This powerful episode, recorded live on location, explains more background and ties together media reports about Red River College's privacy law woes, the scrambling of the CMHR plans to hire staff and open on - well it isn't on time cause it was already late - and their "Orwellian" question and answer exercise; and lastly, what happened at city hall when the Downtown Parking Plan was rubber-stamped with no regard for the unconnected common folk who are being denied input.
This is the third neighborhood this week to report an absence of fair treatment by city "planning".
Listen for an online comment about the difference between Coun. Eadie's tirade about his own backyard and the silence of councillors when other areas get steamrolled by city processes.
We explain how this ties in to the launch of a new website next week, and why the general public needs resources like our Podcast and our coverage of city hall, the Legislature, and local blogs to help them stand up to decision-makers and hold them accountable. Listen for how you can be part of the next stage.
Plus :
- more on homicides number 36 and 37,
- a Level 5 car thief tries to injure cops twice,
- the price of cocaine in Winnipeg plummets, and
- are the HA's picking up stakes?
A newspaper columnist and a local clothing designer now follow us on Twitter- you'll hear who they are!
LISTEN HERE:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/12/08/epc-ignores-public-consultation-promises-why-the-public-needs-a-watchdog/
TWITTER: @TGCTS
PS -- WATCH FOR A STORY ABOUT OSBORNE HOUSE IN TOMORROW'S METRO !
Showing posts with label CMHR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CMHR. Show all posts
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Crimestat flaws predicted 5 years ago/ Faron Hall poster child for failed NDP holistic approach
TGCTS opens today by recounting our recent Twitter interaction with the likes of civics blogger Brian Kelcey, Taxpayers Federation director Colin Craig and PC Justice critic Kelvin Goertzen that proves the relevancy of our platform in the current local media scene.
Then 3 main segments are undertaken:
1) The attack on Christian values by the left, as analyzed by CBC's Rex Murphy for the National Post, was almost predictive of the plan of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to blame Christianity for the Holocaust, even while as Tom Brodbeck reports, the federal money tap to pay for it is being turned off
2) Revisiting previous stories -- The unexplained (by MSM) reasons why the NDP had to roll out a 511 emergency communications system - it's a 4 letter word; Bernie Bellan raises the issue of the responsibility of the WRHA and Health Dept. bureaucrats in the death of Simkin Centre resident Lilyan Peck; and the Free Press estimate of the enormous cost of the bribe paid (in the form of higher wages and pensions) at the back end of the wage freeze the NDP arranged with their union friends.
3) The amazing analysis of Bob Axford on March 12, 2007, that the proclamations of then police Chief Ewatski and Mayor Katz about how their version of Crimestat would emulate US successes was a con job on the public. Recent blog posts by Menno Zacharias and Rae Butcher seem to back up Axford's hypthesis.
Plus a rundown of recent near-killings and robberies involving teenagers, the jail time for a rampage last summer on downtown bike riders by a fledgling gangster, an excellent court report from James Turner about a 53 x arrested for intoxication downtown vagrant and what should be done about him, my comparison of that case to recently arrested and intoxicated 'homeless hero' Faron Hall, the biggest example of why the NDP has failed to protect not only the public, but the perp (from himself);
and last but not least, Justice Murray Sinclair jumped on the "one minute to midnight" bandwagon and the Free Press had to censor dozens of commenters that called his bluff for making excuses for the potential of aboriginal violence .
And a reminder to join our Facebook group at the Kings Head next Wednesday at 7 PM for a roundtable and announcements about the growth of our platform. GET INVOLVED - YOU HAVE THE POWER.
Here is the Wednesday Podcast:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/11/30/crimestat-flaws-predicted-5-years-ago-faron-hall-poster-child-for-failed-ndp-holistic-approach/
Then 3 main segments are undertaken:
1) The attack on Christian values by the left, as analyzed by CBC's Rex Murphy for the National Post, was almost predictive of the plan of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to blame Christianity for the Holocaust, even while as Tom Brodbeck reports, the federal money tap to pay for it is being turned off
2) Revisiting previous stories -- The unexplained (by MSM) reasons why the NDP had to roll out a 511 emergency communications system - it's a 4 letter word; Bernie Bellan raises the issue of the responsibility of the WRHA and Health Dept. bureaucrats in the death of Simkin Centre resident Lilyan Peck; and the Free Press estimate of the enormous cost of the bribe paid (in the form of higher wages and pensions) at the back end of the wage freeze the NDP arranged with their union friends.
3) The amazing analysis of Bob Axford on March 12, 2007, that the proclamations of then police Chief Ewatski and Mayor Katz about how their version of Crimestat would emulate US successes was a con job on the public. Recent blog posts by Menno Zacharias and Rae Butcher seem to back up Axford's hypthesis.
Plus a rundown of recent near-killings and robberies involving teenagers, the jail time for a rampage last summer on downtown bike riders by a fledgling gangster, an excellent court report from James Turner about a 53 x arrested for intoxication downtown vagrant and what should be done about him, my comparison of that case to recently arrested and intoxicated 'homeless hero' Faron Hall, the biggest example of why the NDP has failed to protect not only the public, but the perp (from himself);
and last but not least, Justice Murray Sinclair jumped on the "one minute to midnight" bandwagon and the Free Press had to censor dozens of commenters that called his bluff for making excuses for the potential of aboriginal violence .
And a reminder to join our Facebook group at the Kings Head next Wednesday at 7 PM for a roundtable and announcements about the growth of our platform. GET INVOLVED - YOU HAVE THE POWER.
Here is the Wednesday Podcast:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/11/30/crimestat-flaws-predicted-5-years-ago-faron-hall-poster-child-for-failed-ndp-holistic-approach/
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday podcast - Gordo and pals gang up on Air Canada; fail to refute valid downtown safety concerns
With Yom Kippur and Thanksgiving observed, today's podcast is a classic TGCTS stream-of-consciousness tapestry reflecting on the reality of the state of the downtown, that starts and ends with Gordo himself -- all because of this drivel from Saturday:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/its-the-kind-of-face-many-fear-131379728.html
Listen to the Tuesday podcast to hear our own Jim Nielson story, and our analysis explaining
- how the distorted Freep headline and "reporting" about downtown crime rates tried to conceal the fact that maybe, just maybe, there is a basis for Air Canada to be concerned for the safety of it's crews on layovers,
- the lecture by Lloyd Axworthy from his U of Winnipeg fiefdom,
- a government lease in the "once-downtrodden North Portage" relies on those evil surface parking lots,
- exactly what Judge Fred Sandhu said about alcoholism fueling social disorder with no solutions from government in sight (H/T James Turner who ran the transcript here),
- how $40 million of provincial tax dollars earmarked for the CMHR could be used to make our community safer instead of pumping up the pet project of millionaires
- why the social do-gooders don't pressure the NDP to deal with it: because Greg Selinger didn't tell them too
- and in the Crime Courts Public Safety Update, election day news about Greg Selinger's favorite rapper and his dealings with Air Canada and Montreal police (here's our previous story about Brooklyn and his pals, he's on the far right, yo);
plus a recap of a violent weekend in the 100 block of Main Street, including a midnight firearm-backed sexual assault and a broad daylight stabbing of a Good Samaritan.
(Off the top of the show we shout-out to our new Twitter followers, we end with our favorite story about a Game 1 Jets fan and a challenge to Gordo, and for those CFL and wrestling fans, here is a link to my book review of Angelo Mosca's biography )
Tuesday Podcast link:http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/11/tgcts-oct-1111-gordo-and-pals-gang-up-on-air-canada-fail-to-refute-valid-downtown-safety-concerns/
**********
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/its-the-kind-of-face-many-fear-131379728.html
Listen to the Tuesday podcast to hear our own Jim Nielson story, and our analysis explaining
- how the distorted Freep headline and "reporting" about downtown crime rates tried to conceal the fact that maybe, just maybe, there is a basis for Air Canada to be concerned for the safety of it's crews on layovers,
- the lecture by Lloyd Axworthy from his U of Winnipeg fiefdom,
- a government lease in the "once-downtrodden North Portage" relies on those evil surface parking lots,
- exactly what Judge Fred Sandhu said about alcoholism fueling social disorder with no solutions from government in sight (H/T James Turner who ran the transcript here),
- how $40 million of provincial tax dollars earmarked for the CMHR could be used to make our community safer instead of pumping up the pet project of millionaires
- why the social do-gooders don't pressure the NDP to deal with it: because Greg Selinger didn't tell them too
- and in the Crime Courts Public Safety Update, election day news about Greg Selinger's favorite rapper and his dealings with Air Canada and Montreal police (here's our previous story about Brooklyn and his pals, he's on the far right, yo);
plus a recap of a violent weekend in the 100 block of Main Street, including a midnight firearm-backed sexual assault and a broad daylight stabbing of a Good Samaritan.
