Another year older..

Well as I turn the another year older.I still have a lot of questions to ask of my life. Where others are thinking what they are going to do in the goldern years. I am thinking how I long I will last doing what I am doing now. Also I ask other questions of myself . How can I make this a better place in the world than I left it. Also is the direction that Saskatchewan going the right one. Also is Canada on the right path . Questions , Questions, Questions, it seems as i get older. the questions keep coming. I do know that I have a great love and great family and I am very blessed with super friends. So life is not that bad. There is a lot more questions to asked and answered. So guess I will keep on going down the road of life and watch and enjoy it.

This really Stupid! How can you compare ?

Enough is enough! How can you compare these cities?

Entry for March 18, 2009
These numbers donot add up all these other cities are larger.
Saskatoon: The world's ninth-most dangerous city?Comparing Saskatoon to cities with ethnic cleansing "sheer lunacy," police chief saysAccording to Maclean's magazine, Saskatoon is the most dangerous city in CanadaPhotograph by: Richard Marjan, The StarPhoenixSASKATOON — Apparently, Saskatoon’s two homicides last year make Saskatoon too scary for one news website.

The website RealClearWorld.com has named Saskatoon the ninth-most dangerous city in the world, according to a feature posted Sunday.

The list is intended to highlight troubled places beyond headline-dominating violent hotspots, such as Baghdad and Kandahar, the editors explain.

Other cities with the dubious distinction include Johannesburg in seventh place, Detroit in fifth place and the Somalian capital Mogadishu at the top of the list.

The website explains Saskatoon earned its place on the list after Maclean’s magazine ranked the bridge city as the most dangerous in Canada. That analysis, based on per-capita crime statistics from 2007, found Saskatoon had the highest rate of aggravated assault and robbery in the country, and was fourth in homicides and sex assaults. Saskatoon’s mayor and police dismissed the report as misleading and out of date.

“The tourism industry of Saskatchewan (if there is such a thing) probably isn’t too pleased with Maclean’s,” RealClearWorld.com writes in its page on Saskatoon. The short blurb is accompanied by a YouTube video of footage from a vehicle driving through downtown Saskatoon, with the 1960s Petula Clark song “Downtown” playing in the background.

Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill says putting Saskatoon on a list with cities that need military intervention to stop ethnic cleansing is “ridiculous.”

“To even remotely compare Saskatoon to that is sheer lunacy,” he said.’

He points out Saskatoon had just two murders in 2008, and that a recent civic survey found only 18 per cent of residents said policing and crime was the most pressing issue.

Even compared to other Canadian cities, Saskatoon fares well, Weighill said. B.C.’s Lower Mainland has seen 15 homicides and 36 shootings in the last 1 1/2 months alone, he said. Calgary and Edmonton, meanwhile, have each asked for more than 200 police officers to help curb gang violence.

RealClearWorld.com describes itself as a “catch-all” source for global news, commentary and more. There is no information posted about where the site is based.


The world’s top ten most dangerous cities list:

10. London, UK

9. Saskatoon

8. Norilsk, Russia (in Siberia)

7. Johannesburg, South Africa

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

5. Detroit, USA

4. Caracas, Venezuela

3. Linfen, China

2. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

1. Mogadishu, Somalia

© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

For to long we in this province tried to hide from the rest of the world it has to stop. Enough lets take this time to get straight get rid of the barriers and move forward.


Construction delay

Gov't must change legislation before projects can proceed

By David Hutton, The StarPhoenixMarch 12, 2009Comments (4)
StoryPhotos ( 1 )

Artist's drawing of Lake Placid developmentPhotograph by: artist rendition, The StarPhoenixTwo of the biggest private developments in the province, both slated for downtown Saskatoon, are awaiting a crucial change in provincial legislation to allow them to move forward.

Stoneset Equities is expected to start construction of an $80-million, 28-storey residential tower next to the police station this summer, while Lake Placid Developments CEO Michael Lobsinger has told the city his company has secured financing on his $200-million-plus Urban Village.

But both projects need a change in legislation that would introduce "strata" land titles to allow for separate condo corporations to operate on the same site. At present, land titles can only be issued for one condo corporation for each parcel of land, which can hold up financing for multi-use developments.

Stoneset's project, The Lighthouse, will combine market-driven condominiums with shelter and assisted living units above an underground parking lot and retail space.

"The way it sits now you're only allowed to put on one condo title," said Stoneset CEO Tony Argento. "It makes it really difficult, especially when there's going to be some retail and commercial development. Strata titles allow us to segregate so each condo company can have their own fees and their own board and manage themselves."

Similar legislation has been passed in most other provinces, said Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff.

It would also bring about changes in how land titles are issued for parking garages, which would likely receive separate strata titles if the legislation is passed.

Cheveldayoff said he expects the legislation to be brought forward this spring as his office and the Justice Ministry are working on drafts and studying other jurisdictions. But the need for the legislation has been accelerated by the Lake Placid project, he said.

