As Parliament Resumes Sitting it Remains Unclear What Direction Canada Will Go

 

With everything back in place, Canadians will get their first hard look at the Carney Administration's plans for the upcoming year and into the future, where uncertainty and instability seem to reign over Carney and his Cabinet for the foreseeable future. Canadians will be watching closely at what transpires. 

This morning, he emerged from his cabinet planning and priorities meeting, telling Canadians that the budget being brought down is one of austerity and growth. If this sounds like an oxymoron to you, it is! fear not; you have not awoken to a new reality where you will somehow get both.

Carney, who is, by and large, a conservative by any other definition, is likely to do more harm than good, ultimately failing to achieve any significant recovery or major projects in the process. What he intends to do is to rob Peter to Pay Paul.

His austerity program is going to make considerable cuts to the federal public service and programs. Having seen this play out throughout Canadian History, his next act will be cutting back transfers to the provinces, downloading critical funding cuts to vital provincial programs such as Medicare.

So, the plan is to stabilise Canada by destabilising it, by clawing back transfers, and laying off people or outsourcing work customarily performed by public servants to private companies.

Now, without knowing the specifics of the budget's allocation, it might be too soon to take a shot in the dark on this. Still, considering past practice in austerity measures, the future seems almost predetermined. It is a fair question for the administration to consider just how deep they plan to cut programs, transfers, and services.

This will be a far cry from the elbows-up big show that the Liberals hijacked from the Resistance Movement cause, with its leading spokesman, former NDP member of parliament, Charlie Angus, watching both Carney and Poilievre and the twists and turns the two are going to dance together to.

Poilievre still appears to be heading down a very slippery slope, attempting to incite anger.  This time, it is the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP). Now, this program I was against from the start, it allowed for the systematic abuse of workers from other countries while taking away vital opportunities for young Canadians to develop skills and build a better future for themselves. It also allowed Provincial Governments the ability not to change minimum wages across the country to a more just living wage. Basically, it was a modern version of slavery without the whip or chains.

Last night I sat back and listened to the political pundits crying racism and the fact that Canadians would never take these jobs. Yes, I will agree with them in one part, and that is, Poilievre runs the risk of using the language that he does, of creating a racial backlash against TFWs, as well as other Canadians of ethnic origins. This is becoming increasingly evident on YouTube and other social media, as hate, described as some so-called news story, is poisoning and agitating the public at large.

Many Canadians, including younger individuals, have historically relied on these positions to achieve significant milestones, such as purchasing their first vehicle or financing their education. There is no justification for attaching stigma to these roles, as the perception of such work as inferior lacks merit. Employment at all levels holds value; however, government policy needs to ensure adequate compensation through appropriate legislation. Notably, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program was implemented, in part, to facilitate the stagnation of minimum wages, having been introduced by Jason Kenney with the involvement of Pierre Poilievre.

Yes, the program must come to an end, and those in the country must be sent back. I know it sounds mean-spirited, but according to the news report from yesterday, there are 2.9  million people here on temporary permits. Which works out to be 7.1 per cent of the population. Far too many to house and sustain without affecting Canadians and future Canadians as a whole.

For the New Democrats, it appears that they remain stuck in the realm of identity politics and have forgotten the fundamental principles that led to the creation of the CCF. Judging by the rules set down in the leadership race, those administering the NDP are not prepared to budge from this, which now holds little or no relevance in Canadians' minds. Canadians do not care if you are straight or LGBTQ+ anymore. If you need proof, attend any Pride march or festival. A more significant indication of this is the growing backlash against Alberta Smith's government's book bans in school libraries. Clearly, the Federal NDP is lost in an endless cycle of self-destruction. Don Davies could try to change this, but as an interim leader, I suspect he feels in an impossible position.  

Regardless of the results of the fall session, once all matters have been settled, it is likely that Canadians will face another election, engaging with familiar debates rather than focusing on opportunities for future progress.

What we need in his country is not hate spin doctoring or rhetorical bantering back and forth. What we need is leadership and a clear vision of what the Canada we love should strive to be in the future! 

 

Well, another Labour Day has come and gone. Now, for most, Labour Day has lost, in large part, its historical significance and the democratic power that the once large, organised  Labour movements in this country once held in Canada and indeed across North America and Europe.

