resurection

i've been missing for a good few months... there will be resumption of blogging soon... i feel devious.

Newless News

After having been hiding out at work all evening, I have finally just gotten home from flipping burgers and making milkshakes and am in desparate need of a shower... if only working fast food wasn't so greasy, perhaps I could come home after a shift not smelling like a giant french fry - however, I could not help but blog... blog, then shower... or blog, shower and blog some more before going to bed...

Seeing as everyone has posted something about the softwood fiasco, me rambling on about the same thing would be rather pointless... therefore, I will attempt to ramble on for a few minutes about whatever newspaper article grabs my attention... please note, that as I'm writing in my blog, I'm reading random articles at the same time... speaking of random... "blog" is quite the nifty word.

Okay... "Turkish politician charged with chewing gum at a ceremony for the country's founder"... interesting... "a military official accused Dalci of insulting Ataurk, the Anatolia news agency said. Dalci was charged and summoned to appear in court... Dalci said he had no intention of insulting Ataturk, but was chewing gum to freshen his breath after eating garlic" ... strangely enough that article made me chuckle - while I agree that perhaps it is disrespectful to chew gum at such a ceremony - I can't help but wonder, was he chewing some of that great tasting strawberry 'hubba bubba' chewing gum and blowing extravagant bubbles, or was he conservatively chewing on spearmint dubble-bubble chewing gum?

Will The Real Slimy Tory Please Stand Up?

Conservative MPs gave Stephen Harper a standing ovation during a closed-door meeting Wednesday when he told them he will not yield to criticism of the way the government commemorates military deaths... Flags on Parliament Hill will no longer be selectively lowered to half-mast when soldiers lose their lives.

Although I could understand how some families may not want to draw attention to their relative's death - what ever happened to lowering the flag in respect and acknowledgement of the sacrifice that person made for their country? I in no way whatsoever agree with Canada's role in Afhganistan - in fact, I also see this move by Harper to mirror that of our dear frightfully stupid neighbor George Bush... if Canadians don't see the coffins coming back, and the death tolls remaining to be a running tally scrolling on the bottom of the television screen, then one does not have to recognize how stupid it is to be over seas doing what we're doing. For whatever reason, people still believe that Canada is just doing some peacekeeping here and there, trying to help people rebuild their country... though I'm sure they've been disillusioned that it's not a war. It is a war which is bringing people home in coffins draped with flags, and causing people to silently weep as they've lost a loved one.

Have some respect Harper......

Wash Mouth Out With Soap

"Canada's top general is denying a report that the new Conservative government asked to approve his speeches" and "Prime Minister Stephen Harper also says there's no move to censor Gen. Rick Hillier" ... interesting...

Seems to me that they are are censoring, but not censoring - "I want to know exactly what you're going to say, and when you're going to say it, or no cookie before you go to bed"... I don't blame the government for already worrying about putting a leash on anyone that can communicate in one of Canada's two official languages... I mean, if someone says something that Harper doesn't want out, then he's kinda screwed isn't he? Too bad this censorship hasn't been working, look at how many Conservative MPs have been unable to keep their mouths shut thus far? It's actually kind of funny... and thanks to the headlines the Conservative government seems to capture everyday, I don't have to worry about running out of blog material.

However, if they're claiming that there is no such censorship... then why... "last week, an internal Conservative Party e-mail intercepted by Canadian media outlined a plan to slow the flow of communication between the party and the press... according to the e-mail, all forms of communication right down to notes letters to the editor, were to pass through the Prime Minister's office for approval." ... curious and curiouser... if they're not censoring... then what is up with wanting to frisk everyone for signs of English or French?

The Okanagan-Shuswap MP (which I regretfully have to say is my riding) was also sited as saying "I really value the ability to communicate through our local media in terms of effectiveness in Ottawa... i don't want to be corkscrewed with my political affiliation - I won't let them muscle me"... so... I take it that "corkscrewed" and "muscled" are code words for some very dirty Brokeback Mountain moments between politicians (ex: Harper and Emerson/Other Conservative MPs) OR another way of saying that there is some definate censorship going on... either way... being corkscrewed sounds wrong...

But... I suppose since we live in a constantly stealthily censored country that hides behind the mask of free speech, I guess that I shouldn't babble on about the little things that I've heard about Colin Mayes, the MP in my area that I previously mentioned... darn censorship... if it weren't for censorship, I suppose that I would go on to talk about how Mayes "is being sued for libel for allegedly making disparaging comments about fellow mayoral candidate Greg Husband during the last municipal election in Salmon Arm, B.C."

Liar, Liar Pants On Fire

I'm sure that Harper being in Burnaby and seeing an array of protesters is old news - though apparently it's not yet old news to the protesters, who "are still angry"; meh, I don't blame them... in fact, I would very much like to partake in a good wholesome Canadian protest. Harper claims to want to follow through with this and that, why doesn't he follow through with his "accountability" bullshit and follow through with all those smurf-like Conservatives who say that 'people should be able to TRUST their government'? I dunno, something tells me that if you're protesting, then you're not exactly trusting the head-cheese.

Then for Emerson to say "it's just that every once I nawhile the locusts descend on me and it creates situations that are a little abnormal, but I carry on with my work" - okay... so... voters are locusts... good one buddy - how about you stop sitting on Harper's lap, and do the right thing? I was listening to the news last night, and a man was talking about how many people voted Liberal because they didn't want a Conservative, and look what they got, a Conservative...
Keep on protesting you guys, I'll sprinkle some glitter on my anti-Emerson sign and hammer it onto my front lawn - the Conservatives on my block won't like it, but who cares? It's a lawn ornament...

Political Puppy Love

"Call Stephen Harper what you will, but don't call him a Conservative Casanova" (Canadian Press, 2006) - no problem, can do - he's not my type... I'm not into the slime-ball creepy Conservatives, thank you very much. And quite frankly, blue isn't one of my favorite colors - give me a nice mauve or crimson, perhaps a nice charcoal black.

The prime minister was quick to correct a New Democrat MP who accused him today of "seducing former Liberal David Emerson into switching parties. Harper reminded the House of Commons that his reputation is that of a bookish loner rather than a hot-blooded lothario.

Um... Okay... "bookish loner"... I have a variety of other adjectives that could be added as well, but I'm afraid none of them are too flattering. Though, I'm sure that someone finds that green flak jacket of his to be attractive - does not nothing for his expanding figure, but if he thinks he looks good then... what can ya do? Aside from throw him onto an episode of that television show "What Not To Wear" and a five-week intensive "Queer Eye For the Straight Guy" boot-camp.

" 'I don't think I've ever even been accused of seducing anyone, even my wife,' he told chortling MPs." I'm sure he hasn't... but does someone who has never seduced have children? I'm a naive young-person... and according to the "birds and the bees" metaphore, there must've been some degree of seduction there... Unless of course he ordered his wife out of one of those mail-order-bride catalogues... Maybe e-bay... I'm sure sure how that system works...

Either way, I'm sure that there was some seducing of Emerson by Harper... it probably started off with a flirty smile, a gentle touch of the arm... letting out a quiet giggle at a stupid joke Emerson had made... I'm sure things eventually escalated to Stephen making a romantic mix-cd for David... perhaps passing notes written with pink cursive writing back and forth - daring to be caught by the Speaker... oh... I'm sure it was love at first sight... and what else is one to do while in love, but to give their lover a special place, not only in their heart, but parliament?

But... oh dear, oh my... what will ever happen when Harper and Emerson break up? Will Harper cry silently in a corner wondering what went wrong? Which one will say, "it's not you... it's me"? Will Emerson go run off and connoodle with Jack? Gilles? Or will Emerson slink humbly back to the Liberals, holding wilted daisies and a handmade glitter-card that says "I'm sorry"? It's a shame when true love fades...

Nothing good can come from political puppy love. Nothing... nothing but broken hearts, crazy love-triangles and salty tears.

Hetero, Homo & Politically Insane

Like most days when I have a long break between lectures, I like to sit and "chill" in the student lounge, scrolling through random newspapers and giving my friends an ear-full when something strikes my fiesty political opinion. Oh, it's grand being an opinionated university student... for that reason alone, I felt compelled to blog about the random articles that I have read this morning - and give my two-cents even if you already have a nickel and have no need for spare change.

First off... I read an article outlining the throne speech yesterday - needless to say, I wasn't cheering on the Govenor General as she read Harper's scripted eleven-page skit... I suppose if they used sock puppets instead, I would have been more amused.

Stephen Harper used his Conservative government's first
throne speech to set a course oward a more flexible federalism, greater respect
for Quebec and smoother relations with "our best friend" the United
States.