"Anyone who attempts to bring $207-million to our city and our province, I think deserves any co-operation they can get from government," Cheveldayoff said of the Lake Placid project. "I've made it a priority to ensure that this goes forward."

Lake Placid Developments has paid two downpayments for the site south of 19th Street, across from Persephone Theatre, and is paying interest on the amount owing.

The company plans include a hotel, condominiums, retail, office space and a parking garage, so strata legislation is needed.

The developer has assured city administration it has financing in place for the project and is awaiting the change in legislation, said Mayor Don Atchison.

"It's not just about Lake Placid, it's that we want to get caught up to the rest of the nation," Atchison said.

There has been increased demand for this type of land title as more out-of-province developers -- who are used to strata land titles -- have eyed Saskatoon for large projects, said city solicitor Theresa Dust.

"It's a different way of designing and financing and selling off buildings than we are used to in Saskatchewan," she said. "The city has alerted the province to the fact that we expect more of this."

Stoneset's Argento, who expects the "bubble" surrounding the Saskatoon economy to continue, said the legislation is crucial for Saskatchewan to attract outside developers.

"I think because of the way the whole economy is going in Saskatchewan you're going to get a lot of development happening," he said. "You're going to run into these type of development issues more and more so I think the time is right to get it done now."

dhutton@sp.canwest.com

Jackas!!!!!!!!

Same OLD, Same Old, Enough time for this bullshit to stop.. Issues folks, it about the issues..
Atkinson admonished for 'jackass' comment. This what people voted for I donot think so.

By Angela Hall, Saskatchewan News Network; Regina Leader-
Note-passing and name-calling landed a couple of MLAs in hot water Tuesday as the second day of the spring legislative sitting took an unruly turn.
New Democrat Pat Atkinson was called on the carpet by Saskatchewan Party Premier Brad Wall for using the word "jackass" during question period.
Thinking the insult was meant for him, Wall rose in the assembly to admonish Atkinson for her language.
Atkinson later apologized and withdrew the remark, but said it was directed at another MLA, Mike Chisholm, and not the premier.
"It's not my fault that Mike Chisholm sits behind Brad Wall," Atkinson told reporters outside the assembly. "I want you to know I did not say the words 'jackass' out loud. I did mouth the words 'jackass.' "
She said she uttered the remark in response to a note Chisholm sent her in the house in which Chisholm asked her if a struggling cattle producer she referred to in an earlier debate received any cash from a recently announced government aid program. Chisholm also said he could help the producer fill out the forms, she said.
"I thought the note was callous, mean, sarcastic, not acknowledging that there really are people in the province that are in great difficulty in the livestock industry," said Atkinson, the NDP's agriculture critic and deputy leader.
"I think that his note was the kind of note that would be sent by someone who is a jackass."
However, Chisholm insisted his note was a sincere offer of help.
"I am an accountant. That's what I do for a living. So if somebody needs some help filling out the form, I'm more than pleased to do that," he said.
Wall later joked about the incident -- noting the word Atkinson uttered is frequently used by one of the main characters on the Saskatchewan-filmed TV show Corner Gas. But he said he drew attention to Atkinson's remark because "you want to get that sort of thing on the record."
"And it's Day 2 of the legislature, so where we can stop it on both sides, how about we stop it."
Name-calling by MLAs has been an issue in the past. Last year, Chisholm resigned as a legislative secretary after referring to New Democrat MLA Deb Higgins as a "dumb bitch."

A Weekend of change.

This weekend I was there to see history. A long term Saskatchewan political party took another turn. It grew up went on it's own. The new Saskatchewan Liberal is taking on all comers. Bring them on . The federal and provincial party have been two party's in this province for a long time.This makes it former. The new leader has a lot of work in front of him.


The Saskatchewan Liberal Party and the Liberal Party of Canada (Saskatchewan) have become two separate and independent organizations. Two separate websites for the provincial and federal parties are now being developed and will be online shortly.

Sign up for newsletters and other party information...
Name: Email:

...the website for the Leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party.

...the old website for donations to or to join the provincial party.

...the website for the Liberal Party of Canada in Saskatchewan for donations or to join.
© 2009 Liberal Party of Canada

Liberals must embrace the West, Ignatieff says

Well watching this event yesterday. Was very in that how many people I was that calls them selves federal liberals. There Sk party people and NDP and those see them selves with no party loyality. As my love put it there some people he to see who is this guy they call Iggy is. The this third time I have seen him live. Once at a private lunch in small crowd, once at the nation stage , now in this medium setting every time he has come ascross. As some who listens and cares about his counrty and listens. Time will tell if he becomes PM but so far so go. At least he can draw a crowd. When was the last time you seen 400 people at a liberal event?


