Conservatives 2010:
Bloc 2008:
There's your real coalitions partners. Immitation is the highest form of flattery, or so they say...
mardi 30 novembre 2010
"Signs" of a Bloc-Conservative Coalition?
Check the slogans...
Conservatives 2010:
Bloc 2008:
There's your real coalitions partners. Immitation is the highest form of flattery, or so they say...
Conservatives 2010:
Bloc 2008:
There's your real coalitions partners. Immitation is the highest form of flattery, or so they say...
vendredi 19 novembre 2010
RIP Pat Burns
Pat Burns est décédé
For those who followed Burns the coach, as I did, 1993 was my year - Leafs battle through the playoffs, Dougie and Felix and the rest raising those oft low hopes of Leafs fans, this is a big loss.
If anyone is interested in remember Pat in a special way, you can support the Pat Burns Arena in Stanstead Quebec here. It's a worthy cause, one that Pat was and will remain very proud of.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
vendredi 22 octobre 2010
Go Tony!
All the best to Tony Genco, our candidate for the upcoming bi-election in Vaughn, and his organisation.
jeudi 14 octobre 2010
Questions on Harper's Reaction to UN Smack-down
"As I've said before, our engagement internationally is based on the principles that this country holds dear. It is not based on popularity."
So does this mean that it is the opposite at home?
"Our values...are the things we're pursuing, and that does not change regardless of what the outcome of secret votes is."
So does that mean that you are against secret votes if they threaten your values?
Does that make you anti-democratic?
Why attack secret votes at the UN? Did you want, maybe, to know WHO voted against you? In order to get a little pay-back maybe? A little cut to foreign aid here, a little less trade there, maybe a few less flights to Canada for a foreign carrier from an unfaithful voter at the UN?
We have noted Harper's vengeful, spiteful politics over the past four years at home. If you don't support his policies, shut the f*** up or you'll pay for it. Is he now going to use that abroad, say against China? India? The EU? Washington.....?
So does this mean that it is the opposite at home?
"Our values...are the things we're pursuing, and that does not change regardless of what the outcome of secret votes is."
So does that mean that you are against secret votes if they threaten your values?
Does that make you anti-democratic?
Why attack secret votes at the UN? Did you want, maybe, to know WHO voted against you? In order to get a little pay-back maybe? A little cut to foreign aid here, a little less trade there, maybe a few less flights to Canada for a foreign carrier from an unfaithful voter at the UN?
We have noted Harper's vengeful, spiteful politics over the past four years at home. If you don't support his policies, shut the f*** up or you'll pay for it. Is he now going to use that abroad, say against China? India? The EU? Washington.....?
mercredi 13 octobre 2010
vendredi 1 octobre 2010
My Bloc opponent is "in the dark."
So I had the luck of getting a question asked in the House on Monday by John McCallum on financing for a local project (the Pat Burns arena in Stanstead).
When the local media approached my Bloc opponent (France Bonsant), and asked her what she was doing to help the project, she replied the following:
"elle est prête à plaider la cause de la Ville de Stanstead à condition que ses dirigeants la contactent. ‘Je ne suis pas au courant ou ils sont rendus. En ayant de l’information de leur part, je pourrais faire avancer le dossier.’" (The actual quote is only on the paid part of the article - trust me, it's there)
Quick translation:
"I'll only help people if they come to me! How dare they think I would reach out to them - the horrors! Even if the issue has been reported on in all the local media, French and English, it still hasn't registered with me as something I should be concerned about. As for this major project, both in federal, provincial and municipal/private money terms, and in symbolism of remembering a local hockey hero, I have no clue what is going on. If they send me the information, I might be able to figure it out, someday. But I hope they don't. I would hate to have to take on responsibilities that I can't deal with."
Ouais...
When the local media approached my Bloc opponent (France Bonsant), and asked her what she was doing to help the project, she replied the following:
"elle est prête à plaider la cause de la Ville de Stanstead à condition que ses dirigeants la contactent. ‘Je ne suis pas au courant ou ils sont rendus. En ayant de l’information de leur part, je pourrais faire avancer le dossier.’" (The actual quote is only on the paid part of the article - trust me, it's there)
Quick translation:
"I'll only help people if they come to me! How dare they think I would reach out to them - the horrors! Even if the issue has been reported on in all the local media, French and English, it still hasn't registered with me as something I should be concerned about. As for this major project, both in federal, provincial and municipal/private money terms, and in symbolism of remembering a local hockey hero, I have no clue what is going on. If they send me the information, I might be able to figure it out, someday. But I hope they don't. I would hate to have to take on responsibilities that I can't deal with."
Ouais...
vendredi 24 septembre 2010
vendredi 17 septembre 2010
mercredi 15 septembre 2010
Right-wing media in crisis?
jeudi 9 septembre 2010
jeudi 2 septembre 2010
Slapping down!
As in "yes we will fund planned parenting" Oda got slapped down by her boss, big time!
mercredi 1 septembre 2010
mardi 31 août 2010
A View from the Back Roads
By Mike McDevitt
Editor
Sherbrooke Record
August 30th, 2010
Last weekend, Liberal party of Canada leader Michael Ignatieff and his highly-charged retinue swept through the eastern Townships as part of a summer long national tour dubbed "The Liberal Express." In many ways, it was a throwback to whistle-stop politicking from an earlier era, if one could ignore the high-tech bus and the incessant cacophony of Blackberries, cell phones and printers.
Ignatieff made great pains to emphasize the particular nature of his visit here, emphasizing his family’s Richmond-area Canadian roots where his immigrant family “was accepted’ by both French and English-speaking Townshippers. It was here, he claimed passionately, that his vision of a ‘tolerant, open-minded society was hatched.
Reminding Townshippers how special they are never hurts a politician in this region, as even René Lévesque understood as he uttered his famous “Ils sont tellement cute les Cantons de l’Est,” referring to the Townships historical inability to fit into the linguist stereotypes so popular at the time. A history of rural people cooperating across religious and linguistic lines is a hard reality for many professional nationalists to swallow, but it has nevertheless shaped and coloured the ‘Quebec question,’ in this region for decades.
But as special as we are, Townshippers must still cohabitate with dull Canadian normals and face the reality of the country’s political slide into farce as the Stephen Harper dog and pony show continuers to encourage Canadians to believe that everything this country has stood for over the last half-century can be discarded at the whim of a male Sarah Palin in a blazer.
Mr. Ignatieff came out swinging against the Regressive Conservatives, bemoaning the demise of the “progressive’ moniker that for so long contributed to the Tories playing a constructive role in this country’s development. One suspects a progressive conservative party might have been a comfortable fit.
But the disguise is off now, and Mr. Harper has demonstrated that he believes he can form a meaningful government with only the support of one-issue rednecks (guns) and corporate profiteers (money). Since he has eliminated the ability of Statistics Canada to paint an accurate portrait of the country, he has also ensured that his delusional reveries won’t be interrupted by any unpleasant ‘facts.’