I'm sure the only flexibility there is going to be is if Harper takes up yoga classes every Tuesday and Thrusday night - or perhaps, be more flexible and stealthy in doing this and that and not be held accountable for their actions; case and point (thus far): the Emerson defection. As for greater respect for Quebec, I'm absolutely smitten with that province - it's particularly lovely during July (spent my summer there last year). As for the United States being our best friend, made me want to vomit... I'm sure the only thing that is going to come from this government is that we're going to become Ameridians... a disgusting mix of American and Canadian... I hope the romp in the hay with Bush is worth it for Harper... I'm sorry... that was so Brokeback Mountain...

Speaking of Brokeback Mountain, that got me thinking about the article "Tories to hold free vote on same-sex marriage says justice minister" that was in the news paper this morning. I don't know about you, but does Harper already have nothing better to do than bring up old news?

The federal Conservatives say they will follow through
on a campaign promie to hold a free vote in the House of Commons on same-sex
marriage... While the issue was not mentioned in Tuesday's throne speech,
Justice Minister Vic Toews says the vote will be held "sooner rather than
later." The Tory campaign platform says if MPs vote to overturn same-sex
marriage, a bill will be introduced to restrict marriage to unions between men
and women.

Who really cares? If two people loves eachother, they should be able to declare that by getting married, if they so chose to do so. Who cares if it's two men, two women, or a man and a woman? Hell, in the United States a woman was able to marry a freaking dolphin! Who cares?! As the Canadian for Equal Marriage says, "the issue should be put to rest".

I suppose that is all the rambling that I will do for today, I have a pb&j sandwich in my backpack that is calling my name, and the possibility of catching a few mintues of sleep before my next lecture.

Et... Erm, DM Phone Home

The Anti-Emerson Walk for Democracy protest was yesterday in Vancouver-Kingsway; it's a pitty that I wasn't able to go... I was the typical university student slaving away on multiple term-papers, however I must say... I'm damn proud of how many people showed up to defend what they believe for. It's obvious that the government and blue-tinged smurf-like Conservatives will be able to sweep people's disappointment and loathing under the carpet.

"'We're getting calls from all across Canada,' event organizer Mike Watkins, a Conservative, told the assembled crowd. 'There are De-Elect David Emerson signs in Nova Scotia.'" Wonderful - I wonder where I can get one of those signs... maybe get a blimp saying that, though in a Conservative riding I'm sure that would get a few reactions... n that I'm scared of Conservatives at all - good luck them chasing me out of town with their pitch forks and torches , because GASP (!) I'm a Liberal.

I got a comment a few days ago to the effect of 'there wer 70,000 people who would argue against the protesters'... if that were so true, why is it that people across the country are banding together PROTESTING against Emerson? Obviously there is reason behind it, people voted for a LIBERAL canidate - and what does he do? Nothing more can be said other than their vote was abused. Hell I'd be just as angry if the canidate I'd voted for switched over just because "he wanted to"

So, thus I conclude my blog for today, by applauding those hundreds of people that walked for democracy. That truely was an amazing thing to see.

Hunny, Where's My Teddybear?

Has anyone else noticed that green vest Harper always wears? Not only was he wearing it out in Afganhistan but it found his way to Mexico as well. This gives me yet another theory about our beloved PM... the green vest is Harper's security blanket. His wife would not allow him to pack his teddy bear or tickle-me Elmo... so he was stuck with the green vest - poor guy, how is he going to sleep without his Elmo?!

"Hunny, did you see my Elmo?" Harper calls from his bedroom.
"Stephen, I told you already, you're too old for a stupid stuffed animal" his wife yells back.
"Mommy would let me take him to Mexico with me!"
"You didn't just use the Mommy-card!!"
"Oh, I did, now give me my Elmo bit - ... "
"You know what, you're sleeping on the couch tonight buddy"
"Fine, I won't bring Elmo with me"

That is perhaps the conversation that took place - however, if the vest is not there as Elmo's replacement, than perhaps it's some sort of weight-compression garment, or bullet-proof vest. The weight-compression garment wouldn't surprise me, though with today's fashions, I'm sure he could have found something a little bit more flattering - green isn't his colour, and damnit, it just doesn't do anything to flatter his girlish figure.

Now... if the green vest is a bullet-proof vest... than perhaps our PM is a wee bit paranoid that someone's out to get him. A bit early into his career as prime minister.... it was even a good few months before Bush started hiding behind bullet-proof glass... poor guy...

Either way, I'm sure that there's some reason behind the tacky green vest... next week, I will tackle the idea of Harper's hair - toupe... or whatever it really is

Assault MPs With Passionate Letters

In a news article that I read today, Harper said "Conservative supporters and Canadians at large should flood their MPs with demands for the kinds of change they want to see in government" If he wants change, then I suggest that he starts with his hair - would it absolutely kill him to get some highlights? A haircut? Or a new toupee? The one change I would like to see however, is another Liberal government - I know, I know Harper's our PM... but I'm not gonna be happy about it...

"Harper pledged again to introduce an Accountability Act" to clean up government corruption. e repeated promises to cut the GST, crack down on crime, give parents money for child care, and develop a health-care wait-times guarantee." Okay... so Harper's all for government accountability, then how is it that he got off scottt-free from the ethics commission for the Emerson incident? Isn't that something to be accountable for? Or am I just a stupid 18-yr old? And give money to parents for childcare? Isn't that $200 a month? How are needing-parents going to work with $200? I think that's cutting it a bit tight.

"And friends, make no doubt about it, Canadians are with us." And friends? I read on "Blog Boy's" Liberal blog during the election, that a true friend is someone who you would share your socks with. I'm sorry, but is there any sock sharing? I have a hole in my left black sock, and no replacement for it from Harper yet. Furthermore, "friend" you're not my friend. Calling everyone your "friend" like he does, is something that perhaps one of those snot-nosed rude obnoxious "popular kids" would call everyone - even if they despised you for your non-comformist ways with a passion... hell a friend is someone who in kindergarten, you would share your purple crayon with. Sorry Harper, I'm not about to let you borrow my crayon.

Fashion Police!

Seeing as I have a few minutes to waste before going to my Psychology
lecture, I thought that I would take a few minutes to blog - while I criticized Emerson yesterday, I thought that I would switch things up and poke fun of Harper's fashion statements.

I'm sure that everyone has seen the hideous cowboy-getup, dear God, I have never seen something so ugly... a slightly over-weight politician wearing a black leather cowboy outfit - sooo Brokeback Mountain! Minus the homosexuality of course, Harper doesn't like homosexuals... nevertheless, the cowboy costume is the worst I've seen yet.

I imagine that it's quite hard to constantly be in the public eye; people watching your every move and ... in Harper's case, his expanding waistline. Though along with the sad weight gain, comes the horrible suits. Has anyone noticed how his suits are always either way too baggy? I must admit, my sleeves are sometimes too long, and due to my short stature, my jeans will occassionally drag on the ground (hey, you try finding a good pair of jeans when you're 5'0"!) ... but seriously, you'd think that a high-profile man such as himself, would spend an extra five minutes or a couple dollars to see a tailor... or go to a fashion consultant ... blue may be the Conservative Party colours, however it just doesn't do anything for him. Maybe a nice charcol gray... might match his hair... or black... black would be a good colour - I hear that black is a very sliming colour... not to mention, black goes with everything.

Anyways, aside from complaining about his lack of fashion sense - I don't have anything more to talk about... despite having a few more minutes before having to go to class, I think I've rambled on enough for now...

We Don't Love You Either

Constituents in Vancouver-Kingsway are still not pleased with David Emerson - not only are they plotting to plant "de-elect Emerson" signs on their front lawns like pink flamingos, but to send messages to Emerson via the clouds - sending an Et-esque message, saying "David Emerson Call Home"

"A Vancouver-Kingsway resient has hired a small aircraft and piolet out of Toronto to fly over Ottawa as Parliament opens April 4, towing a banner with a message for Emerson." while the plane won't fly directly above the Parliament buildings, it will fly close enough for all the MPs to see - this is all to "highlight the fact Emerson has not been available to constituents in his riding since he joined the Tories"

My hypothesis is that the banner is going to read "David Emerson Call Home", because the messages that the constituents really want to leave with him would not fit onto the 40-meter banner - after all, how many explict words can you fit onto a 40-foot space?

So... they've asked him questions, he hid in a corner - I'm sorry, but Emerson should, as the saying goes "grow a pair of balls" and face his fear - a couple hundred very angry constituents... I'm sure that it's nothing worse than having to go to the dentist for a root canal...

Furthermore, and yes, there is more for me to bitch about - this airplane stunt will be held only a day after an angry protest against Emerson, dubbed the "Walk for Democracy" - which he won't be attending, because you know - it's Emerson, I'm sure that it's not a case of him not wanting to face the mob of angry citizens armed with pitchforks, torches and "de-election" signs - but a case of he didn't know whether the mauve or periwinkle tie went better with his charcoal business suit, and black leather gucchi shoes.