(Off the top of the show we shout-out to our new Twitter followers, we end with our favorite story about a Game 1 Jets fan and a challenge to Gordo, and for those CFL and wrestling fans, here is a link to my book review of Angelo Mosca's biography )
Tuesday Podcast link:http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/11/tgcts-oct-1111-gordo-and-pals-gang-up-on-air-canada-fail-to-refute-valid-downtown-safety-concerns/
**********
ON TWITTER: @TGCTS
JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: http://www.facebook.com/groups/2344284529/
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Episode 3: A Sunday night in downtown Winnipeg: perception vs reality
A surprise visit from Graham Hnatiuk caused the script to go out the window for Episode 3, as the civic issues of panhandling, homelessness, and public safety in and around downtown forged to the front of the line. Graham was a regular contributor about urbanism on our radio version and it was great to have him join in again.
The Downtown Biz wants to paint a rosy picture that doesn't do justice to the injustice of how unsafe the city is when cruise night winds down. How dangerous is Marty's perception of downtown Winnipeg on a Sunday night? Plenty. How upset was Graham with the Winnipeg Sun? Plenty. How embarrassing is it that the pet project of millionaires can't pay its taxes ? Plenty.
Read more preview and take a listen here (or click on the player to the right):
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/08/31/tgcts-wednesday-august-31-2011-city-hall-revolving-door-gives-us-first-scoop/
Follow us on Twitter @TGCTS
Email TGCTS1@gmail.com
Join our Facebook group The Great Canadian Talk Show
The Downtown Biz wants to paint a rosy picture that doesn't do justice to the injustice of how unsafe the city is when cruise night winds down. How dangerous is Marty's perception of downtown Winnipeg on a Sunday night? Plenty. How upset was Graham with the Winnipeg Sun? Plenty. How embarrassing is it that the pet project of millionaires can't pay its taxes ? Plenty.
Read more preview and take a listen here (or click on the player to the right):
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/08/31/tgcts-wednesday-august-31-2011-city-hall-revolving-door-gives-us-first-scoop/
Follow us on Twitter @TGCTS
Email TGCTS1@gmail.com
Join our Facebook group The Great Canadian Talk Show
Monday, August 29, 2011
Podcast episode 1: How electable is the unelected premier, Greg Selinger?
Our inaugural podcast is TGCTS at its best, including going into overtime cause there was so much to dissect on the local scene -- especially when Spirited Kenny is in the studio.
Who's more exciting, Greg Selinger or Ned Flanders? Kenny decides. It's a fun kick-off to Winnipeg's premiere podcast with a review of how the leaders debate at the Teachers Society unionista gathering sounded on CJOB and the on-site reaction to the saturation bombing of Tory ads on the broadcast.
We also put out the call for tips about the Manitoba election - (dirty campaign tricks to report? tgcts1 at g mail dot com folks!) and set out the first plank in what we think should be an election issue -- Sunday shopping.
Also there's a Crime Courts and Public Safety update with a tremendous assessment of the abandonment of the north end from Rae Butcher, plenty to say about Winnipeg radio, newspaper and TV reporting, recommended blogs to read, and innumerable shout outs to all sorts of Winnipeggers who have supported our work. Hint: some of them went to Red River College. We even try out the new Old Dutch chip flavour, Sweet and Sour.
All that and more in Episode 1, just follow the link below. Margo, pass Stephanie some Rolaids.
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/08/28/tgcts-monday-august-29-2011-our-election-platform-sunday-shopping/
Who's more exciting, Greg Selinger or Ned Flanders? Kenny decides. It's a fun kick-off to Winnipeg's premiere podcast with a review of how the leaders debate at the Teachers Society unionista gathering sounded on CJOB and the on-site reaction to the saturation bombing of Tory ads on the broadcast.
We also put out the call for tips about the Manitoba election - (dirty campaign tricks to report? tgcts1 at g mail dot com folks!) and set out the first plank in what we think should be an election issue -- Sunday shopping.
Also there's a Crime Courts and Public Safety update with a tremendous assessment of the abandonment of the north end from Rae Butcher, plenty to say about Winnipeg radio, newspaper and TV reporting, recommended blogs to read, and innumerable shout outs to all sorts of Winnipeggers who have supported our work. Hint: some of them went to Red River College. We even try out the new Old Dutch chip flavour, Sweet and Sour.
All that and more in Episode 1, just follow the link below. Margo, pass Stephanie some Rolaids.
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/08/28/tgcts-monday-august-29-2011-our-election-platform-sunday-shopping/
Friday, April 29, 2011
(WIKILEAKS CMHR LINK ADDED) Public rejects Winnipeg Council voting to float sinking CMHR boat
(Note: If only I had known about this information BEFORE appearing before city council. The US Ambassador provides some very interesting details about the lobbying of Gail Asper et al and the spin put on the financial aspects of the project. h/t Graham Hnatiuk http://progressivewinnipeg.blogspot.com/2011/04/canadian-museum-for-human-rights.html )
At an April 27 council meeting, Winnipeg councillors proclaimed deeply concerns over the housing crisis, crumbling sidewalks and roads, and funding for rapid transit.
They heard about genuine charitable need and legitimate questions about the source of repeated "official" assumptions that 250,000 human beings will come to see the "iconic" Canadian Museum for Human Rights (more than the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles).
Yet in a unanimous vote, all 16 civic leaders, led by Mayor Sam Katz, added yet another $3.63 million to the $11 million "interest free" loan the city has already handed over, to the pet project of millionaires.
However, a vast majority of online comments left on mainstream media stories reflected that readers did not agree with the acquiescence of their elected representatives to the insatiable desire of museum acolytes that taxpayers backstop their failed private-sector fundraising.
In fact, even supporters of the Museum were not impressed at all.
-- The first story of the Winnipeg Free Press, which ignored the questions that were raised with council about the $11 million loan, recorded 69 comments (some of which were duplicates).
Despite the years of unabashed cheerleading for the CMHR by the broadsheet that claims to be leading a revolution in reporting community issues, their readership continues to reject their party line.
Among the insights:
at 11:14 PM ETIt is becoming discouraging to always hear that the Human Rights Museum needs "more" money. If citizens of this city managed their personal finances like the forces behind this project they would have to be on welfare by now.
giulealstandard2011/04/28
at 7:16 AM ET Imagine if this money went to improving human rights in Manitoba, or to all the social programs who's federal funding was pulled from them this year..
I think it is great that there will be a human right's museum, but I am constantly appalled at the state of Winnipeg.
prairiegirl27standard2011/04/28
at 10:42 AM ET I'm supportive of the idea, but it seems like this museum project has been very poorly managed. I would like to see a full auditing of their books before they see a dime more in public money.
Madethistopost:
Related: Tom Brodbeck's column in today's Winnipeg Sun "Spending disorder; Swandel crazy to blast prudent citizens"
Coming in Part Two: More reaction from the alternative and social media
Email: martygoldlive@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: @TGCTS
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=2344284529
At an April 27 council meeting, Winnipeg councillors proclaimed deeply concerns over the housing crisis, crumbling sidewalks and roads, and funding for rapid transit.
They heard about genuine charitable need and legitimate questions about the source of repeated "official" assumptions that 250,000 human beings will come to see the "iconic" Canadian Museum for Human Rights (more than the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles).
Yet in a unanimous vote, all 16 civic leaders, led by Mayor Sam Katz, added yet another $3.63 million to the $11 million "interest free" loan the city has already handed over, to the pet project of millionaires.
However, a vast majority of online comments left on mainstream media stories reflected that readers did not agree with the acquiescence of their elected representatives to the insatiable desire of museum acolytes that taxpayers backstop their failed private-sector fundraising.
In fact, even supporters of the Museum were not impressed at all.
-- The first story of the Winnipeg Free Press, which ignored the questions that were raised with council about the $11 million loan, recorded 69 comments (some of which were duplicates).
Despite the years of unabashed cheerleading for the CMHR by the broadsheet that claims to be leading a revolution in reporting community issues, their readership continues to reject their party line.
Among the insights:
The funding faucet is now officially on, and will only become more of a torrent as the years go on! Asper could make a good gesture by donating the $4,000,000.00+ he received for the stadium fiasco into this other bottomless funding pit.
Posted by: thatsteveguy
April 27, 2011 at 12:21 PM
I'd be OK with this final payment or "relief effort" or whatever you would like to call it, as long as it came with signed documentation by the City, Provincial, and Federal government, and agreed to by those developing the Human Rights museum, that any further funds needed would be raised privately.
Posted by: Really?
April 27, 2011 at 12:26 PM
While I think a national museum outside of Ottawa is a good thing, I would have rather have seen money put towards our roads in the city. It's a crumbling nightmare.
Posted by: John Cuckaroo
April 27, 2011 at 12:27 PM
'St. Norbert Coun. Justin Swandel used stronger language.
