators,” he said. “Canada has treated us very badly.”
NO RISE IN MINIMUM WAGE FOR ONTARIO IN 2019
Ontario's Progressive Conservative government said it will halt a planned increase to minimum wage that was scheduled to kick in next year, following up on a promise made during the spring election campaign.
Labour Minister Laurie Scott said Wednesday the minimum wage will remain at $14 an hour rather than rising to $15 as planned by the previous Liberal government.
Scott said, "....we're also helping the low-income people in Ontario with tax breaks," though she could not say when those measures would roll out.
Labour Minister Laurie Scott said Wednesday the minimum wage will remain at $14 an hour rather than rising to $15 as planned by the previous Liberal government.
Scott said, "....we're also helping the low-income people in Ontario with tax breaks," though she could not say when those measures would roll out.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
ONTARIO ENVIRONMENT COMMISSIONER SLAMS FORD
Ontario’s environmental commissioner, Diane Saxe, has issued a new report slamming Doug Ford’s government for gutting most of the province’s climate change programs saying it’s “bad for our environment, bad for our health, and bad for business.”
The report sharply criticizes the Progressive Conservatives’ decision to repeal the former Liberal government’s cap-and-trade program to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Under the program, a cap was set on greenhouse gas emissions that allowed companies to sell credits if their emissions fell below certain limits.
The report sharply criticizes the Progressive Conservatives’ decision to repeal the former Liberal government’s cap-and-trade program to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Under the program, a cap was set on greenhouse gas emissions that allowed companies to sell credits if their emissions fell below certain limits.
“A meaningful climate law needs science-based emissions budgets, a legal obligation to stay within those budgets, and credible, transparent progress reporting,” Saxe said, adding the government could look towards things like polluter-pay tools and low-carbon solutions.
VIRTUE-SIGNALLING LIBERALS AFTER UN SEAT
Gunter, Toronto Sun: You might not think the Trudeau government’s desperate efforts to win Canada a seat on the United Nations security council, the current stall in NAFTA negotiations and Trans Mountain pipeline construction, our I-hate-my-job governor general and a proposed handgun ban were all related. But they are.
They are all (along with many, many other issues) examples of the Trudeau Liberals’ obsession with symbolism over substance.
Trudeau’s desire to prove we are once again “a compassionate and constructive voice in the world,” is why he is at UN headquarters in New York this week trying to win Canada one of the 10 non-permanent seats on the council for 2021-22.
They are all (along with many, many other issues) examples of the Trudeau Liberals’ obsession with symbolism over substance.
Trudeau’s desire to prove we are once again “a compassionate and constructive voice in the world,” is why he is at UN headquarters in New York this week trying to win Canada one of the 10 non-permanent seats on the council for 2021-22.
CHILD KILLER IN A HEALING LODGE
The transfer of Terri-Lynne McClintic from the high-security Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ont., to the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge for Aboriginal Women in Maple Creek, Sask., is the sort of thing where Conservatives hold all the cards. In an exchange in the Ontario legislature Tuesday between three Tory MPPs, each declared himself shocked, outraged, saddened, and shocked again. Public safety minister Michael Tibollo promised to take it up with the feds. And indeed, I’m a bit surprised the federal Conservatives didn’t raise it in their own question period. This is a disgrace that should bother tough-on-crime types and bleeding hearts alike.
A horrifying refresher — fair warning — for those who need it: April 8, 2009, was the first day eight-year-old Tori Stafford was allowed to walk home by herself from Oliver Stephens School in Woodstock, Ont. She never made it. McClintic, then 18, struck up a conversation as school let out, then lured her into her 28-year-old boyfriend Michael Rafferty’s car with the promise of seeing a puppy.
A horrifying refresher — fair warning — for those who need it: April 8, 2009, was the first day eight-year-old Tori Stafford was allowed to walk home by herself from Oliver Stephens School in Woodstock, Ont. She never made it. McClintic, then 18, struck up a conversation as school let out, then lured her into her 28-year-old boyfriend Michael Rafferty’s car with the promise of seeing a puppy.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
EU COMMISSIONER: MEDIA MUST BE REGULATED
Racial abuse, discrimination and the “bad version of nationalism” that promotes exclusion and hatred are on the rise, and the media may need to be regulated to help curtail the problem, European Justice Commissioner VÄ›ra Jourová warned today.
In other words, if you're for little or no "immigration," that's now called "exclusion." If you find some cultures (such as your own) worthier than others, that's "hatred." If you put love of country over the EU, that's "dangerous nationalism." To demonstrate just how far the social-justice Left despises adherents of free speech (which must perforce include "hate" speech), take a gander at this justification for consumer/gender equality fascism. Count the buzzwords:
“Media can build the culture of dialogue or sow divisions, spread disinformation and encourage exclusion,” the commissioner said. “The Brexit debate is the best example of that.” Politicians should “show responsibility” and “ restraint,” and must “realize that their words become justification for some people to act on their urges and their fears.”
TESLA'S DISAPPEARED SOLAR ROOF TILES
Elon Musk’s electric-car manufacturer Tesla has reportedly failed to deliver on the majority of its solar roof tiles while also enlisting the help of unpaid volunteers to work in Tesla dealerships as the company attempts to exit “logistics hell.”
Tesla is once again facing product delivery issues — except this time the problem isn’t with its cars. The company’s solar roof tiles, which were announced in 2016, have still yet to be delivered to the majority of its customers. The tiles came in four different styles and essentially acted as miniature solar panels. Theoretically, the tiles sound like a good idea, as did Tesla’s purchase of SolarCity for $2.6 billion — but two years later most of the tiles are nowhere to be seen.
Tesla is once again facing product delivery issues — except this time the problem isn’t with its cars. The company’s solar roof tiles, which were announced in 2016, have still yet to be delivered to the majority of its customers. The tiles came in four different styles and essentially acted as miniature solar panels. Theoretically, the tiles sound like a good idea, as did Tesla’s purchase of SolarCity for $2.6 billion — but two years later most of the tiles are nowhere to be seen.
AN EXPENSIVE, SUPERFLUOUS GOV'T POSITION
How do you solve a problem like Julie? The Prime Minister’s Office won’t even admit there is a problem with the Governor General, Julie Payette, insisting she is “fully committed to the responsibilities” of her office.
But there is a problem; the governor general is chafing at the public scrutiny and adherence to convention the job entails. She is said to be unhappy in the job and one source even suggested the government is looking for an off-ramp that would allow her to leave without acknowledging its own dereliction of due diligence in appointing her in the first place.
On Saturday in Montreal, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada will create an ambassadorial position dedicated to women, peace and security. She made the announcement at a meeting of female foreign affairs ministers. There were few details on offer, beside the commitment to spend $25 million to fund initiatives aimed at combatting gender-based violence and promoting women’s participation in peace processes.
It may well be that the juxtaposition of an unhappy vice-regal appointee and the creation of a high-profile ambassadorial vacancy are coincidental.
Monday, September 24, 2018
WHY TAKE THE CHANCE?
G&M: Canada’s top cybersecurity official says Ottawa is confident sufficient safeguards exist to deal with the risks of telecommunications hacking or spying by China, dismissing the need to follow the United States and Australia in barring Chinese telecom giant Huawei from next-generation 5G wireless networks.
Scott Jones, the new head of Ottawa’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, said the country has a robust system of testing facilities for Huawei equipment and software to prevent security breaches − one he suggests is superior to those of some of Canada’s allies.