"I Don't Love You Either"

Give Up Harper, It's Pointless

It seems to me and our beloved pollsters that Prime Minister Stephen Harper's trip to Afghanistan failed to boost the "waning public support for the combat mission" (The Ottawa Citizen, March 25, 2006) ... recent polls suggest that only 52% backed the use of our troops "for security and combat efforts against the Taliban and al-Qaeda" ... so, as most polls go - subtract an extra couple percent from the percentage given, in order to get an accurate answer... therefore, it's quite doubtful that 52% of the population supports this, for lack of a better word, "bullshit"

"Mr. Harper's trip didn't do much" yea... that was kind of obvious - something tells me that hoping on a plane, fleeing the country and supporting a cause that a great many of Canadians think to be utterly ridiculous isn't going to gain any popularity points - getting a new hair cut would probably have been more successful, instead of a couple hundred dollars to cross the ocean in a big air plane.

Furthermore, during an interview for CTV, Harper told them "it was hard for him to comprehend why come Canadans have such deep-rooted objections to the military mission in Afghanistan" - um... "dude" it could be either because military action is uncalled for, or the fact that every few weeks, one of our own come home in body bags - death for no cause, military action with no reasoning - you do the math.

There are a great many of people who don't like Harper to begin with - I'm even one of them, I'm not going to lie. But there's a decline in support for military operations, and going to munch on camp food and get sand in a pair of shoes isn't going to gain popularity.

One Ultimatum, Two Ultimatum, Three!

OTTAWA - Opposition party leaders warned yesterday they are willing to bring down Stephen Harper's minority government if it does not change its course -- particularly on the Tory promise to provide a child-care subsidy to parents -- in the next two weeks.

In separate meetings with the Prime Minister, interim Liberal leader Bill Graham and the Bloc Quebecois' Gilles Duceppe reminded the Conservative leader his party is outnumbered in the House of Commons and urged him to compromise on the government agenda as he drafts his Throne Speech.

The speech, which will be delivered by Governor-General Michaelle Jean on April 4, sets out the agenda for the coming parliamentary session and will be passed or defeated in a confidence vote that could spark another election.

Mr. Graham insisted the Liberals are willing to face the consequences of a confidence vote even though they won't have a new leader until December and are still struggling with the fallout of the party's defeat in January.

He laid out his party's well-known concerns about the Tory agenda, including the fate of a $5-billion deal -- signed by the Liberals last year -- to improve living conditions for aboriginals, opposition to a cut to the Goods and Services Tax and Mr. Harper's promise to pull out of child-care agreements that were also signed by the previous Liberal government.

"We'll make our decision about how to vote when we see the Speech from the Throne," Mr. Graham said. He noted the New Democrats and the Bloc joined with the Conservatives last November to kill several initiatives they now want to see passed.

Despite Mr. Graham's threat, his party is ill-suited to face an election until at least 2007. The Liberal executive agreed last weekend to hold a leadership convention in December to replace former prime minister Paul Martin.

Mr. Graham pointedly refused to say whether he was prepared to lead his party into an election if Mr. Harper's government suffered a quick defeat. He called one reporter's scenario "hypothetical."

Mr. Layton, who met with his opposition counterparts yesterday but not with Mr. Harper, shares Liberal opposition to the Conservative plan to give parents $1,200 a year for every child younger than six. The Tories will cancel a Liberal plan that involved sending money to provinces to set up institutional daycare programs.

Toronto NDP MP Olivia Chow has suggested opposition parties use their majority to pass legislation protecting the Liberal initiative.

The Bloc, with 51 seats in the House of Commons, also wants to see Ottawa respect the child-care agreement signed with Quebec Premier Jean Charest. But unlike his opposition counterparts, Mr. Duceppe struck a less-than-dire tone following his meeting with the Prime Minister, perhaps encouraged by Mr. Harper's high-profile overtures to the province since being elected.

Warning that his party's support will be considered on an "issue-by-issue" basis, he said Mr. Harper has made encouraging promises but must now begin to deliver on them.

"It seems there's a place for a new approach, but we have to see concretely what these things will be," he told reporters.

Mr. Duceppe said the Conservative leader promised to "find a way" to respect the child-care agreement with the Quebec government, which already has an institutional daycare system, but did not explain further.

Other Bloc concerns include guaranteeing Quebec a seat at international cultural forums, respecting the Kyoto environmental treaty and ensuring a vote for future military deployments -- not including the current mission in Afghanistan.

Mr. Harper promised he would consult with opposition party leaders on his Throne Speech before Parliament opens in April, but cautioned them not to become too hopeful or too insistent with their demands.

"It will ultimately be my decision and the decision of our Cabinet how much we accept," he told reporters just after the election.

"We've run on a series of priorities that are very clear and I think are popular with Canadians, and I think Canadians expect us to pursue those priorities

You're Not So Strong

"It's up to New Democrats and the Bloc Quebecois to see that the minority Conservative government survives its first throne speech, says Opposition leader Bill Graham", the interm Liberal leader paid Harper a visit to remind him, that he's not as strong and mighty as he thinks he is... if political leaders Stephan Harper wouldn't be the roaring lion that he thinks himself to be, but rather a scruffy looking ally cat.

"Harper's Tories captured 36% of the popular vote, and 123 seats" during the last election - only 36%, if this had been highschool student president elections, he would be the nerd with the pocket protector whining about how none of the kids like him; needless to say the Conservative government is still walking on egg shells, one wrong move, and the popular vote may drop a bit more, perhaps to 34.587% - though I'm not fortune teller - I'm just a conservatively-pessimestic university student.... which a smidgin of personal opinion thrown in for good measure (perhaps some sarcaism and wit as well).

"Today, the Conservative government is adamant it will pursue only five specific governing priorities: a GST cut; a child care credit for parents; new accountability legislation for parliament; a patient wait times guarantee; and tough new criminal sanctions." they had to drop the sixth priority, which was very "hush hush" - having those fab-5 queer men giving Harper a major fashion makeover - thus there will be no "Harper Edition" on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"....

I find is most entertaining that despite all of the hoopla (yes, I just said hoopla) with the Conservative government that they're still out to put in that "accountability legislation", especially since Harper got off scott-free from the the Emerson defection - can you say "hypocrit"? Because I can... hypocrit, hypocrit, HYPOCRIT! If you've read my previous posts, you won't be surprised to see that I still hold that grudge. We all know how well women can hold grudges for long periods of time - and I am a woman... so I will hold my grudge.

"A Harper spokeswoman said Tuesday there is no set timetable for further meetings between the leaders concerning the throne speech before April 4, but did not rule them out" Yea, there aren't going to be any little "meetings" nor interviews with the press - has anyone else noticed that Harper has yet to speak with a reporter out in the open? Sending post-it notes and throughly edited press releases to the media don't count - is our prime minister camera shy? Afraid that we won't like what he has to say? Or is it simply a fear of the camera adding ten-pounds?

You're Kidding, Right?

Harper Cleared Of Ethics Violation

Bruce Cheadle, Canadian Press
Published: Monday, March 20, 2006

OTTAWA -- The practice of switching political stripes for a cabinet job needs a good public airing, says the federal ethics commissioner, but does not break current ethical rules for MPs.

In a report Monday, Bernard Shapiro cleared Prime Minister Stephen Harper and International Trade Minister David Emerson of any wrongdoing under Parliament's conflict-of-interest code.

But Shapiro said the timing of Emerson's move to the Conservatives, just days after he won his Vancouver seat as a Liberal in the Jan. 23 federal election, raised ethical questions for voters who felt their ballot "was somehow devalued, if not betrayed.''

"Although technically there has been no violation to the rules of conduct of the members' code, the incident in question does raise the whole issue of whether the principles upon which it relies have been respected,'' Shapiro wrote in his report.

"In the final analysis, the most appropriate place to settle issues of this kind is not in the office of the ethics commissioner but in Parliament itself.''

Harper's reaction was terse.

"This was never an ethics issue,'' the prime minister said in a release. "Today, the ethics commissioner has confirmed that there was not even a basis for an investigation. This comes as no surprise.''

Harper called the widespread criticism of Emerson's cabinet appointment "nothing more than a partisan effort to demean his fine record of public service.''

Emerson, in keeping with a recent PMO gag order on all cabinet members, was not available to comment.

New Democrats responded by vowing to reintroduce a floor-crossing bill when the Commons returns next month.

Winnipeg MP Pat Martin praised the Shapiro report, saying it makes clear that under the existing rules it is fair game to offer a cabinet job to get someone to switch parties.

"That's helpful information for us,'' said Martin. "Now, we've got to go fix the root of the problem.''

The NDP floor-crossing legislation, which was supported by 40 Conservative MPs in the last Parliament, died on the order paper when the election was called. The bill would force any MP contemplating a party switch to first sit as an Independent, awaiting re-election under a new banner.