"We should just shut up and get this done," he said.'
Wow talk about disrespecting the electorate. That's the precise problem here no one at the city cares about the tax payer.
Just raise the frontage levy and throw away $3.6M to a project, all the while who cares about the tax payer.
Just tell the tax payer to shut-up because we have to get this done. Nice.
Posted by: dagastino
April 27, 2011 at 12:35 PM
My councillor has just lost my vote. What a bunch of sheep.
Posted by: bogey1
April 27, 2011 at 12:54 PM
funny how the mayor is able to push thru increased property taxes for the people of Winnipeg, but let's the CMHR off the hook
Posted by: drumzan
April 27, 2011 at 12:57 PM
So we're struggling to find budget for roads...but we're able to magically come up with $3.6M for a museum that is not a primary need of this city? I don't get it. No wonder why Winnipeg NEVER puts in overpasses on any of our "freeways" or "highways" crowded with light intersections. Gas prices are soaring, so we really need to start thinking ahead to make more efficient roadways.
Posted by: DAN6
April 27, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Why not just levy a new tax and call it the CMHR subsidy.
Posted by: notme
April 27, 2011 at 1:35 PM
I was at Seven Oaks pool last night. Almost every 2nd locker is broken. So they can't keep up our city pools but they can give more money to the Asper projects???
Posted by: bomberfan68
April 27, 2011 at 4:09 PM
I've seen the Asper residences in Winnipeg. They are clearly capable of picking up this tab themselves. So why aren't they? This is disgraceful and a slap in the face to many taxpayers who in the current economic times are one paycheque away from foreclosure or not feeding their kids. I'll never set foot in this museum and they are kidding themselves with their statement of how people will travel from across the country and continent specifically to visit the CMHR. Well, maybe the other rich donors will at least.
-- A revised FP story, found in print as well as online the next day, lumped the Museum tax break into a story about other decisions, entitled City finds $14.6M for three projects; Extra expenses won't boost 2011 budget. Still, the public was not pursuaded, and none of these comments got a single "thumbs down" from other FP readers.
Posted by: ErikW
April 28, 2011 at 8:31 AM
"City council found a way Wednesday to spend an additional $14.6 million on a trio of existing projects and programs without adding a dollar to its 2011 spending plans."
Talk about voodoo economics. I am a taxpayer. One way or another this is going to cost me. If the CMHR is getting $3.6 million dollars that was coming from the federal government to Winnipeg, what is that money NOT paying for? Roads, other infrastructure, etc.? So now there is $3.6 million LESS that could be used to fix our roads. At the very least the federal government has $3.6 million less for its programs.
When will people learn? WE are the taxpayers. If $3.6 million wasn't going to the Waterfront White Elephant, that money would be going to fix our city. Is city council suggesting that somehow $3.6 million worth of problems don't need to be fixed?
Thanks to the Mayor and his sheep for robbing Winnipeggers current and future.
Posted by: Just Me4
April 28, 2011 at 9:19 AM
Where is the accountability? Why are they coming to the financial well over and over again?
I will admit that I think this whole museum is a waste of money. That being said, the decision has been made to build it, so now we build it. However, that does not mean its a open cheque. There has to be accountability, this can not become (although it may already) a bottomless pit.
Posted by: null
April 28, 2011 at 9:58 PM
St. Norbert Coun. Justin Swandel used stronger language.
"We should just shut up and get this done," he said.
Ah yes, a familiar refrain from those who advocate strongly for an idea museum based on human rights.
I wonder where they'll put the freedom of speech zone. Oh yeah, there isn't one.
-- CBC was flooded with 87 comments about its online story, which highlighted Coun. Harvey Smith wondering aloud if this was the last council would see of the gimme-gimme always-gets Museum boosters:
ruralreaderstandard2011/04/27
at 4:00 PM ET At one time I was an enthusiastic supporter of this museum. However, it seems it is costing far more to construct than originally planned and the proposed exhibits do not adequately reflect the wishes of the taxpayers who are, for the most part, the largest contributors. I fear it is becoming a monument to the Asper legacy in this city as well as the faith that they are a part of.
hammeronstandard2011/04/27
at 4:21 PM ET Its a complete joke. These councillors get elected by shutting their mouths and then six months later they are doing whatever they want with our tax money. The whole coucil including the mayor should be thrown out of office... I just do not like my tax money being spent on museums when our mayor is trying to find ways to tax us extra to pay for our roads that are falling apart. This entire city council should be recalled by their wards and demand answers for this spending. This was not mentioned in the election campaign.. We need recall of our politicians in manitoba.
uThkUrBttrThnMestandard2011/04/27
at 5:55 PM ET I have now been trying for two years to get the city to clean up the nearby city operated park. The children's playground area is overgrown with weeds. The park was mowed only a single time last year. In short it is a disgraceful, unkempt mess. And yet there seems to be endless millions to throw at this museum and other private pet projects.
at 11:14 PM ETIt is becoming discouraging to always hear that the Human Rights Museum needs "more" money. If citizens of this city managed their personal finances like the forces behind this project they would have to be on welfare by now.
giulealstandard2011/04/28
at 7:16 AM ET Imagine if this money went to improving human rights in Manitoba, or to all the social programs who's federal funding was pulled from them this year..
I think it is great that there will be a human right's museum, but I am constantly appalled at the state of Winnipeg.
prairiegirl27standard2011/04/28
at 10:42 AM ET I'm supportive of the idea, but it seems like this museum project has been very poorly managed. I would like to see a full auditing of their books before they see a dime more in public money.
-- The Winnipeg Sun had run an editorial stating " City council should ignore the outstretched hands of museum officials asking for another handout from taxpayers"
The subsequent report of how Council did the opposite got responses like the following:Madethistopost:
Related: Tom Brodbeck's column in today's Winnipeg Sun "Spending disorder; Swandel crazy to blast prudent citizens"
Coming in Part Two: More reaction from the alternative and social media
Email: martygoldlive@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: @TGCTS
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=2344284529
Saturday, April 23, 2011
What EPC heard that MSM did not report: Winnipeg charities victims of CMHR-induced donor fatigue (revised with quotes)
With the use of emails, social media, and by making the rounds of local gathering spots, TGCTS has continued to ensure that your elected officials still hear YOUR VOICE on important public issues.
Last month, the business plan of the Winnipeg Parking Authority to hike rates and expand their empire hit a little bump on the road to implementation.
We raised serious concerns about the complaint process for bogus tickets, credit card charges, and towing incidents ie -- THERE IS NONE. We also pointed out to both the Alternative Services Committee and then to all of Council, that the WPA has no actual citizen or small business representation on its Board, and that our surveys proved that over 50% of pay station machines were either broken or improperly programmed. And for this they want to ding parkers for even more money ??
Even Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie agreed that as long as Selkirk Avenue had meters, it was an obscenity to pretend they weren't "needed" to encourage parking "turnover" on say, Corydon aka "the elephant in the room".
And despite the inability of some reporters to understand plain English, let us reiterate that no one ever proposed paid parking be added to Little Italy; only saying that if the WPA truly believed in the principle of "high demand = meters", Corydon should have been part of their business plan.
Since it wasn't, the WPA was clearly targeting neighborhoods that could not defend themselves or didn't have political clout to stop the gouging.
That's the way it works in this city.
The result of our speech: the Parking Authority, which under former head honcho Dave Hill didn't think the public had anything to say worth hearing, is being required to hold public consultations BEFORE expanding in the Exchange District, Broadway and Portage "corridors" (whatever that term really means).
Score one for the listeners. Score one for the people.
But it appears our hands-on work at 510 Main Street has just begun.
Last Friday afternoon, City Hall tried to sneak another one past the taxpayers -- $3.63 Million of your (federal) taxes was being proposed for re-direction to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the announcement timed to ensure minimal actual reporting by mainstream media into the actual motion.
Executive Policy Committee would surely wield the rubber stamp to allow the City to act as middleman to enable more public dollars be chucked into the bottomless pit that is still short $25 million of their revised costs.
The latest round of panhandling was borne of the hubris of millionaire supporters, who assured all levels of government they could raise the money for the Museum from private sources and then failed miserably at both containing costs and understanding the meaning of "budget" and "accountability".
TGCTS supporters said 'not so fast', and urged us to ensure some accountability be brought into the process.
Wednesday morning at the EPC meeting, well-connected and well-intentioned suits lined up to present praise for the goals of the project:
- "This is the hope of the world"
Some insisted it would, and we are not making this up, "put Winnipeg on the map", and recited still - unproven claims of vast legions of eager tourists waiting to disburse huge piles of shekels into the local economy resulting with a quick return to coffers via 'spin-off benefits', and stated that the CMHR is also advancing the cause of peace.
None of which addressed the actual details of the motion or the ethical issues presented councillors and the Mayor.