Under Chinese law, companies must “support, co-operate with and collaborate in national intelligence work” as requested by Beijing, and security experts in the United States and Canada warn that equipment produced by firms such as Huawei could be compromised on behalf of China’s ruling party.
Under Chinese law, companies must “support, co-operate with and collaborate in national intelligence work” as requested by Beijing, and security experts in the United States and Canada warn that equipment produced by firms such as Huawei could be compromised on behalf of China’s ruling party.
TORONTO'S PRIORITIES
The city’s first mayoral debate got off to a rocky start after a controversial candidate stormed the stage and demanded to be included.
Former Rebel Media personality turned mayoral candidate Faith Goldy showed up while the debate was taking place and attempted to present a petition to the moderator that she said held signatures of those who wanted her to participate.
She was led off the stage by uniformed Toronto police officers to a chorus of boos and also chants of “let her speak.”
An organizer told Global News on Monday that all candidates were asked to fill out a survey and show they had a policy on the arts. The organizer said if a candidate did not then they would not be invited and Goldy did not have a policy.
Former Rebel Media personality turned mayoral candidate Faith Goldy showed up while the debate was taking place and attempted to present a petition to the moderator that she said held signatures of those who wanted her to participate.
She was led off the stage by uniformed Toronto police officers to a chorus of boos and also chants of “let her speak.”
An organizer told Global News on Monday that all candidates were asked to fill out a survey and show they had a policy on the arts. The organizer said if a candidate did not then they would not be invited and Goldy did not have a policy.
HOLDING LIBERALS ACCOUNTABLE FOR $15B DEFICIT
Calling his predecessor's handling of Ontario's books "the biggest government scandal in a generation," Premier Doug Ford announced plans for a special committee Monday that would dig further into the province's fiscal situation.
Ford's vow to hold the previous regime accountable came in a speech to caucus delivered days after his finance minister announced the province was dealing with a recently revised $15 billion deficit as a result of Liberal accounting practices.
"They do not just get to walk away from this," said Ford, whose Progressive Conservatives won a majority this spring. "We will demand answers about where the money went."
Ford said the committee will have the power to call witnesses, compel documents and gather evidence for a final report expected in December.
Ford's vow to hold the previous regime accountable came in a speech to caucus delivered days after his finance minister announced the province was dealing with a recently revised $15 billion deficit as a result of Liberal accounting practices.
"They do not just get to walk away from this," said Ford, whose Progressive Conservatives won a majority this spring. "We will demand answers about where the money went."
Ford said the committee will have the power to call witnesses, compel documents and gather evidence for a final report expected in December.
BORDER SECURITY MINISTER HAS NO SHAME
Border Security Minister Bill Blair says most of the people who arrived in a surge of migrants last year have left.
Blair was asked about how the government has been working to deal with the surge of more than 32,000 migrants who have walked across the border over the last year and a half to make asylum claims in Canada.
Following his remarks, Global News requested clarification from a spokesperson for Blair because the number reported by the Toronto Star on Sept. 8, cites Canada Border Services Agency statistics that only 398 of the 32,173 people who crossed the U.S. border irregularly into Canada between April 2017 and August 2018, had actually been deported
Blair was asked about how the government has been working to deal with the surge of more than 32,000 migrants who have walked across the border over the last year and a half to make asylum claims in Canada.
Following his remarks, Global News requested clarification from a spokesperson for Blair because the number reported by the Toronto Star on Sept. 8, cites Canada Border Services Agency statistics that only 398 of the 32,173 people who crossed the U.S. border irregularly into Canada between April 2017 and August 2018, had actually been deported
SKEPTICISM ABOUNDS IN ALBERTA
Alberta energy executives and politicians are frustrated the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is set for another extensive regulatory review process, which will take until February 2019, at a time when all other export pipelines out of Canada are full.
Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi announced Friday the 22-week, National Energy Board-level review of the pipeline’s impact on marine life on the West Coast as Ottawa’s first step in taking the corrective action prescribed by the Federal Court of Appeal.
Last month, the Appeals Court overturned approvals for the pipeline because it found the NEB did not include an assessment of the project’s impact on tanker traffic and marine wildlife and because of insufficient consultation with affected First Nations.
Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi announced Friday the 22-week, National Energy Board-level review of the pipeline’s impact on marine life on the West Coast as Ottawa’s first step in taking the corrective action prescribed by the Federal Court of Appeal.
Last month, the Appeals Court overturned approvals for the pipeline because it found the NEB did not include an assessment of the project’s impact on tanker traffic and marine wildlife and because of insufficient consultation with affected First Nations.
BUILDING CANADA'S NAVY
Irving Shipbuilding is pushing federal officials to announce a firm date to begin construction on Canada’s new fleet of warships, arguing that will help drive the project along. But the company is facing resistance from federal officials concerned about missing a publicly announced start date, as happened with the Arctic patrol ships now under construction, according to documents released to Postmedia.
Federal officials have continued to say that construction of the Canadian Surface Combatant fleet would begin sometime in the early 2020s but no specific date had been set.
Federal officials have continued to say that construction of the Canadian Surface Combatant fleet would begin sometime in the early 2020s but no specific date had been set.
Three consortiums have submitted bids for the surface combatant program and those are still being evaluated. The project will see 15 warships built by Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax. A winning bid is expected to be selected sometime this year.
Sunday, September 23, 2018
"IRAN WILL RESPOND SWIFTLY & DECISIVELY"
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday that an unnamed U.S.-allied country in the Persian Gulf was behind an attack on a military parade that killed 25 people and wounded nearly 70.
Rouhani did not identify those behind Saturday’s attack, which was claimed by an Arab separatist group. He could have been referring to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates or Bahrain — close U.S. military allies that view Iran as a regional menace over its support for militant groups across the Middle East.
“All of those small mercenary countries that we see in this region are backed by America. It is Americans who instigate them and provide them with necessary means to commit these crimes,” Rouhani said.
Rouhani did not identify those behind Saturday’s attack, which was claimed by an Arab separatist group. He could have been referring to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates or Bahrain — close U.S. military allies that view Iran as a regional menace over its support for militant groups across the Middle East.
“All of those small mercenary countries that we see in this region are backed by America. It is Americans who instigate them and provide them with necessary means to commit these crimes,” Rouhani said.
UN CHIEF DENIES EUROPEAN MIGRANT CRISIS
Debate in Europe framing illegal immigration from the third world as a problem is “dangerous”, the United Nations (UN) refugee chief has warned, insisting that the mass movement of peoples has been “a source of progress and prosperity since people first began to migrate”.
“Distorted” political debate on the subject has led to Europe becoming “obsessed” with a migrant crisis that “does not exist”, Filippo Grandi said, urging EU politicians to stop squabbling “over a few boats” [of illegal immigrants].
“Distorted” political debate on the subject has led to Europe becoming “obsessed” with a migrant crisis that “does not exist”, Filippo Grandi said, urging EU politicians to stop squabbling “over a few boats” [of illegal immigrants].
TORNADO TRIGGERS CLIMATE CHANGE WARRIORS
After suspending his election campaign for most of the day, Liberal Leader Philippe Couillard said the situation in storm-ravaged Gatineau highlights the importance of a comprehensive plan to fight climate change.
Couillard left his campaign bus and its accompanying reporters in Montreal and travelled to Gatineau on Saturday morning to survey the damage from a tornado that touched down in the region on Friday night.
Returning to Montreal to meet reporters, Couillard defended his party’s plan, saying it is the right approach, despite the fact the PQ and Québec solidaire are proposing more ambitious plans to fight climate change that each include a plan to fully electrify the transportation sector.