Three opposition MPs had alleged that Harper improperly induced Emerson to switch parties by offering the former Liberal industry minister the perks and pay of a cabinet minister.

This, they argued, broke three sections of Parliament's Conflict of Interest Code for MPs.

Shapiro ruled otherwise.

"I am satisfied that no special inducement was offered by Mr. Harper to convince Mr. Emerson to join his cabinet and his party,'' he wrote.

"In addition, there is no reason and certainly no evidence to contradict Mr. Emerson's own claim that accepting Mr. Harper's offer seemed, at least to him, a way to better serve his city, province and country.''

Yet the report doesn't give a blanket clearance for any floor-crosser to demand or to be lured by a cabinet post.

In fact, Shapiro wrote that MPs who switch parties just before important parliamentary votes are breaking the ethical rules.

"Clearly, if the prime minister were to approach a member with an offer of a cabinet position with the sole intent and specific purpose of acquiring that member's vote directly linked to a parliamentary proceeding existing at that time, such conduct would be inappropriate and unacceptable,'' he wrote.

Both the NDP and the ethics advocacy group Democracy Watch said Monday they intend to continue to pursue a complaint against Liberal MP Belinda Stronach. She jumped from the Conservatives to Paul Martin's cabinet last May, just two days before her vote proved instrumental in the Liberals surviving a confidence measure in the House.

Shapiro has not yet responded to requests for a Stronach investigation.

Democracy Watch is taking Shapiro to Ontario court next month in an effort to have him forced from his job for failing to enforce the provisions of the ethics code. His latest ruling just reinforces their case, said spokesman Duff Conacher.

"It's typical. He wants to let everyone off the hook. He's done it again and again.

"Voters have a right to have this code enforced, even if parliamentarians keep in place a hack who doesn't enforce it.''

One issue the report did put to rest was opposition threats of holding Harper in contempt of Parliament next month for refusing to assist Shapiro.

Despite public assertions from his office that he was "loath to co-operate'' with the investigation, Harper in fact provided the ethics commissioner's office with both an interview and a written response, the report said.

They Hate Me! They Really Hate Me!

It does not look like David Emerson will be weeping into a tissue murmering "they love me, they really love me" as many beauty pagent contestants or actors say after winning some sort of award - perhaps "they hate me? Why do they hate me?" or something like that... as in the Vancouver Kingsway riding thousands of signs saying 'De-Elect David Emerson' will be hammered into the freshly spring-green grass.

Sorry buddy, but it's been weeks since the election, and people still have their under-garments in a knot - hell I'd even put up a sign if my front lawn wasn't covered in snow and ice. I say "good for them" they're standing up for something that they believe in - while "Emerson claims the attacks against him are from a clique of 'partisan zealots.'"

"Partisan zealots"? I know true-blue NDP'ers that are just as disgusted...

So hammer those "De-Elect David Emerson" signs, pin one of those pins onto your jacket and be a "zealot"!

Tory Support Isn't Faultering?

According to a news article that I read, the latest poll suggests that "Tory support is as strong as it was in the Jan. 23 election" I'm sorry, but who exactly did this poll? Did the pollster walk into a room of conservatives? Or did they walk into a room of random people and asked "So, do you like the complimentry cheese and crackers?"

Polls all depend on who's being asked... "In this week's poll, the Conservatives have more support than the Liberals in every part of the country except for Ontario, where they trail by only three percentage points" Um... again, did they ask a room filled with tories? Or did the hire a bunch of starving actors and university students with a box of kraft dinner and a cookie? Wait, wait... they bribed them with gold stars and said they're special... didn't they?

Either way, despite all of these popular polls, I for one can say that I loath Harper and his Conservative minions as much as I did back before the federal election. Sorry, it's gonna take more than a box of KD and a gold star to twist this girl's arm.

On Your Mark, Get Set... GO!

Potential Liberal Leaders Meet In Halifax

Broadcast News
Published: Sunday, March 05, 2006

HALIFAX-- The starting gun for the federal Liberal leadership race appears to have been fired in Nova Scotia.

A half dozen potential contenders -- and one declared candidate -- were in Halifax this weekend for the provincial party's annual meeting.

They're talking to delegates and testing the waters as they try to determine how much support they might be able to drum up.

There were so many possible leadership candidates there yesterday, they could barely avoid bumping into each other at the hospitality suites.

They included Belinda Stronach, Scott Brison, Carolyn Bennett, Ken Dryden, Maurizio Bevilacqua, and Michael Ignatieff.

Martha Hall-Findlay, however, is the only person to officially announce her candidacy.

The Toronto lawyer says she planned to use the convention as a way of introducing herself in Nova Scotia where she's not well known.

The meeting wrapped up last night.

What's Her Name? Jane?

The accused serial killer Robert Pickton faces one less murder count after a judge ruled that he cannot be tried on a charge of killing an unidentified Jane Doe, in New Westminister, B.C. Just because they cannot put a name to the woman, her murder will be swept under the rug. He took that woman's life - he should face the consequences for that action, whether she has a name or not. To me, this was a blatent act of disregard towards women - call her Jane Doe for as long as it takes to find out her real name, but to white out on the tally sheet this murder because of the lack of a name is uncalled for.

The judge found "that in the circumstances of this case, the count as drawn fails to meet the minimal requirement set out in Section 581 of the Criminal Code. Accordingly it must be quashed" (Canadian Press, March 2, 2006). I'm sure that if it had been an unidentified male, the judge wouldn't be so quick as to "quash" the case - this woman had rights, despite all circumstances, and Pickton should be accountable for her death, Name or no name.

"Pickston was charged with 27 counts of first-degree murder involving women -
most of them drug-addicted sex-trade workers who disappeared over a stretch
of years from Vancouver's seedy Downtown Eastside."

Who bloody hell cares that those women were in that area of Vancouver? They're still women, no matter what situations they find themselves in. They count too.

"On Thursday, Pickton lawyer Adrian Brooks said outside court
that the ruling was 'a positive step in our defence of Mr. Pickton'."

A postive step? What is that supposed to mean? That the judge is going to magically say that Pickton really wasn't responsible for the death of twenty-eight women - oops, I mean twenty-seven women; that Jane Doe woman doesn't count.

" 'It is essential that minimal requirements of fairness be shown to every
accused and this decision is part of the fairness to be shown to Mr. Pickton.' "

Excuse me? They're complaining about fairness? Was it fair to those twenty-eight woman that their lives were taken away by this man? Something tells me murder isn't fair.

"Lowe said he wanted to make 'absolutely clear' that the deletion of one
count did not weaken the Crown's case."

Who cares if it didn't weaken the case? Pickton murdered that woman, he needs to take some responsiblity for every one of his actions. Even if they don't know the woman's real name. Jane Doe has rights too.

Consider Me In, Folks!

Well everybody, we have another man up for the challenge in entering the federal Liberal leadership race - the Ontario Education Minister, Gerard Kennedy has piped up that he is interested in competing for the leadership roll.

Although he is interested in entering the Amazing Liberal Race (a spin-off from the reality game show, Amazing Race), he has admitted that he's not ready to launch a leadership campaign just now... suggesting that he has to "exercise", which means attending God-knows how many political meetings and drinking high-protein sports drinks - in preparation for the race.

According to Canadian Press, Premier Dalton McGuinty has said that he's "not surprised Kennedy's name has surfaced in Ottawa" (March 1, 2006) - so, as it goes there are several interested politicians who will compete - lets just hope that the federal Liberal leadership race will be as interesting as the next installment of Canadian Idol.

Apparently They're Not Fans of Bush

Bush Makes Surprise Visit to Afghanistan

Terence Hunt, Canadian Press
Published: Wednesday, March 01, 2006

KABUL -- President George W. Bush, on an unannounced visit to Afghanistan, vowed Wednesday to stand by this emerging democracy and not ''cut and run'' in the face of rising violence. He also predicted Osama bin Laden would be captured despite a so-far futile five-year hunt.

''I'm confident he will be brought to justice,'' Bush said, standing alongside Afghan President Hamid Karzai outside the presidential palace.

Bush also rallied U.S. troops and expressed solidarity with Karzai's U.S.-backed government in a surprise visit of just over four hours at the onset of his South Asia trip. The U.S. leader was accompanied by his wife Laura, who visited the country on her own in April 2005.

He later flew to New Delhi, India, where tens of thousands of people demonstrated Wednesday against his visit, and was visiting Pakistan later in the week.

Bush pledged that bin Laden, the al-Qaida leader, and other planners of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks would be caught.

''It's not a matter of if they're captured and brought to justice, it's when they're brought to justice,'' Bush said.

Bin Laden is believed to be hiding out somewhere along the mountainous Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Suspicion that al-Qaida and Taliban militants may be using Pakistan as base for launching strikes in Afghanistan has become a source of tension in relations with Afghanistan.