It is clear from Mr. Ignatieff’s statements over the weekend that he has come around to understanding the importance of progressivism in this country - regardless of which party it plays out, but whether the Liberal Party can carry the mantle itself remains to be seen. With the NDP steadily sliding into irrelevance and the Bloc picking its issues from its collective navel, those of us who are seeing this country devolve into a poor, country cousin of the political disgrace to the south may find ourselves hoping against hope that a reinvigorated Liberal Party might be able to snap enough of us back to our senses in time to stop Mr. Harper from completing his mission of handing the country over completely to the shameless, the muddle-headed and the afraid.
Is leadership really too much to ask?
NB: Mr. McDevitt rode the Express with us from Magog to Hatley last Friday...
Editor
Sherbrooke Record
August 30th, 2010
Last weekend, Liberal party of Canada leader Michael Ignatieff and his highly-charged retinue swept through the eastern Townships as part of a summer long national tour dubbed "The Liberal Express." In many ways, it was a throwback to whistle-stop politicking from an earlier era, if one could ignore the high-tech bus and the incessant cacophony of Blackberries, cell phones and printers.
Ignatieff made great pains to emphasize the particular nature of his visit here, emphasizing his family’s Richmond-area Canadian roots where his immigrant family “was accepted’ by both French and English-speaking Townshippers. It was here, he claimed passionately, that his vision of a ‘tolerant, open-minded society was hatched.
Reminding Townshippers how special they are never hurts a politician in this region, as even René Lévesque understood as he uttered his famous “Ils sont tellement cute les Cantons de l’Est,” referring to the Townships historical inability to fit into the linguist stereotypes so popular at the time. A history of rural people cooperating across religious and linguistic lines is a hard reality for many professional nationalists to swallow, but it has nevertheless shaped and coloured the ‘Quebec question,’ in this region for decades.
But as special as we are, Townshippers must still cohabitate with dull Canadian normals and face the reality of the country’s political slide into farce as the Stephen Harper dog and pony show continuers to encourage Canadians to believe that everything this country has stood for over the last half-century can be discarded at the whim of a male Sarah Palin in a blazer.
Mr. Ignatieff came out swinging against the Regressive Conservatives, bemoaning the demise of the “progressive’ moniker that for so long contributed to the Tories playing a constructive role in this country’s development. One suspects a progressive conservative party might have been a comfortable fit.
But the disguise is off now, and Mr. Harper has demonstrated that he believes he can form a meaningful government with only the support of one-issue rednecks (guns) and corporate profiteers (money). Since he has eliminated the ability of Statistics Canada to paint an accurate portrait of the country, he has also ensured that his delusional reveries won’t be interrupted by any unpleasant ‘facts.’
It is clear from Mr. Ignatieff’s statements over the weekend that he has come around to understanding the importance of progressivism in this country - regardless of which party it plays out, but whether the Liberal Party can carry the mantle itself remains to be seen. With the NDP steadily sliding into irrelevance and the Bloc picking its issues from its collective navel, those of us who are seeing this country devolve into a poor, country cousin of the political disgrace to the south may find ourselves hoping against hope that a reinvigorated Liberal Party might be able to snap enough of us back to our senses in time to stop Mr. Harper from completing his mission of handing the country over completely to the shameless, the muddle-headed and the afraid.
Is leadership really too much to ask?
NB: Mr. McDevitt rode the Express with us from Magog to Hatley last Friday...
lundi 30 août 2010
Express!!!
Voici quelques photos des évènements avec Michael dans Compton-Stanstead.
Could not have asked for better weather for the event - 21 degrees, beautiful late summer sunset.
About 100 supporters came out for the funder.
8 maires, 3 conseillers, président de l'UPA, former candidates, MPs.
Great speech. As one doubting attendee said, and for my own protection I will not name names, Michael said everything he wanted to hear, and tipped his hat to him. And he is a doubter, a "chialeux" en bon français.
Good food from local producers on the menu...
After we went and opened the Ayer's Cliff Fair, THE end of summer event in my riding!
Could not have asked for better weather for the event - 21 degrees, beautiful late summer sunset.
About 100 supporters came out for the funder.
8 maires, 3 conseillers, président de l'UPA, former candidates, MPs.
Great speech. As one doubting attendee said, and for my own protection I will not name names, Michael said everything he wanted to hear, and tipped his hat to him. And he is a doubter, a "chialeux" en bon français.
Good food from local producers on the menu...
After we went and opened the Ayer's Cliff Fair, THE end of summer event in my riding!
jeudi 26 août 2010
L'Express demain!/Express tomorrow!
(English message follows)
Avis aux médias
Pour distribution immédiate
Horaire de l’Express libéral dans Compton-Stanstead
Hatley, mercredi le 25 août 2010. William Hogg, candidat libéral dans Compton-Stanstead, a annoncé aujourd’hui l’horaire de l’Express libéral dans Compton-Stanstead.
Vendredi le 27 août, 2010
17h00 à 18h30 Village de Hatley
Salle St. James
98 rue Main
Hatley
M. Ignatieff, M. Hogg et l’Express seront disponibles pour les photos lors d’une dégustation de produits locaux de 17h00 à 18h00. Ensuite, M. Hogg et M. Ignatieff feront des discours, suivis par une disponibilité aux médias de 18h15 à 18h30.
19h00 à 20h30 L’exposition d’Ayer’s Cliff
1082 rue Main
Ayer’s Cliff
M. Ignatieff fera le discours d’ouverture lors des cérémonies d’ouverture, qui débutent vers 19h15. Après le discours, M. Ignatieff et M. Hogg feront une tournée des exposants jusque vers 20h30.
-30-
***
Media Advisory
For Immediate Distribution
Schedule for the Liberal Express in Compton-Stanstead
Hatley, Wednesday, August 25th, 2010. William Hogg, Liberal candidate in Compton-Stanstead, announced today the scheduled stops for the Liberal Express in Compton-Stanstead.
Friday, August 27th, 2010
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Hatley Village
St. James Hall
98 Main Street
Hatley
Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Hogg will be available for photos during a tasting of local producers from 5 pm to 6 pm. From 6 pm to 6:15 pm Mr. Ignatieff will give a short speech, followed by media availability from 6:15 pm to 6:30 pm.
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Ayer’s Cliff Fair
1082 Main Street
Ayer’s Cliff Fair
Mr. Ignatieff will give the opening speech for the fair at 7:15 pm. Mr. Hogg and Mr. Ignatieff will then do a tour of the site until roughly 8:30 pm.
-30-
Avis aux médias
Pour distribution immédiate
Horaire de l’Express libéral dans Compton-Stanstead
Hatley, mercredi le 25 août 2010. William Hogg, candidat libéral dans Compton-Stanstead, a annoncé aujourd’hui l’horaire de l’Express libéral dans Compton-Stanstead.
Vendredi le 27 août, 2010
17h00 à 18h30 Village de Hatley
Salle St. James
98 rue Main
Hatley
M. Ignatieff, M. Hogg et l’Express seront disponibles pour les photos lors d’une dégustation de produits locaux de 17h00 à 18h00. Ensuite, M. Hogg et M. Ignatieff feront des discours, suivis par une disponibilité aux médias de 18h15 à 18h30.