Couillard left his campaign bus and its accompanying reporters in Montreal and travelled to Gatineau on Saturday morning to survey the damage from a tornado that touched down in the region on Friday night.
Returning to Montreal to meet reporters, Couillard defended his party’s plan, saying it is the right approach, despite the fact the PQ and Québec solidaire are proposing more ambitious plans to fight climate change that each include a plan to fully electrify the transportation sector.
KAVANAUGH ACCUSER TO TESTIFY THURSDAY
Christine Blasey Ford, the California psychology professor who recently leveled an allegation of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, has agreed to testify before members of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, according to reports.
LIBERALS RUNNING OUT THE CLOCK ON TMX
Toronto Sun: Every time the federal government makes an announcement about the Trans Mountain pipeline it amounts to a delaying tactic. Yet every single time, most observers swallow the Liberals’ bait — hook, line and sinker.
On the surface, there was nothing sneaky about Federal Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi’s announcement Friday that Ottawa has asked the National Energy Board (NEB) to redo part of its consultation on the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project.But if you look at what wasn’t included in Sohi’s announcement — he made no mention of First Nations — and then you overlay the projected consultation timeline with the two major elections expected next year (Alberta and federal), this latest Liberal move is just one more postponement.
On the surface, there was nothing sneaky about Federal Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi’s announcement Friday that Ottawa has asked the National Energy Board (NEB) to redo part of its consultation on the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project.But if you look at what wasn’t included in Sohi’s announcement — he made no mention of First Nations — and then you overlay the projected consultation timeline with the two major elections expected next year (Alberta and federal), this latest Liberal move is just one more postponement.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
NEW ALLEGATIONS IN COLEMAN VS BOYLE
NP: Caitlan Coleman says her husband, Joshua Boyle, deepened the nightmare of her captivity during their five years as hostages in Central Asia.
In unsealed court documents, Coleman alleges she was physically and emotionally abused by Boyle while they were being held by the Taliban-linked Haqqani network.
“J.B. (Joshua Boyle) regularly threatened to kill me by setting me on fire,” Coleman says in an affidavit filed in June as part of a family court application to gain sole custody of the couple’s children
In unsealed court documents, Coleman alleges she was physically and emotionally abused by Boyle while they were being held by the Taliban-linked Haqqani network.
“J.B. (Joshua Boyle) regularly threatened to kill me by setting me on fire,” Coleman says in an affidavit filed in June as part of a family court application to gain sole custody of the couple’s children
GEA OBIT: A WARNING TO GREEN POLITICIANS
Rex Murphy, NP: The Green Energy and Green Economy Act, which the Ford government announced Thursday it would officially cancel, was one of the most monumental government follies of our time. It was a hydra-headed monster of regulations and fiat that bludgeoned Ontario’s rural communities, stripped Ontario’s municipalities of every right to the slightest participation in their own planning, placed a darkling pall over the manufacturing industry, and imposed the highest electricity costs in all North America on some of Ontario’s lowest-income citizens.
PREMIER FORD STRIKES A BLOW FOR DEMOCRACY
Toronto Sun: “The political left in Canada has been very successful in using the courts to win policy battles that they can’t win in fair and free elections. The list of policies that have been dictated by judge-made law is long: abortion, same-sex marriage, physician-assisted suicide, Aboriginal rights, immigration and refugee determination, judicial salaries, Senate-reform, prostitution, collective bargaining. But whatever is next on their policy shopping list could now be in jeopardy.”
To be sure, this isn’t only the result of activist judges misusing the Charter to strike down laws they don’t like.
It’s also the fault of Canadian governments ducking their responsibilities to pass laws on controversial issues, by falsely claiming they are hamstrung by the courts.
It’s also the fault of Canadian governments ducking their responsibilities to pass laws on controversial issues, by falsely claiming they are hamstrung by the courts.
TOP GREEN HYPOCRITE CALLS OUT ANOTHER
Suzuki first called for her resignation earlier this week in La Presse while commenting on the resignation of the French environment minister, Nicholas Hulot.
"I was very impressed by Mister Hulot in France who just, on air said 'My government isn't serious about this target. We're not doing it. I quit.' Well why the hell doesn't the minister of the environment? She sounds like the minister of the economy. What's going on here?" he said Friday.
Suzuki accused McKenna of using her position to try to justify the government's policies.
"It's so hypocritical what McKenna is doing. To say that she really is committed to what they signed in Paris and that they're going full bore. They're using the Harper targets as their criteria for what they want to do. That's ridiculous. Harper was a rabid climate denier, and they're going to use his targets? What's going on? I think McKenna should resign if she means what she says about climate change."
"I was very impressed by Mister Hulot in France who just, on air said 'My government isn't serious about this target. We're not doing it. I quit.' Well why the hell doesn't the minister of the environment? She sounds like the minister of the economy. What's going on here?" he said Friday.
Suzuki accused McKenna of using her position to try to justify the government's policies.
"It's so hypocritical what McKenna is doing. To say that she really is committed to what they signed in Paris and that they're going full bore. They're using the Harper targets as their criteria for what they want to do. That's ridiculous. Harper was a rabid climate denier, and they're going to use his targets? What's going on? I think McKenna should resign if she means what she says about climate change."
Friday, September 21, 2018
ONTARIO LIBERALS' CREATIVE ACCOUNTING
Ontario’s finance minister says an independent commission that probed the province’s books has found the government ran a multi-billion-dollar deficit in the last fiscal year.
Vic Fedeli says the previous government did not balance the budget as it reported: the province's public account shows a $3.7 billion deficit in 2017-18
He further says the province will run a $15-billion deficit this fiscal year, not $6.7 billion as the Liberals projected.
Vic Fedeli says the previous government did not balance the budget as it reported: the province's public account shows a $3.7 billion deficit in 2017-18
He further says the province will run a $15-billion deficit this fiscal year, not $6.7 billion as the Liberals projected.
CCA OBJECTS TO DEFINITION OF FISH HABITAT
The Canadian Cattleman's Association (CCA) is asking the Senate to remove a last-minute addition to the
definition of fish habitat in the Fisheries Act that will make it nearly impossible for beef and agricultural producers
to be in compliance with the Act.
The addition of subsection 2(2) to Bill C-68 (Fisheries Act) greatly
expanded what can be deemed fish habitat. Subsection 2(2) is problematic
because it deems areas with the necessary water flow characteristics to
sustain ecosystems of fish habitat to be fish habitat. This is the case even
if there are no fish using the area for any life process. The expansion of fish
habitat results in practically all water bodies being fish habitat or deemed
fish habitat. Under the Act anyone would be in contravention if they alter,
disrupt, or cause destruction of fish habitat.
MACRON VOWS PUNISHMENT FOR NONCONFORMING STATES
Emmanuel Macron has said funding should be withdrawn from pro-sovereignty nations reluctant to hand more power over to Brussels, and that countries which refuse to welcome third world migrants must be thrown out of the Schengen area.
“Europe is not a menu à la carte, it’s a political project,” the French president declared, speaking at the end of an EU mini-summit on migration in Salzburg Thursday evening.
At a press conference following the meeting of European leaders, Macron acknowledged there was “a crisis and tensions” over the topic but, crying out, “Who generates them?” the former investment banker launched a broadside at nations which reject asylum seekers and those which “refuse to let boats dock on its ports”.
“Europe is not a menu à la carte, it’s a political project,” the French president declared, speaking at the end of an EU mini-summit on migration in Salzburg Thursday evening.
At a press conference following the meeting of European leaders, Macron acknowledged there was “a crisis and tensions” over the topic but, crying out, “Who generates them?” the former investment banker launched a broadside at nations which reject asylum seekers and those which “refuse to let boats dock on its ports”.
