HOW CHANGE HAPPENS (or doesn't happen)

Preamble 
     During my some four decades working in  the educational system in Manitoba I have often wondered how major changes in teaching methods and philosophy kept suddenly happening . For example, in teaching reading the swing to and away from various methodologies ("sight word",  phonics , "whole language", etc) occurred on a 10 year cycle. Now I realize that I understand how very few of the major changes in the world come about.

      I do know how VHS succeeded over the cheaper and technically superior BETA format, but I am not telling you.
      I have also been bewildered as to how obvious changes do not seem to happen. For example, financial institutes do not seem to notice that the order of digits in dates can be confusing.  Unless you know the format used by the institution, 01/12/10 can be either Jan 12 or Dec 1 (assuming most institutions always have the year last). There has recently been a move by the printers of cheque blanks to take initiative by indicating "20yy/mm/dd" on each cheque. So much for the idea that the year is always the last two digits, but it is a set toward consistency and it does make sense.

      Another widespread annoyance is the confusion between a capital "O" and the numeral zero "0". The use of a slashed zero (Ø) actually existed in the 12th century and was in common on the very early home computers and printers.  It even exists on your own computer (use ALT 0216 on keypad).  Why isn't it shown on the modern keyboards and used? 
     Have you ever had an airline reservation number or software code like "M10Qbl0"? The letter "l" and numeral "1" and "V" and "U" are also confusing depending on the font. Have you noticed telephone operators refer to an number like "401" as four-oh-one" even though "oh" is number 6 on the keypad?


The Metric System in Canada
    Up until a few weeks ago when I was researching for his blog I thought that Napoleon made France officially metric in 1840 by saying something like: I am the emperor and we will now change to the metric system. It appears that in fact he had less trouble in implementing the Napoleonic Code than he had with getting acceptance for the metric system (maybe because he voted against it once), but it did happen.
    In 1971 the Canadian government appointed the Metric Commission Canada with a mandate of implementing metric measurements in every aspect of national life by 1980. Metric measurements were to be required (usually with imperial measurement subtitles) in an increasing number of goods. The conversion process was well under way until the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney brought it to an abrupt halt by abolishing the commission in 1985. Many regulations requiring metric measurements were either repealed or no longer enforced. As a result, we Canadians today use a confusing and inefficient mix of metric and imperial measurements with no hope of a single system being developed.
     As Grampa of the Simpsons show said: "Metric is the work of the devil! My car gets 82 rods to the hogshead and that's the way I likes it! " If you work out the conversion to miles per gallon (either Canadian or US), you will see he has a very inefficient car.

The Ozone Layer Study (an example of how something happened and is now being killed)

     The year 1957-58 was designated by the scientific community as the International Geophysical Year. A worldwide network of observation centres was set up to measure the thickness of the ozone layer, based on the inference that the heating of the stratosphere was caused by the absorption of ultraviolet solar radiation by ozone. 

     As luck would have it, I was hired as a relief person in Moosonee, Ontario at one of Canada's newly established Dobson Spectrophotometer observation stations as part of its contribution to the ozone layer study which is still going on.  For my personal experience there see pages 97-102  of my autobiographical stories, “It’s Not Where You’re Going”. 

     In 1979, after much resistance from industry interests, the US, Canada, and Norway banned CFC-containing aerosol cans in 1979. But when scientists discovered an ozone hole over Antarctica in the mid-1980s, countries around the world began phasing out the ozone-destroying chemicals. A new class of ozone-friendly molecules called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) replaced them. This just one of the benefits to the world of this type of research which has been going on for some 54 years with Canada as one of the original and continuing contributors. BTW - if you have been reading the recent spate of arguments against even the existence of the ozone layer you might like to check some referenced information on a few of the recent myths.

    It is now 2011, and Canada will be discontinuing its contribution to the environment. This will happen with no discussion - not even a statement that it will happen - or how it happened.  It will be done by simply laying off staff at Environment Canada. The only way to find the deliberate sabotage of this ozone research project is to read between the lines of the fine print in the 2011-12 Budget.

  

     I guess that is how some changes happen in our Canada these days.

CANADA GETS TOUGH ON CRIME

(So why do I feel more paranoid than safe?)

