June 21, 2011
Back to the political topics... The government tabled its legislation to reform the Senate today.
The bill sets out a one-time, nine-year term for all senators appointed after October 14, 2008 and lays out framework for voluntary provincial senatorial elections. While this sort of fulfills the Conservative plan for an elected senate, it may not go far enough for those who want an "E-E-E" upper chamber.
I once supported an elected senate. The more I think about it, though, the more I realize that I think the NDP has the best policy on the Senate: just get rid of it. The Senate has always been a proving ground for rewarding party loyalists, insiders and activists with a plum posting and a set-for-life salary.
Provincial legislatures have survived without an upper chamber; the Senate doesn't really provide the "sober second thought" that it is supposedly tasked with. Instead, it has become a rubber stamp for almost all government legislation (although it will be interesting to see how they handle this bill, if and when it reaches them).
Senatorial elections will not only be difficult to manage, but will (not might - will) create legislative gridlock. Imagine if, at the height of the sponsorship scandal, we somehow elected a Conservative Senate and had a Liberal government in the House of Commons. Surely, legislation would have been stalled and possibly defeated, solely for partisan purposes.
What's more, an elected Senate could become yet another platform for Québec separatists. Yes, I know the recent election results show that the separatist message is being rejected, but we don't know if that will be forever...
So, it's time to forget about reforming the Senate. Let's just get rid of it. I think it's the ultimate austerity measure...
Tuesday 21 June 2011
Monday 20 June 2011
A Tribute to Betty Fox
June 20, 2011
I know this isn't a political post, but I felt it necessary to share.
As you've likely already heard Betty Fox, Terry Fox's mother, passed away on Friday.
When I heard the news, I was heart-broken. That took me by surprise; while I participate in fundraising efforts for the Canadian Cancer Society, I've not participated in the Terry Fox Run since high school. I didn't know this woman and while I was certainly very much aware of what her son set out to do, and the work she did following his passing, I couldn't figure out what it was about hearing the news that put me in the mood it did.
It dawned on me today: Betty Fox is an average Canadian. Now, that doesn't make sense, does it?
Let me put it this way: almost every single Canadian has either faced cancer or had someone in their family face it. Betty Fox dealt with having a family member battle cancer and saw them lose that battle. To put it another way, Betty Fox personified every single Canadian and handled herself with a dignity and class that not many others can live up to.
It didn't hit me until after reflecting on it a bit, but Betty Fox is an inspiration to Canadians. Her dedication to her son, her family and to the fight against cancer is something that I have nothing but respect and admiration for. While I cannot put it as classy as many others have been, let me borrow the words of London-area MP Ed Holder, who in the House of Commons today said that for Betty, her Marathon of Hope is over. It is up to the rest of us to continue on with the fight.
May she rest in peace.
I know this isn't a political post, but I felt it necessary to share.
As you've likely already heard Betty Fox, Terry Fox's mother, passed away on Friday.
When I heard the news, I was heart-broken. That took me by surprise; while I participate in fundraising efforts for the Canadian Cancer Society, I've not participated in the Terry Fox Run since high school. I didn't know this woman and while I was certainly very much aware of what her son set out to do, and the work she did following his passing, I couldn't figure out what it was about hearing the news that put me in the mood it did.
It dawned on me today: Betty Fox is an average Canadian. Now, that doesn't make sense, does it?
Let me put it this way: almost every single Canadian has either faced cancer or had someone in their family face it. Betty Fox dealt with having a family member battle cancer and saw them lose that battle. To put it another way, Betty Fox personified every single Canadian and handled herself with a dignity and class that not many others can live up to.
It didn't hit me until after reflecting on it a bit, but Betty Fox is an inspiration to Canadians. Her dedication to her son, her family and to the fight against cancer is something that I have nothing but respect and admiration for. While I cannot put it as classy as many others have been, let me borrow the words of London-area MP Ed Holder, who in the House of Commons today said that for Betty, her Marathon of Hope is over. It is up to the rest of us to continue on with the fight.
