Daily Digest September 3, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

EDITORIALs

ST.JOHN'S TELEGRAM -
And it starts all over again

CORNER BROOK WESTERN STAR -
Off to the polls we go?

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
U.S. election in stretch run

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Russia's natural gas keeps Europe in its thrall

OTTAWA CITIZEN -
Medical morality

KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
Harper must answer critics

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Politicians around world need to keep eye on melting icecaps

TORONTO STAR -
Just what is PM's agenda?

GLOBE & MAIL -
Harper's election
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080903.wefixed03/BNStory/specialComment/home

MISSISSAUGA NEWS -
Harper election a waste of time

NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW -
Confidence in food inspection has been undermined

The Bully versus Mr. Bean

K-W RECORD -
Let Greens into national debates

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
Boring it's not
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/editorial/story/4221339p-4818550c.html

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Election call still a gamble for ruling PM

Canada's shrinking might

CALGARY HERALD -
Dion lost sight of the economy

EDMONTON JOURNAL -
Election gives voters chance to re-engage

LETHBRIDGE HERALD -
Greens get MP through backdoor

VANCOUVER SUN -
Why now? Because Stephen Harper thinks he can win

A brief, green, cynical marriage of convenience

VANCOUVER PROVINCE -
It ain't broke . . .

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
It ain't broke . . .


ISSUES

AFGHANISTAN -
Deadly strike signals surge in Taliban confidence
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080903.wsoldiersafghanistan0903/BNStory/Front/home

General: US forces to up Afghan winter offensives

Deadly 'foreign raid' in Pakistan

Pakistani border remains a threat to Afghan nationhood, envoy warns
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080903.AFGHANAMBASSADOR03/TPStory/TPNational/Politics/

NATO troops successfully escort hydro dam turbine through Taliban ...

How the Taliban gave a French lesson

A sting in Pakistan's al-Qaeda mission

Pakistanis claim US helicopter-borne forces assaulted village in South Waziristan
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/09/pakistanis_claim_us.php

Reported US attack pushes Afghanistan war into Pakistan
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/03/pakistan.afghanistan1

British forces thwart Taliban to deliver turbine. But will it be worth the effort?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/04/afghanistan.waveandtidalpower


CANADIAN FORCES
'Direct attack' kills 3 Canadian soldiers, wounds 5 in southern Afghanistan

Canadian Forces to cease flying Sperwer drones, which are being replaced
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=764637


CANUSA/USACAN
Canada well-placed for eventual U.S. recovery: PM

U.S. misled Canada over deportation: former RCMP head


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Canada ABCP parties seek swift top court hearing


FOREIGN AFFAIRS
New Cold War is a tiny step closer
Russia has disturbed geopolitical calm
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/428247
MacKay: Canada will play bigger role in defending Western HemisphereComment123 Comments ( 123)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080903.wmackay03/BNStory/National/home


HEALTH CARE RELATED
Mixed private-public system best for Canadian patients ...


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES
Canada's health ministers to push Ottawa for health care help as election looms

With federal election looming, Ottawa and Quebec agree on infrastructure cash

Federal minister slams B.C. carbon tax
Contradicting party stand, Lunn calls Campbell's tax 'wrong approach,' says he doesn't think revenue will make it back to voters
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080903.BCCARBON03/TPStory/TPNational/Politics/


PARTY POLITICS
 Federal Policy
 Andre Bachand returned to the fold
http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.radio-canada.ca%2Fregions%2Festrie%2F2008%2F09%2F03%2F002-andre-bachand-retour.shtml&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=fr&tl=en

'Very troubled' Stephen Harper promises investigation into listeriosis outbreak
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080903/national/maple_leaf_recall

Harper testifies in court that he personally authorized Cadman offer
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080903/national/harper_cadman

Federal Tories still wrapping up nominations in four NS ridings

The Need to Win for Canadians

Flaherty stands by tax ahead of election

Dion announces changes to Liberals' main election plank

Harper pledges to help re-tool Windsor Ford plant

Harper accused of vote buying with loan to Ford in Ontario

Liberal Green plan offers $900M to offset energy prices

Election volunteers will be frustrated and poor if byelections cancelled

Conservative pre-election ad focuses on Harper, stresses leadership -


POLITICAL OPINION -
Can Jean deny Harper his election? Reader comments
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080829.wlivegg03/BNStory/specialComment/home?cid=al_gam_mostview

Does Harper hold a majority surprise?  See all stories on this topic

Looking for Harper leadership

Don't vote Conservative

Emerson, Hearn will not seek re-election

Stephen Harper: Prime Minister of False Pretenses

What is the Green Party ? See all stories on this topic

Harper is architect of parliamentary dysfunction

Harper's ambivalent appeal

Harper seen as better leader
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=764619

Stephen Harper's goal: self-preservation

Deregulation should earn Harper a game misconduct

Nomination pressure off local Tories in Casey's riding

Inconvenient timing 

Dion campaigns on wishful thinking


PRESSURE POINTS
Mounties shut probe into Arar leaks
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/story/4221417p-4821507c.html


OPINION AND INFORMATION
Fetal rights need clarity

Deft PR reprocesses tainted food crisis

Extraordinary rendition, extraordinary error


INFOS 
Trois soldats canadiens perdent la vie lors d'une attaque d'insurgés afghans
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080903/N0903188AU.html

Politique fédérale
André Bachand rentre au bercail
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/estrie/2008/09/03/002-andre-bachand-retour.shtml

Dion dit avoir entendu les Canadiens et bonifie son Tournant vert
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080903/N0903162AU.html

Québec et Ottawa annoncent une entente de 4 milliards $ pour les infrastructures
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080903/N0903186AU.html

Le Parti vert pourrait aller en cour afin d'avoir sa place lors des débats
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080903/N0903207AU.html

Stephen Harper promet une enquête indépendante sur l'épidémie de listériose
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080903/N0903120AU.html

Les méthodes d'attaques des talibans inquiètent les autorités canadiennes
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080903/N0903222AU.html

Québec solidaire: tout sauf les conservateurs en cas d'élections fédérales
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080903/N0903118AU.html