The conditions placed upon the transfer of the federal PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) to the CMHR included the requirement "The Museum confirming other sources for the balance of the funding".
What, we asked EPC, does "confirming" mean?
Will it be like the other floundering pet project of millionaires, where the Friends of Upper Fort Garry were "required" to prove the depth of private donations, and city staff made excuses why the public could never see the list and learn how much money had actually been collected from donors and how much was in hypothetical pledge dollars? That won't do. Fool us once ...
Well, no clear answer was forthcoming, and the MSM has yet to report on that aspect of the CMHR motion.
BUT, one reporter did realize another clause we specifically questioned was newsworthy -- even if who raised the issue didn't make it into print.
Did you know the city borrowed money from the Manitoba Development Corporation to give to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in the first place?
When a city councillor was asked ( days before the meeting) what were "the requirements of the Loan Agreement" that had to be met before the next $3.6 million could be forwarded to the CMHR, the councillor had NO IDEA.
And until Mayor Katz' kinda/sorta explanation ( the PILT payments will go to repay the $11M loan of money given to the Museum in the first place, before the extra 3.6M would be advanced) was reported by Jen Skerritt, neither had almost anyone else outside of city hall and the provincial NDP government. (just look at the comments from Free Press readers)
Even the Canadian Taxpayers Federation had no idea, and they are in the watchdog business.
Colin Craig said that before 11.30 AM on Wednesday, when he saw the mention of the loan in the story online, he never heard of it, and that he was baffled by the Province lending money to the City to give to a federal Museum.
What EPC heard from TGCTS, also unreported in the media, was that if the city can afford to borrow money, our listeners, members of the Facebook groups, and sponsors of the radio show had some ideas.
36 of them.
At $100,000 each.
All serving people in genuine need, like children wanting to go to camp or needing cleft palate surgery, victims of crime or disease, food banks and homeless shelters.
The list was read. And to their credit, the councilors listened attentively.
They understood our points, that whatever the alleged financial viability of the Museum was, and the political advantages of being onside, that the public demands accountability, that they expected taxes be directed to core services, and most significantly, that many causes and organizations in Winnipeg themselves are having their own budget issues because of donor fatigue.
Like a monolithic Walmart, councillors heard the Museum has tapped out the charitable pool in Winnipeg, attributable to what one listener said was "philanthropy bordering on larceny".
Meanwhile, Osborne House has 23 children in the emergency shelter with their mothers, 80% of the kids are under 6, and the facility going through supplies at a record pace - over $1000 a week. They have no budget for this kind of demand.
To many in this community, including some who wear the Museum support pin, their view of this request for more tax dollars, with so many in need right now, today, in Winnipeg, is that City Council should be helping the people they serve, and the high-profile supporters of the Museum are well capable of either fulfilling their own fundraising needs or tightening their project belts.
Mayor Katz spoke with great passion about how doing the PILT refund was 'the right thing to do", and that the legacy of the CMHR would prove the doubters wrong. An invitation to his family Passover Seder was extended for 2012 to counter the Museum pessimism heard at our own table this year. He publicly thanked us for bringing the voice of the people to the debate and bringing up points of view that would otherwise be unheard.
Even after voting in support of the motion, which will be heard by all of council next Wednesday, other EPC members privately expressed their own appreciation for us again bringing the message of the people to City Hall.
And, a key CMHR official has politely asked to meet and discuss the concerns we presented.
They all knew, we were coming back to speak again, and make them at least think about what $3.63 million can do for those in need who cannot afford to dream, before Councillors do the inevitable and assist the millionaires in "need" of a tax break for their own dream.
Edit: Barb Judt, Executive Director of Osborne House, posted this comment on our Facebook page this morning:
As an organization that provides critical services to Winnipeg’s most vulnerable women and children, Osborne House believes that the City of Winnipeg’s first priority should be to protect the human rights of its most vulnerable. Although we do receive stable annual funding from the Provincial Government, we are dependent upon donations, grants and foundation dollars to survive. We do not receive any direct funding from the City of Winnipeg.
City taxpayers benefit tremendously from the services that Osborne House Inc. and many other not for profits that do not receive City of Winnipeg revenues. The need for the City of Winnipeg to become an active partner in supporting the delivery of some of the city’s most vital services is increasing at a significant rate.
A city is not a healthy city unless it contributes to the care of the fundamental human rights of its most vulnerable citizens.
This Wednesday, 9.30 AM, City Council meeting on Shaw TV, your voice will again be heard. You have the power.
Happy Easter, Happy Passover.
****************
Welcome to our many new readers. We'll have a federal election exclusive coming up this week and much more. We can be followed on Twitter @TGCTS
Last month, the business plan of the Winnipeg Parking Authority to hike rates and expand their empire hit a little bump on the road to implementation.
We raised serious concerns about the complaint process for bogus tickets, credit card charges, and towing incidents ie -- THERE IS NONE. We also pointed out to both the Alternative Services Committee and then to all of Council, that the WPA has no actual citizen or small business representation on its Board, and that our surveys proved that over 50% of pay station machines were either broken or improperly programmed. And for this they want to ding parkers for even more money ??
Even Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie agreed that as long as Selkirk Avenue had meters, it was an obscenity to pretend they weren't "needed" to encourage parking "turnover" on say, Corydon aka "the elephant in the room".
And despite the inability of some reporters to understand plain English, let us reiterate that no one ever proposed paid parking be added to Little Italy; only saying that if the WPA truly believed in the principle of "high demand = meters", Corydon should have been part of their business plan.
Since it wasn't, the WPA was clearly targeting neighborhoods that could not defend themselves or didn't have political clout to stop the gouging.
That's the way it works in this city.
The result of our speech: the Parking Authority, which under former head honcho Dave Hill didn't think the public had anything to say worth hearing, is being required to hold public consultations BEFORE expanding in the Exchange District, Broadway and Portage "corridors" (whatever that term really means).
Score one for the listeners. Score one for the people.
But it appears our hands-on work at 510 Main Street has just begun.
Last Friday afternoon, City Hall tried to sneak another one past the taxpayers -- $3.63 Million of your (federal) taxes was being proposed for re-direction to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the announcement timed to ensure minimal actual reporting by mainstream media into the actual motion.
Executive Policy Committee would surely wield the rubber stamp to allow the City to act as middleman to enable more public dollars be chucked into the bottomless pit that is still short $25 million of their revised costs.
The latest round of panhandling was borne of the hubris of millionaire supporters, who assured all levels of government they could raise the money for the Museum from private sources and then failed miserably at both containing costs and understanding the meaning of "budget" and "accountability".
TGCTS supporters said 'not so fast', and urged us to ensure some accountability be brought into the process.
Wednesday morning at the EPC meeting, well-connected and well-intentioned suits lined up to present praise for the goals of the project:
- "This is the hope of the world"
- "Our friends in the us who say we can't do this, only Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada can do this"
- "There is nothing more important than this Taj Mahal, this Eiffel Tower with substance"
- Hundreds of thousands worldwide are "counting on us "
- "There is nothing more important than this Taj Mahal, this Eiffel Tower with substance"
- Hundreds of thousands worldwide are "counting on us "
None of which addressed the actual details of the motion or the ethical issues presented councillors and the Mayor.
The conditions placed upon the transfer of the federal PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) to the CMHR included the requirement "The Museum confirming other sources for the balance of the funding".
What, we asked EPC, does "confirming" mean?
Will it be like the other floundering pet project of millionaires, where the Friends of Upper Fort Garry were "required" to prove the depth of private donations, and city staff made excuses why the public could never see the list and learn how much money had actually been collected from donors and how much was in hypothetical pledge dollars? That won't do. Fool us once ...
Well, no clear answer was forthcoming, and the MSM has yet to report on that aspect of the CMHR motion.
BUT, one reporter did realize another clause we specifically questioned was newsworthy -- even if who raised the issue didn't make it into print.
Did you know the city borrowed money from the Manitoba Development Corporation to give to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in the first place?
When a city councillor was asked ( days before the meeting) what were "the requirements of the Loan Agreement" that had to be met before the next $3.6 million could be forwarded to the CMHR, the councillor had NO IDEA.
And until Mayor Katz' kinda/sorta explanation ( the PILT payments will go to repay the $11M loan of money given to the Museum in the first place, before the extra 3.6M would be advanced) was reported by Jen Skerritt, neither had almost anyone else outside of city hall and the provincial NDP government. (just look at the comments from Free Press readers)
Even the Canadian Taxpayers Federation had no idea, and they are in the watchdog business.
Colin Craig said that before 11.30 AM on Wednesday, when he saw the mention of the loan in the story online, he never heard of it, and that he was baffled by the Province lending money to the City to give to a federal Museum.
What EPC heard from TGCTS, also unreported in the media, was that if the city can afford to borrow money, our listeners, members of the Facebook groups, and sponsors of the radio show had some ideas.
36 of them.
At $100,000 each.