BLASEY FORD YEARBOOKS DISAPPEARED
WHY CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD’S HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS WERE SCRUBBED: Faculty Approved Racism, Binge Drinking and Promiscuity
On Monday Sept. 17th, Christine Blasey Ford’s high school yearbooks suddenly disappeared from the web. I read them days before, knew they would be scrubbed, and saved them. Why did I know they would be scrubbed? Because if roles were reversed, and Christine Blasey Ford had been nominated for the Supreme Court by President Trump, the headline by the resistance would be this:
CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD AND THE DRUNKEN WHITE PRIVILEGED RACIST PLAYGIRLS OF HOLTON-ARMS.
On Monday Sept. 17th, Christine Blasey Ford’s high school yearbooks suddenly disappeared from the web. I read them days before, knew they would be scrubbed, and saved them. Why did I know they would be scrubbed? Because if roles were reversed, and Christine Blasey Ford had been nominated for the Supreme Court by President Trump, the headline by the resistance would be this:
CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD AND THE DRUNKEN WHITE PRIVILEGED RACIST PLAYGIRLS OF HOLTON-ARMS.
h/t SDA
TORONTO DRAMA QUEENS STILL P!SSING & MOANING
Levy, Toronto Sun: On the morning after the appeal court decision on the stay of Bill 5, NDP councilor Joe Cressy issued an e-mail advising constituents he’s going to “continue to fight back against this unprecedented attack on the city. “Doug Ford’s attack on our city has been relentless … he is committed to trampling on our … fundamental rights,” he wrote.
I really hope that this election will get rid of some of the past-their-due-date has-beens and those who’ve taken this city in a terrible direction with their hug-a-thug, stroke-a-lawless-transient, enable-the-drug addicted ideologies.
With any luck, fewer councilors will mean less time to dream up their social justice warrior agendas and causes that have little to do with running a city, like anti-black-racism and aboriginal secretariats or a day against Islamophobia.
I really hope that this election will get rid of some of the past-their-due-date has-beens and those who’ve taken this city in a terrible direction with their hug-a-thug, stroke-a-lawless-transient, enable-the-drug addicted ideologies.
With any luck, fewer councilors will mean less time to dream up their social justice warrior agendas and causes that have little to do with running a city, like anti-black-racism and aboriginal secretariats or a day against Islamophobia.
CORRUPTION OF QUEBEC'S IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM
Some rich foreigners seeking Canadian residency under a special Quebec program for wealthy investors couldn't point to the province on a map, while others submitted fake documents or disguised their assets — yet many of them were still accepted for immigration, former civil servants say.
The officials, charged with administering the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), say they were sometimes pressured into ignoring signs that applicants' fortunes were founded on corruption or other ill-gotten gains.
"The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is a scam from start to finish. I think that everyone who's involved in the program knows that," said Ian Young, the Vancouver correspondent for Hong Kong's South China Morning Post newspaper and a seasoned observer of immigration patterns from China to Canada. "I think that includes policy-makers, the people who facilitate it and the immigrants themselves."
The officials, charged with administering the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), say they were sometimes pressured into ignoring signs that applicants' fortunes were founded on corruption or other ill-gotten gains.
"The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is a scam from start to finish. I think that everyone who's involved in the program knows that," said Ian Young, the Vancouver correspondent for Hong Kong's South China Morning Post newspaper and a seasoned observer of immigration patterns from China to Canada. "I think that includes policy-makers, the people who facilitate it and the immigrants themselves."
FORD GOV'T SCRAPS GREEN ENERGY ACT
Months after cancelling hundreds of renewable energy contracts, the Ontario government introduced legislation Thursday to scrap a law that aimed to bolster the province’s green energy industry.
Premier Doug Ford promised during the spring election campaign to repeal the Green Energy Act, which was introduced by the previous Liberal government in 2009 in a bid to grow the province’s solar and wind energy supply.
Critics of the act have said it resulted in an increase in electricity costs and saw the province overpay for power it did not need.
Premier Doug Ford promised during the spring election campaign to repeal the Green Energy Act, which was introduced by the previous Liberal government in 2009 in a bid to grow the province’s solar and wind energy supply.
Critics of the act have said it resulted in an increase in electricity costs and saw the province overpay for power it did not need.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
DENYING ALLEGATIONS MADE BY BLASEY FORD
When Christine Blasey Ford, the psychology professor who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually abusing her in high school, came forward with her accusation, she reportedly mentioned two other witnesses at the party where Kavanaugh allegedly abused her. One of them has spoken out, denying any knowledge of the party or the assault.
"I understand that I have been identified by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford as the person she remembers as 'P.J.' who supposedly was present at the party she described in her statements to the Washington Post," Patrick J. Smyth said in a letter sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
"I am issuing this statement today to make it clear to all involved that I have no knowledge of the party in question; nor do I have any knowledge of the allegations of improper conduct she has leveled against Brett Kavanaugh," Smyth declared.
"I understand that I have been identified by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford as the person she remembers as 'P.J.' who supposedly was present at the party she described in her statements to the Washington Post," Patrick J. Smyth said in a letter sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
"I am issuing this statement today to make it clear to all involved that I have no knowledge of the party in question; nor do I have any knowledge of the allegations of improper conduct she has leveled against Brett Kavanaugh," Smyth declared.
REINFORCING POPE FRANCIS'S COVER-UP ACTIONS
Papal adviser Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga said last week that Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s serial sex abuse and the way the pope handled it is a “private matter” that should not be treated as a sensational story.
“Turning a private matter into a bombshell headline that explodes in the world and whose shrapnel does damage to the faith of many people does not seem right,” the Honduran cardinal said in reference to a recent report by the former papal nuncio to the United States.
“I think that a management issue ought to be aired with more serene and objective criteria, not in a negative tone charged with very bitter expressions,” said Maradiaga, who is often referred to as Francis’ “vice pope” because of his position of prominence in the Vatican and his unparalleled influence in the Francis pontificate.
“Turning a private matter into a bombshell headline that explodes in the world and whose shrapnel does damage to the faith of many people does not seem right,” the Honduran cardinal said in reference to a recent report by the former papal nuncio to the United States.
“I think that a management issue ought to be aired with more serene and objective criteria, not in a negative tone charged with very bitter expressions,” said Maradiaga, who is often referred to as Francis’ “vice pope” because of his position of prominence in the Vatican and his unparalleled influence in the Francis pontificate.
CANADA INFRASTRUCTURE BANK: A LIBERAL FARCE
The Canada Infrastructure Bank has asked the federal government for millions of dollars in operational expenses over the past year — even though it has announced only one project so far.
According to Finance Canada documents obtained through the Access to Information Act, in March 2018 the bank requested a draw-down from the federal Consolidated Revenue Fund of $5,756,000 to cover operational expenses until the end of June. That followed an earlier request in August 2017 for $5,610,000 to cover initial expenses.
The two requests amount to $11,366,000 to pay for salaries and compensation, administration, legal services, travel, communications, IT and other professional services. In August 2017, the bank also asked Ottawa for $1,381,000 to cover capital expenses; according to the documents, the bank is not requesting any more funds for capital expenditures at this time.
According to Finance Canada documents obtained through the Access to Information Act, in March 2018 the bank requested a draw-down from the federal Consolidated Revenue Fund of $5,756,000 to cover operational expenses until the end of June. That followed an earlier request in August 2017 for $5,610,000 to cover initial expenses.