Bush said that, when he is in Pakistan later this week, he will raise the issue of cross-border infiltration with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

Karzai greeted Bush as ''our great friend, our great supporter, a man who helped us liberate.''

Bush held a working lunch with Karzai and other Afghan leaders, attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the U.S. embassy in Kabul and spoke to U.S. troops at Bagram Air Base.

''People all over the world are watching the experience here in Afghanistan,'' Bush said, praising Karzai as ''a friend and an ally.''

Karzai took power after U.S.-led forces overthrew the Taliban government. Although in disarray after the invasion, Taliban insurgents and their al-Qaida allies have been increasing attacks within Afghanistan in recent months.

The director of the U.S. Defence Intelligence Agency, Lt.-Gen. Michael Maples, told a congressional hearing in Washington on Tuesday that the insurgency was still growing and posed a greater threat to Karzai's government ''than at any point since late 2001.''

Asked about the search for bin Laden, the mastermind of the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the United States, and of the president's long-ago call for getting him ''dead or alive,'' Bush said the search for bin Laden and his associates continues.

''We've got U.S. forces on the hunt for not only bin Laden but anybody who plots and plans with bin Laden,'' Bush said. ''There are Afghan forces on the hunt. ... We've got Pakistan forces on the hunt.''

Bush's entourage flew into the city from Bagram in a flock of heavily armed helicopters. Two door gunners on a helicopter carrying the news media fired off a short burst of machine-gun fire as the aircraft flew low and fast over barren, rugged countryside. A U.S. military spokesman said later the gunners were test-firing their weapons as part of ''standard operating procedure'' for such helicopters.

''Neither President Bush nor any of the aircraft in the flight were ever in any danger,'' said Lt.-Col. Paul Fitzpatrick.

Before leaving Afghanistan, Bush gave a pep talk to U.S. troops at the air base. Speaking to about 500 soldiers in a huge recreational tent, Bush expressed resolve over the U.S. mission.

''I assure you this government of yours will not blink, we will not yield. ...The United States doesn't cut and run,'' Bush said to enthusiastic cheers and applause.

There are about 19,000 America troops in Afghanistan, a number U.S. Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has said would be reduced to about 16,000 by summer.

They are supported by troops from a number of NATO countries, including Canada, which has just taken command of the southern area near Kandahar. About 2,200 troops are involved in the Canadian mission there

Silence In The Court

Harper says Marshall Rothstein was "easy" choice as top court appointment Stephen Thorne, Canadian Press
Published: Wednesday, March 01, 2006

OTTAWA (CP) - In the end, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said it was an easy decision.

Harper confirmed Marshall Rothstein's appointment as justice to the Supreme Court of Canada on Wednesday, saying he's confident the first high-court nominee to face a public hearing will prove an excellent choice.

"The appointment of Judge Rothstein marks an unprecedented development in our history," Harper said in the foyer of the House of Commons.

"For the first time, a Supreme Court justice faced questions from democratically elected members of Parliament, a public event that gave Canadians the opportunity to evaluate the man who will soon sit on Canada's highest court.

"On reflection, this was an easy decision to make and I'm confident that Justice Rothstein will make an excellent addition to the Supreme Court of Canada."

In a one-line statement, Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin welcomed the appointment.

A former Federal Court judge from Winnipeg, the 65-year-old Rothstein faced members of Parliament from all four parties during an afternoon-long hearing on Monday.

Rothstein told them judges should stick to the law and leave social agendas to elected politicians.

He tempered his remarks by observing that legislation must always be measured against the Charter of Rights.

But the overall tenor of his comments were expected to ease concerns by some - especially Conservatives - about so-called judicial activism.

Harper, who chose Rothstein from a short list of three candidates agreed to under a process started by the former Liberal government, has spoken of his concern about "judicial temperament" - the degree to which a judge is prepared to apply the law rather than make it.

It's better known as "judicial activism," a pet peeve of many Conservatives for years.

Monday's hearing was low-key, a stark contrast to the protracted, often contentious interrogations of judicial nominees conducted in the United States.

While some contentious questions were allowed, Rothstein was told Monday he was free to answer - or not - as he saw fit. The MPs had no veto power over his appointment.

Rothstein is to replace Justice John Major, who retired in December.

He will be sworn in during a simple ceremony before he sits on the high court's spring session, which begins April 10.

The ceremony will be conducted by the court's registrar and is usually attended by the justice minister, the justices, former colleagues, the attorney general from the judge's home province and the president of his law society.

Think He Has A Chance?

Personal Thoughts
Apparently David Emerson thinks that he has what it takes to run in the next election - I'm sure that a few people support him (for whatever reason) while the rest of the population would rather be represented by Jessica Simpson, that blonde ditzy bombshell.

People flock in protest against him, I know I'm a mere 18-year-old, though my better logic tells me that if you have to hide in your own riding, perhaps it's not the best idea to run there. Or run there, however grow some balls first and call a byelection... if he's just a great guy with oddles of support, it should be no problem for him to get re-elected in the byelection.

Emerson Will Run In The Next Election
Canadian Press
Published: Tuesday, February 28, 2006

VANCOUVER -- Trade Minister David Emerson says he will run again in Vancouver-Kingsway in the next federal election despite the continuing uproar over his defection to the new Conservative government just days after leading the Liberals' B.C. campaign attack on the Tories.

"I do plan to run as a Conservative in the next election,'' Emerson said Tuesday in an interview with The Canadian Press.

Emerson won his east Vancouver riding as a Liberal in the Jan. 23 election, winning by a solid majority over veteran New Democrat Ian Waddell. The Conservative candidate was a distant third.

Emerson said he has not contemplated shifting out of Vancouver-Kingsway, which has not elected a Conservative since 1958.

"I'm certainly focusing on Vancouver-Kingsway's needs as I carry on my duty as an MP,'' he said.

Emerson, industry minister in Paul Martin's Liberal government, has been the focus of demonstrations in his riding by people demanding he face a byelection over his decision to join Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative cabinet.

But he said he hopes hard work on B.C. issues such as softwood lumber, the Olympics and the Pacific Gateway trade initiative will win over the dissenters.

"I'm driving those issues hard and I strongly believe that people will look at the specifics of my job and my performance in the next election,'' he said.

Emerson, former CEO of forest giant Canfor Corp., and once a senior B.C. government bureaucrat, was initially flummoxed by the backlash his floor-crossing spawned.

A reluctant recruit to partisan politics, Emerson contemplated quitting but said he now believes he was right to jump. He's the only Tory MP in Vancouver's urban core.

"I can't tell you how many people are coming through the doors and the windows with issues that they felt a little stranded by and not knowing what to do with,'' he said.

"I strongly feel I made the correct decision, that I can serve my constituents and my community better in doing what I'm doing now and I feel very good about that.''

Emerson now is back in Ottawa after being hunkered down in Vancouver where he was being briefed by senior trade officials on his new portfolio as the storm broke over his head.

"I have not been distracted from my job,'' he said in the telephone interview.

"I believe very, very strongly that the prime minister made a bold and, I think, a good decision to bring someone in to the cabinet from Vancouver.''

Emerson said he is starting to get a handle on his department's priorities.

"Canada generally has to put the Canada-U.S. relationship right at the top of the list in terms of issues that are critically important for our economic future,'' he said.

"In that context, you cannot escape softwood lumber because it has, to a real degree, defined the relationship over the last few years and it's not been a very positive definition.''

Emerson did not offer any clues about how the Conservative government's strategy on the longstanding trade dispute would differ from its Liberal predecessor's approach -- legal challenges to punitive American lumber duties combined with the prospect of a negotiated settlement.

"I think what will be critically important is for the tone to be set at the top,'' he said.

"The prime minister has been very clear that we want a deal but not at any cost, and that's going to mean the president is going to have to indicate that he has as strong a desire as we have to bring this to constructive resolution.''

Harper is scheduled to meet Bush, along with Mexican President Vicente Fox, at a NAFTA summit in Cancun at the end of March.

Harper has said he favours reviving the idea of appointing top-level envoys to lead the way to a settlement.

"I think any potential mechanism like that is worth considering,'' said Emerson, but stressed envoys must have political weight behind them.

"An envoy is only going to be as good as the empowerment and the tools that that person is given.''

Exit Stage Left Rothstein

New Marshall In Town Says Judges Must Focus On Applying Law, Not Making It

Jim Brown, Canadian Press
Published: Monday, February 27, 2006

OTTAWA (CP) - Judges should stick to the law and leave social agendas to elected politicians, says the man nominated by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to be the newest member of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Marshall Rothstein, the first high court candidate in history to face questions from a committee of MPs, tempered his remarks Monday by observing that legislation must always be measured against the Charter of Rights. But the overall tenor of his comments will likely ease concerns by some - especially Conservatives - about so-called judicial activism.