Harper admet avoir approuvé une offre devant être faite à Chuck Cadman
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080903/N0903209AU.html

Dépenses préélectorales
Pluie d'annonces
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2008/09/03/002-elections-annonces.shtml

Soutien fédéral aux arts
La culture attendra
http://www.radio-canada.ca/arts-spectacles/PlusArts/2008/09/03/001-comite_patrimoine.asp

Présumé complot terroriste
Une procédure anticonstitutionnelle, selon la défense
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/Ontario/2008/09/02/003-motion-defense-to_n.shtml

Avenir de Postes Canada
L'appui de la population
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2008/09/02/001-postes-canada-sondage.shtml

80 millions de dollars dans des installations de Ford
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080903/CPACTUALITES/80903229/1025/CPACTUALITES

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dion announces Green Shift changes

Harper plans listeriosis investigation

Feds promise $80M for Ford engine plant

Greens threaten legal action over TV debates

Deputy leader of N.S's Liberal party may go federal

You can bank on Hillier

Bank of Canada holds interest rates steady

Emerson, Hearn will not seek re-election

Harper best pick for PM, most say

'Dysfunctional' or productive?

Lunn gets jump on campaign

2 OPP officers above the law

Airlines to lose nearly $10B by 2010: IATA

Military to dump $250 million drones

Harper to aid Ontario's ailing auto sector

Parties ready to make job loss election issue

'Atomic veterans' entitled to compensation

Delay in election spending case may benefit Tories

Election will doom contentious copyright bill

Liberal hoping to win over B.C. on Green Shift

NNW Insider: Squamish Mayor to represent Liberals

Baird makes political hay as Liberals try to pick opponent

Former NHL player to vie for Conservative seat

Tory MP Batters announces he will not seek re-election

SpongeBob SquarePants for Harper

'Anything but Conservative' campaign hurting N.L. Tories: source

McGuinty says he'll campaign for fairness

Feds' emergency planning slammed

Do the Tories fear Elizabeth May?. MORE...

Dion's true enemy: his own caucus. MORE...

Harper's ambivalent appeal MORE...

Why Harper's election call? Because he can. MORE...

Stephen Harper's goal: self-preservation. MORE...

The big split on the left plays right into Harper's hands. MORE...

Harper's telling action MORE...

'Green Shift' won't sell MORE...

Carbon tax sales pitch falls flat MORE...

Inconvenient timing MORE...

Just what is PM's agenda? MORE...

And now, on to the real issues. MORE...

Fall election will affect our troops MORE...

More Election Related  
Grits likely to target Alberta

La Teoria Conspiratoria

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OPENING SALVOES

Jason was good enough to send an article to-day.  It relates a positive for the CP of C.  Someone who in his words "Stayed on shore" when the boat set sail has chosen to board it.

Not only was the article posted in the "INFOS" it was translated into English and posted under PARTY POLITICS.

Be assured that as was the response to Jason's information, so will be the response to either articles or opinion supportive of the C.P. of C. cause, posting on the Digest.

The contending view derogating the C.P. of C. will be as well - to the benefit of those who as of yet have not arrived at a definitive decision what to do on election day.

Andre Bachand coming on board is a significant plus for the YES position.

The Letter to the Editor below presents a NO view.

         Joe
____________________
From: Jason Hickman
Subject: Daily Digest Tip

Not sure if this made the "INFOS" section of the last DD, but if not, perhaps in can go in your next edition - M. Bachand has decided to run for the CPC in the next election:
 
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/estrie/2008/09/03/002-andre-bachand-retour.shtml
 
Best,
 
- Jason.

=====
. . . many thanks.

PARTY POLITICS
 Federal Policy
 Andre Bachand returned to the fold
http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.radio-canada.ca%2Fregions%2Festrie%2F2008%2F09%2F03%2F002-andre-bachand-retour.shtml&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=fr&tl=en

 

"on your side" poor choice as slogan for Conservative Party of Canada

 
  Niagara Falls, Ontario,
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
by: Joe Hueglin

The Conservative Party of Canada slogan "STRONG LEADERSHIP. ON YOUR SIDE" (1) is one that will not have universal appeal.

Those in towns dependent on lumbering will recall that while the promise was made "We will stand up for Canada" (2) on the softwood lumber dispute he did not do so.

Will western wheat growers who elected pro-Canadian Wheat Board directors see him as being on their side or for that matter will Newfoundland and Labradorians, when he broke his word to them?

"STRONG LEADERSHIP" does not promise three ice breakers then reduce the number to one nor announce critical replacements for 40 year old naval supply ships with fanfare, then cancel the orders on a Friday afternoon, nor call Ontario the 'last place' to invest. (3)
 
 
Will those negatively affected, the lumber industry, wheat farmers, ship builders and the citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario, have forgotten when the Prime Minister was not on their side? Such must be the expectation of Conservative strategists to make "STRONG LEADERSHIP. ON YOUR SIDE" the focus of their campaign.

  Joe Hueglin
 
References:

1. Conservative party web site : http://www.conservative.ca /  

2. HARPER HALIFAX SPEECH Wednesday September 7, 2005

http://www.gowlings.com/resources/enewsletters/govbrief/Htmfiles/governmentBulletin12092005.en.html

3. Flaherty calls Ontario 'last place' to invest; http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/03/01/flaherty-budget.html

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Daily Digest September 2, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

EDITORIALs

CORNER BROOK WESTERN STAR -
Poor decision on arts funding

CAPE BRETON POST -
May pulls off technical coup print this article
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=167445&sc=151

AMHERST DAILY NEWS -
It would be a beginning

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Putin is learning it's easier to win a war than a peace

GLOBE & MAIL -
The reading habit forms in childhood
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.wereading02/BNStory/specialComment/home

How not to procure
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.wenavy02/BNStory/specialComment/home

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
Election could hamper Harper

K-W RECORD -
Native dispute requires clarity

WINDSOR STAR -
Harper's fixed date

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Cold Arctic realities

LETHBRIDGE HERALD -
Greens get MP through backdoor


ISSUES

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS -          
Native protesters charged in Caledonia