The two requests amount to $11,366,000 to pay for salaries and compensation, administration, legal services, travel, communications, IT and other professional services. In August 2017, the bank also asked Ottawa for $1,381,000 to cover capital expenses; according to the documents, the bank is not requesting any more funds for capital expenditures at this time.
LIBERAL $43BILLION SUMMER SPENDING SPREE
The federal government spent the summer making $43 billion worth of funding announcements — aimed primarily at Liberal ridings in Eastern Canada.
The size of funding announcements ranged from relatively minor — $4,000 for renovations to a Quebec town's recreation centre, for example — to major, such as the unveiling of Canada's Poverty Reduction Strategy, $22 billion in spending already committed to federal programs since 2015 with no new money attached.
HuffPost Canada tabulated funding announcements made by federal departments and regional development agencies from June 20 — after the House of Commons rose for the summer — until Labour Day, on Sept. 3.
TRUDEAU'S EXCUSE FOR ENERGY EAST CANCELLATION
In a heated exchange between Scheer and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in question period Wednesday over the future of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, Scheer brought up the other energy project, which was cancelled last year.
If the government really wants to develop Canada's energy sector and get resources to market "they will invite Energy East back to the table," said Scheer.
While Trudeau initially deflected, he later said that in the case of Energy East, a private company determined it did not want to pursue the project because oil was at half the price it had been when the initiative was first proposed.
If the government really wants to develop Canada's energy sector and get resources to market "they will invite Energy East back to the table," said Scheer.
While Trudeau initially deflected, he later said that in the case of Energy East, a private company determined it did not want to pursue the project because oil was at half the price it had been when the initiative was first proposed.
A senior officer of TransCanada Pipelines when the Energy East project was conceived and developed commercially, writes: The Trudeau government should be stepping up to accept some real culpability for contributing to TransCanada’s decision to abandon the project, instead of resorting to various sophistries and distortions.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
CANADIAN CRUSTACEANS GO ROGUE
Green crabs from Nova Scotia are the same species as their cousins that already inhabit Maine waters, but are ornerier and angrier, threatening to accelerate harm to the coastal ecosystem by gobbling up soft-shell clams and destroying native eel grass, a researcher said.
Louis Logan, a University of New England graduate student, had the unpleasant task of labeling the crabs captured from Nova Scotia waters for the research.
The crabs were in no mood for games. At a distance of 5 feet, the pint-sized brutes, which measure 4 to 5 inches across, assumed a fighting posture. Those that grabbed him were in no hurry to let go. "Any time I went down to grab one they went to grab me instead," he wrote in an email. One of them, in particular, would jump out of the water in its frenzy to attack.
Louis Logan, a University of New England graduate student, had the unpleasant task of labeling the crabs captured from Nova Scotia waters for the research.
The crabs were in no mood for games. At a distance of 5 feet, the pint-sized brutes, which measure 4 to 5 inches across, assumed a fighting posture. Those that grabbed him were in no hurry to let go. "Any time I went down to grab one they went to grab me instead," he wrote in an email. One of them, in particular, would jump out of the water in its frenzy to attack.
DOUG FORD WIN: 25 WARDS IN TORONTO
Blatchford, NP: Unfair doesn’t equal unconstitutional, and the judge who equated the two almost certainly got it wrong.
So says Ontario’s top court, ruling Wednesday that when voters go to the polls in Toronto Oct. 22, they will do so in a 25-ward election.
So says Ontario’s top court, ruling Wednesday that when voters go to the polls in Toronto Oct. 22, they will do so in a 25-ward election.
In other words, said the high court — albeit much more diplomatically — Belobaba got just about everything wrong: bleeding one Charter right into another which doesn’t even apply to city elections, equating unfairness with unconstitutionality and expanding the right to free expression with the non-existent right to a certain sort of platform.
RCAF FACES SHORTFALL OF PILOTS
The shortfall in pilots and mechanics was referenced in an internal report recently published by the Department of National Defence, which also flagged underspending on maintenance for bases and other infrastructure, as well as reductions in annual flying times thanks to Conservative-era budget cuts.
Conservative defence critic James Bezan suggested one reason the military is losing pilots is because they are being asked to fly older planes, including CF-18 fighter jets that are close to 40 years old.
"If pilots aren't getting new aircraft, why are they sticking around?" Bezan said. "And so, the idea of bringing in used fighter jets from Australia that are even in worse shape than the current CF-18s that we fly today, why would they stick around?"
Conservative defence critic James Bezan suggested one reason the military is losing pilots is because they are being asked to fly older planes, including CF-18 fighter jets that are close to 40 years old.
"If pilots aren't getting new aircraft, why are they sticking around?" Bezan said. "And so, the idea of bringing in used fighter jets from Australia that are even in worse shape than the current CF-18s that we fly today, why would they stick around?"
LIBERAL SENATOR & MONEY LAUNDERING CASINO
B.C.’s River Rock Casino has been called the epicenter of money laundering by international organized crime groups.
Throughout the troubles, Liberal Senator, Larry Campbell has collected more than $800,000 in cash compensation and about $2.1 million worth of shares as a board director of the company that owns the casino, Great Canadian Gaming.
Throughout the troubles, Liberal Senator, Larry Campbell has collected more than $800,000 in cash compensation and about $2.1 million worth of shares as a board director of the company that owns the casino, Great Canadian Gaming.
On Tuesday, he declined to answer questions about whether his twin roles could put him in a conflict of interest.
NORWAY FETES WRITER WHO TRASHES NORWAY
Sumaya wrote more pieces. Last year came an item headlined “Muslim on your premises? Never.” Complaining that her devotion to Islam is too often associated in Norway “with something negative,” she wanted readers to know that “I am not your socially constructed phenomenon. I am myself.” She insisted that her wearing of a hijab has nothing to do with obedience, that she is “not obliged to follow or like all the rules/norms of my own religion,” and that the Koran teaches all this. Which led one to wonder: does she really believe this, or is she consciously trying to present infidel Norway with a picture of Islam that makes this totalitarian religion look like Episcopalianism?
Whatever the case may be, Sumaya has been handsomely rewarded for her slight, shallow, and (frankly) semi-literate writings.
Whatever the case may be, Sumaya has been handsomely rewarded for her slight, shallow, and (frankly) semi-literate writings.
DECLASSIFICATION WILL EXPOSE FBI ROT
President Trump on Monday ordered the declassification of the Carter Page FISA application and the public release of "all text messages relating to the Russia investigation, without redaction, of James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Peter Strzok, Lisa Page, and Bruce Ohr."
Rep. Nunes appeared on Fox News' "Ingraham Angle" Monday night to discuss what's coming.
"It'll be the 20 pages of the last FISA that was approved on Carter Page, which will have basically everything that was in it from number one, two, three, and four of what we think the American people need to understand that this is actually the insurance policy that was talked about in the Strzok/Page texts," Nunes explained. [Emphasis added]
"A lot of people think that the insurance policy was getting a FISA warrant on Carter Page. We actually believe it was more explicit than that," he continued. "We believe it was actually that the insurance policy was specifically what they did that still is redacted that the president has said that he's going to declassify."
Rep. Nunes appeared on Fox News' "Ingraham Angle" Monday night to discuss what's coming.
"It'll be the 20 pages of the last FISA that was approved on Carter Page, which will have basically everything that was in it from number one, two, three, and four of what we think the American people need to understand that this is actually the insurance policy that was talked about in the Strzok/Page texts," Nunes explained. [Emphasis added]
"A lot of people think that the insurance policy was getting a FISA warrant on Carter Page. We actually believe it was more explicit than that," he continued. "We believe it was actually that the insurance policy was specifically what they did that still is redacted that the president has said that he's going to declassify."