19h00 à 20h30 L’exposition d’Ayer’s Cliff
1082 rue Main
Ayer’s Cliff
M. Ignatieff fera le discours d’ouverture lors des cérémonies d’ouverture, qui débutent vers 19h15. Après le discours, M. Ignatieff et M. Hogg feront une tournée des exposants jusque vers 20h30.
-30-
***
Media Advisory
For Immediate Distribution
Schedule for the Liberal Express in Compton-Stanstead
Hatley, Wednesday, August 25th, 2010. William Hogg, Liberal candidate in Compton-Stanstead, announced today the scheduled stops for the Liberal Express in Compton-Stanstead.
Friday, August 27th, 2010
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Hatley Village
St. James Hall
98 Main Street
Hatley
Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Hogg will be available for photos during a tasting of local producers from 5 pm to 6 pm. From 6 pm to 6:15 pm Mr. Ignatieff will give a short speech, followed by media availability from 6:15 pm to 6:30 pm.
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Ayer’s Cliff Fair
1082 Main Street
Ayer’s Cliff Fair
Mr. Ignatieff will give the opening speech for the fair at 7:15 pm. Mr. Hogg and Mr. Ignatieff will then do a tour of the site until roughly 8:30 pm.
-30-
mardi 27 juillet 2010
"A Liberal is a Liberal because he likes something or somebody;"
"a Tory is a Tory because he hates somebody or something." Ernest Lapointe, 1919.
Love Michael Bliss's Right-Honourable Men
Love Michael Bliss's Right-Honourable Men
dimanche 25 juillet 2010
Clement and water
I read with interest the piece on Clement's act of heroism. I have swam that river as a kid, and know it as a challenge. Bravo for doing the right thing at the right time!
It does lead me to ask a couple of questions though.
Clement is a Minister of the Crown, non?
Ministers of the Crown are provided with security details, no?
Aren't the security details supposed to be on guard 24/7?
Wouldn't they have been better positioned (ie. outside guarding the premises) to intervene to help out those in distress?
Aren't they there to disuade the Minister from putting his or her life in danger?
Now, I may be wrong in the sense that our Ministers of the Crown are not protected 24/7, but I don't think so...
So then, where were they?
It does lead me to ask a couple of questions though.
Clement is a Minister of the Crown, non?
Ministers of the Crown are provided with security details, no?
Aren't the security details supposed to be on guard 24/7?
Wouldn't they have been better positioned (ie. outside guarding the premises) to intervene to help out those in distress?
Aren't they there to disuade the Minister from putting his or her life in danger?
Now, I may be wrong in the sense that our Ministers of the Crown are not protected 24/7, but I don't think so...
So then, where were they?
vendredi 23 juillet 2010
Godwin's Law
mercredi 21 juillet 2010
samedi 17 juillet 2010
vendredi 16 juillet 2010
Harper attaque des programmes sociaux efficaces
(Paru dans La Tribune, vendredi le 16 juillet 2010)
Chaque cinq ans, Statistique Canada nous demande, comme citoyen, notre collaboration. Il s'agit du recensement. Certains ménages - un sur cinq - sont appelés à fournir plus d'informations à travers un questionnaire détaillé.
Les données de ce questionnaire sont utilisées entre autres pour élaborer des programmes sociaux, culturels ou économiques solides et efficaces.
Par exemple, l'information recueillie aide énormément les groupes minoritaires au pays. Ces données servent d'indices précieux pour développer des programmes visant les autochtones, les minorités linguistiques, les chômeurs, les femmes, les producteurs agricoles, les gens vivant en région rurale et bien plus encore.
La décision du premier ministre Stephen Harper d'éliminer ce questionnaire de recensement détaillé obligatoire de Statistique Canada aura d'importantes conséquences pour nous tous.
En éliminant l'aspect obligatoire du questionnaire, comme le veut le gouvernement conservateur, l'information amassée devient beaucoup moins valable. Notre confiance dans les résultats, c'est-à-dire que ceux-ci reflètent la réalité de la situation des Canadiens, sera réduite.
Des données moins valables engendreront nécessairement une lecture biaisée de la situation des Canadiens. Le résultat sera des programmes moins efficaces et avec moins de chance de succès. Et nos taxes seront investies dans ces programmes, pourtant nécessaires, mais qui n'auront pas les effets escomptés.
Le travail de Statistique Canada est de renommée mondiale. Les médias, le secteur de l'éducation, le secteur communautaire et les organismes non-gouvernementaux, les municipalités et gouvernements provinciaux, ainsi que les départements fédéraux se servent régulièrement de ces données pour prédire, planifier, implanter et analyser des programmes.
Un seul ménage sur cinq doit remplir ce questionnaire, une fois par cinq ans. C'est un questionnaire simple et qui prend peu de temps à remplir. L'information personnelle y est protégée. Et les données mènent à des programmes plus efficaces.
C'est un bien public pour tous. Laissons-le comme ça.
William Hogg
Candidat du Parti libéral du Canada
Compton-Stanstead
Marc Garneau
Député dans Westmount-Ville-Marie
Porte-parole libéral en matière d'industrie, sciences et technologies
Chaque cinq ans, Statistique Canada nous demande, comme citoyen, notre collaboration. Il s'agit du recensement. Certains ménages - un sur cinq - sont appelés à fournir plus d'informations à travers un questionnaire détaillé.
Les données de ce questionnaire sont utilisées entre autres pour élaborer des programmes sociaux, culturels ou économiques solides et efficaces.
Par exemple, l'information recueillie aide énormément les groupes minoritaires au pays. Ces données servent d'indices précieux pour développer des programmes visant les autochtones, les minorités linguistiques, les chômeurs, les femmes, les producteurs agricoles, les gens vivant en région rurale et bien plus encore.
La décision du premier ministre Stephen Harper d'éliminer ce questionnaire de recensement détaillé obligatoire de Statistique Canada aura d'importantes conséquences pour nous tous.
En éliminant l'aspect obligatoire du questionnaire, comme le veut le gouvernement conservateur, l'information amassée devient beaucoup moins valable. Notre confiance dans les résultats, c'est-à-dire que ceux-ci reflètent la réalité de la situation des Canadiens, sera réduite.
Des données moins valables engendreront nécessairement une lecture biaisée de la situation des Canadiens. Le résultat sera des programmes moins efficaces et avec moins de chance de succès. Et nos taxes seront investies dans ces programmes, pourtant nécessaires, mais qui n'auront pas les effets escomptés.
Le travail de Statistique Canada est de renommée mondiale. Les médias, le secteur de l'éducation, le secteur communautaire et les organismes non-gouvernementaux, les municipalités et gouvernements provinciaux, ainsi que les départements fédéraux se servent régulièrement de ces données pour prédire, planifier, implanter et analyser des programmes.