     The multi-billion dollar new federal prisons being built in Canada should prepare us for the expected increase in the number of new criminals created by new laws such as mandatory minimum jail sentences, longer sentences, reduced credit for time served, mandatory jail time for Marijuana users/growers and the apparent number of "unreported crimes" that will be uncovered.  Here are some recent evidence to illustrate Canada's efforts to discover criminals everywhere.


Protecting us from heroin dealers:

     A 66-year-old Minnesota grandmother was detained at a Manitoba border crossing on allegations of heroin trafficking after they found a small container of a liquid in a storage area of her trunk. She suggested it was probably motor oil left over when a relative had changed her oil recently. Ever vigilant border agents tested it and the test was positive for heroin related material. She was then subjected to TWO strip searches and was detained in custody for 12 days while they had a proper test done on the mystery substance because she could not provide $15,000 surety for bail. Final lab tests at Health Canada indicated there was no heroin in the container. Border officials stated that in drug cases it is "reverse-onus" for proof - the individual is considered guilty until proven innocent.

Two letters in the Winnipeg Free Press (July 28/11) offer amusing but enlightening commentary on the situation:
     1) "Perhaps speedier results would have been achieved by taking the substance in the jar to any service station, where any employee would have confirmed that, yes, it was motor oil."  L.S., Winnipeg
     2) "Authorities should have realized that Janet Goodin wasn't a heroin dealer when she couldn't afford bail. What self-respecting drug mule doesn't have that kind of cash on hand?"  R.L,. Landmark

Illegal Canadians citizenships are everywhere:

     The Canadian Govt recently discovered that there are at least 1800 people (mostly living outside Canada) who have Canadian citizenship which are suspected of having been obtained without meeting the required residency requirement and hence are now being revoked by notification.  Fewer than 70 citizenships have ever been previously revoked since the Citizenship Act was passes in 1947.

Suspected criminals will no longer live among us:

     The Canadian Govt has publicly posted the names, description and picture of 30 people living in Canada who are suspected to have been involved in war crimes or human right violations. No information is available as to evidence of the suspected crimes or details To date five of these individuals have been identified, and at least one has been deported.

Smuggled Immigrants will no longer come to Canada:

      A recent TV news featuring an announcement from a Federal Govt MP stated that a ship (probably containing smuggled Tamils) was sailing to New Zealand.  He also said that someone had suggested there was a possibility that the ship had been planning to sail to Canada. Credit was given to Canada's new (and as yet un-passed) laws for it's supposed change of course.

Prince William & Kate Show Us The REAL Canada

Happy Canada Day!
     After 144 years of Canadian Confederation under assorted Federal Governments and more than a few “unusual” Prime Ministers among the 22 we have had, it took William and Kate to bring out well over 300,000 wildly enthusiastic and happy Canadians to Parliament Hill in Ottawa to show off Canada at is best.
       Their visit personifies the reputation for openness, honesty, practicability, and directness that Canada has historically enjoyed (with a few recent blips). For her “walk about” Kate chose to re-use the dress that she wore at the time of her engagement and the Maple Leaf brooch the Queen wore last year on her visit to Canada last year. I was amazed at their ease in meeting ordinary Canadians and interacting with them in a personal manner (and not even any vetting or limit on the number of questions). Prince William briefly wore a pair of sunglasses offered by a well-wisher without any concern for the price they will now command on eBay.
    “Pomp and Ceremony” do not seem to be part of Will & Kate’s visit, Their presence at a small citizenship ceremony in Gatineau, Quebec was the setting for short but meaningful and moving speeches on what it means to be a Canadian.
     Kudos to the royal couple for helping us to see what Canadians really feel and believe. They are providing a refreshing change from the political posturing, self-aggrandizement and deliberate misrepresentation we had been exposed to during our recently completed federal election campaign. Just for this, if for nothing else, Canada needs to have the opportunity to periodically see ourselves reflected in the mirror of the monarchy to see what we are when at our best and what we can continue to become in the future.

Random Thoughts

HOW TO KEEP YOUR COMPUTER SAFE FROM DEER
     The picture says it all . . . except WHY??
[FYI - if the picture doesn't show because it is on your email check my actual blog (cwshirriff.blogspot.com)]

AND SPEAKING OF YOUR KEYBOARD
     One of my most trusted computer blogs has an short article on "how-to-clean-your-filthy-keyboard-in-the-dishwasher-without-ruining-it".   I am not recommending this; I'm just saying.