AFGHANISTAN -
Afghanistan 'viable state' by 2011: Canada's outgoing envoy
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.wlalani0902/BNStory/International/home
Comments ( 83)

Ways forward in Afghanistan
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/02/afghanistan.pakistan

One man has put himself at the centre of a country's battle against corruption
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/03/afghanistan

US probe finds fewer Afghan dead

Goncharov: NATO repeating Soviet mistake in Afghanistan
The Salt Lake Tribune (09/02/2008)

5 Afghan children killed in raids
The Associated Press (09/02/2008)

Ways forward in Afghanistan
The Guardian (09/02/2008)

Selling the Taliban
Wall Street Journal (09/02/2008)

Afghan children killed by Nato fire
Agencies (09/02/2008)

3 Afghan children killed in Western artillery strike
Los Angeles Times (09/02/2008)


CANADIAN FORCES
Ottawa to compensate soldiers who took part in atomic tests
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.wmackayatomic0902/BNStory/National/home


CANUSA/USACAN
Zaccardelli faults U.S. government for Arar's deportation


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
800 jobs lost in Welland


FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Georgia shows Canada was rash on Kosovo

Russia rushed in


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES
Federal Resources minister slams B.C. carbon tax
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.wbclunn0902/BNStory/National/home


PARTY POLITICS
Caucus pressure drives Dion to make concessions in green plan
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.wtaberdion0902/BNStory/National/home

Conservative pre-election ad focuses on Harper, stresses leadership


POLITICAL OPINION -
Polls differ on parties' popularity as election call draws near
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/02/polls-differ-on-parties-popularity-as-election-call-draws-near.aspx

Tories unveil $60 million of pre-election goodies

Ritz: Listeriosis not election issue

Tory cuts awaken a sleeping Quebec giant

Step One for Dion is to get his own MPs on side
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/02/don-martin-step-one-for-dion-is-to-get-his-own-mps-on-side.aspx

Harper is willing to risk it all on the outside chance of a majority
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/408145

Fiscal record proves Tory weakness


PROGRAMMES
Canada at grave risk if national disaster strikes: Senate report


OPINION AND INFORMATION
The oilsands are an asset that strengthen the bonds of Confederation
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/02/crude-future-the-oilsands-are-an-asset-that-strengthen-the-bonds-of-confederation.aspx

Economics dictates that we'll never run out of oil
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/02/crude-future-economics-dictates-that-we-ll-never-run-out-of-oil.aspx

Policing the rights police
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/02/lorne-gunter-ontario-s-human-rights-police-seek-to-slap-the-cuffs-on-doctors.aspx

Who will lead Team Canada to polar glory?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080829.wcoarctic02/BNStory/specialComment/home

Can Western Canada avoid economic checkmate?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080902.wcohirsch02/BNStory/specialComment/home

Cities in need of federal help

The altar of ideology  


INFOS 
Affaire Maher Arar: Giuliano Zaccardelli blâme les Etats-Unis
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080902/N0902189AU.html

Dion annoncera des ajouts à son "tournant vert" pour répondre aux inquiétudes
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080902/N0902135AU.html

Harper annoncerait une aide financière pour rouvir une usine en Ontario
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080902/N0902153AU.html

Ottawa compensera des militaires ayant pris part à des tests de radioactivité
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080902/N0902155AU.html

Dépenses électorales 2006: un délai pourrait avantager les conservateurs
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080902/N0902173AU.html

Débats des chefs: le Parti vert embauche un avocat pour faire inclure May
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080902/N090269AU.html

Winnipeg
Les libéraux se préparent
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2008/09/02/007-Caucus-Winnipeg.shtml

Situations d'urgence
Le Canada n'est pas prêt
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/ottawa/2008/09/02/002-canada-urgence_n.shtml

Les ministres Emerson et Hearn ne tenteront pas de se faire réélire
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080902/CPACTUALITES/80902407/1025/CPACTUALITES

Dion annoncera des ajouts à son «tournant vert»
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080902/CPACTUALITES/80902272/1025/CPACTUALITES

L'obstacle Dion est levé
http://www.ledevoir.com/2008/09/02/203667.html


____________________________________________________________________________
Harper to announce cash for Ford plant

Tories unveil $60 million of pre-election goodies

Palin understands Canadian issues, Conservative MP says

Federal Resources minister slams B.C. carbon tax

'Anything but Conservative' campaign hurting N.L. Tories: source

N.S. government attacks Ottawa's arts cuts

Dion dismisses gloomy poll

Greens hire lawyer to fight for debate spot

John Deere factory in Ontario to close, 800 jobs lost

Dion pushes economy at Sask. meeting

Canada's economy will slow to a crawl: OECD

TSX plunges amid energy sell-off

Tory MP Batters announces he will not seek re-election

Liberals MPs gather to draw up election strategy

Canada not ready to respond to emergencies: report

Bureaucratic bafflegab hobbles disaster readiness, report says

Even Liberals don't get carbon tax plan: Kenney

Poll shows public against private mail delivery

Harper Tories on the brink of majority, poll finds

Stage set for October election

Call to polls Oct. 14

Economy framed as opening election battleground

'Huge risks' in campaign for 3 leaders

Ritz: Listeriosis not election issue

LISTERIOSIS OUTBREAK: A 'MEAT-AND-POTATOES' ELECTION ISSUE?

Health chief defends wait to warn public of listeria

12 deaths confirmed from listeriosis outbreak

Critics slam changes to aircraft safety inspection system

Green Shift support declining, poll shows

Tories quiet as questions surround Emerson's political future

Grits talk shop with potential Baird rivals

Election 'stock' traders: Prepare your picks

Flaherty won't budge on mortgage bonds

PM stands in shadow cast by world poverty

Ottawa pulls $100,000 from B.C. Sierra Club's climate-change initiative

Arctic icemelt a rising danger

Australia reports unusual reaction to HPV shots

Aussie soldiers admit Taliban held in dog cages

Stephen Harper needs an election. But what about the rest of us? MORE...