Un seul ménage sur cinq doit remplir ce questionnaire, une fois par cinq ans. C'est un questionnaire simple et qui prend peu de temps à remplir. L'information personnelle y est protégée. Et les données mènent à des programmes plus efficaces.
C'est un bien public pour tous. Laissons-le comme ça.
William Hogg
Candidat du Parti libéral du Canada
Compton-Stanstead
Marc Garneau
Député dans Westmount-Ville-Marie
Porte-parole libéral en matière d'industrie, sciences et technologies
mercredi 7 juillet 2010
Lite, but good, summer reading
Fill in the blanks:
"___________'s enemies and most of his supporters knew about the Tories' fine silk threads of patronage, contracts, and party discipline. ____________'s government rewarded friends and punished opponents. The Prime Minister and his lieutenants blatantly used all forms of patronage to support their power and build their party. "As soon as Toronto returns Conservative members it will get Conservative appointments," he told his friends there, "but not before." He installed favouritism as a central feature of the unwritten part of the Canadian constitution. Senatorships, janitorships and all sorts of jobs in between went to loyal party men. Contracts were given to friends of the government..."
Any guess who wrote this and about whom?
"___________'s enemies and most of his supporters knew about the Tories' fine silk threads of patronage, contracts, and party discipline. ____________'s government rewarded friends and punished opponents. The Prime Minister and his lieutenants blatantly used all forms of patronage to support their power and build their party. "As soon as Toronto returns Conservative members it will get Conservative appointments," he told his friends there, "but not before." He installed favouritism as a central feature of the unwritten part of the Canadian constitution. Senatorships, janitorships and all sorts of jobs in between went to loyal party men. Contracts were given to friends of the government..."
Any guess who wrote this and about whom?
mardi 15 juin 2010
lundi 14 juin 2010
Mouth of Sauron Series
When I was a kid, I loved reading Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Series, as I am sure many of you did too.
In an effort to expose some of the stupidity coming out of the PMO these days, I would like to start up a post or series of posts on some of odd statements made by the Mouth of Sauron, better known as Dimitri Soudas.
For example, this morning we found out that Liberals are elitist because we go to the lake in the summer.
...
Whether Lake Muskoka, Lake Ontario, Lac Memphrémagog or Okanagan Lake, I am sure that millions of Canadians, with or without a cottage, make the effort to take a trip to "the lake" with family or friends.
It can be for a couple of hours, for the day, a weekend, or if you are lucky, for the season.
That's what's great about this country - you can't drive 30 minutes most of the time without running into one of the damn things.
They are accessible, most of the time clean, and a healthy way to spend a nice summer day.
If that is elistist, then most of the country fits the bill...
It also means that many of us will have the time this summer at the lake, thinking about "fake lakes" and how Harper has misspent our tax dollars.
Feel free to join in the fun. The Mouth of Sauron Database is now open!
UPDATE
Look, an "elitist" with his daughter, AT A REAL LAKE! (Courtesy Maclean's)
jeudi 10 juin 2010
jeudi 3 juin 2010
The Mouth of Sauron
jeudi 20 mai 2010
Ah bon?
Les pro-vie muselés aux Communes (Pro-lifers muzzled in the House)
Bellavance writes in La Presse this morning that sources say Harper will whip all his MPs against any eventual anti-abortion vote in the House.
This brings up two problems for the current government.
First, Harper might want to tell this to his MPs who are gung-ho on bringing an abortion debate, most-likely followed by legislation, into the House.
And second, I wonder what the whole con spin machine on whipped votes (on say the gun registry) would look like come that day of a vote on abortion.
Oh, yeah, and the whole shut the f--- up discussion seems appropriate here as well...
Bellavance writes in La Presse this morning that sources say Harper will whip all his MPs against any eventual anti-abortion vote in the House.
This brings up two problems for the current government.
First, Harper might want to tell this to his MPs who are gung-ho on bringing an abortion debate, most-likely followed by legislation, into the House.
And second, I wonder what the whole con spin machine on whipped votes (on say the gun registry) would look like come that day of a vote on abortion.
Oh, yeah, and the whole shut the f--- up discussion seems appropriate here as well...
mardi 27 avril 2010
Milliken's Ruling
Forces full disclosure on the government, upholding that Parliament is supreme, while allowing for (justifiable) national security concerns.
Two weeks to come up with a mechanism to ensure that this is achieved.
On an aside, a great presentation by Milliken, well researched and presented.
Two weeks to come up with a mechanism to ensure that this is achieved.
On an aside, a great presentation by Milliken, well researched and presented.
mardi 20 avril 2010
samedi 10 avril 2010
Open Letter on the Canadian Reserves/Lettre Ouverte sur les Réserves Canadiennes
La version française a été publiée dans La Tribune de Sherbrooke ce matin, and the English version in the Sherbrooke Record yesterday.
(English version follows)
À la défense de nos réserves militaires
Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke fêtent cette année leur 100e anniversaire. Au cours de leur histoire, les réservistes sherbrookois ont participé bravement à plusieurs guerres, à des missions de maintien de la paix et des interventions humanitaires.
Chaque mission accomplie, nos hommes et femmes en uniforme reviennent chez nous, dans leur famille, au travail ou aux études. Ils réintègrent la société et sortent de nos pensées.
Pourtant, ils font partie intégrale de nos forces canadiennes, et sont souvent appelés pour venir en aide chez nous, ici au Québec, et ailleurs au Canada. Nous avons qu’à penser à leur rôle lors de la crise du verglas en 1998, des inondations au Saguenay ou au Manitoba, ou pour la sécurité lors des Jeux olympiques à Vancouver.
Nous n’en sommes pas toujours conscients, mais ils sont importants comme intervenants, tant au Canada qu’à l’international.
Depuis quelques mois, et ce même avant le budget fédéral du mois de mars, les unités de réserves canadiennes sont sous le couteau des coupures budgétaires de la part du gouvernement Harper. Chaque unité de réserve doit couper dans les cycles d’entrainement, dans le recrutement, et dans le fonctionnement général.
Quelques réservistes nous indiquent que la situation est plutôt grave. Ils nous parlent de fermeture temporaire de certaines unités ainsi qu’un manque au niveau de la direction et la planification des opérations. Ceci n’est pas une situation propice à la bonne continuité de nos unités de réserve.
Nous avons tous une responsabilité de dire au gouvernement Harper que nous avons besoin de mieux soutenir nos réserves. Certes, ces hommes et ces femmes sont habitués à faire beaucoup avec peu de ressources, mais la situation actuelle est devenue presque insupportable.
Après plus de cent ans de service auprès de nous, nous leur devons bien ça.
William Hogg
Candidat libéral
Compton-Stanstead
Marcel Proulx
Député libéral et Porte-parole adjoint en matière de Défense national
Hull-Aylmer
David Price
Ancien secrétaire parlementaire libéral du ministre de la Défense national
Chargé du rôle de la réserve
***
Defending our Reservists
The Sherbrooke Fusiliers are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Throughout their history, reservists from Sherbrooke and the surrounding area have bravely taken part in international conflicts and peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance missions.