CHRISTINE FORD WANTS FBI INVESTIGATION
The attorney for the Palo Alto, California, psychology professor who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault while they were high school students said on Tuesday evening that her client, Christine Blasey Ford, is “not prepared” to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday for a hearing without a full FBI investigation into her allegations.
Lisa Banks, one of Ford’s lawyers, told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that though Ford is “prepared to cooperate with the committee and any law enforcement investigation… in whatever form that takes,” she is “not prepared to talk with them at a hearing on Monday” and “can’t focus on having a hearing” after receiving “death threats” and “harassment” in recent days.
Lisa Banks, one of Ford’s lawyers, told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that though Ford is “prepared to cooperate with the committee and any law enforcement investigation… in whatever form that takes,” she is “not prepared to talk with them at a hearing on Monday” and “can’t focus on having a hearing” after receiving “death threats” and “harassment” in recent days.
POPE FRANCIS LIKENS HIMSELF TO SUFFERING CHRIST
In his homily during the daily Mass at the Vatican Tuesday, Pope Francis likened himself to the suffering Christ who was crucified because “the people were deceived by the powerful.”
Speaking from Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, "the Dictator Pope"* went on to say that his response to the “Great Accuser” would (continue to) be "silence and prayer."
As most Christians know, Jesus was silent because he was fulfilling his purpose as the ultimate sacrifice for sin -- the perfect and without blemish "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."
Our "suffering" pope's purpose seems to be to take away the sins of his unrepentant prelates -- by not talking about them.
Speaking from Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, "the Dictator Pope"* went on to say that his response to the “Great Accuser” would (continue to) be "silence and prayer."
As most Christians know, Jesus was silent because he was fulfilling his purpose as the ultimate sacrifice for sin -- the perfect and without blemish "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."
Our "suffering" pope's purpose seems to be to take away the sins of his unrepentant prelates -- by not talking about them.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
HEALTHCARE ON MINDS OF QUEBEC VOTERS
“The thing I don’t like was the tactic of withholding money from health care, and then all of a sudden right now before the election there seems to be all this money pouring out,” he added, alluding to a series of funding announcements by Health Minister Gaétan Barrette for the renovation and expansion of hospitals, including St. Mary’s and the Montreal General.
Observers credit the Liberal government’s austerity agenda — which included budget cuts to hospitals — for the fact that the government ended the last fiscal year with a $2.3-billion surplus. It’s in this context that the province’s economy has revved up as unemployment has dropped to historic lows.
Such solid economic numbers should normally bode well for the re-election chances of an incumbent government. Yet Philippe Couillard’s Liberals have struggled in second place behind the Coalition Avenir Québec in a string of polls.
VEHICLES BLOWING THROUGH BORDER CROSSINGS
A dramatic weekend pursuit through Vancouver has highlighted a potentially dangerous quirk of border security: Canadian border guards are not allowed to chase vehicles that blow through border crossings.
“Our officers want to do the job; they are very frustrated by not being allowed to chase people running through the border,” said Jean-Pierre Fortin, president of the Customs and Immigration Union.
“Our officers want to do the job; they are very frustrated by not being allowed to chase people running through the border,” said Jean-Pierre Fortin, president of the Customs and Immigration Union.
According to Fortin, the epicentre has been the point of entry near Cornwall, Ont. Vehicles are known to bypass the customs station up to several times a day and, unlike in Vancouver, they’re not always caught.
WHEN OIL & GAS JOBS GET THROWN OFF A CLIFF
Toronto Sun: While lamenting the potential plight of killer whales, those opposing pipelines could collect hand-me-down rubber boots.
That’s one of the things kind-hearted neighbours gave my family when governments and circumstances conspired to send our lives spiraling. Today, that spiral is just starting its descent for more than 8,000 people who lost their jobs.
It was hard for us, but harder for others. Other families lost their homes, watched their trucks get repossessed, saw their parents get divorced and fall into alcoholism and drug abuse. The unspeakable also happened: people committed suicide. Terribly, that’s happening again: Alberta saw a 30% spike in people taking their own lives during the energy sector troubles of 2015 alone.
That’s one of the things kind-hearted neighbours gave my family when governments and circumstances conspired to send our lives spiraling. Today, that spiral is just starting its descent for more than 8,000 people who lost their jobs.
It was hard for us, but harder for others. Other families lost their homes, watched their trucks get repossessed, saw their parents get divorced and fall into alcoholism and drug abuse. The unspeakable also happened: people committed suicide. Terribly, that’s happening again: Alberta saw a 30% spike in people taking their own lives during the energy sector troubles of 2015 alone.
WHEN A WEASEL WRITES HENHOUSE RULES
“These are not exceptions. These are regularly occurring violations of the Prime Minister’s own promises and commitments to get rid of the reality or the appearance of cash for access,” Conservative MP Peter Kent said.
“When a lobbyist can get up and close and [have] face time over a cocktail with a minister or the prime minister or a powerful decision-maker in the PMO, that is access that the ordinary citizen with an interest in public policy would not have.”
Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch and an adjunct professor of political science and law at the University of Ottawa, said the Liberal Party’s two sets of rules depending on whether or not a lobbyist has donated the maximum allowed amounts to “cash for access” to government officials and violates the Prime Minister’s own code of conduct for cabinet ministers.
“When a lobbyist can get up and close and [have] face time over a cocktail with a minister or the prime minister or a powerful decision-maker in the PMO, that is access that the ordinary citizen with an interest in public policy would not have.”
Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch and an adjunct professor of political science and law at the University of Ottawa, said the Liberal Party’s two sets of rules depending on whether or not a lobbyist has donated the maximum allowed amounts to “cash for access” to government officials and violates the Prime Minister’s own code of conduct for cabinet ministers.
"LIBERALS FAIL TO LIVE UP TO PM's PROMISES"
In a bombshell move Monday, a rising star among the Trudeau Liberals crossed the House of Commons floor to join the Conservatives of Andrew Scheer, but not before delivering a scathing indictment of a government she accuses of failing the country.
Rising in the Commons on a point of personal privilege, Alleslev slammed the Liberals for failing to live up to the promises made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leaving average Canadians to despair that “their tomorrow will (not) be better than today, and that their children’s future will (not) be better than theirs.”
“My attempts to raise my concerns with this government were met with silence,” said Alleslev. “The government must be challenged openly and publicly."
Rising in the Commons on a point of personal privilege, Alleslev slammed the Liberals for failing to live up to the promises made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leaving average Canadians to despair that “their tomorrow will (not) be better than today, and that their children’s future will (not) be better than theirs.”
“My attempts to raise my concerns with this government were met with silence,” said Alleslev. “The government must be challenged openly and publicly."
WITTLE JUSTIN IS FWUSTWATED
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appears frustrated with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations’ “time management” in a leaked video clip that was taken during his meeting with several chiefs in Saskatoon last week.
Trudeau, who was in the city for the Liberal Party of Canada’s annual caucus retreat earlier, and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale were scheduled to meet with the 74-member FSIN at 8 a.m. last Wednesday, according to his itinerary.
In the video clip, which runs for three minutes and 38 seconds and surfaced on YouTube Sunday with the title “PMJT berates FSIN Chiefs,” the prime minister appears to express frustration that the first portion of the meeting went long, leaving little time to hear other concerns.
Trudeau, who was in the city for the Liberal Party of Canada’s annual caucus retreat earlier, and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale were scheduled to meet with the 74-member FSIN at 8 a.m. last Wednesday, according to his itinerary.
