The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/
EDITORIAL PAGEs ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/
ST.JOHN'S TELEGRAM -
Tell and show
You've got to wonder if there's something in the water in Ottawa. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's director of communications was telling reporters how much the prime minister was like United States President Barack Obama.
http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=224537&sc=80
CHARLOTTETOWN GUARDIAN -
A good start for the PM and Mr. Obama Post a comment
The first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders is a good basis for working together on mutual problems
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=224578&sc=103
HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Running on empty
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1107682.html
Going green with energy
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1107684.html
MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Canadians seem ready to cozy up to the U.S
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/Canadians+seem+ready+cozy/1314205/story.html
KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
Harper stands up to scrutiny and comes out a winner
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1445496
BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Child abusers should serve time
http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1445240
NATIONAL POST -
The Islamic world's malevolent zeitgeist
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1313244
So, can we stop bashing America now?
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1313245
Security used as excuse to block goods, Day says
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1313227
K-W RECORD -
Obama deflected the hard questions
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/491644
WINDSOR STAR -
The border
http://www.windsorstar.com/opinion/border/1314950/story.html
SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Fraser's analysis of Sask. Crowns lacks credibility
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/opinion/Fraser+analysis+Sask+Crowns+lacks+credibility/1314365/story.html
Separatist 'win' shows ignorance of pivotal event
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/opinion/Separatist+shows+ignorance+pivotal+event/1304389/story.html
REGINA LEADER-POST -
Work: fewer boomers plan to quit early
http://www.leaderpost.com/opinion/Work+fewer+boomers+plan+quit+early/1309098/story.html
Beefing up the ranks
http://www.leaderpost.com/opinion/Beefing+ranks/1300141/story.html
CALGARY HERALD -
Deficit should not have happened
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=fb7237f5-de0a-44ec-b903-6693fafbd417
let's hope congress shares obama's love of canada
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=85b137f6-5268-4e7b-82f8-363de30a3611
U. S.-Canada climate deal must be fair to both
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=6afef15e-bd2c-4a49-9598-e6d66028a586
CALGARY SUN -
Obama shows smarts on Afghanistan
http://calsun.canoe.ca/Comment/POV/2009/02/21/8472366-sun.html
RED DEER ADVOCATE -
Plains of Abraham reality can't be ignored
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/opinion/Plains_of_Abraham_reality_cant_be_ignored.html
VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
The cycle of endless re-announcements
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=c66a9f92-c9d7-4adf-99af-2dae1033ee00
Canadians swooning too soon over Obama
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=3cfd5d1b-2c88-4e8a-abe7-339d3961200b
Gang violence is a story that won't go away
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=7d50e536-22bd-4685-a537-e4470146eb6b
ISSUES
AF-PAK PROBLEM -
New Afghanistan Nightmare Commences
http://pacificfreepress.com/news/1/3742-new-afghanistan-nightmare-commences-.html
Central Asia key to Afghan mission
As NATO supply routes dry up, the West needs 'a coherent strategy' for region, analysts say
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/591029
America yields in battle for Nato troops
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5780436.ece
Kabul eyes control on aid, security in U.S. review
Kabul eyes control on aid, security in U.S. review
Regulating the humanitarian industry
The UN's method of dolling out financial aid is open to corruption as a film on wasted aid in Afghanistan points out
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/feb/20/afghanistan-internationalaidanddevelopment
US: 13 civilians killed in Afghan operation
http://www.aopnews.com/today.html
Obama widens missile strikes inside Pakistan: NYT
http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Feb212009/national20090221119867.asp?section=updatenews
CANADIAN FORCES -
Canada to focus on protecting Kandahar city U.S. reinforcements expected to fight insurgency in far-flung Taliban strongholds, new commander says after takeover ceremony, but that will not marginalize Canadian troops http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090220.AFGHAN20/TPStory/International
Strategy switch in Afghanistan
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/World/2009/02/20/8460266-sun.html
CANUSA/USACAN -
Ottawa aims to maintain momentum with D. C.