CANADA CAUSES CANCER
     This headline caught my attention because it seemed weird when the world is searching for a cure. On further examination, I discovered the article meant that Canada is selling asbestos to countries such as China and India when it is well known that asbestos causes cancer. What is even weirder is that the use of asbestos is banned in Canada (the Parliament Buildings have had the asbestos removed as have most public buildings, schools, etc.)  Why does Canada continue to mine it and export it, knowing full well it is killing innocent people. I guess it is OK as long as we don't know any of them personally? Or are some people's lives are more important than others:

WHY iPHONES AND BLACKBERRYS SHOULD BE BANNED AT UNIVERSITIES
     Dr. Philip Baker, Dean of Medicine at the University of Alberta, delivered an after dinner speech on June 11th. Several of the students thought it sounded familiar, did a quick search on the Internet, and were able to read along with him from a 2010 convocation address to medical students at Stanford. Talk about being busted! The U of A has as very strict policy for students who plagiarize, but so far seem think it is OK for the Dean of Medicine.


    How acceptable is plagiarism? The National Post has listed half a dozen examples of prominent people who have been caught in public plagiarism with apparently little consequences. (I was going to cut-and-paste the information for your convenience, but that would have been just too ironic).   

NEWS UPDATE
      Harold Camping  has postponed "The Rapture" (commonly known as the "end of the world") until October 21st. I suggest you mark this date on your calendar. It would be a shame to miss it . . . again.


THE CANADIAN FEDERAL ELECTION
     I guess the election results have answered my blog heading question “Where Has My Canada Gone?” It has gone into a Conservative majority government under the leadership of arguably the most powerful Prime Minister in Canadian history.
     PM Harper has not only a majority in the House (and hence can get any bill passed) but also has a Conservative dominated Senate thanks to some 39 new appointments (unelected) and will have a Conservative majority in the Supreme court (after he fills the upcoming vacancies).
     And that isn’t even mentioning a totally inexperienced official NDP opposition, a decimated Liberal Party (34 seats) and the Bloc Party without even official party status (4 seats), and the establishment of the new Sun News Network to provide an easily controlled Conservative media outlet.
     On the upside, The Green Party now has its first seat elected seat in Parliament.

     The answer to where my Canada is going in the next four years can maybe best predicted by two quotes:
1) Stephen Harper's speech in 2004 when he won the leadership of the Conservative Party,
"We can create a country built on solid Conservative values not on expensive Liberal promises. A country the Liberals would not even recognize. "
2) Bette Davis (as commonly misquoted in the movie 'All About Eve'), "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy ride. "
                           FYI the correct quote is, "It's going to be a bumpy night".

UPDATE ON CANADA'S NEW "FOX NEWS" network
     After a couple of false starts, the Sun News Network is officially on the air as of April 18th, 2011,on a few stations/channels. Their start-up problems have been “resolved” and Kory Teneycke, VP of development for Quebecor and a former director of communications and chief spokesperson for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is again at the head of the organization,
     The news program has two slogans: 'Canada's Home for Hard News and Straight Talk' and 'We're On Your Side'.
     I can accept the possibility of the first slogan but I have two problems with their second slogan. Firstly, how can they say they are on “my” side when they obviously don’t know me or what “my side” is on any given topic?. And, secondly, how can they say they are on everyone’s side a the same time?

THE CANADIAN FEDERAL ELECTION  
      I guess the election results have answered my blog heading question “Where Has My Canada Gone?” It has gone into a Conservative majority government under the leadership of arguably the most powerful Prime Minister in Canadian history.
     PM Harper has not only a majority in the House (and hence can get any bill passed) but also has a Conservative dominated Senate thanks to some 39 new appointments (unelected) and will have a Conservative majority in the Supreme court (after he fills the upcoming vacancies).
     And that isn’t even mentioning a totally inexperienced official NDP opposition, a decimated Liberal Party (34 seats) and the Bloc Party without even official party status (4 seats) Oh yes, and the establishment of the new Sun News Network which should make it easier to provide controlled Conservative national media outlet.
     On the upside, The Green Party now has its first seat elected seat in Parliament.