All serving people in genuine need, like children wanting to go to camp or needing cleft palate surgery, victims of crime or disease, food banks and homeless shelters.
The list was read. And to their credit, the councilors listened attentively.
They understood our points, that whatever the alleged financial viability of the Museum was, and the political advantages of being onside, that the public demands accountability, that they expected taxes be directed to core services, and most significantly, that many causes and organizations in Winnipeg themselves are having their own budget issues because of donor fatigue.
Like a monolithic Walmart, councillors heard the Museum has tapped out the charitable pool in Winnipeg, attributable to what one listener said was "philanthropy bordering on larceny".
Meanwhile, Osborne House has 23 children in the emergency shelter with their mothers, 80% of the kids are under 6, and the facility going through supplies at a record pace - over $1000 a week. They have no budget for this kind of demand.
To many in this community, including some who wear the Museum support pin, their view of this request for more tax dollars, with so many in need right now, today, in Winnipeg, is that City Council should be helping the people they serve, and the high-profile supporters of the Museum are well capable of either fulfilling their own fundraising needs or tightening their project belts.
Mayor Katz spoke with great passion about how doing the PILT refund was 'the right thing to do", and that the legacy of the CMHR would prove the doubters wrong. An invitation to his family Passover Seder was extended for 2012 to counter the Museum pessimism heard at our own table this year. He publicly thanked us for bringing the voice of the people to the debate and bringing up points of view that would otherwise be unheard.
Even after voting in support of the motion, which will be heard by all of council next Wednesday, other EPC members privately expressed their own appreciation for us again bringing the message of the people to City Hall.
And, a key CMHR official has politely asked to meet and discuss the concerns we presented.
They all knew, we were coming back to speak again, and make them at least think about what $3.63 million can do for those in need who cannot afford to dream, before Councillors do the inevitable and assist the millionaires in "need" of a tax break for their own dream.
Edit: Barb Judt, Executive Director of Osborne House, posted this comment on our Facebook page this morning:
As an organization that provides critical services to Winnipeg’s most vulnerable women and children, Osborne House believes that the City of Winnipeg’s first priority should be to protect the human rights of its most vulnerable. Although we do receive stable annual funding from the Provincial Government, we are dependent upon donations, grants and foundation dollars to survive. We do not receive any direct funding from the City of Winnipeg.
City taxpayers benefit tremendously from the services that Osborne House Inc. and many other not for profits that do not receive City of Winnipeg revenues. The need for the City of Winnipeg to become an active partner in supporting the delivery of some of the city’s most vital services is increasing at a significant rate.
A city is not a healthy city unless it contributes to the care of the fundamental human rights of its most vulnerable citizens.
This Wednesday, 9.30 AM, City Council meeting on Shaw TV, your voice will again be heard. You have the power.
Happy Easter, Happy Passover.
****************
Welcome to our many new readers. We'll have a federal election exclusive coming up this week and much more. We can be followed on Twitter @TGCTS
Monday, May 3, 2010
Listeners emails about Katz vs Judy, city "communications", CMHR stomps on boneyard, NDP soft on criminals, and kudos for Kiniski
From our bag o'email:
Sam vs Judy and Sharon
To: talk@kick.fm
Its a good day for democracy in Winnipeg - Judy is supposed to finally make official her intention to run against Mayor Sam. As much as I like mayor Sam, I don't think its healthy for an incumbent to be unapposed at the polls.
THe really good news for Mayor Sam is that Judy has picked Sharon Carstairs to run her campaign. Sharon comes to the position with a wealth of experience in losing elections. In fact, if the popularity of the NDP under Howard Pawley had not totally imploded, paving the way for a temporary two and a half party system in Manitoba, she would have been yet another "unknown voice" of liberals in the province, rather than the "lone voice" that she became.
One thing really bugs me though: Judy will resign from federal politics to run for office, just like Kevin Lameroux will resign from provincial politics before he runs for Judy's seat. That's fair.
But for the duration of the campaign, will Sharon Carstairs continue to draw her salary as a senator while she concentrates on the full time job of running Judy's campaign? If Sharon continue's to draw a paycheque from the public coffers, does that count as a donation to Judy's campaign? As a senator, can Sharon take an un-paid leave of absence?
As a tax payer - one of several million who actually pay Carstairs salary as an unelected official till she turns 75, I say this: Get your ass back to Ottawa and DO YOUR JOB. If you want to play in politics again, RESIGN YOUR SEAT in the Senate. While you are employed on MY dime, I expect you to work for the nation, not just for one person.
HP
*****************
The quality of civic consultation is gar-bage.
Mr. Gold,
Hey, we got our brand new brochure today about the Disraeli project update.
And once again the City toots its horn about using the special Stakeholder Advisory Committee to justify all the new add-ons like the stand-alone bike bridge, and now a new "art gallery" under the overpass near Higgins Avenue it seems. But unfortunately their Information Open Houses only run 3 hours each and both run right through rush hour. Thank you City Hall for that one.
I dug through my ever-growing Disraeli file and the last time the City held "public" open houses for this project ( April/May 2008) there were 3 such events with much more convenient times:
--Norquay CC 2-8 PM
--MTS Centre 11AM-4PM
--Good Neighbours Senior Centre 11AM-4PM
So in effect they've cut out 10 hours of public input for this project compared to 2008.
Hello City Hall, why is the general public being short-changed on these new open houses?
For $200 Million we deserve better than this crap.
Livid in SPD
and...
Marty,
That's great that the city posts updates on open houses on its' website - but what about folks who live in lower income areas such as the north end,
or areas where there are a lot of seniors and elderly folks who may not have computers or access to computers .....so website updates are completely
useless to those residents. Good thing the flyers are delivered....albeit after the fact.
OL
and...
Hey Marty,
Here's a fun piece of garbage bin information:
Last week I got home from work to my back-alley driveway, and noticed that the automated garbage truck had left the lid of my garbage bin open after depositing it back on the alley-side. I thought, "Gee, that will be a pain when it's raining or snowing." As I went to close the lid, I saw printed clearly on the inside (paraphrased from memory), "FOR YOUR SAFETY, KEEP LID CLOSED AT ALL TIMES."
Thanks for endangering my safety, City of Winnipeg!
Citizen Programmer.
*************
Gail Asper can't handle the truth
Hi Marty,
The previous message was sent quickly as I was trying to send it to you
before you got off the air. I was probably to late. Anyway, I was
driving home today when I noticed that there is a carnival set up on the
old Aboriginal Graveyard at The Forks.
Just when I think I can take abreak on the issue of the graveyard, I see this and it brings back into focus that people need to be aware of its existance. The Forks
Foundation and The Canadian Human Rights Museum would like us to forget
it.
They ignore the bones of the dead and continue to insult the
Aboriginal people.
I believe more than ever that the only way the facts will come to light is when I write a book to show the truth.
Your show seems to be the only light in this darkness. Thank God for
people like you and programs like The Great Canadian Talk Show. At
least with you the truth is something that isn't inconvenient.
David Carriere
*****************
: NDP Immigration policy hurting small rural businesses
The obvious question that needed to be asked and answered when Bill 22 was proposed was:
"Of the some 10,000 immigrants who come to Manitoba on an annual basis what was the average size of the business who employed them? Moreover, what is the capacity or willingness of these businesses to "absorb" the $8,000-$12,000 cost" associated with this Bill?"
Keep in mind these costs are over and above the typical start up costs associated with new hires (ie EI, training, CPP, etc.).
The full impact of Bill 22 will come to light when the immigrants who are grandfathered are processed through and then the business communioty will have to absorb these costs.
Not every company is a Maple Leaf with the capacity to front these costs. Lots are small to medium sized business.
YF
**************
24 breaches not a pattern worthy of calling cops = dead cabbie
Mr G;
I read Tom’s article today and I’m stunned to read what our “Honourable” Justice Minister has to say about breaching probation.
“It’s the best advice of the department that the actual number of breaches is not really indicative of how well the system is working,” Justice Minister Swan said during a recent legislative committee meeting.
“What is far more important is the relationship each probation officer has with the offender and how that individual probation officer is able to encourage that person to comply with their conditions of being out in the community,” Swan said
And to think this joker wanted to be our Premier?? IS he completely out of his mind?
Is probation not a condition of a sentence that someone receives after being put in front of a judge?? I have no idea how this makes sense to anyone. You are told you are on probation for a crime you committed, and there are stipulations to what that probations deters you from doing. You are told if you violate this probation you will go to jail, and our “experienced” probation officers refuse to call the cops when probations are breached????
Then you have a Minister of Justice in a Province that ranks first in Canada amongst car thefts and murder tell the public breaching probations for car theft is not a big deal?????
Is this not like saying we really don’t care how many times prisoners break out of jail, we are really more concerned with how their relationship with their prison guard is, so that we can encourage them to stay in jail.