With an election looming, what's the Big Question?  MORE...

No reason for an election other than opportunism MORE...

Election cam-pain? MORE...

Harper knows the score  MORE...

Slogging through an election  MORE...

Taking a tactical cue from the Republicans
Armchair politicians who are perplexed by why the federal Tories sometimes play up divisive social conservative issues such
as opposition to same-sex marriage need look no further than today's poll. It's all about shoring up the party's core vote. MORE...

Liberals gather in city with battle ahead MORE...

A handmaid's tale
Will Ontario doctors be forced to ignore personal beliefs just to please a pompous human rights commission?  MORE...

Protect Canadians or save a few cents on the GST?  MORE...

Georgia shows Canada was rash on Kosovon
Harper announced that Canada would recognize Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence
many decried  this decision as a violation of the United Nations charter. MORE...

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Just how many commercials is the Conservative Party running on Canadian airwaves this week, taking advantage of the fact that the official Election Spending Meter only starts clicking once Prime Minister Stephen Harper takes that long walk across the street to the Governor General's house to ask her to dissolve Parliament.

A few minutes ago, I walked into our family room to pry my 9-year-old daughter away from the television set for bedtime only to find her watching a Conservative pre-election ad on YTV during the SpongeBob SquarePants show. "What did the ad say," I asked. "Oh, that Stephen Harper is a good leader and he is on the right path," my 9-year-old replied matter of factly.

Too bad for Stephen Harper that she and many of SpongeBob's other underage fans are several years away from actually being able to vote for him.

http://communities.canada.com/montrealgazette/blogs/onthehill/archive/2008/09/02/sponge-bob-squarepants-for-harper.aspx

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Daily Digest September 1, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

EDITORIALs

ST.JOHN'S TELEGRAM -
A shabby high horse

CAPE BRETON POST -
Harper reverts to tradition print this article
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=166976&sc=151

AMHERST DAILY NEWS -
Tough times for travellers

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
When will Ottawa take food safety seriously?

TORONTO STAR -
Labour Day wish: more good jobs

SUDBURY STAR -
When 'work' doesn't work


ISSUES

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS -          
Ontario native protesters set up highway blockade in Caledonia

Fantino calls for end to blockades in Caledonia


AFGHANISTAN -
5 Afghan children killed by government, NATO forces

Afghan children die in Nato raid

Driven apart
US air strike drives wedge between allies in Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Nato admits artillery strike left three children dead near Kabul
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/02/afghanistan.nato


CANADIAN FORCES
Canadian troops dish back-to-school gear to eager children in Kandahar

Two Canadian military bases suffer communications failure in service switch


CANUSA/USACAN
Parliamentary observers lobby American Democrats on North American trade

BORDER SECURITY--ACCEPTING THE FABRIC OF FEAR

Northern exposure: Canada to unveil a porn channel


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Forestry downturn not a 'normal' part of the cycle

Maple Leaf Meat Canada Exports Halted

Labour's 'do-or-die challenge'


FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Canada Promises to Back Georgia to Enter NATO

NATO'S DISASTROUS GEORGIAN FUDGE

Bush's Deal With Iraq: A Time Bomb Set to Explode

EU threatens to curb co-operation with Russia over Georgian conflict

Natural gas may ease energy crisis


HEALTH CARE RELATED
Risks of allergic reactions don't outweigh benefits of HPV vaccine, study says


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES
Ontario to expand trades training


PARTY POLITICS
Harper Tories on the brink of majority, poll finds
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080901.wpoll0901/BNStory/Front/home

Harper to ask GG to set Oct. 14 as election date: sources

PM set to launch federal election at week's end, government sources say - 1 hour, 4 minutes ago

Canada headed for polls - Mon Sep 1, 04:11 pm

Canada headed to snap elections: opposition leader - Mon Sep 1, 03:14 pm

Canada set for third general election in four years - Mon Sep 1, 02:59 pm

Harper to take few days to decide on election: aide - Mon Sep 1, 02:12 pm

Canada will have election: Dion - Mon Sep 1, 01:46 pm

Harper wants fall election, Dion says after talks - Mon Sep 1, 01:33 pm

Libs say they've got cash, can match Tories dollar-for-dollar in next campaign

Local Conservative association hopes for time for fall election

Harper wants fall election, Dion says after talks

Dion calls meeting with Harper a 'charade'
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080831/harper_dion_080901/20080901?hub=Canada

Canadians heading to the polls: Dion


POLITICAL OPINION -
PM to launch election at week's end: Sources
all 1,841 news articles »

Economy framed as opening election battleground

Commons committees cram final meetings before expected election

Commons committees cram final meetings before expected election

Conservatives cancelling byelections for tactical reasons, say observers

Ministers' offices preparing campaign material to respond to opposition attacks

Election is PM's gamble

Harper's "Canadians must trust" doctrine, is looking a bit ragged ...

A Green party win would be a real green shift for Guelph

Tory MP won't retract unborn crime bill


PROGRAMMES
Feds spend 50% less on firms for civil litigation
http://www.lawyersweekly.ca/index.php?section=article&articleid=750

Port of Montreal gets $2.5B for expansion

Food inspectors think daily meat inspections unnecessary: Agency

Meat inspectors face fatigue


OPINION AND INFORMATION
Exporting bulk water is the wrong way to go

Spin campaigns aren't enough to delude voters
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/letters/story.html?id=b35ef19a-b9f4-416b-84ce-e4fd054d1d24

Politicians run from the A-word  

The Cold War is not coming back  

Spare a thought for temp workers on Labour Day  


INFOS 
Harper aurait dit à Stéphane Dion qu'il déclenchera des élections bientôt
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080901/N090172AU.html

Harper déclenchera les élections à la fin de cette semaine, selon des sources
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080901/N090196AU.html

Le nombre de décès confirmés dus à la listériose est maintenant de 12
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080901/N090190AU.html

Des bases militaires canadiennes ont connu de graves pannes de communications
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080901/N090170AU.html

En cas d'élection fédérale, Williams répétera qu'Ottawa a trahi Terre-Neuve
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080831/N083172AU.html

Prix de l'essence
L'alternative du transport en commun
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/societe/2008/09/01/002-essence-transport-commun.shtml

Affaires autochtones
Tensions à Caledonia
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/Ontario/2008/09/01/007-caledonia_barricade_route_n.shtml

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Heritage department takes aim at religious radicals
Multiculturalism plan under scrutiny. The federal culture department wants to fight religious radicalization in Canada.