Labour Day, in fact, comes from the May Day celebrations in Europe on May 1st each year. Sadly, a celebration of workers' rights became a day where the Soviet Union and other countries behind the Iron Curtain put on display the latest weapons of mass destruction and military might.

Labour Day in Canada was established in 1894 to recognise all workers across the country. Although labour unions existed across the country, recognition of collective bargaining rights did not become law until 1944.

 Strikes by workers before that were typically handled violently. They were put an end to by termination or, as in western Canada by the guns of the RCMP, in Winnipeg during the general strike on Bloody Saturday in June 1919 and in Estevan in Bienfait, Saskatchewan, called Black Tuesday, September 29 1931 where the RCMP opened fire on the striking miners, killing Julian Gryshko, Nick Nargan, and Pete Markunas.

 It was not unusual for both the Federal and Provincial Governments to use the RCMP in Western Canada. The final act of brutality would come on July 01^st 1935, during the Regina Riot, which ended the On to Ottawa Trek violently, as single male workers had boarded box cars from across the west to protest to the then RB Bennet Government.

The Regina Riot - Video

During World War II, labour disputes were largely deprioritised as the demand for workers, particularly women, increased significantly to support the assembly lines producing weaponry, vehicles, and other essential supplies for the war effort against Hitler. 

At this time, there were several work stoppages until 1944, when Prime Minister Mackenzie King, by order in Council, passed the Wartime Labour Relations Act, granting unions full recognition and collective bargaining rights. Companies were now, finally, legally bound by law to bargain with a dually certified Union.

Unions in Canada would now build the Canadian middle class, as workers across the country gained recognition in organised unions. Creating a fair and more progressive country in the process.

As with anything that must be fought for repeatedly, workers and the social safety net they had secured would come to an end. In 1984, the unravelling began with the election of Brian Mulroney, followed by Mike Harris and several other like-minded Governments across the country, and indeed around the world. ' Rights began to diminish overnight as with successive trade deals and almost draconian changes to labour legislation across the country. The once-mighty factories and assembly lines, one by one, closed their doors and relocated to Mexico, China, Indo-China, and India, where workers could be treated like cattle with no rights, safety rules, and little remuneration for the work they did.

With changes to corporate tax law, the working class in Canada became the paying class, as large corporations reaped the benefits of significant tax changes that primarily benefited them, rather than the whole. This brings us to the struggle between the wealthy one per cent and the working poor that we see today. Workers, after years of getting reasonable pay and good benefits, now live paycheck to paycheck, wondering what will happen next. It is also the cause of the deterioration of Canada's social safety net and major social economic projects. 

Union saturation now in Canada is less than thirty  six per cent, and most of those are in the public sector unions now under attack. The private sector only represents less than 15 per cent of the workforce, and if one needed any proof that they are also under attack, one only needs to look at the Carney governments orders of sending striking flight attendants back to work, trying to force them into binding arbitration.

Yes, it was Labour Day, but for workers and other Labourers, it is an eternal struggle to make ends meet. There is no longer illusion just the painful reminder that on Tuesday no one will care just get their backsides back to work.

Mark Carney Noticeably an Absent Player in The Canadian Parliament

 Canada is in a moment of crisis in its history. Most people are beginning to see the extent and implications of the continuous economic fallout. Meanwhile, our Prime Minister is conspicuously absent from Ottawa, reportedly travelling around the world to drum up business and promote Canada.  

The problem is that this is why trade emissaries and embassy staff are hired. Showing up for a photo op claiming success when, in fact, the actual paper states a non-binding agreement, and that the only deal is to keep talking, is not a result. It is, in fact, a waste of taxpayers' money so our Prime Minister can look the part on a global stage. Great theatre, but not what Canadians were at all expecting from an “Elbows Up” Mark Carney. 

Two vital statistics came forward while our Prime Minister tap danced his way across Europe, achieving nothing but smiles and handshakes. 

Statistics Canada indicated that the unemployment rate among Canadians aged thirty and under is approximately twenty per cent. It is worth noting that this figure does not account for individuals who are no longer actively seeking employment or receiving social assistance, suggesting that the actual rate may be higher. 