     The answer to where my Canada is going in the next four years can maybe best predicted by two quotes;

1)  Stephen Harper's speech in 2004 when he won the leadership of the Conservative Party,

 "We can create a country built on solid Conservative values not on expensive Liberal promises. A country the Liberals would not even recognize."
 2) Bette Davis (as commonly misquoted in the movie 'All About Eve'), "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy ride".
                              FYI the correct quote is, "It's going to be a bumpy night".
 
UPDATE ON CANADA'S NEW "FOX NEWS" network"
      After a couple of  false starts, the Sun News Network  is officially on the air as of April 18th, 2011,on a few stations/channels. Their start-up problems have been “resolved” and  Kory Teneycke, VP of development for Quebecor and a former director of communications and chief spokesperson for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is again at the head of the organization,
     The news program has two slogans: 'Canada's Home for Hard News and Straight Talk' and 'We're On Your Side'.
     I can accept the possibility of the first slogan but I have two problems with their second slogan. Firstly, how can they say they are on “my” side when they obviously don’t know me or what “my side” is on any given topic?. And, secondly, how can they say they are on everyone’s side a the same time?

NON-POLITICAL NEWS

       In keeping with my plan for this blog to be unbiased I am ignoring the current election. In the present campaign any comment would be taken by someone as being partisan. 

REALLY?  2,564 miles per gallon?
    For the third year in a row students from Université Laval in Quebec, Canada, took home first prize in Shell’s Eco-marathon Americas fuel-efficiency competition, with a vehicle that was able to get 2,564.8 miles per gallon.


FOX NEWS NORTH?
A new 24-hour TV news station in Canada has been quietly launched by the Quebecor-owned Sun News Network. This is their second attempt. Their first run was held up when the CRTC blocked the use of “fake news”.
The specialty channel was the brainchild of Kory Teneycke, former spokesman for Canada’s Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

INCOME TAX DATE RANT
Doing my income tax reminded me of one of my pet peeves – the lack of common sense in dates. Can you tell me what date 12/11/10  is? 12h of Nov 2010?  or Dec 11th  2010?   or maybe even  Nov 10th 2012 ?  And have you noticed that receipts, banks and income tax forms are nowhere consistent in their use even within their own forms?
How hard can it be for Canada and the USA to decide on a format? I have noticed that the bank cheque printers have begun this silent revolution by printing “yymmdd” under the blanks for the date. Maybe FaceBook could move this revolution along.
And while we are at it why not promote a slashed 0 to distinguish it from a capital O like early computers did. and maybe some way to distinguish more clearly the numeral 1 from the letter l. Airlines like to use a mix of capital letters and digits for your unique reservation code.
There are a few other examples too, but I have to finish sorting my medical bills by date for my income tax.


BTW , today is April 20th which`could be written as 20/4. A lot of younger people prefer to think of it as 4/20. You know – “420”?  If you still don’t get it ask anyone between the ages of 17 and 30. Or just hang out in a public park or place where kids gather at 4:20 this afternoon. And there are people who don't think it matters how you write dates !

Only 27 days until Canada’s Federal Election (May 2nd)

     Our American friends are fascinated by Canada’s ability to find a reason (a vote holding the government in contempt of our Parliament), pass a motion of non-confidence to defeat the government, hold a federal election and count the votes all in less than 5 weeks. That’s less time than it took to count the ballot’s for one of Bush’s elections. But to be fair, the USA has a lot more voters than we do.

     The Canadian elections need to be fast because there is sometimes a short time between them. For example, shortest terms for being Prime Minister are:
        - Sir Charles Tupper shortest at 69 days
        - John Turner for 79 days
        - Kim Campbell (first and only female) for 140 days
        - Joe Clark for 273 days

We thought that problem was solved in 2006 with the passing a law requiring  fixed election dates - one every 4 years (except by a vote of non-confidence). Since this law was passed this will be the 3rd election and the only one resulting from a vote of non-confidence (the other two by unprovoked prorogation). Go figure.

    I found it interesting in 1996 when the Official Opposition in the Parliament was the Parti Québécois which was dedicated to the separation of Quebec from the rest of Canada (known currently as the “ROC”). As I recall those days they made an effective opposition party (although a philosophically bizarre political situation).
  
    In the current election campaign the Bloc Québécois (dedicated to promoting Quebec over the ROC) are being demonized as being unfit to be a part of the government because of their policies (or for only existing in Quebec) and hence should not be part of the upcoming political debate. The Green Party is not allowed to be part of the National debate (presumably because they do not have a sitting MP).