Japan PM in surprise resignation

800 U.S. troops in Kandahar just the start, MacKay says

Medvedev of Russia offers to train Afghan police

Libs say they've got cash, can match Tories dollar-for-dollar

Tory mailout seen as 'unacceptable'
Half those polled say MP's taxpayer-funded leaflet is campaign-style literature, breaking the rules

Ministers' offices preparing campaign material to respond to opposition attacks
All ministers' offices have been told to prepare binders for the campaign,' says Tory source

Danny Williams vows to fight Stephen Harper
Premier's feud with PM may sway voters in Nfld. but not likely in Ontario

Liberal caucus readies for battle
Strategy talks to focus on Harper's weaknesses, Green Shift carbon plan

Four federal by-elections in limbo\
Votes that face cancellation – and taxpayers will have to pick up the tab

Tories cancelling byelections for tactical reasons, say observers

Former defence minister could take on Baird in election
David Pratt appears to be the frontrunner to be hand- picked as the Liberal candidate for Ottawa West-Nepean.

Green Party snags its first MP
In part, the Green Party can thank David Suzuki's daughter for helping it finally get a foot on Parliament Hill.

First Green MP joins party at 'great moment in time'
Blair Wilson's move 'sheer opportunism,' UVic professor says

High gas costs pushing people to use public transit, survey finds

Carney criticism turns to praise

Hargrove's last march

Former bureaucrat investigated for fraud fights to keep name secret
Mr. X turns to courts to stop PS watchdog from posting details of case on the Internet

Russia warns West against Georgia support

Will that Harper character do him in?
When Stephen Harper visits the Governor-General's mansion to trigger an election, as he is likely to do later this week, he'll be banking many of his hopes on the issue of leadership. It's been one of his boasting points ever since becoming.. MORE...

When will Ottawa take food safety seriously?
Emerging details about how Canada's food safety system works, some of them disturbing, should prompt the federal government to do more than just call our system the "best in the world," as Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz did on Thursday. MORE...

Conservatives fumble arts funding
Maybe he's just a film buff who wants to catch a few flicks and revel in Toronto's global reputation as a centre of cinematic excellence. But the facts don't quite fit Jim

Flaherty's story. MORE...
Let me offer Jim Flaherty a bit of free advice
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has made it clear he plans to ignore my advice. I had been presumptuous enough to suggest that in light of widespread distress in the cultural community about Ottawa's series of shocking cuts to arts funding.. MORE...

Imagine our politicians' words stirring us
It was said of Winston Churchill that he mobilized the English language and sent it into battle. If so, it could be said of today's crop of Canadian leaders that they eviscerate the English language and send the remains to the coffin. MORE...

Harper ready to snap
Quick election represents best chance to win. As the passion of Barack Obama continues to stir America in his captivating presidential campaign of hope, a looming federal election will soon give Canadians a choice between Bully Boy.. MORE...

Ignoring cherished Tory values
In his book Harper's Team, Tom Flanagan makes it clear what the next election is all about for the Conservatives. It's about winning a majority, that's a given. But it's also about making sure Harper's brand of conservatism is entrenched across.. MORE...

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Georgia to Enter NATO

 By Online  Monday, September 1, 2008
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/4775

Georgia, Tbilisi, 1 September /Trend News corr. N.Kirtskhalia/ Canada will actively support Tbilisi to enable Georgia to enter NATO, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Davit Bakradze said to journalists after his meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Elena Giurgis.

According to Bakradze, the situation in Georgia, Moscow's aggressive actions and Georgia's entering NATO was discussed at the meeting.

According to Bakradze, the economic sanctions to be used by the international community to suspend Kremlin's activities were also discussed.

In the early morning of 8 August, large-scale military actions commenced in the unrecognized republic of South Ossetia. Georgian troops entered Tskhinvali. Later Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and forced back the Georgian servicemen.

On 12 August, Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev said he had decided to complete the operation on constraining Georgia to peace.

Russian peacekeeping troops and international observers remained in Georgia.

The correspondent can be contacted at trend@trend.az

===================================

Daily Digest August 31, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

EDITORIALs

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
The bear is back and bad

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Cancellation of new ships is bad news for our navy

SUDBURY STAR -
Harper ready to snap: quick election represents his best chance to win

WINNIPEG SUN -
Give me money, I'm 'uncertain'

EDMONTON SUN -
Panic over meat is foolish
http://www.edmontonsun.com/Comment/Commentary/2008/08/31/6622871-sun.html
 
VANCOUVER SUN -
Dealing with the cause of criminal behaviour is new court's mission

VANCOUVER PROVINCE -
We must tackle binge drinking

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
Superbugs pose health-care threat

EMBASSY MAGAZINE
Stephen Harper's Vision for the North
http://www.embassymag.ca/html/index.php?display=story&full_path=/2008/august/27/editorial/


ISSUES

AFGHANISTAN -
Obama to push for more EU troops in Afghanistan

Five killed in al Qaeda safe house strike in South Waziristan
Two Canadian Arabs were reported killed in the attack, the third such attack in South Waziristan and eight in Pakistan's tribal areas this year.
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/08/five_killed_after_al.php


FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Pipsqueak creates crisis

Georgian Conflict Reveals NATO Divides

UK WARNS OVER 'RUSSIA AGGRESSION'

Russia will not hold us to ransom - Brown

Russia: Moscow calls for more observers in Georgia  

Russia remains a Black Sea power
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/JH30Ag02.html

Russia threatens to supply Iran with top new missile system as 'cold war' escalates
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/2651516/Russia-threatens-to-supply-Iran-with-top-new-missile-system-as-cold-war-escalates.html

Russia-Syria weapons deal alarms US
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/2604284/Russia-Syria-weapons-deal-alarms-US.html


PARTY POLITICS
Steady Conservatives Lead Liberals in Canada

Federal Liberals and Conservatives gripped in a tie
Nanos Research/Sun Media Poll 29.08.08 [ PDF]

Dion to meet Harper Monday
all 1,554 news articles »

Greens claim TV debate spot


POLITICAL OPINION -
Harper ready to snap

PM slammed for 'quitting job' as Tories say election likely

  Harper must marry leadership and trust
The next election is about leadership and trust.