Their missions completed, our men and women in uniform come home, to their families, their jobs or to their studies. They reintegrate into society and generally pass from our thoughts.
Nonetheless, they are an integral part of the today’s Canadian Forces, and are often called upon to help out at home, in Quebec or elsewhere across Canada. Think of their participation during the Ice Storm of 1998, the floods in the Saguenay or in Manitoba, or their security role during the recent Vancouver Olympics.
We do not often recognize their efforts, but they are our first respondents in emergencies, both at home and abroad.
Sadly, predating even the March federal budget, the Harper government has significantly cut funding to Reserve units of the Canadian Forces.
Units across the country have had to cut their training cycles, recruitment drives and their regular activities.
Reservists have told us that the situation is serious. They talk of temporary closures of units, as well as an ongoing inability to properly plan for and direct current and future operations.
Under these conditions, it would be difficult ensure the long term viability of our Reserve units.
These men and women have long been used to doing a lot with little in the way of resources, but the current situation is untenable.
It is our responsibility to tell the Harper government that they need to better support our reservists.
After more than 100 years of serving our country, this is the least we could do for them.
William Hogg
Liberal candidate
Compton-Stanstead
Marcel Proulx
MP, Hull-Aylmer
Liberal Associate Critic for National Defence
David Price
Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
Responsible for the Reserves
(English version follows)
À la défense de nos réserves militaires
Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke fêtent cette année leur 100e anniversaire. Au cours de leur histoire, les réservistes sherbrookois ont participé bravement à plusieurs guerres, à des missions de maintien de la paix et des interventions humanitaires.
Chaque mission accomplie, nos hommes et femmes en uniforme reviennent chez nous, dans leur famille, au travail ou aux études. Ils réintègrent la société et sortent de nos pensées.
Pourtant, ils font partie intégrale de nos forces canadiennes, et sont souvent appelés pour venir en aide chez nous, ici au Québec, et ailleurs au Canada. Nous avons qu’à penser à leur rôle lors de la crise du verglas en 1998, des inondations au Saguenay ou au Manitoba, ou pour la sécurité lors des Jeux olympiques à Vancouver.
Nous n’en sommes pas toujours conscients, mais ils sont importants comme intervenants, tant au Canada qu’à l’international.
Depuis quelques mois, et ce même avant le budget fédéral du mois de mars, les unités de réserves canadiennes sont sous le couteau des coupures budgétaires de la part du gouvernement Harper. Chaque unité de réserve doit couper dans les cycles d’entrainement, dans le recrutement, et dans le fonctionnement général.
Quelques réservistes nous indiquent que la situation est plutôt grave. Ils nous parlent de fermeture temporaire de certaines unités ainsi qu’un manque au niveau de la direction et la planification des opérations. Ceci n’est pas une situation propice à la bonne continuité de nos unités de réserve.
Nous avons tous une responsabilité de dire au gouvernement Harper que nous avons besoin de mieux soutenir nos réserves. Certes, ces hommes et ces femmes sont habitués à faire beaucoup avec peu de ressources, mais la situation actuelle est devenue presque insupportable.
Après plus de cent ans de service auprès de nous, nous leur devons bien ça.
William Hogg
Candidat libéral
Compton-Stanstead
Marcel Proulx
Député libéral et Porte-parole adjoint en matière de Défense national
Hull-Aylmer
David Price
Ancien secrétaire parlementaire libéral du ministre de la Défense national
Chargé du rôle de la réserve
***
Defending our Reservists
The Sherbrooke Fusiliers are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Throughout their history, reservists from Sherbrooke and the surrounding area have bravely taken part in international conflicts and peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance missions.
Their missions completed, our men and women in uniform come home, to their families, their jobs or to their studies. They reintegrate into society and generally pass from our thoughts.
Nonetheless, they are an integral part of the today’s Canadian Forces, and are often called upon to help out at home, in Quebec or elsewhere across Canada. Think of their participation during the Ice Storm of 1998, the floods in the Saguenay or in Manitoba, or their security role during the recent Vancouver Olympics.
We do not often recognize their efforts, but they are our first respondents in emergencies, both at home and abroad.
Sadly, predating even the March federal budget, the Harper government has significantly cut funding to Reserve units of the Canadian Forces.
Units across the country have had to cut their training cycles, recruitment drives and their regular activities.
Reservists have told us that the situation is serious. They talk of temporary closures of units, as well as an ongoing inability to properly plan for and direct current and future operations.
Under these conditions, it would be difficult ensure the long term viability of our Reserve units.
These men and women have long been used to doing a lot with little in the way of resources, but the current situation is untenable.
It is our responsibility to tell the Harper government that they need to better support our reservists.
After more than 100 years of serving our country, this is the least we could do for them.
William Hogg
Liberal candidate
Compton-Stanstead
Marcel Proulx
MP, Hull-Aylmer
Liberal Associate Critic for National Defence
David Price
Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
Responsible for the Reserves
jeudi 8 avril 2010
I was called "petty" by John Baird
lundi 5 avril 2010
Canada-US Border - Looking for Solutions
In the past month we have seen at least two cases where Canadian citizens have made unfortunate errors in crossing the Canada-US border.
In both cases, here in my riding of Compton-Stanstead, and on the New Brunswick-Maine border, US border officials took, in my opinion, overzealous steps in detaining, questioning, and then photographing and fingerprinting these citizens. The latest case (NB-Maine) children were in fact photographed and fingerprinted, if CBC is correct.
I have asked that Ottawa act. Harper and Cannon, in their not-so-fortunate meetings with Clinton last week, did not bring it up, even though Harper, here in my riding less than a week prior, said that he would.
What do you think? Time to sit down with American law-makers to figure our joint border out? Let me know, and let Ottawa know!
Contact me at william@williamhogg.ca
samedi 27 mars 2010
Stanstead Hockeyville II
Stanstead did it! It is now one of the five finalists for Hockeyville 2010. We now have three days to push them over the top.
There are only 3 official ways to vote.
Vote at cbcsports.ca/hockeyville from the voting modules on the Kraft Hockeyville homepage and on the Top 5 Community pages.
By SMS (text message). Text* the word “Vote Stanstead” to 111888.
Call the toll free number at 1-866-533-8066 and follow the automated voice prompts
Come on hockey fans! Vote Stanstead!
William Hogg
Liberal candidate
Compton-Stanstead
There are only 3 official ways to vote.
Vote at cbcsports.ca/hockeyville from the voting modules on the Kraft Hockeyville homepage and on the Top 5 Community pages.
By SMS (text message). Text* the word “Vote Stanstead” to 111888.
Call the toll free number at 1-866-533-8066 and follow the automated voice prompts
Come on hockey fans! Vote Stanstead!
William Hogg
Liberal candidate
Compton-Stanstead
lundi 15 mars 2010
Calling all hockey lovers/Appel à tous les amateurs d'hockey
(Le français suit)
A Call to All Hockey Lovers!