    If people or organizations with power can decide who should or should not be heard (based on non existent criteria by ab arbitrary consortium) , that would be a major blow to democracy in Canada. Surely Canadians should be able to hear all 5 official parties in a televised discussion, even if it isn’t really a debate.

     OK,  I agree 5 party leaders in a debate is unwieldy and confusing to watch – let alone to hear. But where is it written that only one debate is allowed? Maybe if our “system” were less strictly controlled by arbitrary rules then more people might get involved in the electoral process. Sport events manage to handle a large number of teams in one-on-one competitions. It could easily be done with the 5 official federal parties. Why not?

     FYI, Canada has 19 registered political parties:

Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada

Bloc Québécois

Canadian Action Party

Christian Heritage Party of Canada

Communist Party of Canada

Conservative Party of Canada

First Peoples National Party of Canada

Green Party of Canada

Liberal Party of Canada

Libertarian Party of Canada

Marijuana Party

Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada

New Democratic Party

People's Political Power Party of Canada

Pirate Party of Canada

Progressive Canadian Party

Rhinoceros Party

United Party of Canada

Western Block Party

A Canadian Federal Election??? Where Did That Come From ?

      "Everyone" is saying Canadians do not want an election now.  MP's state in the house they have not heard a single Canadian say they want an election.  Well, I am one Canadian who says we DO need an election if it will provide an opportunity to get more than the approximately 58% of our population that usually votes in a federal election out to vote in the upcoming election. If you have watched Question Period in the House you will understand why I say it varies from being a "mad house" to being a "circus" to being a "sideshow".

     You may not notice much difference when we are officially in election mode. We have already had a 2 or 3 month barrage of radio and TV political attack ads.  There was even an attack ad from the Green Party attacking attack ads.

      I read an editorial attacking the Green Party for attacking attack ads. I resisted the impulse to write a letter attacking the editorial for attacking the Green Party for attacking attack ads. 

      Somewhat facetiously (and I am trying not to be partisan), I suggest that the major parties all are hoping for something from this election:
      - the Conservatives hope for a majority
      - the Liberals hope for a minority
      - the Bloc Québécois hope for some 2.2 million dollars and a hockey rink
      - the NDP hope for many more seats
      - the Green party wishes for a greener, gentler world but I have no idea for what they specifically hope

     What do YOU wish FOR?  Not what are you against, but what do you want YOUR Canada to be like?

    Personally, I hope for a Parliament made up of MP's who can be less partisan, more thoughtful and capable of some semblance of DEBATE on issues. That's all we really need for an effective functioning government. Everything else is empty rhetoric, posturing, and over active egos on steroids.

     For this election, I hope that Canadians will open their minds to facts and thoughtful opinions. Surely, there are at least 75% of us who care enough for their future and the future of their country to VOTE. If you don't like any of the parties or their leader then chose the PERSON who is running in your constituency that you trust to make good decisions for the country. But please, do VOTE. Otherwise we can not ever have a functioning democratic Parliament.

    Talk to all the young people you know and help them to separate political rhetoric from facts and then to VOTE as they wish. Their vote (or lack of it) will shape the Canada in which they will be living.  The MP for whom they cast their vote makes up the government and passes the laws.

Do We Really Want Fake News In Canada ???

         The initial stimulus for this blog was a discussion I had a couple of years ago with a fellow at a party in the USA about politicians telling lies. I, (being naively Canadian), felt that honesty was high on my priorities for a politician. His position, (being worldly American), was that he would never vote for a politician who DIDN’T lie.  At that point we became ships that passed in the night – never to meet again. However, it has given me much cause for thought. Should we really expect our politicians to be liars? Maybe there are cases where the end justifies the means? I’m not as sure as I used to be.
    But when it comes to our public news media being allowed to spew forth information they know to be false I would have said, “NOT IN MY CANADA. NOT NOW. NOT EVER.”
    
    I had always thought that there was a ban (legal, or at least moral) on allowing the Canadian TV and radio news media to spew forth false information. And I find I was right. The CRTC has had a ban on broadcasting false information on radio and TV, and the CRTC was content with that current ban on fake news.
    Then, late in 2010 the commission was “coerced” to approve a proposal to make "fake news" acceptable on Canadian TV and radio. One can only guess from where this political pressure came, but it is most likely related to the earlier move to establish a “Fox News North”.
" We never wanted to touch this thing. We put it forward because we were ordered to do it," von Finckenstein told reporters.
   