In Ottawa, a week of heavy jockeying

Ignoring cherished Tory values

The Canadian Parliament can Function if the Power is Tranfered to the Opposition Parties

Outlook less bleak, poll finds


PROGRAMMES
Should we have been told sooner about listeria?

CRTC tells new TV porn channel to use homegrown talent


OPINION AND INFORMATION
The Tories as suave internationalists? Don't bet your cowboy boots

Feds fund culture giants, while ignoring wealth of homegrown talent

Islam's reformists should give westerners hope


INFOS 
Politique fédérale
Si la tendance se maintient...
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2008/08/31/001-dion-layton-harper.shtml

Listériose
Une 10e victime confirmée
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2008/08/30/001-listeriose-samedi.shtml

Le NPD prêt pour la bataille
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080831/CPACTUALITES/80830004/1025/CPACTUALITES

Élections partielles: voter avant de voter
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080831/CPACTUALITES/808310464/1025/CPACTUALITES

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APPLYING A P.I.T. TEST

The P.M.O. ia in the process of developing a Personal Integrity Test, a "P.I.T.", for potential borrowers"

Dimitri Soudas, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, said in an e-mail to the Canadian Press on Saturday that "Alfonso Gagliano receiving a loan from Farm Credit Canada was disturbing."

Soudas said the Tories are in the process of tightening the guidelines that Crown corporations must take into account when loaning money.
        
He said that means all federal Crown corporations engaged in commercial lending will have to take into account "the personal integrity" of an individual during the review of that person's loan application. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2008/08/30/gagliano-farm.html

Another test for which P.I.T. can serve as an acronym is Political Integrity Test.

Here's "un défi", a challenge: what argument(s) would you present before a body of undecided voters for and/or against Stephen Harper deserving to pass a Political Integrity Test?

The Digest is posted to 3500 + addresses directly.  How many more through it being passed on I've no idea.

Beyond doubt some reading it are among the undecided who may choose to express questions.

Any one up to thechallenge?

         Joe

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From: "Rebecca Gingrich" <r.gingrich@sympatico.ca>
Subject: [On-Guard] DD

Joe--David Bell has hit the nail on the head!  Our governments can make all
the rules they want to, it accomplishes nothing.  Governments have, over the
years, demanded more and more power over every facet of our lives. 
Incompetence always follows.  As with any organization, the organization
becomes of prime importance, and their reason for being falls by the
wayside.  We are taught to believe that our governments are all knowing, all
powerful, and all seeing.  Time and time again we see the fact that the
Emperor has no clothes, and yet the game still keeps being played.  The
taxpayer funds porn http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/jun/040618b.html
while we are dying from contaminated food, drugs and other products.  Now
Canadians know what is important to our government!

I don't know the practice in the ROC, but in Alberta they already have
veterinarians in abattoirs.  At least they did 20 years ago in private
abattoirs.

Words on paper are written regularily but nothing changes.  No one follows
them, but it covers the government's collective ass.  That is the only real
purpose of the rules.  We have people and products bringing disease into
Canada and no one cares.  The governments don't even follow their own rules.

  Political correctness is the ultimate law. The government will throw more
of our money at the issue, but nothing will change.   We are past the point
of no return.

becky

My response, though granted at times far back is beyond our ken : -

Arthur Hugh Clough (1819-1861)

Say not the Struggle nought Availeth

             1Say not the struggle nought availeth,
           2The labour and the wounds are vain,
           3The enemy faints not nor faileth,
           4And as things have been, things remain;

           5If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;
           6It may be, in yon smoke conceal'd,
           7Your comrades chase e'en now the fliers--
           8And, but for you, possess the field.

           9For while the tired waves vainly breaking
       10Seem here no painful inch to gain,
       11Far back, through creeks and inlets making,
       12Comes silent, flooding in, the main.

       13And not by eastern windows only,
       14When daylight comes, comes in the light,
       15In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly,
       16But westward, look! the land is bright.

===================================

Daily Digest August 30, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

EDITORIALs

ST.JOHN'S TELEGRAM -
Performance artists

CAPE BRETON POST -
Travel for health an emerging issue
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=166763&sc=151

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Get ready for an ugly campaign

TORONTO STAR -
Economy needs a boost

SUDBURY STAR -
Harper's rush to the ballot box

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Canadians need better assurance on food security

No need for election

REGINA LEADER-POST -
Who'll stand on guard in Canada's Arctic?

CALGARY HERALD -
Killing abortion debate unhealthy

EDMONTON JOURNAL -
Harper's Arctic vision bold and risky

ASIA PACIFIC POST -
Hidden apartheid or hidden apathy

The madness on our streets


ISSUES

AFGHANISTAN -
Army told to switch its Afghan tactics
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/31/afghanistan.defence
Un warns Nato-led coalition forces rules need to be revised after rise in civilian casualties

US to back Afghan air raid probe

Karzai fast losing his popularity
IANS (08/30/2008)

McCain failed to qualify statement about "success" in Afghanistan
Politifact.com (08/30/2008)

Misleading tip faulted for deadly Afghan strike
The Associated Press (08/30/2008)

Afghan Civilians Killed at Checkpoint, Germany Says
Bloomberg (08/30/2008)

Pentagon Reports U.S. Airstrike Killed 5 Afghan Civilians, Not 90
The Washington Post (08/30/2008)


CANADIAN FORCES
U.S. to help out in Kandahar's 'Wild West'
Canadian troops in Kandahar are getting a boost as 800 American soldiers move in to assume operations in Maywand district.