Tonight in Stanstead I was proud to be among the residents when CBC announced that the town was among the 12 finalists from across the country for the Kraft Hockeyville 2010 contest. We recognize the extraordinary amount of work that the organisers have put into this great project, but the job isn’t finished. It is now up to us to take up the challenge!
Since last November, over 500 cities and towns from across the country have submitted their candidacy to become Kraft Hockeyville 2010. Residents from Stanstead and across the region put together a series of stories, films and photos showing their deep passion for hockey in their community.
The first place winner of the contest will receive $100,000 for their arena, as well as the opportunity to host an NHL game and a telecast of Hockey Night in Canada. The four other finalists will receive $25,000 for their arena and will also host Hockey Night in Canada.
The work of the organisers in Stanstead has been recognised tonight, but the job is far from complete. We have five days to vote on line, by telephone or by text. Tonight I am calling on all hockey lovers in the region to get out and vote, and vote often – something you do not often hear coming from the mouth of a politician! But we don’t have a lot of time – voting for the first round is open from the 15th to the 21st of March.”
You can vote in one of three ways:
On the website (cbcsports.ca/hockeyville) from the voting modules on the Kraft Hockeyville homepage and on the Top 12 Community pages.
By SMS (text message). Text* the word “Vote Stanstead” to 111888.
Call our toll free number at 1-866-533-8066 and follow the automated voice prompts
Many thanks, and GO STANSTEAD!
William Hogg
Liberal candidate
Compton-Stanstead
PS Spread the word!!!
***
Un appel à tous les amateurs de hockey!
Ce soir à Stanstead, j’étais très fier d’être parmi les gens de Stanstead quand CBC/Radio-Canada a annoncé que la ville de Stanstead faisait partie des 12 finalistes pancanadiens pour devenir Kraft Hockeyville Canada 2010. Nous sommes tous extrêmement reconnaissants des efforts énormes entrepris par les organisateurs, mais le travail n’est pas terminé. C’est maintenant à la population de prendre le relais.
Depuis novembre, plus de 500 villes du Canada ont soumis leur candidature pour le concours Kraft Hockeyville. Les résidents de Stanstead et de partout dans la région ont monté tout un dossier faisant état de la passion du hockey dans leur communauté.
Le grand gagnant de ce concours sera nommé le 3 avril prochain et se méritera un prix de 100,000$ pour son aréna. Il sera aussi hôte d’un match de la LNH, et de la diffusion d’une émission de Hockey Night in Canada (La soirée du Hockey en anglais). Les quatre autres finalistes repartiront avec 25,000$ pour leur aréna ainsi que la diffusion de la même émission.
Le travail des organisateurs à été grandement récompensé aujourd’hui, mais il faut maintenant les aider. Nous avons cinq jours pour voter en ligne, par téléphone ou par SMS. Ce soir je lance un appel aux gens de notre région – allez voter en masse, souvent – voilà un conseil que vous n’entendrez pas fréquemment de la bouche d’un politicien! Vous pouvez voter à plusieurs reprises, mais le délai est court – la période de votation est du 15 au 21 mars.
Voici les trois façons de voter :
Sur le site (cbcsports.ca/hockeyville), à partir des modules de votation sur la page d’accueil de Kraft Hockeyville et sur les pages de présentation des 12 communautés sélectionnées.
Par SMS (message texte). Textez* le mot « Voix Stanstead» à 111888.
En appelant au numéro sans frais 1-866-533-8066 et en suivant les instructions enregistrées.
Merci pour votre aide, et GO STANSTEAD!
William Hogg
Candidat libéral
Compton-Stanstead
PS Passez le mot!!!
A Call to All Hockey Lovers!
Tonight in Stanstead I was proud to be among the residents when CBC announced that the town was among the 12 finalists from across the country for the Kraft Hockeyville 2010 contest. We recognize the extraordinary amount of work that the organisers have put into this great project, but the job isn’t finished. It is now up to us to take up the challenge!
Since last November, over 500 cities and towns from across the country have submitted their candidacy to become Kraft Hockeyville 2010. Residents from Stanstead and across the region put together a series of stories, films and photos showing their deep passion for hockey in their community.
The first place winner of the contest will receive $100,000 for their arena, as well as the opportunity to host an NHL game and a telecast of Hockey Night in Canada. The four other finalists will receive $25,000 for their arena and will also host Hockey Night in Canada.
The work of the organisers in Stanstead has been recognised tonight, but the job is far from complete. We have five days to vote on line, by telephone or by text. Tonight I am calling on all hockey lovers in the region to get out and vote, and vote often – something you do not often hear coming from the mouth of a politician! But we don’t have a lot of time – voting for the first round is open from the 15th to the 21st of March.”
You can vote in one of three ways:
On the website (cbcsports.ca/hockeyville) from the voting modules on the Kraft Hockeyville homepage and on the Top 12 Community pages.
By SMS (text message). Text* the word “Vote Stanstead” to 111888.
Call our toll free number at 1-866-533-8066 and follow the automated voice prompts
Many thanks, and GO STANSTEAD!
William Hogg
Liberal candidate
Compton-Stanstead
PS Spread the word!!!
***
Un appel à tous les amateurs de hockey!
Ce soir à Stanstead, j’étais très fier d’être parmi les gens de Stanstead quand CBC/Radio-Canada a annoncé que la ville de Stanstead faisait partie des 12 finalistes pancanadiens pour devenir Kraft Hockeyville Canada 2010. Nous sommes tous extrêmement reconnaissants des efforts énormes entrepris par les organisateurs, mais le travail n’est pas terminé. C’est maintenant à la population de prendre le relais.
Depuis novembre, plus de 500 villes du Canada ont soumis leur candidature pour le concours Kraft Hockeyville. Les résidents de Stanstead et de partout dans la région ont monté tout un dossier faisant état de la passion du hockey dans leur communauté.
Le grand gagnant de ce concours sera nommé le 3 avril prochain et se méritera un prix de 100,000$ pour son aréna. Il sera aussi hôte d’un match de la LNH, et de la diffusion d’une émission de Hockey Night in Canada (La soirée du Hockey en anglais). Les quatre autres finalistes repartiront avec 25,000$ pour leur aréna ainsi que la diffusion de la même émission.
Le travail des organisateurs à été grandement récompensé aujourd’hui, mais il faut maintenant les aider. Nous avons cinq jours pour voter en ligne, par téléphone ou par SMS. Ce soir je lance un appel aux gens de notre région – allez voter en masse, souvent – voilà un conseil que vous n’entendrez pas fréquemment de la bouche d’un politicien! Vous pouvez voter à plusieurs reprises, mais le délai est court – la période de votation est du 15 au 21 mars.
Voici les trois façons de voter :
Sur le site (cbcsports.ca/hockeyville), à partir des modules de votation sur la page d’accueil de Kraft Hockeyville et sur les pages de présentation des 12 communautés sélectionnées.
Par SMS (message texte). Textez* le mot « Voix Stanstead» à 111888.
En appelant au numéro sans frais 1-866-533-8066 et en suivant les instructions enregistrées.