I think what is really going on here is that the proverbial “ fit has hit the shan” and these clowns do not know how to handle it. They are pulling a Les Nesman from WKRP and yanking out the radio warning for when the Germans are invading so he can tell Cincinnati about the tornado that is about to hit the city.
It’s insane and really it shows that they simply do not care about public safety. Well I for one am done. From now on, I will tell anyone and everyone who wants to listen that I am not voting for the NDP in any shape or form come the next election. When they ask why, it’s as simple as me telling them, they don’t care about keeping us safe anymore.
They aren’t unable to do it, they don’t care if it gets done or not.
This kind of nonchalant attitude about a kid who breached his probation 18 times in 6 weeks which ultimately lead to the death of Tony Lanzolotti is atrocious. The simple fact is that had the probation officer just one time called the cops on this kid, just one single little time, Tony Lanzolotti most likely would be alive today. So basically if the probation officer had done the FRIGGIN job, we wouldn’t have someone DEAD!!!!!
Instead of saying we need to review our policies, not admitting guilt like they never do, just simply saying they had to review their policies, would have most likely got them off the hook for the time being until they could figure it out, but no, Andrew Swan actually suggests that breaching probation is not something that matters to them. What matters more is how well the criminal and the probation officer get along.
How’s this for simple, Andrew Swan should either be told he has to resign or be fired. I really don’t know how we have any room in our government or patience in the public to listen to our JUSTICE MINSTER, they guy who’s ONLY job is to care about the safety of the tax payers of this province, say out loud that he doesn’t think criminals breaching probation is a big deal.
If he has issues with the way probations are handed out, then he’s the Justice Minister and he should have the balls to stand up in the Legislature and propose lightening the restrictions on probation. If he has the guts then face the Legislature, not that he would have any serious opposition to pushing through the changes, since the NDP will put anything through that their party wants to do. They are all sheep.
Instead he tells criminals that they aren’t too concerned if they breach, it’s not a big deal. Just make sure you buy your Proby Officer a card on their birthday and send them a Tim’s card every now and then.
Disgusting, and I hope Tony Lanzolotti’s family sue the crap out of the Government for neglect. Neglect that got him killed.
N
and after we read it on the air...
That email you read is right. If Swan doesn't realize that breach of probation is a serious thing, he must be removed from his position as justice minister.
After all, would anyone have faith in an education minister who said "“It’s the best advice of the department that the actual number of illiterates who graduate is not really indicative of how well the education system is working” ???
What bothers me most is Swan's comment “What is far more important is the relationship each probation officer has with the offender and how that individual probation officer is able to encourage that person to comply with their conditions of being out in the community":
Okay Swan, put your money where your mouth is: Every time a reprobate breaches probation and "fails to comply" with their conditions, FIRE the probation officer. OR put the responsibility back on the offender. Jail them for each and every breach.
This is MY society your playing with, Swan. Your decisions affect the safety of MY wife, MY kids and MY friends. By letting the criminals take over the justice system, by allowing them to abrogate their responsibilities, YOU are creating a dangerous situation. Whenever one of these idiots spills innocent blood on our street because YOUR department failed to keep them reigned in, the blood is on YOUR hands.
Marty: As a lead in to the next provincial election, why don't you task one of the CreaCom students to compile a list of victim names of every person injured or killed by those on probation or on bail in 2010. Then when it comes time to re-elect the NDP on their "law and order" campaign, we can ask the minister what justice each of the victims received?
-L -
********************
Our tribute to Canada's Greatest Athlete
Re: Kiniski Interview
Friday, April 16, 2010 5:11 PM
From: "Jeffery Doyle"
To: talk@kick.fm
I'm so glad you replayed that, I didn't get to listen to it last summer.
He was a Man's Man and a Canadian Pioneer.
*************************
WELCOME TO OUR NEW SPONSORS:
360WINNIPEG.CA
HEAT PLUS
SWEAT SHACK
ELIMINATOR-RC
RANDALL HEATING AND PLUMBING
and
VITAMINS FOR YOU
Sam vs Judy and Sharon
To: talk@kick.fm
Its a good day for democracy in Winnipeg - Judy is supposed to finally make official her intention to run against Mayor Sam. As much as I like mayor Sam, I don't think its healthy for an incumbent to be unapposed at the polls.
THe really good news for Mayor Sam is that Judy has picked Sharon Carstairs to run her campaign. Sharon comes to the position with a wealth of experience in losing elections. In fact, if the popularity of the NDP under Howard Pawley had not totally imploded, paving the way for a temporary two and a half party system in Manitoba, she would have been yet another "unknown voice" of liberals in the province, rather than the "lone voice" that she became.
One thing really bugs me though: Judy will resign from federal politics to run for office, just like Kevin Lameroux will resign from provincial politics before he runs for Judy's seat. That's fair.
But for the duration of the campaign, will Sharon Carstairs continue to draw her salary as a senator while she concentrates on the full time job of running Judy's campaign? If Sharon continue's to draw a paycheque from the public coffers, does that count as a donation to Judy's campaign? As a senator, can Sharon take an un-paid leave of absence?
As a tax payer - one of several million who actually pay Carstairs salary as an unelected official till she turns 75, I say this: Get your ass back to Ottawa and DO YOUR JOB. If you want to play in politics again, RESIGN YOUR SEAT in the Senate. While you are employed on MY dime, I expect you to work for the nation, not just for one person.
HP
*****************
The quality of civic consultation is gar-bage.
Mr. Gold,
Hey, we got our brand new brochure today about the Disraeli project update.
And once again the City toots its horn about using the special Stakeholder Advisory Committee to justify all the new add-ons like the stand-alone bike bridge, and now a new "art gallery" under the overpass near Higgins Avenue it seems. But unfortunately their Information Open Houses only run 3 hours each and both run right through rush hour. Thank you City Hall for that one.
I dug through my ever-growing Disraeli file and the last time the City held "public" open houses for this project ( April/May 2008) there were 3 such events with much more convenient times:
--Norquay CC 2-8 PM
--MTS Centre 11AM-4PM
--Good Neighbours Senior Centre 11AM-4PM
So in effect they've cut out 10 hours of public input for this project compared to 2008.
Hello City Hall, why is the general public being short-changed on these new open houses?
For $200 Million we deserve better than this crap.
Livid in SPD
and...
Marty,
That's great that the city posts updates on open houses on its' website - but what about folks who live in lower income areas such as the north end,
or areas where there are a lot of seniors and elderly folks who may not have computers or access to computers .....so website updates are completely
useless to those residents. Good thing the flyers are delivered....albeit after the fact.
OL
and...
Hey Marty,
Here's a fun piece of garbage bin information:
Last week I got home from work to my back-alley driveway, and noticed that the automated garbage truck had left the lid of my garbage bin open after depositing it back on the alley-side. I thought, "Gee, that will be a pain when it's raining or snowing." As I went to close the lid, I saw printed clearly on the inside (paraphrased from memory), "FOR YOUR SAFETY, KEEP LID CLOSED AT ALL TIMES."
Thanks for endangering my safety, City of Winnipeg!
Citizen Programmer.
*************
Gail Asper can't handle the truth
Hi Marty,
The previous message was sent quickly as I was trying to send it to you
before you got off the air. I was probably to late. Anyway, I was
driving home today when I noticed that there is a carnival set up on the
old Aboriginal Graveyard at The Forks.
Just when I think I can take abreak on the issue of the graveyard, I see this and it brings back into focus that people need to be aware of its existance. The Forks
Foundation and The Canadian Human Rights Museum would like us to forget
it.
They ignore the bones of the dead and continue to insult the
Aboriginal people.
I believe more than ever that the only way the facts will come to light is when I write a book to show the truth.
Your show seems to be the only light in this darkness. Thank God for
people like you and programs like The Great Canadian Talk Show. At
least with you the truth is something that isn't inconvenient.
David Carriere
*****************
: NDP Immigration policy hurting small rural businesses
The obvious question that needed to be asked and answered when Bill 22 was proposed was:
"Of the some 10,000 immigrants who come to Manitoba on an annual basis what was the average size of the business who employed them? Moreover, what is the capacity or willingness of these businesses to "absorb" the $8,000-$12,000 cost" associated with this Bill?"
Keep in mind these costs are over and above the typical start up costs associated with new hires (ie EI, training, CPP, etc.).
The full impact of Bill 22 will come to light when the immigrants who are grandfathered are processed through and then the business communioty will have to absorb these costs.
Not every company is a Maple Leaf with the capacity to front these costs. Lots are small to medium sized business.
YF
**************
24 breaches not a pattern worthy of calling cops = dead cabbie
Mr G;
I read Tom’s article today and I’m stunned to read what our “Honourable” Justice Minister has to say about breaching probation.
“It’s the best advice of the department that the actual number of breaches is not really indicative of how well the system is working,” Justice Minister Swan said during a recent legislative committee meeting.
