Time to look at this mess

As a liberal I am not happy today with the results in Northwest. Our provincial party need to some major redoing. Why are not people not coming to the provincial party? is our message wrong? Is it because of our history? or is our leadership or lack of us in the party getting the message out. I will be the first to say that I was no help in this by election for various reasons. It time we all look at things and talk about the future of our party. because about 3% of the votes is terrible in a riding that we once held.

Tell me what you think? If you even care??


Gord Wyant wins Saskatoon Northwest byelection for Sask. Party
The StarPhoenix October 19, 2010 •Story•Photos ( 1 )
The Saskatchewan Party celebrated holding onto Saskatoon Northwest, as Gordon Wyant
By unofficial count, the lawyer and Ward 5 city councillor took the seat with 3,051 votes, defeating second-place finisher Jan Dyky of the NDP by a margin of over 1,300 votes.

Wyant’s 59 per cent of the vote marked an increase from the 54 per cent won by Sask. Party candidate Serge LeClerc in the 2007 general election.

Speaking to supporters at a celebration at the Ramada Golf Dome, both Wyant and Premier Brad Wall claimed a strong endorsement for the Sask. Party government and a rejection of the Opposition NDP.

“We had a significant percentage of the vote and I think what that says is that the people of this constituency, particularly, they’re saying no to the politics of envy, they’re saying no to the politics of loathing, they’re saying no to the politics of character assassination and we saw that coming up in this election,” said Wyant.

The win buoys the government just ahead of the new legislative session that begins next week.

Wall said byelections are often difficult for parties in power because voters want to send a message.

“The people of Saskatoon did send a message tonight,” he told the crowd.

“They want to see Saskatchewan continuing to move forward . . . they chose the future over the past.”

The byelection became necessary because of the resignation of LeClerc at the end of August. He had left the government caucus in the spring after the airing of drug allegations, which he has consistently denied.

Wyant had served as business manager for LeClerc in the last election, a fact that was pointed out in an NDP brochure which also slammed him for his work as a lawyer.

However, most candidates suggested that LeClerc’s situation otherwise played little role in the campaign.

The NDP had not won the seat since 1995 but Dyky, a health-care facilities manager, and party officials said a simmering undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the government over issues such as health care and cost of living had made Saskatoon Northwest winnable.

Both parties poured resources into the seat, each saying they would hit the Elections Saskatchewan spending limits for both party and candidate.

But NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter said Monday the party always knew Saskatoon Northwest — “one of our toughest urban seats” — would be a longshot.

“The strength of the campaign, if they had a strength, was their candidate Gord Wyant. He’s a very popular civic leader, he’s well-known, he’s been around for many years. Jan Dyky is new in the game,” said Lingenfelter, who rejected the notion the byelection win was a vote of confidence in the government and Wall.

“In a way, I suppose I hope he continues to believe that because the fact of the matter is that a lot of the people in the province aren’t happy with Premier Wall.”

Lingenfelter also scoffed at the Sask. Party claiming the high ground, noting the televised ad campaigns that have been targeting him specifically for most of the year.

Dyky said she was happy with the progress made during the 28-day campaign and said she intended to stand again in the 2011 general election.

This was the fourth byelection since the Sask. Party took office in 2007 but the first where the NDP had a chance to take a seat back from the government. The party did improve its vote to 33 per cent.

The three other parties contesting the race ended up being non-factors, with third-place Liberal Eric Steiner, fourth-place Progressive Conservative Manny Sonnenschein and fifth-place Green Party Leader Larissa Shasko each taking well under five per cent of the vote.

Voter turnout was 55 per cent.

Wall wouldn’t comment about what specific role Wyant would play in government beyond serving as MLA. He has said he does not intend to shuffle his cabinet before the next election.

Wyant’s victory will force a byelection to fill his city council seat.

After years of non-partisan civic politics, Wyant will enter one of the most partisan and hard-edged legislatures in years.

“I’m a very easygoing guy so we’ll have to wait and see how the partisan piece plays. But I’m confident I can adjust to it,” he told reporters.

jwood@thestarphoenix.com

© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

CBC News - Saskatchewan - Sask. Party agrees to pull 'little thief' ad

CBC News - Saskatchewan - Sask. Party agrees to pull 'little thief' ad

Something tolook at folks ! arethe liberal afactor in this one ?

OLD TRICKS

As some who is loves poltics it strange that we as province keeps to vote in same way and in the same pattern over and over. Why do these partys do the sameold tricks ~ does anyone out there hav an answer for me? Read this for me and tell me what you think.