Merci pour votre aide, et GO STANSTEAD!
William Hogg
Candidat libéral
Compton-Stanstead
PS Passez le mot!!!
lundi 1 mars 2010
À Nous le Podium/Own the Podium
(Photo: Jocelyn Riendeau, IMACOM) (English message follows)
Communiqué de Presse
Pour distribution immédiate
William Hogg et Martin Cauchon soutiennent le programme À Nous le Podium
Canton d’Hatley, dimanche le 28 février 2010. Ce dimanche, à la station de ski Montjoye, les équipes de la Zone de ski de l’Estrie sont réunies pour des courses des enfants de 11 à 12 ans. William Hogg, candidat libéral dans Compton-Stanstead, et Martin Cauchon, candidat libéral dans Outremont, ayant tous les deux des enfants qui participent à ces courses, profitent de l’occasion pour manifester leur support pour le programme À Nous le Podium.
« Depuis le début des Jeux Olympiques à Vancouver, nos enfants sont de fiers supporteurs de nos athlètes québécois et canadiens. » dit M. Hogg, « Aujourd’hui, Martin et moi, parents de coureurs de ski alpin et bénévoles pour leurs équipes, c’est à notre tour d’être de fiers supporteurs de nos enfants, de tous les enfants qui sont ici. Ces enfants sont l’avenir du sport canadien, et seront nos athlètes lors des Jeux Olympiques dès 2020. »
« C’est pour cette raison qu’il faut soutenir des programmes comme À Nous le Podium. » continue M. Cauchon. « Les résultats à Vancouver sont clairs : si nous donnons les moyens à nos athlètes de se perfectionner dès leur jeune âge, ils et elles seront parmi les meilleurs au monde. »
En prévision du budget du mois de mars, le gouvernement de Stephen Harper a annoncé clairement qu’il va couper dans les dépenses fédérales.
« L’idéologie des conservateurs a toujours été de militer pour des coupures dans les programmes fédéraux, de réduire le taille de l’état. » dit M. Cauchon « Avec la nomination de Stockwell Day comme ministre du revenu, nommé « M. Non » par les médias, nous sommes inquiets pour le financement du sport amateur. Va-t-il être ciblé, surtout que les Olympiques de Vancouver se terminent aujourd’hui? Selon nous, ce serait un mauvais choix. »
« Nous sommes convaincus que le programme À Nous le Podium, annoncé en 2005 par le gouvernement libéral de Paul Martin et financé par le fédéral depuis, donne un très bon rapport qualité-prix. » termine M. Hogg « Pour les quelques 11$ millions investis par année, nous récoltons non seulement des médailles, mais aussi une grande fierté. Pour les jeunes rassemblés ici à Montjoye aujourd’hui, À Nous le Podium est un espoir de compétitionner un jour avec les meilleurs athlètes du monde et de fièrement représenter leur pays. »
-30-
Contact : William Hogg
william@williamhogg.ca
Press Release
For Immediate Distribution
William Hogg and Martin Cauchon support Own the Podium
Canton d’Hatley, Sunday, February 28th 2010. This Sunday, at the Montjoye Ski Centre, the Estrie Zone ski teams were present for K1 alpine ski races (ages 11-12). William Hogg, Liberal candidate in Compton-Stanstead, and Martin Cauchon, Liberal candidate in Outremont, both with children participating, took the opportunity to show their support for the Own the Podium program.
“Since the start of the Vancouver Olympics, our children have been proud supporters of our Quebec and Canadian athletes.” said Mr. Hogg “Today, Martin and I are proud parents of ski racers, volunteers for their clubs, and proud supporters of our young athletes, all the young athletes present here today. These kids are the future of Canadian sport, and will be our Olympic athletes starting in 2020.”
“Support for Own the Podium becomes even more important when we put it in this perspective.” continued Mr. Cauchon, “The results achieved in Vancouver prove that if we give our athletes the necessary means to perform at their best, they will become the best.”
In preparing for next month’s budget, Stephen Harper’s Conservative government has clearly stated that there will be cuts made to federal programs.
“Conservative ideology has always pushed for cuts to federal programs, reducing the size of the state.” said Mr. Cauchon, “With the nomination of Stockwell Day as Minister of Revenue, aptly named by the media “Mr. No” shortly thereafter, we are worried about federal support for amateur sport. Will they target Own the Podium, now that the Vancouver Olympics have ended today? In our opinion, it would be a poor policy to follow.”
“We are convinced that the Own the Podium program, announced in 2005 by the Liberal government of Paul Martin and financed by the federal government since, offers a great quality-price ratio.” concluded Mr. Hogg “For around $11 million a year, not only do we win medals, but we are also immensely proud of these athletes. For our young athletes gathered at Montjoye today, Own the Podium offers them the hope of competing with the best athletes in the world and the opportunity to proudly represent their country.”
-30-
Contact: William Hogg
william@williamhogg.ca
dimanche 28 février 2010
Congrats!!!!!
Men win gold in a spectacular game - Crosby rocks! Canada wins 14 gold. Modern winter olympic record! Oh Canada!
samedi 27 février 2010
Canada wins 13th gold
in mens curling. The feat ties the record for the number of gold medals won by a country at a winter olympics (the Soviets did it several decades ago). That means that two events tomorrow could set the world record...either cross-country or the mens hockey team...what pressure!!!!
vendredi 12 février 2010
Conservatives block access to border installations
In response to a twitter war noted by BCL, this is what happened in my riding yesterday...
***
(le français suit)
Press Release
For Immediate Distribution
Conservatives block access to border installations
Stanstead, Feb 12, 2010. The Harper Conservatives reached a new low in their attempts to subvert democracy when the Public Safety Minister intervened to block a Member of Parliament's access to the Stanstead border installation, said William Hogg, Liberal candidate in Compton-Stanstead today.
Mr. Hogg was hosting MP Mark Holland, Liberal critic for Public Safety and National Security, and vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, for a public forum on border issues, from 2pm-4pm in the Stanstead Town Hall.
"Immediately prior to the forum Mr. Holland and I were to meet with the Canadian Border Service Agency for a tour and discussion about border issues in the region." said Mr. Hogg "The meeting had been set up through official channels and had been confirmed by local officials over a week ago. Yesterday, the Minister of Public Safety's office abruptly contacted Mr. Holland to tell him that our visit had been cancelled."
The Minister's office could give no good reason for the tour's cancellation nor could they explain the inconsistencies between the messages at the local and ministerial levels.
"It is clear that the Minister interfered for one of two reasons - either for pure partisan politics or to block our access to federal bureaucrats who may have helpful information, especially for me in my capacity as vice-chair of the parliamentary committee that oversees the border," said Mark Holland. "Either motive is an abuse of power and just serves to remind Canadians that the Harper government will stop at nothing to stifle criticism."
Combined with Conservative efforts to block access to information regarding Afghan detainees and the recently reported efforts on the part of Christian Paradis' staff to stop access to information requests, there seems to be a pattern of interference at the ministerial and prime-ministerial level in the management of public institutions. Stated Mr. Hogg,"the Conservatives continually push their transparency and accountability agenda in public, but behind the scenes they do everything in their power to undermine it."