In the video clip, which runs for three minutes and 38 seconds and surfaced on YouTube Sunday with the title “PMJT berates FSIN Chiefs,” the prime minister appears to express frustration that the first portion of the meeting went long, leaving little time to hear other concerns.
Monday, September 17, 2018
STUDY: USE OF STATINS OF DOUBTFUL BENEFIT
There is no evidence that high levels of total cholesterol or of “bad” cholesterol cause heart disease, according to a new paper by 17 international physicians based on a review of patient data of almost 1.3 million people.
On the issue of whether cholesterol-lowering treatment lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, the paper said claims of benefit from statin trials have “virtually disappeared” since new regulations introduced in 2005 by health authorities in Europe and the US specified that all trial data had to be made public.
They also conclude statin treatment has many serious side effects and claim that these have been “minimized” by certain trials.
On the issue of whether cholesterol-lowering treatment lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, the paper said claims of benefit from statin trials have “virtually disappeared” since new regulations introduced in 2005 by health authorities in Europe and the US specified that all trial data had to be made public.
They also conclude statin treatment has many serious side effects and claim that these have been “minimized” by certain trials.
TRUDEAU "MAKING IT RIGHT" WITH VETS
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has left more than $372 million meant to help veterans and their families unspent since taking office in November 2015, Global News has learned.
The news comes seven months after an Edmonton town hall at which Trudeau publicly admonished some veterans groups fighting the government for improved benefits, saying they were “asking for more than we are able to give right now.”
“Just last year, where they didn’t spend $143 million, they seemed to find $37 million to fight veterans for the benefits they’re asking for", said Gord Johns, the NDP’s veteran affairs critic.
The news comes seven months after an Edmonton town hall at which Trudeau publicly admonished some veterans groups fighting the government for improved benefits, saying they were “asking for more than we are able to give right now.”
“Just last year, where they didn’t spend $143 million, they seemed to find $37 million to fight veterans for the benefits they’re asking for", said Gord Johns, the NDP’s veteran affairs critic.
ALL-NIGHTER AT QUEEN'S PARK
Toronto Sun: Hordes of protesters shouted to be allowed inside the Ontario legislature as provincial politicians held a rare midnight sitting to speed up the passage of a controversial bill to cut Toronto’s city council nearly in half.
Protesters voiced their opposition to the bill inside Queen’s Park as well, heckling Progressive Conservative legislators with cries of “shame, shame” until the Speaker cleared the public galleries.
The Ontario government, meanwhile, cited the need for urgent action in justifying the late-night sitting, saying passing the bill or urgent action in justifying the late-night sitting, saying passing the bill — which would reduce council to 25 seats from 47 — would eliminate any uncertainty surrounding the upcoming municipal vote.
Protesters voiced their opposition to the bill inside Queen’s Park as well, heckling Progressive Conservative legislators with cries of “shame, shame” until the Speaker cleared the public galleries.
The Ontario government, meanwhile, cited the need for urgent action in justifying the late-night sitting, saying passing the bill or urgent action in justifying the late-night sitting, saying passing the bill — which would reduce council to 25 seats from 47 — would eliminate any uncertainty surrounding the upcoming municipal vote.
$MILLIONS SPENT FOR NO IMPACT ON VIOLENT CRIME
Toronto Sun: The Toronto Police Service’s eight-week effort to reduce gun violence by putting hundreds of extra cops on the street during peak hours has wrapped up.
“Millions of dollars was spent making officers who are already burned out work more overtime and there was absolutely no impact on the violent crime in the city,” Toronto Police Association President Mike McCormack told the Toronto Sun recently.
“Right now we have about 4,900 officers, about 800 fewer than we had in 2010,” McCormack said, adding 500 to 600 officers will have left the service for other jobs or retired by the time the 400 new hires hit the street.
“The mayor and the chief need to … increase the overall number to 5,300 rather than just hiring enough officers to keep pace with attrition,” he said.
“Millions of dollars was spent making officers who are already burned out work more overtime and there was absolutely no impact on the violent crime in the city,” Toronto Police Association President Mike McCormack told the Toronto Sun recently.
“Right now we have about 4,900 officers, about 800 fewer than we had in 2010,” McCormack said, adding 500 to 600 officers will have left the service for other jobs or retired by the time the 400 new hires hit the street.
“The mayor and the chief need to … increase the overall number to 5,300 rather than just hiring enough officers to keep pace with attrition,” he said.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
DEATH PENALTY FOR PROMINENT CLERICS
DUBAI—Saudi authorities are seeking the death penalty for three prominent clerics, rights activists and a government official said, testing the unwritten code that has kept the kingdom’s rulers in power.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his father, King Salman, have jailed activists, businessmen and government officials as part of their efforts to reshape Saudi society and economics. But Saudi clerics have long been a power unto themselves, with fame and influence beyond that of others caught up in recent crackdowns.
The jailed clerics are among Saudi Arabia’s best-known and most popular Sunni Muslim religious figures: Salman Al-Odah, who has more than 14 million Twitter followers; Awad al-Qarni, author of a best-selling self-help book; and Ali Alomari, a TV preacher.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his father, King Salman, have jailed activists, businessmen and government officials as part of their efforts to reshape Saudi society and economics. But Saudi clerics have long been a power unto themselves, with fame and influence beyond that of others caught up in recent crackdowns.
The jailed clerics are among Saudi Arabia’s best-known and most popular Sunni Muslim religious figures: Salman Al-Odah, who has more than 14 million Twitter followers; Awad al-Qarni, author of a best-selling self-help book; and Ali Alomari, a TV preacher.
THE NARCISSIST CAMPAIGNS FOR DEM CANDIDATES
There were times during a Thursday rally Barack Obama couldn’t help but talk about himself, even though he was supposed to be talking about other people.
There were other times he could barely talk at all.
During the Cleveland rally for Rich Cordray and Betty Sutton, Obama repeatedly talked about himself, despite the candidates sitting behind him.
WINNER OF AWARD FOR TOP-BULLSH!TTER AT UN
Patricia Espinosa, the executive secretary of U.N. Climate Change, made the astonishing claim Wednesday that nations are effectively “changing the weather” by following the measures established by the Paris climate accord.
“By raising our ambition to address climate change. We are doing more than just changing the weather; we are building a better future, a future that is cleaner, greener, and more prosperous for all,” Espinosa said at a meeting with climate leaders at the Fairmont San Francisco hotel.
“By raising our ambition to address climate change. We are doing more than just changing the weather; we are building a better future, a future that is cleaner, greener, and more prosperous for all,” Espinosa said at a meeting with climate leaders at the Fairmont San Francisco hotel.
AID GROUP CHARGED WITH PEOPLE-SMUGGLING
- Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI) describes itself as a "Greek nonprofit organization that provides emergency response and humanitarian aid in times of crisis...." It has reportedly abetted the illegal entry into Greece of 70,000 immigrants since 2015, providing the "nonprofit" with half a billion euros per year.
- ECRI evidently received 2,000 euros from each illegal immigrant it helped to enter Greece. In addition, its members created a business for "integrating refugees" into Greek society, granting it 5,000 euros per immigrant per year from various government programs (in education, housing and nutrition).
- With the government of Greece seemingly at a loss as to how to handle its refugee crisis and safeguard the security of its citizens, it is particularly dismaying to discover that the major NGO whose mandate is to provide humanitarian aid to immigrants is instead profiting from smuggling them.