The second crisis stems directly from the Parliamentary Budget Office, regarding the actual number of new housing projects that need to be built. It projects an average of 227,000 new homes need to be completed each year for the next decade, but says an additional 65,000 per year will need to be built to close the housing gap. 

This situation presents two significant challenges for Carney. The first concerns the financial implications of this initiative, as a substantial proportion of these homes will need to be designated as supportive housing or geared toward income-based projects.  

In most Canadian cities, market-rate housing is inaccessible to many first-time homebuyers. It is increasingly being acquired by corporations, which exacerbates issues such as substandard living conditions and homelessness among a growing number of Canadians. 

The second significant challenge concerns the pronounced shortage of skilled trades professionals required to support ongoing development needs. Canada lacks a sufficient number of qualified tradespeople to meet the projected housing construction demands outlined by the Parliamentary Budget Office. 

Additionally, funding for provinces to initiate training for these essential workers at both the provincial and federal levels has not been allocated or considered, and it appears unlikely that this matter has been formally addressed. 

One suggestion, which was met with an immediate reaction from Pierre Poilievre, was that we hire skilled people as Temporary Foreign Workers. One problem is, where are these people going to stay, with already so many Canadians homeless or living in substandard or overly priced living conditions? 

Poilievre, instantly seeing an opening to jump in, dove in with both feet, blaming the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for the problems facing us today. Sadly, he is hoping that most Canadians forget that the TFWP was initiated by Jason Kenney as Minister of immigration in the Harper Government, with Poilievre's full support and defence. 

What Poilievre has done is leave the door open for a vicious racialized response by the public, putting those of ethnic origin in harm's way.  

Canada's domestic economy is experiencing challenges, independently of the current tensions with the Trump administration. The country is facing a persistent downward economic trend. 

Our political leaders are maintaining existing practices and continuing to employ established rhetorical approaches and public appearances that have contributed to the current situation. 

Mark Carney is dealing with a situation out of control, and it appears he is not prepared to stick around to help Canadians who have been ignored for so long back up on their feet and into meaningful productive careers with a decent and affordable roof over their head.

 

 

Somethings Actually reach publication

 Forever Canadian petition challenges danielle Smith’s independence push - The Stettler Independent

Danielle Smith's Summer of Sovereignty Has Hit a Brick Wall

 

 

Danielle Smith's sovereignty referendum vote has hit a brick wall! Unlike the Alberta Pension Plan Scheme or the Alberta Provincial police force, where the number of surveys answered was suppressed and withheld from Albertans until challenged to be released, this has significant public ramifications and is highly visible to everyone concerned.

Former Alberta Progressive Conservative MLA and Deputy Premier Thomas Lucaszuk has initiated the Forever Canadian movement by leading a petition opposing the Referendum. Upon completion, this petition is anticipated to be the largest single petition ever signed in Canadian history. Residents throughout the province have been participating in person to add their signatures in support of Alberta remaining within Canada. Distinct from online petitions, this initiative carries greater authority, as each signature must be accompanied by a corresponding address and provided in person.

“The business community does not like uncertainty”, Lukaszuk stated in an Interview with the Canadian Press earlier this week. Lukaszuk also put forward that there is a prime example of just what this entails, referencing the two referendums and Nationalist sentiments in Quebec. “There is a reason why the Bank of Montreal’s Headquarters are in Toronto”, Lukaszuk stated. This may not have been the strongest of arguments, but it did do justice to the complete overnight shift of Canadian Corporate headquarters away from the powerhouse which was once Montreal.

Danielle Smith’s advocacy for Alberta’s independence appears to be diminishing in impact, as more Albertans support Lukaszuk’s petition. With three provincial by-elections and the national election of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in Battle River-Crowfoot, Albertans have not demonstrated an interest in the sovereigntist perspective. Smith continues to emphasise her opposition to Ottawa during public appearances; however, attendance at these events is declining, and she occasionally receives negative responses from audiences. As she travels across the province this summer to promote her position, it appears that the idea is not resonating with the broader Alberta population.