-30-
Contact: William Hogg,william@williamhogg.ca
Justine Villeneuve, Office of Mark Holland, MP
***
Communiqué de Presse
Pour distribution immédiate
Les conservateurs bloquent l’accès aux installations frontalières
Stanstead, le 11 février 2010. Les conservateurs de Harper ont poursuivi leurs attaques sur nos institutions démocratiques aujourd’hui. « Le bureau du Ministre de la sécurité publique est intervenu pour bloquer l’accès à un membre du parlement aux installations frontalières à Stanstead. » a dit William Hogg, candidat Libéral dans Compton-Stanstead.
M. Hogg a accueilli aujourd’hui M. Mark Holland (député Libéral dans Ajax-Pickering, porte-parole libéral en matière de la sécurité publique et nationale, et vice-président du comité permanente sur la sécurité publique et nationale), pour un forum public sur la frontière à l’hôtel de ville de Stanstead.
« Immédiatement avant le forum, nous avions un rendez-vous avec l’Agence des services frontaliers du Canada, pour une visite guidée des installations et une discussion sur les enjeux régionaux. » a continué M. Hogg. « La rencontre a été organisée il y a une semaine, par demande officielle. Hier, le bureau du Ministre de la sécurité publique a contacté le bureau de M. Holland pour abruptement annuler l’événement. »
Le bureau du Ministre n’a pas été en mesure de fournir d’explications pour l’annulation de la visite. Il n’était non plus capable expliquer pourquoi, localement, nous avons eu l’approbation de la visite, mais qu’à Ottawa la visite à été refusée.
« C’est clair que le Ministre est intervenu pour une des deux raisons suivantes : soit à des fins partisanes, soit pour bloquer l’accès aux fonctionnaires fédéraux informés de la situation à la frontière. » a dit M. Holland. « Chacune de ces motivations est un abus de pouvoir, et montre bien aux canadiens que le gouvernement Harper ne se limitera à aucun moyen pour étouffer des débats publics. »
Que ce soit les efforts des conservateurs à bloquer l’accès à l’information sur les détenus Afghan, ou le bureau de Christian Paradis qui contrevient outrageusement les lois sur l’accès à l’information, on peut croire qu’il y a de l’ingérence au niveau ministériel et même prime-ministériel dans le fonctionnement des institutions publiques.
M. Hogg termine : « En public, les conservateurs prônent dans leur agenda la transparence et l’imputabilité, mais en arrière scène, ils font tout pour le détruire. »
-30-
Contact :William Hogg, william@williamhogg.ca
Justine Villeneuve, Bureau de Mark Holland, MP
***
(le français suit)
Press Release
For Immediate Distribution
Conservatives block access to border installations
Stanstead, Feb 12, 2010. The Harper Conservatives reached a new low in their attempts to subvert democracy when the Public Safety Minister intervened to block a Member of Parliament's access to the Stanstead border installation, said William Hogg, Liberal candidate in Compton-Stanstead today.
Mr. Hogg was hosting MP Mark Holland, Liberal critic for Public Safety and National Security, and vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, for a public forum on border issues, from 2pm-4pm in the Stanstead Town Hall.
"Immediately prior to the forum Mr. Holland and I were to meet with the Canadian Border Service Agency for a tour and discussion about border issues in the region." said Mr. Hogg "The meeting had been set up through official channels and had been confirmed by local officials over a week ago. Yesterday, the Minister of Public Safety's office abruptly contacted Mr. Holland to tell him that our visit had been cancelled."
The Minister's office could give no good reason for the tour's cancellation nor could they explain the inconsistencies between the messages at the local and ministerial levels.
"It is clear that the Minister interfered for one of two reasons - either for pure partisan politics or to block our access to federal bureaucrats who may have helpful information, especially for me in my capacity as vice-chair of the parliamentary committee that oversees the border," said Mark Holland. "Either motive is an abuse of power and just serves to remind Canadians that the Harper government will stop at nothing to stifle criticism."
Combined with Conservative efforts to block access to information regarding Afghan detainees and the recently reported efforts on the part of Christian Paradis' staff to stop access to information requests, there seems to be a pattern of interference at the ministerial and prime-ministerial level in the management of public institutions. Stated Mr. Hogg,"the Conservatives continually push their transparency and accountability agenda in public, but behind the scenes they do everything in their power to undermine it."
-30-
Contact: William Hogg,william@williamhogg.ca
Justine Villeneuve, Office of Mark Holland, MP
***
Communiqué de Presse
Pour distribution immédiate
Les conservateurs bloquent l’accès aux installations frontalières
Stanstead, le 11 février 2010. Les conservateurs de Harper ont poursuivi leurs attaques sur nos institutions démocratiques aujourd’hui. « Le bureau du Ministre de la sécurité publique est intervenu pour bloquer l’accès à un membre du parlement aux installations frontalières à Stanstead. » a dit William Hogg, candidat Libéral dans Compton-Stanstead.
M. Hogg a accueilli aujourd’hui M. Mark Holland (député Libéral dans Ajax-Pickering, porte-parole libéral en matière de la sécurité publique et nationale, et vice-président du comité permanente sur la sécurité publique et nationale), pour un forum public sur la frontière à l’hôtel de ville de Stanstead.
« Immédiatement avant le forum, nous avions un rendez-vous avec l’Agence des services frontaliers du Canada, pour une visite guidée des installations et une discussion sur les enjeux régionaux. » a continué M. Hogg. « La rencontre a été organisée il y a une semaine, par demande officielle. Hier, le bureau du Ministre de la sécurité publique a contacté le bureau de M. Holland pour abruptement annuler l’événement. »
Le bureau du Ministre n’a pas été en mesure de fournir d’explications pour l’annulation de la visite. Il n’était non plus capable expliquer pourquoi, localement, nous avons eu l’approbation de la visite, mais qu’à Ottawa la visite à été refusée.
« C’est clair que le Ministre est intervenu pour une des deux raisons suivantes : soit à des fins partisanes, soit pour bloquer l’accès aux fonctionnaires fédéraux informés de la situation à la frontière. » a dit M. Holland. « Chacune de ces motivations est un abus de pouvoir, et montre bien aux canadiens que le gouvernement Harper ne se limitera à aucun moyen pour étouffer des débats publics. »
Que ce soit les efforts des conservateurs à bloquer l’accès à l’information sur les détenus Afghan, ou le bureau de Christian Paradis qui contrevient outrageusement les lois sur l’accès à l’information, on peut croire qu’il y a de l’ingérence au niveau ministériel et même prime-ministériel dans le fonctionnement des institutions publiques.
M. Hogg termine : « En public, les conservateurs prônent dans leur agenda la transparence et l’imputabilité, mais en arrière scène, ils font tout pour le détruire. »
-30-
Contact :William Hogg, william@williamhogg.ca
Justine Villeneuve, Bureau de Mark Holland, MP
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