     The CRTC is dropping this proposal to allow fictitious news items thanks to on the support from a Parliamentary committee. "All I can say is, 'Thank you committee.' I will withdraw this proposal tomorrow. This is the end of the issue,’”Finckenstein  said.

     I sincerely hope this is “the end of the issue.” MY CANADA didn’t (and never will) approve of giving right to broadcast information that is know to be false or deliberately misleading.

But it scares me that this sort of thing was going on without the knowledge of the Canadian public.

Our Government: Fomerly Know As "Canadian"

      It has been made public by CBC news that a directive has been given by the PMO to public servants to use the works "Harper  Government" on all communications in place of  the words, "Canadian Government".

     When a Bloc MP tried to query this in the Friday Parliamentary Question Period, she was blocked by the Speaker of the House because MP`s cannot be named and must be referred to by the riding they represent. She tried to rectify her error by referring to `Harper` as the `H - word`.

     So, we now have added one more to our list of unspeakable words: `the f - word`, the `n - word` and now the `H - word`.

     I don`t much like the sound of the `H - word Government`. I would much prefer to follow the example of TAFKAP (The Artist Formerly Known As Prince).

     The `Government formerly known as Canadian` has a much nicer ring to it.

NOW I Know Where “My Canada" Went

     The “Canadian Government” has been officially replaced by the “Harper Government” in all federal communications by an order given late last year to public servants.

     I now know where “My Canada” has gone. I really want it back because I don’t like where it went. And I am afraid of where it is heading.

     Wikipedia states:
Because the prime minister is, in practice, the most politically powerful member of the Canadian government, he or she is sometimes erroneously referred to as Canada's head of state,^{[n 2]} when, in fact, that post is held by the Canadian monarch, represented by the governor general.^[12] The prime minister is, instead, the head of government . . . “

     Harper is the head of the government, but it is not HIS government. We still have a Parliamentary government, not a personal one.

     No matter what Harper may choose to say.

A Perspective From The USA

      A few decades ago when traveling overseas, I discovered that Canadians were held in high regard most everywhere. A Canadian flag lapel pin assured one of a pleasant smile and a friendly everywhere because Canadians had a reputation of being quiet, friendly cooperative and accepting of the differences between cultures. Americans, by comparison, seemed to be loud, pushy and wanting things the way they were at home.
      On my vacation last week to California, I discovered that Americans seem to have mellowed with age (or maybe it is I who has mellowed).. Americans seem to have become more Canadian in deportment and manner.(or is it just that I have found that out current  government embodies much of what used to be annoying about Americans). And, by the way, our Federal Government is OUR government and not Harper’s Government to use as his personal chess game. The Canadian parliament is made up of the elected representatives of the people and IT (not Harper) should be making the rules as the governing body of Canada. But I digress.
       For example, I was in a hardware store in Redwood City and a sales person asked if I needed help.(apparently I have a perpetual look of confusion). I explained that I was looking for some kind of wax product to lightly wax a table. He suggested I could rub the table with a large brown paper bag instead of buying a commercial product. It was a marvelously helpful idea (and it actually works, although it will never replace Pledge). I never get that kind of useful assistance (without a sales pitch) in Canadian stores.
      It seems “My Canada” has gone south in more ways than one. I found everyone in California (and in Denver where I had a stopover) to be pleasant and friendly – well, maybe not as much when they are driving, but still much more polite, considerate and respectful than in Winnipeg. They even take a turn signal light as a suggestion for them to make room for the signaling car. In Winnipeg it is usually taken as a challenge to close the gap.
      Maybe I don’t really want my Canada back. Maybe I should just let it run merrily along on its present self-destructive course and move south. But I would miss our winters . . . less than you might imagine.

Surprise–Our Minority Gov’t CAN Work

     Two surprising votes this week prove that our minority parliament CAN work to make the will of Canadians known.
     Bill Siksay’s private member Bill C-389 passed its 3rd and final reading 143 to 135 (with 6 conservatives voting for it).
   “The bill would add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act, providing explicit protection for transsexual and transgender Canadians. It would also add gender identity and gender expression to the Criminal Code sections dealing with hate speech and sentencing for crimes where hate was a motivating factor.”
     This finally adds the “T” to complete the GBLT group (not to be confused with a BLT sandwich) as being “people” against whom violence is being a hate crime. Maybe it would be simpler to just recognize unprovoked violence against ANY person as a hate crime? 