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1313228
Obama wants more from us than dessert
http://www.wellandtribune.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1446281
Obama and Harper – Very different men
http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/article-306079-Obama-and-Harper-Very-different-men.html
U.S. president urged to action on emissions, environment
http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1444976
Here Comes Climate Change
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/white-house-watch/2009/02/here_comes_climate_change/pf.html
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS -
Spread the wealth to your spouse
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=4ae57406-0b6a-4183-b16f-6b2a8788c3cc
Taking a swipe at the debit card competition
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/590977
FOREIGN AFFAIRS -
Diplomacy getting new lease on life
http://www.thestar.com/Canada/Columnist/article/591021
Harper to visit UN, talk global security
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1311991
Eastern Europe is about to Blow
http://informationclearinghouse.info/article22007.htm
A 'fraud' bigger than Madoff
Senior US soldiers investigated over missing Iraq reconstruction billions
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/a-fraud-bigger-than-madoff-1622987.html
VIDEOS
Some of the best efforts to overcome ignorance has been the work of film makers gathering info and gathering info on the 9/11 story. Here's one of the best: http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/567.html
Israel's loyalty oath
Levy: Israel needs to decide whether it's going to have an ethnocracy or a democracy Pt. 3 view
Are generals disputing Iraq pullout?
Do disagreements amongst top generals and Obama on Iraq pullout plan represent a more profound debate? view
Will Obama shift US Middle East policy?
Daniel Levy: Obama needs to use a velvet glove to change Israel policy Pt.2 view
Where are Afghanistan's missing millions?
Clancy Chassay hears charges of corruption leveled against the UN and aid agencies view
The Afghan trap
Ray McGovern: US attempt to trap the USSR in 1979 is at root of current situation in Afghanistan view
The Food Lobby Goes to School
ANP: Who decides what our children are eating? view
USTICE SYSTEM -
No magic bullet for gang wars
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=c901e677-e3ce-4b7e-aa8f-d02d68885cbf
POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES -
Alberta dialed in to pursuing remote learning opportunities
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2009/02/21/8474626-sun.html
Wind turbines fast-tracked
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/591043
FEDERAL POLITICS -
Intellectual? Yes. Leader? Not quite
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=a2e2abf7-1b5c-4af7-9475-181c7b23f46b
PROGRAMMES -
Debt, not deficit, is the elephant in the room
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=5cb2083e-741f-489a-bd2d-4b89f5136b1e
Is this the quiet end to pay equity?
Tories want to kill the principle that equity is a right, critics say
http://blog.macleans.ca/2009/02/21/is-this-the-quiet-end-to-pay-equity/
PRESSURE POINTS -
Arctic Sea Ice Underestimated for Weeks Due to Faulty Sensor
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601110&sid=aIe9swvOqwIY
Der Spiegel Exposes the Brazilian Ethanol Madness
Why the Promise of Biofuels is a Lie
http://informationclearinghouse.info/article22051.htm
OPINION AND INFORMATION -
Global Integrity 2008 Report Drops Canada From "Strong" to "Moderate" Level in World's Most Detailed Assessment of Government Integrity and Democracy http://www.dwatch.ca/camp/RelsFeb1809.html
Intro to biometric chips Would you like chips with that? No thanks
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/563.html
Canadian banks are typically leveraged at 18 to 1--compared with U.S. banks at 26 to 1 - Newsweek
http://www.twine.com/item/1203j435t-1v/canadian-banks-are-typically-leveraged-at-18-to-1-compared-with-u-s-banks-at-26-to-1-newsweek
INFOS -
Obama a invité Michaëlle Jean à Washington
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/dossiers/obama-a-ottawa/200902/21/01-829773-obama-a-invite-michaelle-jean-a-washington.php
Harper rencontrera Ban Ki-moon
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/21/01-829817-harper-rencontrera-ban-ki-moon.php
Harper veut faire reconnaître l'hydroélectricité comme énergie propre
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/21/01-829730-harper-veut-faire-reconnaitre-lhydroelectricite-comme-energie-propre.php
Ottawa surfe sur la visite d'Obama
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/20/01-829702-ottawa-surfe-sur-la-visite-dobama.php
Stephen Harper en voyage aux États-Unis
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2009/02/20/003-harper-newyork.shtml
Un record de nouveaux arrivants
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/societe/2009/02/21/001-immigrant-record-canada.shtml
Une industrie en crise
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Economie-Affaires/2009/02/19/003-auto-canada.shtml
General Motors Canada
Autant de véhicules à moindres coûts
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Economie-Affaires/2009/02/20/009-PlanrestructurationGM.shtml
Propos sur les artistes
La ministre Verner prend ses distances
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/Quebec/2009/02/20/007-culture_petit_n.shtml
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PARLIAMENT PROCEDURES BEING PERVERTED THROUGH COLLUSION
The President having come and gone there will be a return to business. In this case collusion between the Government and the Opposition to pass Bill C-10 implementing the Budget of 2009.PARLIAMENT PROCEDURES BEING PERVERTED THROUGH COLLUSION
In Feb 9, 2009's Digest you were apprised that Bill C-10 goes far beyond matters relating to the Budget and its aims.