May she rest in peace.
Tuesday 14 June 2011
One Throne Speech, One Budget - and Two Strikes
June 14, 2011
Yes, it's been awhile since I've blogged. Things have been hectic!
Since I last blogged, the House of Commons has returned and the business of governing (and politicking) is in full swing. We had a Throne Speech, the March Budget redux (with the added removal of subsidies for political parties) and a vote to extend Canada's involvement in Libya.
If that isn't enough for you, Canada Post is on psuedo-strike and Air Canada check-in agents walked out early this morning, too. With Air Canada, the government was quick to deliver an ultimatum; the company and the union now have 48 hours to reach a deal before the government will move to legislate them back to work.
Let me start with the budget: overall, not too shabby. But I have to agree with the opposition parties when it comes down to the nitty-gritty details about government cutbacks to services. We need to know where these cuts are coming from, how deep they will be and how fast they will come down.
I also have to agree that the cabinet is far too large; if you're preaching restraint, you don't go and appoint the largest cabinet in Canadian history.
A wait-and-see approach regarding budget cuts isn't good enough for me. The devil is in the details and, while I know the review is ongoing and Ministers are to report by December 31, I would hope that some kind of report comes down in regards to progress.
On the Canada Post/Air Canada front: I say we legislate them back to work ASAP. I support the right of unions to exist, but they need to realize the economic circumstances we find ourselves in don't particularly allow for huge raises and increases to benefits.
I find it particularly annoying that Canada Post employees are demanding more, when I'm sure that the volume of mail is dropping. With online banking, e-billing and other technological "wonders," I rarely get mail anymore, aside from flyers and annoying brochures from my MP to update them on the "work" they are doing in Ottawa and in the riding. I can do without both of those things.
Anyways, perhaps I'm just a curmudgeon but there is my latest post. Agree or disagree as you will, your comments are welcome.
*UPDATE - June 15*
It seems now that Canada Post has locked out all of its workers, and Minister Raitt is seriously considering legislating them back to work as well (as she should).
Yes, it's been awhile since I've blogged. Things have been hectic!
Since I last blogged, the House of Commons has returned and the business of governing (and politicking) is in full swing. We had a Throne Speech, the March Budget redux (with the added removal of subsidies for political parties) and a vote to extend Canada's involvement in Libya.
If that isn't enough for you, Canada Post is on psuedo-strike and Air Canada check-in agents walked out early this morning, too. With Air Canada, the government was quick to deliver an ultimatum; the company and the union now have 48 hours to reach a deal before the government will move to legislate them back to work.
Let me start with the budget: overall, not too shabby. But I have to agree with the opposition parties when it comes down to the nitty-gritty details about government cutbacks to services. We need to know where these cuts are coming from, how deep they will be and how fast they will come down.
I also have to agree that the cabinet is far too large; if you're preaching restraint, you don't go and appoint the largest cabinet in Canadian history.
A wait-and-see approach regarding budget cuts isn't good enough for me. The devil is in the details and, while I know the review is ongoing and Ministers are to report by December 31, I would hope that some kind of report comes down in regards to progress.
On the Canada Post/Air Canada front: I say we legislate them back to work ASAP. I support the right of unions to exist, but they need to realize the economic circumstances we find ourselves in don't particularly allow for huge raises and increases to benefits.
I find it particularly annoying that Canada Post employees are demanding more, when I'm sure that the volume of mail is dropping. With online banking, e-billing and other technological "wonders," I rarely get mail anymore, aside from flyers and annoying brochures from my MP to update them on the "work" they are doing in Ottawa and in the riding. I can do without both of those things.
Anyways, perhaps I'm just a curmudgeon but there is my latest post. Agree or disagree as you will, your comments are welcome.
*UPDATE - June 15*
It seems now that Canada Post has locked out all of its workers, and Minister Raitt is seriously considering legislating them back to work as well (as she should).
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