CANUSA/USACAN
Enbridge, BP ink Alberta-Texas Gulf pipeline dealComment
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080829.wrenbridge30/BNStory/energy/home


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Maple Leaf Foods' problems hard to digest


HEALTH CARE RELATED
New meds aren't always 'safe and effective'
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080829.wldoses29/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home


MIGRATION
Exploited foreign workers Canada's new 'slave trade'


PARTY POLITICS
Green party announces its first federal member of Parliament

Harper sees no common ground with the opposition, Layton says after meeting

Canada fall election more likely, government says
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/080830/n_canada_reuters/canada_politics_col


POLITICAL OPINION -
Polls show Liberals, Tories tied
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=756740

MP joins Greens; May now in leaders' debates?
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/488157

Harper plans to go steady
PM will stress risk of Dion when he seeks electoral love
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/National/2008/08/30/6614501-sun.html

Why fix what ain't broke?

An illegal election?


PROGRAMMES
Canada fails to track food illnesses, expert says
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080829.wmeat30/BNStory/National/home?cid=al_gam_mostview

Worker says meat plant filthy
Employee at Maple Leaf factory linked to deadly outbreak claims machines improperly scrubbed
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/National/2008/08/30/6614531-sun.html

Ottawa slashes grants for new media
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080830.CUTS30/TPStory/TPNational/Politics/


OPINION AND INFORMATION



INFOS 
Harper ne montre aucune flexibilité pour travailler avec l'opposition, dit Layton
http://info.branchez-vous.com/graphics/textecomplet.gif

Dix décès sont maintenant attribués à l'éclosion de listériose
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080830/N083068AU.html

Le Parti vert recrute un premier député fédéral siégeant aux Communes
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080830/N083052AU.html

Alfonso Gagliano a pris possession de son vignoble en Estrie
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080830/N083020AU.html

Afghanistan
L'aide du voisin du Sud
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/International/2008/08/30/003-afghanistan-cnd-americains.shtml

Patrimoine canadien
Un autre programme aboli?
http://www.radio-canada.ca/arts-spectacles/PlusArts/2008/08/30/001-fonds-abolition.asp

L'équipe au secours du chef
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080830/CPACTUALITES/80829239/1025/CPACTUALITES

Un nouveau sondage donne Harper en tête
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080830/CPACTUALITES/80830009/1025/CPACTUALITES

Économie et leadership, les thèmes de la campagne conservatrice
http://www.ledevoir.com/2008/08/30/203529.html


__________________________________________
Harper intent on triggering an election: Layton

 PM's plan for Oct. 14 vote hits snag
Canadian Jewish Congress warns Harper against calling election that would conflict with Jewish holiday.

An illegal election?

Can the G-G deny Harper his election?

Alberta confirms new Listeriosis-related death

Meat plant cut corners: Employee

Report: Gagliano purchases Quebec vineyard with federal loan

Alfonso Gagliano receives $500,000 federal loan

Liberals, Conservatives 'basically tied' in support
Poll shows wide swings in regional popularity

PM key to Tory strategy
Public's perception of him as decisive leader could lead to majority government: Pollster

Harper plans to go steady
PM will stress risk of Dion when he seeks electoral love

Ottawa slashes grants for new media
Telefilm loses $14.5-million fund

Pakistani lawmaker defends honor killings
Tribesmen bury five women alive for wanting to choose their own husbands

Liberals using crisis for political gain -Clement
..exploiting tragedy for political gain by linking Canada's listeriosis outbreak to the E. coli water crisis in Walkerton.

Walkerton mayor calls for public inquiry on listeria outbreak
..current outbreak  "outrageous"  noting that some of the cabinet ministers who were in the Ontario government in 2000 are now in the federal cabinet.

Man under fire
The tainted-meat crisis has put the spotlight on Michael McCain, the CEO of Maple Leaf Foods..

Five players to watch in the runup to the election

Candidates already in race suspicious of PM
..alleging he is derailing the process because his party will lose in their ridings.

'Shared concern' on economy: Flaherty
Federal finance minister tones down rhetoric about Ontario's manufacturing sector woes

Will Hargrove run against Flaherty?

Death penalty stance a likely election issue
Court review of Tories' refusal to fight for Canadians on death row scheduled for end of September

MacKay: Supply ships coming
MacKay is promising a Canadian-made solution to replace two aging navy supply ships after Ottawa sunk a $2.9 billion replacement program last week.

Tories braced for Stoffer's criticism of coast guard job

A cold calculation of prime ministerial proportions
Canadians know, after watching Stephen Harper in office for three years, that he's a control freak. He controls all his ministers, all the important files, all major communications, and all the circumstances in which he makes public.. MORE...

Why Harper decided to take control of election timing
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and several of his most powerful cabinet ministers met last week at historic Willson House, on a promontory overlooking Meech Lake in Quebec's Gatineau Park, and decided they must call a federal election before.. MORE...

Tories ignore moral issues
"Okay, it was mentioned, but I think we got away with it. Everybody discuss something else now." Which may not be precisely what the Tories said when the abortion issue came up this week, but is pretty close to the mark. Stephen Harper.. MORE...

Harper trampling all over Constitution
It looks increasingly as if Stephen Harper is taking advice from Robert Mugabe in attempting to reset the Canadian agenda. The self-declared president-for-life of Zimbabwe says he intends to form a.. MORE...

Gentlemen, start your coffins. This election's a snore ... or is it?
A forced election - "a con job," cry the critics - is upon us. A feeling of yet more disillusionment among a citizenry known for its sense of fair play accumulates because of the manipulative manner in which the government is calling it. MORE...

Dion tries to change his hue by jumping on culture bandwagon
Liberal leader is unpopular in Quebec so he's trying to recast his image. Stéphane Dion, defender of Quebec's culture and identity? It's not how French-speaking Quebecers are used to seeing the former letter-writing scourge of the.. MORE...

A flood of flyers stirs pre-election emotions
We should have known an election was in the cards. Conservatives lately have been mailing a blizzard of political flyers across the country. MORE...