"I'm not sure that I would be comfortable thinking that judges should be advancing the law with a social agenda in mind," said Rothstein.

"It seems to me that the social agenda is the agenda for Parliament . . . . The court's job is really to take what you (MPs) say about social issues and try to interpret it as best we can and apply it to the facts."

Justice Minister Vic Toews, who chaired the committee, was pleased with that job description.

"I think one can say that Justice Rothstein understands very clearly what the role of a judge is," Toews observed after the hearing.

Liberal, NDP and Bloc Quebecois members, whether they agreed or not with Rothstein's judicial philosophy, all said he was obviously qualified for a seat on the high court.

The hearing was notable for its civility - a far cry from the circus atmosphere some had feared based on similar hearings in the United States.

Harper is expected to make Rothstein's appointment official on Wednesday.

The prime minister said last week he's been looking for judges who will "apply the law rather than making it" and who won't be overly "inventive" in their rulings.

Rothstein, a 14-year veteran of Federal Court, readily agreed when prodded on the subject Monday by Conservative MP Diane Ablonczy.

"If I've interpreted him correctly, I absolutely agree," he said of Harper's comments. "Those are all aspects of judicial temperament that I think are appropriate."

That doesn't mean laws should never be struck down for violating the Charter of Rights, he went on.

But judges must remember that "the statute they're dealing with was passed by a democratically elected legislature, that it's unlikely that the legislature intended to violate the Charter . . . and therefore they have to approach the matter with some restraint."

Real Menard, the Bloc justice critic, said it's obvious Rothstein is the very opposite of a judicial activist and that he's "uneasy with the idea of creating law."

Menard also expressed concern that the Winnipeg-born judge speaks no French and has no knowledge of Quebec civil law. But he welcomed Rothstein's promise to remedy both those problems as soon as possible.

Rothstein, 65, peppered his testimony with a series of folksy anecdotes, including a tale of a long-ago summer job on the CPR line between Vancouver and Winnipeg.
"I often say that I learned more about life working in the dining car than anywhere else,"he reminisced.

"Working for 36 to 48 hours at a stretch, in close quarters with nine or 10 other people, from different backgrounds, different education levels, different prejudices, is not always easy."

As a lawyer and judge in later life, he said, he's always looked for evidence of "hard physical work" when screening applications from potential law clerks.

Sue Barnes, the Liberal justice critic, called Rothstein "an excellent nominee" but was far less enthusiastic about the hearing process.

Nothing came to light that couldn't have been discovered by reading Rothstein's written judgments and law review articles, she said.

Joe Comartin, the NDP justice critic, said it was only Rothstein's "diplomatic" answers that prevented the hearing from degenerating into a political free-for-all.

The judge politely dodged a series of loaded questions about the federal gun registry, the controversial security certificates used to deport terrorist suspects from Canada, the nature and limits of free speech and the mechanics of federal-provincial relations.

His task was eased by the ground rules set out at the start of the hearing by Toews, who warned fellow MPs that Rothstein would have the final say on whether or not to answer any question.

"I think this is necessary, given the central, independent nature of the judiciary in this country and that we, as parliamentarians, must respect that independence," said the minister.

Constitutional expert Peter Hogg reinforced that message, counselling MPs to steer clear of hot-button issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage or the legalities of Quebec secession.

Nobody delved into those areas, but Menard did test the waters early by asking Rothstein what he thought about the contentious gun registry that the Tories have promised to abolish.

"I think it's really a political question, a question of policy," Rothstein calmly replied.

"I don't mind the question. It's just that you must understand, that's not my area, that's your area."

© The Canadian Press 2006

So What?

Did Trudeau not say that the government has no place to be in the bedrooms of the nation? Apparently those great words mean nothing, as this man was refused his chauffeur's permit because he was into BDSM... so what? It's not like he's going to go turn his vehicle into some kinky dungeon, dominating passengers with fuzzy pink handcuffs or whipping them with the leather whips hidden in the glove compartment box - why would it matter what someone is interested in? Who cares whether they're into a little bit of S&M, or even the "standard" missionary-style sex, do you think that anyone is really going to care? They're hiring the guy to chauffeur them from place to place, not me masochistic in the backseat behind tinted windows. I'll stand by what Trudeau said, "the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation" ... or, any other place for that matter - let people do whatever they want.


Vancouver Asks B.C. Court To Stop Human Rights Hearing Into Sadism Lifestyle

Canadian Press
Published: Tuesday, February 28, 2006

VANCOUVER (CP) - The City of Vancouver is trying one more time to untie itself from a Human Rights Tribunal complaint connected to sadism and masochism.

The city is asking the B.C. Supreme Court to overrule the tribunal decision that it would hear Peter Hayes' complaint on the basis of sexual orientation. Hayes went to the tribunal alleging a Vancouver police officer denied him a chauffeur's permit because of his so-called BDSM lifestyle.
BDSM refers to bondage and discipline, domination and submission, and sadism and masochism.

The city wants the court to declare that sexual orientation is connected to gender and doesn't include behaviours or practices.

Rights tribunal member Lindsay Lyster earlier ruled the case should be tested under the Human Rights Code, saying it was clear Hayes suffered because he was denied the permit.

No court date has been set to hear the city's petition.

© The Canadian Press 2006

Mommy, What's A Sovereigntist?

Premier Jean Charest Promotes Sovereigntist in Minor Cabinet Shuffle

Canadian Press
Published: Monday, February 27, 2006

QUEBEC -- Quebec Premier Jean Charest fine-tuned his cabinet Monday, making room for a former sovereigntist who recently won a byelection and moving two other ministers to the government's backbenches.

"Our government is working well,'' Charest said at a news conference. "Our goal today is to strengthen this team.''

Raymond Bachand, who won a byelection last December as a Liberal in the Montreal riding of Outremont, becomes minister of economic development.

"My passion is economic development,'' Bachand, a former president of the Quebec Federation of Labour's Solidarity Fund investment arm, said at a news conference.

Bachand brings considerable business experience to his post, having held top jobs at Culinar, grocery chain Metro-Richelieu, and Secor. He was also a top bureaucrat in the Parti Quebecois governments of Pierre-Marc Johnson and Rene Levesque.

Two other ministers -- Thomas Mulcair, who held the environment portfolio, and Pierre Reid, who was minister responsible for government services, were bounced to the backbenches.

Charest denied Mulcair's departure was linked to his hardline stance with the federal government and said he was offered Reid's job but turned it down.

"There are no small jobs in cabinet,'' Charest said.

Mulcair was highly regarded by environmentalists and had a reputation for feistiness.

Former economic development minister Claude Bechard, considered a rising star in the government, takes over as environment minister at a time when delicate discussions are expected on climate change legislation with the federal government.

Henri-Francois Gautrin takes over as minister responsible for government services from Reid, who becomes a backbencher.

Reid, who was considered a star candidate when he was plucked from his job as rector of the University of Sherbrooke to run in the 2003 election, was not offered any other cabinet job. He had previously served as minister of education.

Charest says he made the changes to strengthen his government before an election call, which could come as early as next year.

One minister who was widely speculated to lose her job in a cabinet shuffle remained on the job Monday.

Carole Theberge, who has faced criticism over day care legislation, was kept on as family minister by Charest.

"She has been the victim, I think, of remarks that have been unjustified,'' Charest said. "She has my total confidence.''

© Canadian Press 2006

The Tribe Has Voted

SCOC Nominee Rothstein Grilled

Canadian Press
Published: Monday, February 27, 2006

OTTAWA -- Canada's newest Supreme Court nominee opened a hearing before a committee of parliamentarians Monday by telling a story of how working as a waiter on a railway dining car taught him about life.

Marshall Rothstein, 65, had the summer job on the CPR line between Vancouver and his native Winnipeg while attending university.

"I often say that I learned more about life working in the dining car than anywhere else,'' Rothstein said.

"Working for 36 to 48 hours at stretch in close quarters with nine or 10 other people, from different backgrounds, different education levels, different prejudices, is not always easy.

"You had to be flexible and accommodating or you couldn't survive. You had to be scrupulously honest about pooling your tips or you couldn't survive. It was long days on your feet; it was hard physical work.''

Rothstein, a veteran of the Federal Court renowned for his command of commercial law, said he's always looked for "hard physical work'' when screening applications from potential law clerks.

He said he does this "so they will appreciate what I have come to appreciate: the diversity of our population, how hard Canadians have to work to make ends meet and something of what it's like not to have the advantages they will have as a lawyer.''

Canada, he said in response to questions, is a bilingual and "bijural country -- and that is one of the great strengths of the country,'' referring to Quebec's separate system of civil law.

So is the fact that it is diverse, a "country of immigrants'' like his parents, who came to Canada from Poland and Russia before the First World War, he added.