     In an unrelated victory for democracy, a bill to roll back the corporate tax rate was passed 149 to 134. The expectation that the Conservatives will just  ignore the bill does not negate the fact that this shows the Parliament can and does (sometimes) represent the will of most Canadians as expressed through their duly elected representatives in the House of Commons.
     That is one thing that “My Canada” has not yet lost. It remains to be seen if the mechanisms for implementation of a duly passed bill still acts effectively.

Canada Today–some better, some not so much

Looking back over the past few decades there are some things which have changed to make Canada a better place in which to live.
One major positive change in Canada that comes to mind is the acceptance of same-sex marriage in Canada at a time when being “gay” is still identified a crime in some 78 countries around the world. Hate crimes appear to be increasing, but this may well be due to an increased awareness and prosecution of them.
Stats Can reports: Police services in Canada reported 1,036 hate crimes in 2008, up 35% from 2007. Just over half (55%) were motivated by race or ethnicity, 26% by religion and 16% by sexual orientation.
If you carry an outstanding balance on your credit card you should not wonder why you have less and less money to spend. My bank VISA card charges 19.99% on unpaid balance or for cash advances (and 24.99% for at least 6 months if I miss making even one minimum monthly payment). Kudos to our government for requiring these charges to be CLEARLY stated, but reducing the actual rates would be more helpful for most people. No wonder the banks can regularly post obscene profits and salaries for their CEO while they pay out 3 percent interest on investments and reduce employment through the use of ATMs. 
The free lunch days of Internet usage are on the verge of disappearing in Canada. The CRTC has passed a requirement that Internet charges will be applied to an individual usage of more than 25 gigabytes per month. That is about 8 HD movies per month. More use than that and it would cost $2 per gigabyte. Minister of Industry Jim Prentice says he is looking into the situation.

My Canada When I Was “Young”

Up until I was in my 40’s I accepted Canada as “my home and native land” to be taken, along with the Bible and taxes, as just the way things were. I voted every year after I turned 21 based solely on the personality and character of the candidates running. I knew there were things called “political parties” but they were as irrelevant to my vote as a birthday party would be. I donated blood regularly because it seemed like the right thing to do.
Speaking of taxes, it was much easier for me to do my income tax forms a few decades ago, not only because the form was shorter and simpler, but because I didn’t mind paying taxes.  I felt I got good value for my money. If I paid more than was required, I just considered it to be a “tip” to the government for things like roads, having a respected national police force (RCMP), for looking after me as a Canadian citizen if I got into trouble when I was out of the country, and all the niceties of living in a civilized democratic country.
I liked it when my family and I would travel overseas and be treated royally because we proudly display the Canadian flag or maple leaf.
During the past couple of decades I have found I was working harder and harder, sweating through an ever increasing number of pages to avoid paying the government more taxes than I really need to because I didn’t feel I was getting good value for my money.
I realized recently that “My Canada” is disappearing fast. A YouTube video shows a policeman in Toronto telling a young man (who could just as easily have been me in my younger days) ,“This ain’t Canada right now . . . it’s G20 land . . . there is no civil rights here, how many times do you have to be told that.”  That is not the Canada of I used to know and love.
The videos of the G20 in Toronto do not match my view of Canada, and I certainly am not happy to have my taxes supporting the billion (that's a "B" not an "M") dollars it cost. It wasn`t very long ago that a MILLION dollars was a huge amount of money. I don't even know how many a billion is.
Some 20,000 police in riot gear (some on horseback), herding people around the city outside the chain link fence was bad enough. But the video of a person being run over by a group of 5 policemen on horseback trotting down the street was particularly disturbing in that not one of the group stopped to see if the fellow was hurt - they did not stop or even slow down as he staggered out from under the horses' hooves . They just kept on trotting down the path. I guess they thought they were serving and protecting what they considered to be the important people in their society.
When I was younger I would not have believed that level of callous indifference would ever be displayed by any group of people in Canada, let alone by policemen. The videos of the G20 indicate it was taken as the norm for this event.
I want my old Canada back - as soon as possible.