“What is far more important is the relationship each probation officer has with the offender and how that individual probation officer is able to encourage that person to comply with their conditions of being out in the community,” Swan said
And to think this joker wanted to be our Premier?? IS he completely out of his mind?
Is probation not a condition of a sentence that someone receives after being put in front of a judge?? I have no idea how this makes sense to anyone. You are told you are on probation for a crime you committed, and there are stipulations to what that probations deters you from doing. You are told if you violate this probation you will go to jail, and our “experienced” probation officers refuse to call the cops when probations are breached????
Then you have a Minister of Justice in a Province that ranks first in Canada amongst car thefts and murder tell the public breaching probations for car theft is not a big deal?????
Is this not like saying we really don’t care how many times prisoners break out of jail, we are really more concerned with how their relationship with their prison guard is, so that we can encourage them to stay in jail.
I think what is really going on here is that the proverbial “ fit has hit the shan” and these clowns do not know how to handle it. They are pulling a Les Nesman from WKRP and yanking out the radio warning for when the Germans are invading so he can tell Cincinnati about the tornado that is about to hit the city.
It’s insane and really it shows that they simply do not care about public safety. Well I for one am done. From now on, I will tell anyone and everyone who wants to listen that I am not voting for the NDP in any shape or form come the next election. When they ask why, it’s as simple as me telling them, they don’t care about keeping us safe anymore.
They aren’t unable to do it, they don’t care if it gets done or not.
This kind of nonchalant attitude about a kid who breached his probation 18 times in 6 weeks which ultimately lead to the death of Tony Lanzolotti is atrocious. The simple fact is that had the probation officer just one time called the cops on this kid, just one single little time, Tony Lanzolotti most likely would be alive today. So basically if the probation officer had done the FRIGGIN job, we wouldn’t have someone DEAD!!!!!
Instead of saying we need to review our policies, not admitting guilt like they never do, just simply saying they had to review their policies, would have most likely got them off the hook for the time being until they could figure it out, but no, Andrew Swan actually suggests that breaching probation is not something that matters to them. What matters more is how well the criminal and the probation officer get along.
How’s this for simple, Andrew Swan should either be told he has to resign or be fired. I really don’t know how we have any room in our government or patience in the public to listen to our JUSTICE MINSTER, they guy who’s ONLY job is to care about the safety of the tax payers of this province, say out loud that he doesn’t think criminals breaching probation is a big deal.
If he has issues with the way probations are handed out, then he’s the Justice Minister and he should have the balls to stand up in the Legislature and propose lightening the restrictions on probation. If he has the guts then face the Legislature, not that he would have any serious opposition to pushing through the changes, since the NDP will put anything through that their party wants to do. They are all sheep.
Instead he tells criminals that they aren’t too concerned if they breach, it’s not a big deal. Just make sure you buy your Proby Officer a card on their birthday and send them a Tim’s card every now and then.
Disgusting, and I hope Tony Lanzolotti’s family sue the crap out of the Government for neglect. Neglect that got him killed.
N
and after we read it on the air...
That email you read is right. If Swan doesn't realize that breach of probation is a serious thing, he must be removed from his position as justice minister.
After all, would anyone have faith in an education minister who said "“It’s the best advice of the department that the actual number of illiterates who graduate is not really indicative of how well the education system is working” ???
What bothers me most is Swan's comment “What is far more important is the relationship each probation officer has with the offender and how that individual probation officer is able to encourage that person to comply with their conditions of being out in the community":
Okay Swan, put your money where your mouth is: Every time a reprobate breaches probation and "fails to comply" with their conditions, FIRE the probation officer. OR put the responsibility back on the offender. Jail them for each and every breach.
This is MY society your playing with, Swan. Your decisions affect the safety of MY wife, MY kids and MY friends. By letting the criminals take over the justice system, by allowing them to abrogate their responsibilities, YOU are creating a dangerous situation. Whenever one of these idiots spills innocent blood on our street because YOUR department failed to keep them reigned in, the blood is on YOUR hands.
Marty: As a lead in to the next provincial election, why don't you task one of the CreaCom students to compile a list of victim names of every person injured or killed by those on probation or on bail in 2010. Then when it comes time to re-elect the NDP on their "law and order" campaign, we can ask the minister what justice each of the victims received?
-L -
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Our tribute to Canada's Greatest Athlete
Re: Kiniski Interview
Friday, April 16, 2010 5:11 PM
From: "Jeffery Doyle"
To: talk@kick.fm
I'm so glad you replayed that, I didn't get to listen to it last summer.
He was a Man's Man and a Canadian Pioneer.
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Museum for Human Rights ignores graveyard below
Last Thursday on TGCTS, a Metis researcher told of the significant areas of the Forks which had served as a burial ground for aboriginals for a century, and his attempts to get the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to acknowledge this.
Museum champion, Gail Asper did not return David Carriere's call, delegating the task of blowing him off to a flunky.
"Elders" had assured the Museum millionaires that their location was not a burial ground as " we would not have buried so close to the banks of the river".
CMHR head cheerleader Gordon Sinclair of the Free Press also brushed off the concerns, based on assurances from the museum's handpicked aboriginal "experts" that enabled the pet project of millionaires to proceed unabated.
Carriere explained, because of the significant financial support of FN organizations such as the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Metis Federation, if there was any notion that the construction was disturbing a native boneyard, there would be an uproar.
The truth about the bones beneath the floor was an inconvenient truth, for the human rights crowd of Manitoba.
Armed with extensive historical clippings and academic studies of the region, Carriere took his case to the vaunted Round Table consultations at the Forks in January, when CMHR officials ostensibly were asking for citizens to come forward with their ideas of which human rights stories the museum should tell.
As he described it, "THEIR JAWS WERE ON THE TABLE".
Carriere is not asking for construction of the Museum to stop.
He is not asking for existing structures to be torn down.
All he is asking for is a cairn, a plaque, a memorial, to allow visitors to the Forks and the CMHR to give pause and remember the exploitation of a native burial ground by land developers.
Apparently, for the Gail Asper's of the world, such an act would require too much time away from high-society hobnobbing and panhandling for donations from gullible school children and photo-op craving Premiers.
Carriere has yet to hear back about his suggestion from anyone connected to the Museum. Here is the letter he presented at the public session:
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to propose that the
The existence of the Aboriginal graveyard at The Forks was consistently described by early visitors to the area as “unusually large”. This was attributed to the smallpox epidemics of 1781-1782. During this time half of the areas aboriginal population died.
This area was used for burial from ancient times till at least 1874 (see photo dated 1874). During this time the number of burials would have been enormous. At times, the
For example; On September 15th, 1817, the “Indian tombs” ½ miles south of
After,
During this land development boom, a great number of aboriginal skeletons were unearthed. The citizens of
But, by then, the descendants of the buried were far away suffering on reservations. Some claimed that the aboriginals had abandoned the graveyard. And that gave them the right to use it as they saw fit. But, the separation of Canadian Aboriginals from their ancestor’s final resting place has historically been involuntary.
Some land within the old C.N. railyard is believed to be within the old graveyard. Some of these areas are not built upon. But, it is probably still the same story. The land is seen as too valuable to respect the Aboriginal dead.
David Carriere
Friday, February 12, 2010
VANOC admits torch rules bent for Gov. Schwarzenegger; ducks explaining breaking rules for Premier Selinger
The Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee was forced this week to justify allowing California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to run with the Olympic Torch contrary to their rules. In the process, it has brought the torch run of Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger back under scrutiny.
"VANOC torch relay manuals obtained under Freedom of Information from the City of Vancouver say sitting politicians cannot participate in the relay." wrote 24Hours reporter Bob Mackin on Monday.
“This policy is not an IOC policy,” said International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge. “Who runs with the torch relay is a matter for the organizing committee.”
To many, the controversy revolved around the admitted past steroid use by the bodybuilder turned Republican politician, as the Games have long fought the scourge of tainted competition.
Scrambling to save face, John Furlong, the chief executive of Olympics organizing committee Vanoc, told Canwest "He has taken an extraordinary position on the environment and has developed a great relationship with the province of British Columbia."
However, that was certainly not the explanation given to Winnipeg blogger ChrisD.
He asked Vanoc why the rule prohibiting elected officials from the relay had been ignored for the Governator, and got an email:
"Mr. Schwarzengger (sic) is not an elected official of Canada and therefore does not fall under these guidelines. Kind regards, Media Relations"
If that is the case, then what explanation can John Furlong offer for allowing Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger to take part in the relay as it passed through Gimli, Manitoba last month?
Selinger, who won the New Democratic Party leadership and succeeded Gary Doer as Manitoba Premier in October after Doer resigned, is by any definition "an elected official of Canada", isn't he ??