Those strengths have also made Canada a tolerant country, said Rothstein, who does not speak French.

Justice Minister Vic Toews opened what he called "historic'' hearings into Rothstein's nomination by calling on fellow MPs to exercise discretion with their questions.

Ultimately, he said, Rothstein would be the one to decide whether the questions put to him by the unprecedented 12-member committee are suitable.

"In this particular case, the witness -- in fact, the nominee -- is in a very unusual situation,'' Toews said before more than three hours of questions were to begin.

"As a witness, he will nevertheless determine and have the final say on the propriety of questions that will be asked. I think this is necessary, given the central, independent nature of the judiciary in this country and that we, as parliamentarians, must respect that independence.''

While some contentious questions may be asked, he added, answers ``may not be given in full, or at all.''

It is the first time members of Parliament have questioned a nominee to the Supreme Court of Canada in a public forum, though they do not have veto power.

In a statement before questioning began, constitutional expert Peter Hogg told the committee that Rothstein could not explain his past rulings nor express his opinions on controversial issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage or the secession of Quebec from Canada.

"Those issues could come to the court for decision in some factual context or other and any public statements by Justice Rothstein about those issues might give the false impression that he had a settled view on how to decide the case,'' Hogg said.

It didn't take long before Rothstein exercised his right.

Bloc Quebecois MP Real Menard asked him whether he felt the gun registry was working. Rothstein said the registry is a political animal.

"I know that the question of the gun registry is a controversial one and I must say that I think it's really a political question, a question of policy,'' Rothstein said.

"I don't mind the question. It's just that you must understand, that's not my area, that's your area to determine those policies. If disputes are brought to a court, then that's when we get involved.''

Rothstein was chosen by Prime Minister Stephen Harper as a candidate for the high court last week from a short list of three people agreed to under a process started by the former Liberal government.

The committee will not decide whether he can sit on the high court -- that's Harper's prerogative.

Rothstein is to replace Justice John Major, who retired in December.

© The Canadian Press 2006

And I'll Cry If I Want To...

Needless to say, yet again I'm not a huge "fan" of our Prime Minister
Stephen Harper... in fact, even a month after the Elections, I still visibly shudder when he's brought up on the news... I'm sure that if he didn't have that evil smile and disgusting hair-piece, I wouldn't mind so much... or, you know, if he'd been a Liberal...

Hmm, that made me think... what would happen if Harper crossed the floor? Oh boy, wouldn't that piss off a whole bunch of people... that would make me giggle like a 12-year-old school girl...

Anyway... after reading countless news paper articles and watching who knows how many hours of news, I have come to the brilliant conclusion that this Conservative government is not off to a good start... thank goodness that I'm not a supporter, I would be hiding in a closet somewhere, crying in the dark.

First there was dear old Emerson, according to the article "Emerson, Harper Will Pay" by Richard Foot, many historians "say David Emerson's backflip into the Conservative cabinet is an unprecedented showof arrogance and a grave error by Prime Minister Stephen Harper", I could not agree more; it is (still) an outrage that a person could run for one party and express themselves in partisan terms, then jumping into the metaphorical bed a week later. One would think that an MP should be able to speak on behalf of their consituents, and have their support - I'm sure that Emerson has all the support he needs... from his mob of body gaurds and other goons, he sure as hell is not getting it in Vancouver where many voters are still protesting against him, demanding that Emerson return to Vancouver like a big boy and face a byelection. This says so much about all the preaching Harper did about "clean politics", does it not? Harper's crisp white shirts aren't so white now are they? Maybe some Tide and another election is the cure.

Then there was the idea of missile defence brought up, yet again - I cannot stress enough how stupid that idea is... I'm sure that I'm not the only one that thinks that this will just cause the beginnings of the next arms race...

You mustn't forget Flaherty's federal budget, which will rear it's ugly face pretty soon. Although Harper and his cabinet haven't been shy to say as to where they're going to spend the "big bucks", they haven't considered how much some of these promises are going to cost - I'm just a first year university student, but even I know that economic growth won't generate enough money to satisfy Harper's long list of shiney promises... yet Flaherty says that "he's confident that he can balance everything" - perhaps he can try to balance the boxes of Kraft Dinner and creamsicles he could buy on a student loan; better him playing around with play-money in a daycare then running the country into a deficit... deficit, what a wonderful FUN word... sure, the country needs a few dollars towards military, education, tax cuts, this and that - though they've pledged $5 billion on new military spending over the next 5 years, in addition to the $5 billion that had been promised by the former Liberal government... not to mention that Harper's decided to keep the Liberal child-care plan until March 2007, which will add a good $700million dollards to his cheques to send out to families for childcare starting in July. Good move, buddy... don't ya know money doesn't grow on trees? Or do they in Harper-Land?

I'm sure that you're getting the picture now... or at least... a well crafted finger-painted portrait of Harper's government thus far... we all know that I could babble for hours on end about all the stupid things that have been going on during this long month under Conservative leadership... but do you really want to sit on your ass that long reading it? I didn't think so - my fingers ache from typing anyway...

Drink Wine & Babble

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the provincial premiers had their first little get-together at 24 Sussex the other day... they claim that they "chatted about a range of issues, from Canada-U.S. relations to health care to native affairs and finances" (Canadian Press, Feb. 24), and said that they discussed post-secondary education just to keep university students, such as myself happy... in reality, it was to "get to know the new prime minister a bit better" - you know, discuss where to get the best pedicures and whether Ashley Simpson's latest cd was as good as her last one - "You make me want to la-la..." was probably sung horribly off-key after a few too many cups of port... perhaps a few shots of tequila.

Talk about the issues? I very much predict that the premiers and the PM had a few playful pillow fights - eastern provinces vs, the western provinces... most likely followed by insessant giggling and the braiding of eachother's hair... or lack there of - at least for Harper, I firmly believe that his "hair" is just a helmet-like hair piece...

Chatted about our relations with the U.S? About Policies? I'm sure that those issues may have sounded a lot like a group of teenage girls giggling having a slumber party:
Harper: Bush looks like a monkey doesn't he? A cute little monkey eating a bananna
Random Premier #1: Um... I think he's a moron
Harper: Geez dude, would you call me a moron too? Geez!
Random Premier #2: Not exactly... you haven't talked too much
Harper: I'm just shy
Random Premier #1: Shy? You're the friggin' Prime Minister of Canada!
Harper: I know but... I just... sometimes I just don't know what to say
Random Premier #3: You could always blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind
Harper: Nah, I don't think so... I don't think that my new communications person can portray that side of me effectively
Random Premier #3: Well... get a new one, silly!
Harper: Maybe I will, in the morning... I'd rather just eat my skittles and play monopoly
Random Premier #4: Sir, aren't we supposed to talk about social policies?
Harper: Shut up, I don't wanna.
Random Premier #4: Sir, I really think so... that's what we're supposed to do
Harper: You're just jealous because I won the pillow fight
Random Premier #4: No... I just think... tha-
Harper: Listen buddy, we're going to eat our cheetos, watch Survivor, then I'm going to go get my beauty sleep.

I'm sure that they really did talk about Canadian issues at some point... no one will ever know. And by no one will ever know, I mean us non-premiers and non-PM's.

So... Post Secondary Isn't An Issue?

Conservatives 'Snub' Premiers' Education Summit

February 24, 2006
Source: Liberal Party of Canada

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to ignore the meeting of Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers in Ottawa to discuss post-secondary education and skills training is “totally unacceptable,” Deputy Leader of the Opposition Lucienne Robillard said today.

“This snub shows that not only are post-secondary education and skills training not priorities for this government, but it also shows the lack of importance this prime minister places on having good federal-provincial relations. It is totally unacceptable,” said Ms. Robillard, a former Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

“Where is Human Resources and Social Development Minister Diane Finley? Where is Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Michael Chong? Are they saying that they don’t care what the provinces and territories have to say about the direction they want to go in these key areas?
“At the very least, these ministers should be sending their own representatives to set the groundwork for a good working relationship with the provinces and territories,” said Ms. Robillard.

The summit is bringing together university officials, students, labour groups, and others to ensure there is common ground among those who have a stake in education and skills training and the politicians who fund it. The Council of the Federation invited all four federal political parties to participate, but only the Liberal and Bloc sent representatives.

MP Mike Savage, Liberal critic for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Chair of the Liberal Caucus on PSE and Research, said, “If provinces and territories are to help determine the future of post-secondary education and skills training in this country, isn’t it imperative that the federal government be part of this process?”

Mr. Savage dismissed Prime Minister Harper’s attempt to assuage the snub to the premiers by inviting them to an informal dinner at 24 Sussex tonight to hear their concerns.

“This is just not good enough,” said Mr. Savage. “The Canadian government needs to be a part of this process. They need to be at the table discussing post-secondary education and skills training with those who know first-hand what is required to make it a success.