Video of Sask. legislature off-limits in byelection: Speaker

Last Updated: Friday, September 24, 2010 |
CBC News
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan legislative assembly is asking the governing Saskatchewan Party to stop running a political commercial using video from the legislature because a byelection campaign is underway.

In a letter to Saskatchewan Party president Gary Meschishnick dated Sept. 23, Don Toth says the rules of the assembly do not allow the use of legislature video during an election or byelection period.

Residents of Saskatoon Northwest will be voting in a byelection Oct. 18.

"Out of respect for and in recognizing the dignity of the legislative assembly as an institution, as well as the democratic process, it is my hope that you will act quickly to refrain from running the ... commercial," Toth, who is also Saskatchewan Party MLA for Moosomin.

Toth's letter, which was released Friday, made reference specifically to an ad the party has used to attack the opposition NDP. The ad includes a five-second video clip of NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter referring to Premier Brad Wall as, "the little thief from Swift Current" during debate in the legislature earlier this year.


Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2010/09/24/sk-sask-party-ndp-ads-legislature-speaker.html#ixzz10aX8iThg

Bulit it they will come?

Should this be anyissue? If Quebec was not in the mix would this be an issues.

Bernier blogs against QC arena project


A man wears a Nordique hat as he visits Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
MONTREAL - Former cabinet minister Maxime Bernier said Friday he is categorically opposed to sinking federal dollars into a Quebec City arena project he calls a risky financial venture.

In a blog on his website, the Conservative MP takes a firm stance against spending public money on the project, clearly setting himself apart from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and members of the Quebec Tory caucus.

"I too share the dream of again seeing a professional hockey team come back to play in our region and I sincerely hope that a way will be found to make this dream come true," Bernier writes.

Video: Tiger Woods, wife divorced
"But dreaming does not make the hard financial reality go away. It’s nice to have dreams, but when you use borrowed money to achieve them and act as if money grows on trees, you may have a brutal awakening. For all these reasons, I cannot in good conscience support this project."

The blog item comes a day after he was coy and careful during a radio interview and two days after he was conspicuous by his absence at a photo op in which most of his fellow Quebec Tories wore vintage Nordiques jerseys.

The proposed $400-million facility to replace Le Colisee is considered a prerequisite for the potential return of NHL hockey following the departure of the Nordiques in 1995.

Many Conservatives have quietly expressed displeasure about funding professional sports facilities, but on his website, Bernier makes his thoughts clear and says the deal makes little financial sense.

Bernier takes direct aim at a feasibility study by Ernst & Young that stated the project would be profitable only if the government footed the bill for renovations and upkeep for the next 40 years.

"The conclusion should rather be that the project is simply not profitable and will constitute a financial burden for taxpayers for decades to come, even in the best scenario," said Bernier, who represents the riding of Beauce southeast of Quebec City.

"That’s why not a single private player has been found to invest in it."

Bernier staunchly opposes public handouts for private enterprise and said he couldn't in good conscience support a project that goes against those ideals.

"I can't travel the country and make speeches about individuals and governments being responsible, about living within our means and reducing government intervention, while refusing to take a clear stand on an issue where these principles squarely come into play," Bernier writes.

He has refused to do interviews or make any more public comments but invited the public to leave their comments on his website.

On Thursday, he told COOL FM 103.5 that no firm decision has been taken by Ottawa and more time is needed to study the project.

He noted the country has a $56-billion deficit and that the Tories need to slash spending. He repeated that on the blog posting.

"We cannot continue in this way to pass on to our children the bills for all the projects that we cannot afford to pay ourselves," Bernier wrote.

"We cannot continue to distribute ever larger amounts of money to please everyone and buy social peace, while refusing to face the consequences.

"We cannot ask governments to manage our money in a responsible manner while at the same time demanding that they devote some more money to an irresponsible venture that will benefit us."

Bernier said during the radio interview that if Quebec City gets funding, then other cities will be lining up for their cash and that the handouts could cost up to $1 billion.

The Tories have 11 seats in Quebec and holding on to them is key to achieving their coveted majority in a future election. Most of those seats are in and around Quebec City.

The provincial and municipal governments have already committed to funding half of the $400 million for the new arena.

Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume said he's looking for investment from Ottawa similar to the province's commitment — about 45 per cent of the total cost, or roughly $175 million.