Liberals must embrace the West, Ignatieff says
BY CHRIS PURDY

The Canadian Press

February 14, 2009 at 10:51 PM EST

SASKATOON — The Liberal party must embrace Western Canada instead of running against it, says Michael Ignatieff, who is making his first visit to Saskatchewan this weekend as leader of the federal Liberals.

Mr. Ignatieff told a brunch crowd of about 400 people in Saskatoon on Saturday that the party must work hard to win more seats, and more respect, in the West.

“Sometimes we've fallen prey to the temptation to run against the West, you know, to run against Alberta, to run against the Saskatchewan energy sector. This is not the way to go,” he said.

“The Western economy is the beating heart of Canadian progress in the future. This is where the action is. And, if this is where the action is economically, then we have to be there, too.”



Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff greets party supporters at a brunch in Saskatoon on Saturday.
Mr. Ignatieff joked with the crowd that long-time Liberal MP Ralph Goodale is lonesome and needs more company in Saskatchewan. Mr. Goodale retained the Liberals' lone seat in the province in the last election.

Mr. Goodale said Mr. Ignatieff is destined to help the party make a significant breakthrough in solid Tory territory.

“We now have exciting leadership that I think connects with and resonates with western Canadians,” Mr. Goodale said. “But we have to earn the support and trust of people in Saskatchewan and make sure that we take absolutely nothing for granted.

“We have to be here. We have to listen. We have to work for it. I think if we do that the political reward will be there.”

Mr. Goodale introduced Mr. Ignatieff with the traditional “the next prime minister of Canada,” igniting a rally of whoops and hollers.

Mr. Ignatieff took off his blazer, rolled up his sleeves and answered questions before posing for photos and signing autographs like a political rock star.

Organizers jokingly called it a Valentine's Day “Liberal love-in” with the new leader.

“I'm here in the West to send a message,” said Mr. Ignatieff, who will continue his Saskatchewan visit in Regina on Sunday.

“I want to be able to stand up in the House of Commons as the prime minister of Canada and say I represent every province in this country. But I can't do it alone. I'm going to need you to get to work.”

Mr. Ignatieff said unity is a priority both across the country and within the party. He said the leadership battles are over, and the political infighting must stop.

“We don't have to love each other. But if we want to get more seats in Saskatchewan, we have to fight and win as one,” he said.

“We can't waste a single good Liberal here.”

Liquor Privatization

With the SLA convention a week away here is one of the idea coming up. Hey Ryan it is good to be different dare to dream.

Ryan's Blog: http://ryanbater.ca/
25-Jan 09: Liquor Privatization: The Problem with Paternalism
Category: Crown Corporations Posted by: ryan
The cold war over the privatization of liquor stores in Saskatchewan has been stewing under the surface for years in our province. I could go on and on about the virtues of opening our province to the benefits of a free market, but in this blog I will address the issue of liquor availability.


This past weekend I enjoyed a visit in Edmonton, and the difference between our government monopoly system and Alberta’s free market system is like night and day. While driving down Jasper Avenue I noticed about 10 private liquor stores in about as many blocks- all of them open well into the evening and owned by local entrepreneurs. This was an eye opener for a Saskatchewanian like me who is used to a sparse population of government monopoly stores that are closed early in the evening.

There are few who dispute that under a privatized system the number of businesses would increase. The number of stores increased by 134% in the first two years after Alberta privatized their retail liquor stores in 1993. By 2001 the number increased by 318%.

This is music to the ears of Prairie Liberals who prize free markets and know that the number of players is greatest fundamental measure of how ‘free’ a market is. In Saskatchewan consumers could benefit from a free market through competitive selection, pricing, and increased convenient locations. However, there are special interest groups who claim that increased availability will lead to greater consumption and, in turn, more social problems associated with problem drinking.

To make this argument the Saskatchewan Government Employees Union has turned up the heat on this ‘cold war’ in Saskatchewan with a brochure and a video.

The video is confusing at first (I’m not sure I follow the connection between those children and the supposed 'evils' of a free market system), and then quickly becomes annoying. People are innocent until proven guilty and we should all be justifiably irritated by accusations that private enterprise is more immoral or moral than public enterprise. To conclude that potential private owners of liquor stores of would illegally sell alcohol to minors is to convict them of a crime before even having the opportunity to commit it.

The brochure, on the other hand, asserts that increased availability will lead to a myriad of social problems. However, not only has the consumption of alcohol decreased since privatization in Alberta, but nobody has been able to prove a causal relationship between alcohol availability and the degradation of society. I urge you to read this report from the Calgary Police Service and this one from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation for detailed analysis.

The main arguments against a private system are unfounded and based on the idea that government must protect us from making ‘bad’ decisions- that we are incapable of making responsible decisions to govern our own lives. This is not an appropriate role of government. We all have the right to self determination as long as we do not deny that same right of others. The people of Saskatchewan are being punished and robbed of the benefits of a free market because of paternalistic conservative and socialist governments that prefer to impose social order.

Unfortunately, these arguments have largely gone unanswered….until now.