“If this is an indication of what we can expect from Mr. Harper’s government with regards to federal-provincial relations, then this country is in deep trouble,” he said.

Harper, Where's My Baby?

Harper Government Ignores Needs of Canadian Families

February 24, 2006
Source: Liberal Party of Canada

OTTAWA – The Conservatives’ decision to terminate the day care funding agreements reached by the Liberal government with the provinces shows that Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government are out of touch with the reality of hard working Canadian families, said Liberal Social Development Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett.

As well, it would appear the Conservatives are also reneging on their election promise to send $1,200 annual childcare payments to families, said Dr. Bennett.

She pointed to Conservative Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s recent comments that child-care agreements will be terminated in favour of a “tax credit” for parents.

“A tax credit significantly waters down an already inadequate promise of about $20 a week that could only buy, on average, about one day’s worth of care,” said Dr. Bennett.

“The Conservatives’ decision to cancel our program will leave children, families and communities in the lurch. Today in Canada, 84 per cent of families with children have both parents in the workforce. Simply put, child care is an everyday necessity in Canada, and this is a reality the Conservative government needs to acknowledge.”

They also need clarify their election promise, she said.

“All along the Conservatives have been talking about cutting cheques to parents with small children. Now suddenly it’s a ‘tax credit.’ Did Mr. Flaherty misspeak, or was he trying to slip through the back door yet another broken election promise?

“If it is the latter, this is even more disturbing than their initial platform. The Conservatives need to clear this up immediately so that parents – and all taxpayers – know whether or not they were duped,” she said.

The dismantling of the ten existing early learning and child care agreements between Ottawa and the provinces means the loss of more than $4.3 billion in federal funding, Dr. Bennett said.

“In many communities, the shovels are

So, Gay Paratroopers Huh?

7 U.S. Paratroppers Charged With Having Sex On Gay Porno Website

Canadian Press
Published: Friday, February 24, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The U.S. army has charged seven paratroopers from its elite 82nd Airborne Division with engaging in sex acts in video shown on a homosexual pornographic website, authorities said Friday.

Three of the soldiers face courts-martial on charges of sodomy, pandering and engaging in sex acts for money, said a statement released Friday by the military. Four other soldiers, whose names were not released, received non-judicial punishments.

The army has recommended all be discharged.

The charges do not mention the name of the site but the division has said previously it was investigating allegations soldiers appeared on a homosexual pornography website. A spokesman for the division said Friday the charges are a result of that investigation.

The military-themed website on which the army has said soldiers appeared does not make any direct reference to the division or Fort Bragg, a sprawling post about 110 kilometres south of Raleigh.

"As far as we're concerned, it's isolated to the unit and our investigation determined that these seven individuals were the only ones" involved, said 82nd Airborne spokesman Maj. Thomas Earnhardt.

Steve Ralls, a spokesman for a legal group that helps gays and lesbians in the military, said the charges indicate the soldiers' behaviour is "a much more serious matter than just their sexual orientation."

"I'm not going to make excuses for service members who are taking part in sexual conduct for money," said Ralls, who works for the Washington-based Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

"It would be absolutely criminal, regardless of whether they were heterosexual or gay," Ralls said.

Earnhardt said the three soldiers charged criminally under the Uniform Code of Military Justice had been appointed military lawyers but the lawyers would be unavailable for comment Friday.

The three soldiers who face courts martial are: Spc. Richard Ashley, Pte. 1st Class Wesley Mitten and Pte. Kagen Mullen. The army did not release their ages or hometowns but said all seven paratroopers were members of the 2nd Battalion of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

The non-judicial punishment received by the four other soldiers included reduction to the rank of private, 45 days of restriction to the unit area, 45 days of extra duty and forfeiture of a month's pay.

The registered owner of the website's domain name lists an address in Fayetteville, N.C., the city that adjoins Fort Bragg. A phone number listed for the registered owner was not in service Friday and e-mails to the owner have been regularly returned as undeliverable.

The 15,000 paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne are among the U.S. army's elite soldiers, all having volunteered to serve in a unit that trains to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

The military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy states "homosexual orientation alone is not a bar to service but homosexual conduct is incompatible with military service."

Service members who violate the policy are removed from the military.

© The Canadian Press 2006

Bullets On Ice?

U.S Putting Missile Defence Talk On Ice (Ambassador Says)

Alexander Panetta, The Canadian Press
Published: Friday, February 24, 2006

OTTAWA -- The United States has no current plans to reopen missile-defence negotiations with Canada, U.S. ambassador David Wilkins said Friday.

"I know of no overture or effort being made by either side to begin the discussions,'' Wilkins said.

The former Liberal government, faced with intense public pressure, abandoned missile-defence discussions last year.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he would be willing to reopen talks if the Americans make a formal offer.

But the White House appears satisfied to let the status quo reign for now, the ambassador suggested.

"That issue came up and Canadian officials decided,'' Wilkins told reporters after a speech to law students.

"And we move on from there and continue to work together on other issues and in other areas.''

Wilkins said Canada won't necessarily remain divorced from the project forever, but added in the next breath that the issue remains off the table.

"I'm not saying there won't ever be (discussions), but I know of no effort from either side,'' he said.

The U.S. stand could appear to be a stunning about-face for a Republican administration that has been all too eager to see Canada participate in the missile shield.

Barely a year ago, U.S. President George W. Bush was in Canada putting public pressure on Paul Martin to join the project.

Martin, who initially supported missile defence, capitulated to public sentiment and announced months later that Canada would remain out.

But the reality of the current U.S. stand carries a highly practical dimension.

The Tories could see their minority government destabilized by a debate on missile defence.

A vote in Parliament could very well backfire on the Tories. And if Harper proceeded without consulting Parliament, the opposition would likely threaten a confidence vote and could certainly use the issue to make political hay in the next election.

To boot, Canada's formal participation would be largely symbolic at this point anyway.

While they did not offer their political backing, the Liberals did agree to modify a Canada-U.S. agreement that puts the binational Norad system in charge of operating the missile shield.

Which means a joint Canada-U.S. system is in charge of monitoring for incoming missiles. Only the Americans at Norad headquarters in Colorado would be involved, however, in launching a counter-strike against them.

The U.S., which wants to build a global missile system, was hoping for Canada's symbolic backing to help sell the project internationally.

The current system consists of missile platforms in Alaska and California. Early test results have been spotty, but the eventual goal is to build a system that could knock incoming missiles out of the sky from any point on Earth.

The project has widespread support from both major political parties in the U.S.

In Canada, all parties except the Conservatives oppose it.

Wilkins' remarks came after he delivered a highly personal speech to law students about his impressions of Canada.

In his folksy southern style, the ambassador joked about embarrassing himself trying to skate on the Rideau Canal.

He joked about French lessons: "I'm taking them. They're not taking to me.''

He spoke of his pride at being able to call president Bush a personal friend.

Wilkins cracked that Nunavut is the only place in Canada where he doesn't get asked about softwood lumber. "There are no trees.''

He fielded almost a dozen questions from students. With equally colloquial grace, he sprinkled his answers to the often-difficult questions with diplomatic generalities.

The students cheered when one of their own cast same-sex marriage as a human rights issue and asked Wilkins how he felt about it.

The ambassador simply replied that South Carolina's legislature opposed gay marriage and introduced a law to that effect.

Then he urged the students to respect the opinion of U.S. voters and their legislators on that issue, even if they disagree, just like he respected the Canadian decision on marriage.

"That's what living in a free democracy is all about.''

© The Canadian Press

I'm A Big Kid Now

Harper Governent Puts Provinces On Notice About Day Care Cuts

Canadian Press
Published: Friday, February 24, 2006

TORONTO -- The new Conservative government has notified the provinces it will terminate child-care agreements signed by the previous Liberal regime as of next March.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says his government has a mandate to scrap the child-care deals with the provinces in favour of a tax credit for parents.

During the election campaign, the Conservatives promised to give parents $1,200-a-year cash for each child under age six.

It was unclear if Flaherty misspoke or was signalling a departure from the election promise when he referred to the payment as a tax credit.

While the Liberals signed various deals with provinces, Ontario's intergovernmental affairs minister, Marie Bountrogianni, says the change will mean the loss of 20,000 new child-care spaces for her province alone.

In Ottawa, the premiers are planning to tell Harper tonight they want him to live up to the day-care agreements.

Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba all signed pacts with the former Liberal government.

Toronto Mayor David Miller said Friday that Harper's cut in day-care funding will mean the loss of 6,000 new subsidized spaces "for the poorest people in the poorest neighbourhoods."

Bountrogianni said she'd hate to see Harper kill the plan by cutting its funding.

Ontario is committed to giving parents "one-stop shopping" at schools for everything from day care to before-after school care and breakfast programs, she said.

© The Canadian Press 2006