Harper has said funding facilities to house professional sports franchises is a possibility.

"In terms of financing these things going forward, we're going to have to respect the precedents we have had in the past and be sure any treatment we're prepared to make to one city we're prepared to make to all," Harper said in Saskatchewan on Thursday.

Saskatoon Speaks

More evidence tat we are turing right in Canada

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From: Liberal Media / Medias libéraux
Sender: Liberal Media / Médias libéraux
Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:15:43 -0400
To: Nikki
ReplyTo: Liberal Media / Médias libéraux
Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Stephen Harper's ‘enemies list’ - COMMUNIQUÉ: La “liste des ennemis” de Stephen Harper


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[LE FRANÇAIS SUIT L'ANGLAIS]

For Immediate Release
August 19, 2010

Conservatives unfairly target Canadians who speak truth to power

OTTAWA – With the sidelining of RCMP gun registry Chief Supt. Marty Cheliak and Veterans Ombudsman Col. Pat Stogran, the Harper Conservatives have shown a pattern of ousting distinguished Canadians who speak truths that go against their ideological agenda, Liberal Public Works and Government Services Critic Martha Hall Findlay said today.

“The Conservatives want puppets, not professionals,” said Ms. Hall Findlay. “Time and time again, the Harper Conservatives show contempt for watchdogs and distinguished public servants who’ve had the courage to speak truth to power.”

Today, a media report emerged that CRTC chair Konrad von Finckenstein and vice-chair Michel Arpin may be next – raising the spectre that the Harper Conservatives intend to politically influence Canadian media.

“The Conservatives steamroll anyone who dares to put police safety, veterans issues or accurate facts in the way of their political agenda. They’re accountable to no one but themselves, and if they don’t like what their senior officials have to say, they shoot the messenger and replace them with someone more compliant.”

The Liberal Party today released a slideshow featuring a dozen high-ranking watchdogs and officials who have been fired, forced out, harassed or publicly maligned by this government for refusing to put Conservative ideology before the public interest. The list includes:

• Chief Supt. Marty Cheliak, Director General of the Canada Firearms Program
• Col. Pat Stogran, Veterans Ombudsman
• Linda Keen, chair of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
• Peter Tinsley, head of the Military Police Complaints Commission
• Paul Kennedy, chair of the RCMP Police Complaints Commission
• Adrian Measner, President and CEO of the Canadian Wheat Board
• Yves Cote, Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces
• Munir Sheikh, head of Statistics Canada
• Steve Sullivan, Ombudsman for Victims of Crime
• Kevin Page, Parliamentary Budget Officer
• Richard Colvin, Canadian diplomat
• Remy Beauregard, chair of Rights & Democracy

“The ordeal faced by each of these distinguished Canadians shows just how intolerant the Conservatives are of dissent based on factual information,” said Ms. Hall Findlay.

“Stephen Harper must stop adding names to his ‘enemies list’ and start accepting constructive criticism for what it is – helpful advice that can make the Government of Canada better and more responsive to its citizens,” she concluded.


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Contact:

Office of Martha Hall Findlay, MP: 613-992-4964



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pour diffusion immédiate
Le 19 août 2010

Les conservateurs ciblent injustement les Canadiens qui osent leur dire la vérité

OTTAWA – En congédiant le directeur du registre des armes à feu de la GRC, le surintendant principal M. Marty Cheliak, et l’ombudsman des anciens combattants, le colonel Pat Stogran, les conservateurs de Stephen Harper prouvent qu’ils évincent systématiquement d’éminents Canadiens qui disent des vérités allant à l’encontre de leur agenda idéologique, a déclaré aujourd’hui la porte-parole libérale responsable de Travaux publics et de Services gouvernementaux, Mme Martha Hall Findlay.

« Les conservateurs de M. Harper veulent des marionnettes, et non des experts, a ajouté Mme Hall Findlay. Ils ne cessent d’afficher un mépris pour des observateurs critiques et des fonctionnaires réputés qui ont eu le courage de dire la vérité au gouvernement. »

Aujourd’hui, les médias ont fait part que le président du CRTC, Konrad von Finklestein, et son vice-président, Michel Arpin, pourrait être les prochains – soulevant l’idée que les conservateur de Harper ont l’intention d’influencer les médias canadiens.