It will be most interesting to see to what extent the points of view expressed in the Toronto Star by Thomas Walkom in "What you missed in that budget bill" http://www.thestar.com/News/Insight/article/587488 and the Financial Post by Terence Corcoran's "The C-10 railroad" http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=1304662 become repeated in the media
Wayne Pietz is correct in being "saddened" because significant changes as matters stand will be made into law - not due just to Harper's action of "trying to sneak these changes through with little or no debate" but Ignatieff's enabling him to do so unchallenged.
One Act that has been the law in Canada from before we were a country, a law flowing from the Common Law of England hundreds of years old, the Navigable Waters Protection Act, will be swept away and decision making power placed at the discretion of the Minister.
Read Phil Green's consideration of this change affecting the lives of literally millions of Canadians, anyone who has ever taken oar or paddle in hand, without any in put from them at all.
Should you share Phil him the opinion expressed in the last word of his post, 'phone up your M.P. whether Liberal or Conservative and employ it as your first word in expressing your concern about the perversion of the Parliamentary process that is underway.
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From: Wayne Pietz Subject: RE: Will "far-reaching amendments in the Budget Act be passed "with limited if any meaningful debate"
I was saddened when I read the article "what you missed in that budget" by Thomas Walkom in the Toronto Star on Saturday http://www.thestar.com/News/Insight/article/587488. In this article he outlines the (a) amendments to the rules of foreign investment (b) amendments to the Navigable Waters Act and (c) changes to pay equity.
In my view this is "dirty politics" trying to sneak these changes through with little or no debate. Perhaps Jack Layton's assessment of Stephen Harper that he can't be trusted is correct.
RE: Foreign Investment
It is my view that our laws regarding foreign investment should be strengthened with guidelines to ensure that infrastructures for Canadian companies that are subject to "foreign takeover" are kept intact including keeping the head office in Canada.
Wayne Pietz
==============
From: Phil Green
Subject: Budget Bill C-10
Hi Joe:
I read with interested your comments on the Competition Act on Feb 15. This is not the only major change to a Bill that the federal government is railroading through parliament. They are also gutting the Navigable Waters Protection Act. With this change Canadians will lose the iconic freedom they have enjoyed for centuries to go any where they want on our country's waterways. They have done this to make it easier to spend infrastructure dollars without requiring approval under the Act.
Any Canadian who has traveled on a stream or pond to go fishing or hunting, to go for an afternoon paddle from the cottage or summer camp, to go on a one-day or two-month canoe trip, has benefited from the protections offered by this Act. The Act, passed in 1883 by Conservative PM John A. Macdonald, was based on common law rights that the courts had upheld for decades before confederation. The right was simple: if you can travel on a body of water, you have a right to travel on that body of water. No other test was needed to confirm or affirm that right. What it meant is that someone could not block your passage with a bridge, a dam, a boom, or a causeway. If a dam was needed, so was the portage or the lock.
In Bill C-10 they have removed reference to bridges, dams,booms, and causeways which were explicitly mentioned in the Act because they are obvious impediments to travel on water. They have given the Minister of Transportation the right to define classes of waterways, which presumably means we will soon have low class rivers in this country. They have also given him the power to place "any terms or conditions" he feels like on any works placed "in, on, over, under, through or across" rivers and other navigable waterways.
Thus the freedom of Canadians to travel on our waterways is now at the discretion of the Minister of Transportation. If he decides it's OK to block your passage with a dam or a boom, it's OK to block your passage.
Certainly there was a valid case to be made that the Act should be updated. There should have been extensive public consultation. First, second and third reading, and plenty of debate on a Bill separate from the Budget Implementation Act. Instead, the sham hearings last spring were limited almost exclusively to provincial and municipal works departments, and federal infrastructure bureaucrats.
When the ice melts this spring, hunters, anglers, paddlers, and boaters will still be able to travel our rivers and streams. But as the country's infrastructure grows over the years, we will slowly find our way blocked by dams, weirs, culverts, bridges, booms and other structures on the Minister's "low class" rivers.
Shame.
-- Phil Green http://www.philgreen.ca
============================he is quietly introducing measures to weaken environmental laws affecting rivers and lakes, limit federal oversight of most foreign investment and scale back some of Canada's few remaining restrictions on foreign ownership.
=============================
If the Liberals want an opportunity to call the government's bluff on a confidence vote, this is it. Then watch the government back down.=============================
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