FORD OPENS GATES OF CONSTITUTIONAL HELL
Rex Murphy, NP: It’s good to see that here in the centre of our Confederation, the issue of our time is supplying the country with such explosive debate. The question of how many people should sit on Toronto’s city council has long lain dormant, even unacknowledged, as a — or even the — pivot of Canada’s constitutional health. But in the past week or so, Premier Doug Ford’s idea, so to speak, of trimming the number of simians approaching the typewriter has engaged more press attention than the NAFTA talks and Trans Mountain combined. Who knew that cutting the number of councillors that get to decide which downtown Toronto street next gets a bike path and a licence to open a hen farm could so threaten the Confederation? Now to the troublous awakening of the notwithstanding clause (NWC). To his opponents, invoking the NWC is the most parlous moment in our history since the Plains of Abraham. By this enormity Ford has opened the gates of constitutional hell, splintered the rule of law, opened the floodgates to dread populism and dictatorship, and — blasphemy itself — shattered the veritable Mosaic tablets of Canadian citizenship (brought down in the ancient days of 1982), the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
GUN CONTROL AGENDA LIES EXPOSED
How did we get to this point? How did a government come to the conclusion that this kind of measure (a national ban on handgun ownership) would have any impact at all on criminal and gang related shootings in our cities and towns?
THE BIG LIE … that’s how. In a recent Access to Information Request, ex-RCMP turned researcher Dennis Young uncovered the truth. Chief Saunders led Torontonians and Canadians alike to believe that over 50% of crime guns were domestically sourced – meaning that legal gun owners were either committing straw purchases, being victims of theft themselves or participating in the illegal gun trade.
What a horrible lie to perpetuate to concerned, scared Canadians and voters. Of course, Mayor Tory, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, freshly-minted Minister Bill Blair, Wendy Cukier and the whole anti-gun tribe over at Polysesouvient were happy to relay that false information around the media and all over the internet.
What a horrible lie to perpetuate to concerned, scared Canadians and voters. Of course, Mayor Tory, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, freshly-minted Minister Bill Blair, Wendy Cukier and the whole anti-gun tribe over at Polysesouvient were happy to relay that false information around the media and all over the internet.
DAWSON TO KITIMAT PIPELINE PROGRESS
TransCanada has completed benefit agreements with all 20 elected First Nation bands along its Coastal GasLink pipeline route from Dawson Creek to Kitimat.
The pipeline would feed the Shell-led LNG Canada gas plant should it go ahead, with TransCanada saying it’s ready to build.
The pipeline would feed the Shell-led LNG Canada gas plant should it go ahead, with TransCanada saying it’s ready to build.
The project does face opposition in north-central B.C. from the Unist’ot’en clan of the Wet’suwet’en people, which have been protesting the construction of all pipelines through its claimed traditional territory for nearly a decade. As part of the Unist’ot’en protest, a camp, including several buildings, has been built in the path of the pipeline.
NO WORRIES, APPARENTLY FREELAND IS FORMIDABLE
Toronto Sun: It obviously doesn’t take much to earn the prime minister’s praise if accomplishing nothing merits adulation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, who has been spinning her wheels while getting nowhere with NAFTA, showed up at the Liberals’ love-in-cum-retreat in Saskatoon last week to be lavished by Justin Trudeau for being “formidable” and “tireless” in her determination to get a deal that is good for Canada — all while asserting that no deal is better than a bad deal.
Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, who has been spinning her wheels while getting nowhere with NAFTA, showed up at the Liberals’ love-in-cum-retreat in Saskatoon last week to be lavished by Justin Trudeau for being “formidable” and “tireless” in her determination to get a deal that is good for Canada — all while asserting that no deal is better than a bad deal.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
CANADIAN COMPANIES STRUGGLE WITH TARIFFS
Ottawa has paid out just over $11,000 in duty relief despite collecting more than $286 million in the two months after it slapped retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports in response to U.S. levies on Canadian steel and aluminum, according to figures obtained by Global News.
Canada Border Services Agency said it distributed just $11,184.35 since July 1, under the duties relief program, one of three programs meant to help industries negatively impacted by the trade dispute over steel and aluminum. Zero dollars were distributed yet under the duty drawback program.
The final relief program is called the remission of surtaxes, and was announced alongside the counter-tariffs. Unlocking those funds requires the extraordinary step of case-by-case cabinet approval, a process that Ottawa hopes to get moving within weeks, Global News has learned.
Canada Border Services Agency said it distributed just $11,184.35 since July 1, under the duties relief program, one of three programs meant to help industries negatively impacted by the trade dispute over steel and aluminum. Zero dollars were distributed yet under the duty drawback program.
The final relief program is called the remission of surtaxes, and was announced alongside the counter-tariffs. Unlocking those funds requires the extraordinary step of case-by-case cabinet approval, a process that Ottawa hopes to get moving within weeks, Global News has learned.
WHEN CANNABIS CONNECTIONS HIT THE BORDER
Canadian workers and investors associated with the cannabis industry would be well-advised to “sanitize” their employment on social media or face a lifetime ban from traveling to the United States, an immigration lawyer says.
NEW REFINERY PROPOSED IN ALBERTA
Calgary Herald: Two major Chinese companies and a group of Albertan Indigenous communities are proposing to build a new oilsands refinery and petrochemical complex in the province, according to a press release issued by consultants Stantec Inc.
Beijing-based and state-owned China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., better known as Sinopec, along with China Construction Industrial & Energy Co. Ltd. and a consortium of Alberta Indigenous groups signed an agreement with the Edmonton-based engineering and design firm Stantec Inc. on Thursday to pursue permits for a new bitumen refinery.
Beijing-based and state-owned China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., better known as Sinopec, along with China Construction Industrial & Energy Co. Ltd. and a consortium of Alberta Indigenous groups signed an agreement with the Edmonton-based engineering and design firm Stantec Inc. on Thursday to pursue permits for a new bitumen refinery.
PHONY MR. TWO ROLEXES, JAGMEET SINGH
NP: Weir’s supporters in Saskatchewan, including a veritable army of retired MLAs and MPs who have signed an open letter, are treating the mess as a boss-versus-worker situation. Did Weir receive due process? Were the written policies of the party followed? Can the leader eject a member from the federal caucus at all?
On Tuesday Singh gave his answer: “I am not going to change my decision (to expel Weir) because people in a position of privilege want to intimidate me.” This is a singular thing for a party leader to say in the course of exercising an apparent power of unilateral fiat, whether or not he is serving the interests of justice or intersectionality. And it is … doubly singular? Can that be right? … for Mr. Two Rolexes to say it. He is a rich criminal lawyer lecturing a bunch of aged farmers, teachers and nurses living on a rectangle of dirt about their “privilege” — because they sent him a letter? How’s that going to play in Gravelbourg or Kamsack?
MORONIC & PHONY MUSINGS FROM TORONTO COUNCIL
If Premier Ford ever needed proof of why rightsizing Toronto City council — from 47 members to 25 — all he had to was tune into their sophomoric, puerile, petulant and at times, downright moronic and phony musings about fighting for taxpayers Thursday.
Not that Ford needs proof of the dysfunction (having lived it himself), but I dare say while watching them I speculated that if only they were as passionate, fiery and determined to tackle the city’s many issues as they are about fighting to save their political hides, the city wouldn’t be on the verge of turning into something many of us will not be proud to call home.
Not that Ford needs proof of the dysfunction (having lived it himself), but I dare say while watching them I speculated that if only they were as passionate, fiery and determined to tackle the city’s many issues as they are about fighting to save their political hides, the city wouldn’t be on the verge of turning into something many of us will not be proud to call home.
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