« Les conservateurs passent sous le rouleau compresseur tous ceux qui osent parler de la sécurité des policiers, des questions relatives aux anciens combattants ou qui osent relater des faits exacts risquant de nuire au programme politique du gouvernement. Ils ne rendent de comptes qu’à eux-mêmes et, s’ils n’aiment pas ce que leurs hauts fonctionnaires ont à dire, ils le congédient et le remplacent par quelqu’un de plus docile. »

Le Parti libéral a rendu public aujourd’hui un diaporama mettant en vedette une douzaine de bureaucrates ou fonctionnaires de haut rang qui ont été congédiés, forcés de démissionner, harcelés ou calomniés par ce gouvernement pour avoir refusé de faire passer l’idéologie conservatrice avant l’intérêt public. En voici la liste :

• Le surintendant principal Marty Cheliak, directeur général du Programme canadien des armes à feu;
• Le colonel Pat Stogran, ombudsman des anciens combattants;
• Mme Linda Keen, présidente de la Commission canadienne de sûreté nucléaire;
• M. Peter Tinsley, président de la Commission d’examen des plaintes concernant la police militaire;
• M. Paul Kennedy, président de la Commission des plaintes du public contre la GRC;
• M. Adrian Measner, président-directeur général de la Commission canadienne du blé;
• M. Yves Côté, ombudsman du ministère de la Défense nationale et des Forces canadiennes;
• M. Munir Sheikh, chef de Statistique Canada;
• M. Steve Sullivan, ombudsman des victimes d’actes criminels;
• M. Kevin Page, directeur parlementaire du budget;
• M. Richard Colvin, diplomate canadien;
• M. Rémy Beauregard, président de Droits et Démocratie.

« L’épreuve vécue par chacun de ces éminents Canadiens montre jusqu’à quel point les conservateurs sont intolérants de tous ceux et celles qui, en se basant sur de l’information vérifiée, vont à l’encontre de ce gouvernement, a poursuivi Mme Hall Findlay. »

« Stephen Harper doit cesser d’ajouter des noms à sa “liste des ennemis” et doit commencer à accepter les critiques constructives pour ce qu’elles sont vraiment : des conseils utiles qui aideront le gouvernement du Canada à mieux répondre aux besoins des citoyens », a conclu Mme Hall Findlay.


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Renseignements :

Bureau de Martha Hall Findlay, députée : 613-992-4964

Things I need answer to

There alot things that I need to answer too. Can anybogy answer me these questions.

1. How good is this ?

100-year-old Scotch pulled from frozen crateVideo
Century-old scotch found in Antarctic .Advertisement | ad info
. AP
FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2010 file photo released by Antarctic Heritage Trust on Feb. 8, 2010, one of crates of Scotch whisky and brandy is pictured after they have been recovered by a team restoring an Antarctic hut used more than 100 years ago by famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. One of the crates of the Scotch whisky that was trapped in Antarctic ice for a century was finally opened Friday, Aug. 13, 2010 but the heritage dram won't be tasted by whisky lovers because it's being preserved for its historic significance. (AP Photo/Antarctic Heritage Trust) ** MANDATORY CREDIT, EDITORIAL USE ONLY **
updated 1 hour 42 minutes ago
Share Print Font: +-WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A crate of Scotch whisky that was trapped in Antarctic ice for a century was finally opened Friday — but the heritage dram won't be tasted by whisky lovers because it's being preserved for its historical significance.

The crate, recovered from the Antarctic hut of renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton after it was found there in 2006, has been thawed very slowly in recent weeks at the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island.

The crate was painstakingly opened to reveal 11 bottles of Mackinlay's Scotch whisky, wrapped in paper and straw to protect them from the rigors of a rough trip to Antarctica for Shackleton's 1907 Nimrod expedition.

Though the crate was frozen solid when it was retrieved earlier this year, the whisky inside could be heard sloshing around in the bottles. Antarctica's minus 22 Fahrenheit (-30 Celsius) temperature was not enough to freeze the liquor, dating from 1896 or 1897 and described as being in remarkably good condition.

This Scotch is unlikely ever to be tasted, but master blenders will examine samples of it to see if they can replicate the brew. The original recipe for the Scotch no longer exists.

Once samples have been extracted and sent to Scottish distiller Whyte and Mackay, which took over Mackinlay's distillery many years ago, the 11 bottles will be returned to their home — under the floorboards of Shackleton's hut at Cape Royds on Ross Island, near Antarctica's McMurdo Sound.

Whisky lover Michael Milne, a Scot who runs the Whisky Galore liquor outlet in Christchurch, described the rare event as a great experience