His Olympic run on January 6th received unquestioning fawning attention from the local mainstream media, which ignored Vanoc's prohibition against politicians taking part for ethical reasons, even as they covered the ethics of reporters participating in the relay.
The Winnipeg Sun even wrote "Here's a perk to being premier; you get to carry the Olympic torch".
The VANOC guidelines for selection of torchbearers states:
"Elected government officials or declared political candidates are not permitted to gain access to a torchbearer position through their offices or roles as public leaders and typically are not permitted to be torchbearers. This is to ensure that participation as a torchbearer is not used for political purposes."
Meanwhile, TGCTS reporter Spirited Kenny followed up with Vanoc that same day and asked:
"How many Premiers, or other elected officials are running a leg in the torch tour?
Why was our premier, Greg Selinger, selected to run a leg of the torch tour?
Since the Olympics were original designed to transcend all politics, I just wondering what the justification to have a politician run a leg."
Vanoc replied:
"Approximately 70% of torchbearer spots have been
made available to members of the Canadian public. A majority of these public torchbearer spots have been selected through applications to torchbearer programs issued by Coca-Cola and RBC in partnership with VANOC ...
Similar to our ticketing program, the remaining 30% includes
allocations to Vancouver 2010 sponsors and partners ...
Participation by politicians is extremely small and selection was done by our partners. We encouraged our partners to select individuals who represent the Olympic ideals and several felt that certain politicians would be appropriate to invite. We defer to them to explain in more detail how they chose their torchbearers.
At this time, no other Premiers have been selected to run as torchbearers.
...Final approval of torchbearers is a shared responsibility
between VANOC and our presenting partners, Coca Cola and RBC."
Kenny then put Vanoc on the spot:
"VANOC torch relay manuals obtained under Freedom of Information from the City of Vancouver say sitting politicians cannot participate in the relay." wrote 24Hours reporter Bob Mackin on Monday.
“This policy is not an IOC policy,” said International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge. “Who runs with the torch relay is a matter for the organizing committee.”
To many, the controversy revolved around the admitted past steroid use by the bodybuilder turned Republican politician, as the Games have long fought the scourge of tainted competition.
Scrambling to save face, John Furlong, the chief executive of Olympics organizing committee Vanoc, told Canwest "He has taken an extraordinary position on the environment and has developed a great relationship with the province of British Columbia."
However, that was certainly not the explanation given to Winnipeg blogger ChrisD.
He asked Vanoc why the rule prohibiting elected officials from the relay had been ignored for the Governator, and got an email:
"Mr. Schwarzengger (sic) is not an elected official of Canada and therefore does not fall under these guidelines. Kind regards, Media Relations"
If that is the case, then what explanation can John Furlong offer for allowing Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger to take part in the relay as it passed through Gimli, Manitoba last month?
Selinger, who won the New Democratic Party leadership and succeeded Gary Doer as Manitoba Premier in October after Doer resigned, is by any definition "an elected official of Canada", isn't he ??
His Olympic run on January 6th received unquestioning fawning attention from the local mainstream media, which ignored Vanoc's prohibition against politicians taking part for ethical reasons, even as they covered the ethics of reporters participating in the relay.
The Winnipeg Sun even wrote "Here's a perk to being premier; you get to carry the Olympic torch".
The VANOC guidelines for selection of torchbearers states:
"Elected government officials or declared political candidates are not permitted to gain access to a torchbearer position through their offices or roles as public leaders and typically are not permitted to be torchbearers. This is to ensure that participation as a torchbearer is not used for political purposes."
Meanwhile, TGCTS reporter Spirited Kenny followed up with Vanoc that same day and asked:
"How many Premiers, or other elected officials are running a leg in the torch tour?
Why was our premier, Greg Selinger, selected to run a leg of the torch tour?
Since the Olympics were original designed to transcend all politics, I just wondering what the justification to have a politician run a leg."
Vanoc replied:
"Approximately 70% of torchbearer spots have been
made available to members of the Canadian public. A majority of these public torchbearer spots have been selected through applications to torchbearer programs issued by Coca-Cola and RBC in partnership with VANOC ...
Similar to our ticketing program, the remaining 30% includes
allocations to Vancouver 2010 sponsors and partners ...
Participation by politicians is extremely small and selection was done by our partners. We encouraged our partners to select individuals who represent the Olympic ideals and several felt that certain politicians would be appropriate to invite. We defer to them to explain in more detail how they chose their torchbearers.
At this time, no other Premiers have been selected to run as torchbearers.
...Final approval of torchbearers is a shared responsibility
between VANOC and our presenting partners, Coca Cola and RBC."
Kenny then put Vanoc on the spot:
"Why was the selection of Gary Doer to run with the torch, passed to Greg Selinger?
It would appear that Greg Selinger was award the honour of running with the torch because of his elected office that he held.
This is a complete contradiction to the VANOC rules for torchbearers."
Vanoc immediately passed the buck despite having admitted they held final approval :
" Hello Ken, please be advised that Canwest made this selection regarding Greg Selinger. You can contact them directly:
John D Douglas MBA
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs
Canwest Global Communications Corp."
However, presenting partner Coca-Cola gave an answer that suggested Kenny was getting the runaround:"Coke was not involved in the selection of Premier Selinger. We can only speak to the selection of our torchbearers. VANOC can answer your question."
On Friday, January 15th, Canwest spokesman John Douglas responded to Kenny's invitation to come on the air:
On Friday, January 15th, Canwest spokesman John Douglas responded to Kenny's invitation to come on the air:
" ... From listening to you, it is clear that you have already taken a position on this matter that differs from that of Canwest.
For clarification, let me provide you with a bit of clarification and background.
Canwest, through its sponsorship in the Games was provided a number of torch bearer positions that it could fill as it saw fit. We did so ensuring a wide variety of Canadians including community partners, employees, business partners and others participated. Our sponsorship specifically precluded us from holding a public contest as other larger sponsors have done. When we had a position in Gimli, we asked the premier to participate as our guest and we are proud to have done so.
Thank you for the offer to participate on your show but I will decline as I have nothing further to add."
Why the public would be concerned about the Premier of Manitoba living the dream of a lifetime that was denied to an average Canadian, just because he won a political contest, is obvious to anyone not named John Douglas.
Firstly, it should be noted that Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz received a similar offer but upon reviewing the manual, declined the invitation as it would have been improper.
More importantly, when Doer was invited, two Canwest board members had a deep reliance on his NDP government.
Coincidentally, they both resigned this Wednesday, on the eve of the Olympics.
* David Asper is counting on provincial funding to complete a complex deal to buy the community-owned Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football league and build an upscale shopping mall to finance a new stadium. His stadium has already received a secret boost in Selingers' first budget via a little-noticed property tax exemption for being located on the University of Manitoba campus.
* His sister Gail convinced former Premier Gary Doer to commit at least $40 Million to her floundering Canadian Museum of Human Rights. The project is mired in debt, misled Parliament about the true costs of the project by at least $45 Million, and staged a fake sod-turning to beat a federal funding deadline.
Her millionaire panhandling roadshow took her to British Columbia " where CBC reported "I have been having very, very wonderful chats with [British Columbia] Premier Gordon Campbell, who passionately believes in this project," said Gail Asper, chair of the fundraising campaign."
As unbelievable as it is that Vanoc claimed that their keep-the-Olympics-pure rules somehow did not apply to either the one non-Canadian politician or to a Canadian politician selected by a media sponsor (despite it being a serious conflict of interest), it seems a mathematical impossibility that out of 50 US State governors and 10 Canadian premiers, the 2 originally selected as Torch Relay participants were coincidentally very well acquainted.
"In fact, he has quite a rapport with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, having bonded with him over environmental issues.”
In another co-incidence, "an extraordinary position on the environment" was the excuse cited by Vanoc chairman John Furlong to explain allowing Schwarzenegger's participation in the Torch relay.
Why he didn't give Canwest the same reason the blogger was -- that their rule didn't apply to foreign politicians -- is not known, but then again, the rule against politicians did not seem to apply to CanWest either, regardless of Selinger's nationality.
Two elected heads of government were allowed to run with the Olympic Torch by the Canadian Olympic organizing committee, against their own published rules.
If Arnold Schwarzenegger makes an appearance at the Manitoba Olympic Pavilion "CentrePlace", where "The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has partnered with the provincial government and has an interactive feature exhibit", and poses with Gary Doer's stand-in Greg Selinger for a photo-op, the International Olympic Committee may finally be forced to ask serious questions about the manipulation of the Olympic Torch Relay guidelines by Vanoc, to potentially benefit the pet projects of millionaires from the CanWest media empire, while Canada's gold medal heroes were treated with no respect.
Perhaps Vanoc will also send those inquiries to Canwest, so the former journalist John Douglas can explain that one. Or maybe he will again say, "we are proud to have done so."
marty gold
talk@kick.fm
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Posted by: Danjac
April 27, 2011 at 12:08 PM