Conservative ideology is in decline
Canada's next election, the one the Prime Minister plans for fall, will ask Canadians a question Americans have already answered. The arch-conservatism that came late to Ottawa in January 2006 is in spiral decline here after.. MORE...

Tough on crime can be pretty tough on children
How would Canada's criminal justice system look if conservatives fully transformed it? And more importantly, what would those changes do to Canadian society? With the Harper government pushing more tough-on-crime.. MORE...

Canada's current food-safety crisis
http://www.ethicurean.com/2008/08/29/canadas-current-food-safety-crisis/


La Teoria Conspiratoria

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From: David Bell

This headline "Food inspection agency expands self-policing Vets to assume 'oversight' role at abattoirs" coming when the full effects of the LISTERIA breakdown of quality control is at least to me a negative.  Read the article posted below.  Do you feel comfortable in supporting the policies in process or not?
 
Joe,

Re: Listeria

The challenge for us (globally) in "regulation" extends far beyond food. It includes health, disease control, telecommunications, banking, finance, transportation etc.

Our technological/commercial capacity far outstrips our regulatory capacity. A Health Canada official said to me that if we stopped all pharmaceutical development for the next five years, the FDA (never mind Health Canada)  would be unable to catch up. Most senior regulatory officials will tell you that we would need a 10-20X increase in regulatory budgets and it will not happen.

Brave New World?

Cheers
David

===================================
From: "Jacob Rempel"
Subject: Google Blogs Alert for: David Orchard

Is Harper Crazy?

===================================
From: "Rubie Britton"

Subject: CARP Article: Building An Emergency Plan That Works For You
             http://www.carp.ca/article_display.cfm?documentID=3279

===================================
From: "Rebecca Gingrich"
Subject:  Free Trade anyone?

What have we come to if the US is ''better at inspection' than we are? We
have all read horror stories coming out of the US re food safety. Now this.
Is this what is meant by free trade? We all sink to the lowest common
denominator re food safety?

becky


INSPECTION: U.S. REPORT CITES PEST-CONTROL PROBLEM AT MANITOBA PLANT
Maple Leaf criticized in 2007 audit
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080830.MEATUSDA30//TPStory/National
BILL CURRY

August 30, 2008

OTTAWA -- A mousetrap plugged with discarded pieces of meat and animal fat
turned up in a May, 2007, inspection of Maple Leaf's meat plant in Brandon.

The observation wasn't made by Canadian officials, but by Alam Khan, a
senior auditor with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mr. Khan said in a
report that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspector accompanying him
on the tour scooped the obstruction out of the trap.

Pest-control devices must be working properly to be approved by U.S.
auditors. The official who cited the clogged mousetrap gave the facility a
failing grade in pest control, and told his U.S. colleagues it wasn't an
isolated problem.

The auditor's report notes that Maple Leaf had been warned multiple times
about problems with the kind of trap it was using "and yet no action was
taken by the establishment to correct the problem."

Although several Canadian plants have lost the approval of the USDA to ship
to the United States because of these audits, Maple Leaf plants have not
received that sanction. Maple Leaf spokeswoman Linda Smith noted that all of
the company's plants remain in good standing with the USDA.

"They have passed their recent inspections," she said. "Minor findings are
part of the audit process and are not uncommon."

The mousetrap incident is just one of a litany of failings outlined in the
latest USDA audit of Canada's meat, poultry and egg inspection system.

All Canadian plants that are approved for exporting to the United States
must allow U.S. officials to audit their facilities.

More than two dozen on-site audits done between May 1 and June 6, 2007, were
compiled into a final report on Canada's meat, poultry and egg products
inspection system.

The report says that 19 out of 20 audited plants were not complying with
sanitation standards, while Canadian inspectors were not always aware of
their duties, "and were not well trained in the performance of their
inspection tasks."

With Canada's decision this year to stop making facility reports and
rankings by Canadian inspectors, the USDA website may be the only place
where consumers can read detailed reports of what is happening in this
country's plants.

The Globe and Mail reported this week that Canada ended its ranking system
on March 31 after the industry complained the reports were leading to
negative media coverage.

The CFIA's response to the USDA's 2007 audit report - which included the
assessment of Maple Leaf's Brandon facility - shows that Canada urged the
Americans to soften their critical language.

Dr. Bill Anderson, the CFIA's director of meat programs, wrote last year to
the head of the USDA's international audit team. In the letter posted with
the report, Dr. Anderson noted that while none of the CFIA inspectors who
accompanied USDA officials on their audits challenged the U.S. findings,
Canada didn't like their tone.

"I would however like to voice my concern over the tone of general
statements made in the draft final report," wrote Dr. Anderson, singling out
the finding that: "Nineteen of 20 slaughter and/or processing establishments
(including cold storage) had deficiencies in [sanitation performance
standards]."

"We found that this statement is unnecessarily severe," Dr. Anderson
continued. He suggests that the line be changed to: "In addition, some of
the SPS requirements were not being enforced adequately in 19 of 20
establishments."

Jim Laws, the executive director of the Canadian Meat Council, confirmed
this week that industry representatives had asked for the Canadian rankings
to be terminated because they were "archaic" and causing council members
grief when they became public.

A review of the U.S. audit illustrates why such information might be
controversial.

While the Maple Leaf plant in Toronto identified as the source of the
current listeria outbreak was not audited in 2007, the report says that
Maple Leaf plants in Brandon and Moncton were in "non-compliance" regarding
sanitary operations. The Brandon plant also received a non-compliance
ranking for pest control.

The problems were not exclusive to large companies like Maple Leaf. A
Charlottetown company called Natural Organic Food Group received a
particularly damaging report. Among the observations was a lack of floor
drainage in an employee's work area.

"Even though this employee had a slightly raised area to stand on, he was
surrounded by water with blood in it," states one of the auditor's
observations.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said yesterday that Canadian's facility
rankings had become "antiquated" and needed to be replaced. Paul Mayers of
the CFIA said new compliance reports will be introduced.

"We have a commitment to transparency," he said.

(Yup. Fired an inspector who released plans Ritz denied that were in place since March. Wasn't there something about accountability too back in 05-06?)

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