Smith has relinquished what was traditionally considered the Conservatives' primary strategic advantage—an approach that successive Premiers have employed to heighten public engagement and reinforce regional tensions between Eastern and Western Canada. Notably, Smith appears to have overlooked the changing demographic landscape of Alberta; many residents originate from other provinces or countries. The strategies that resonated when Alberta’s population stood at 2.5 million are increasingly irrelevant in a province now exceeding 5 million inhabitants and continuing to grow.

Smith may also distinctly recall the 1980s, when Alberta's oil sector experienced a significant downturn as OPEC increased production, leading to large surpluses in petroleum. This development adversely affected Alberta’s economy, compelling many residents, including myself, to relocate—primarily to Ontario—in pursuit of economic stability. While many eventually returned, they did so with a strengthened sense of national identity that exceeded provincial affiliation.

Thomas Lucaszuk has notably influenced the political landscape prior to Naheed Nenshi launching his summer campaign. As Danielle Smith continues her efforts to engage Albertans on the topic of independence, she has experienced a decline in support for the UPC, with increasing numbers transitioning toward Nenshi's NDP, which promotes a more inclusive vision of Alberta as a place for all Canadians to work and thrive.

A lack of responsiveness to a dynamic and increasingly outspoken electorate may not benefit Smith or the United Conservative Party. Alberta has evolved, and the traditional East versus West narratives hold less influence for many Albertans. There is a prevailing commitment to shaping the nation collaboratively, with Alberta positioned as an equal leader in Canada’s progress. Should Smith fail to recognize or address these shifts, the prospects for future success of the UCP could be significantly diminished.

My reflections on Dad

 My Reflections on Dad

My father passed away early yesterday morning. My sister contacted me just before lunchtime to inform me of his death, which had been expected for some time. I appreciate her communication, as I may not have otherwise been notified of his passing.

I am aware that there is an expected grieving process following such a loss, yet I find myself experiencing no particular emotion. Consequently, I continually question whether it is appropriate not to feel any sense of remorse or sadness regarding the passing of someone who played a significant role in my existence. In fact, this lack of emotional response is more troubling to me than my father's death itself.

Due to my parents' divorce in 1962, my relationship with my father was often distant and occasionally challenging. The period during which he served as a Conservative Government MLA in Saskatchewan, while I worked in the NDP caucus office, resulted in frequent professional interactions. Despite our positions on opposite sides of the Legislature, that time fostered a mutual respect and understanding. It was then that we began to develop a friendship, moving beyond the traditional roles of father and son.

Over time, my career led me away from the political sphere to Ontario, where I established a family with my wife. It was during this period that my father became less present; our communication decreased significantly, and our interactions were infrequent. As a result, he did not develop a close relationship with my children and, similar to my mother, receded into the periphery of my life. In his later years, he appeared to withdraw intentionally from public engagement, in contrast to the prominent business figure he once was.

At times, I encounter challenges in understanding why my emotional reactions to significant events tend toward melancholy. Despite the transformative nature of this particular event, I do not perceive any notable change in my feelings compared to previous days.

My father dedicated himself to his work as a businessman, farmer, and politician. With his passing, his legacy will be shaped by history. I find comfort in imagining him reunited with his brothers, perhaps observing events from above, until the time comes for us to meet again.

Give him Hell, Harry!

Battle River Crowfoot, as predicted, becomes the most significant non-event in Canadian political history.

 

Battle River Crowfoot, as predicted, becomes the most significant non-event in Canadian political history.

 

Last night, after watching the election results—which seemed predictable—I realised that the trolls of social media would be sharpening their knives at some of my commentary or taking the opportunity to turn their vicious rhetoric not in any way different from Poilievre’s against the voters of the riding calling them sheep, cattle, or any other derogatory term imaginable.

This result was anticipated mainly from the moment Carney announced the by-election. I spent much of my formative years in this riding before serving on Allan Blakeney's staff in Saskatchewan, subsequently working with Ed Broadbent in Ottawa, and later pursuing a career as a mainstream media journalist in Toronto until 1988. In 1997, I returned home to raise my four children, and I returned to this area without hesitation.

People here do things mainly to paint a fiddler on the roof example out of a long-standing tradition. Nothing wrong at all with that, and the members to which they have elected here reflect that same traditional sense of community-based populist politics that was given birth to in the depression by the CCF and the Social Credit movements of the day. This has not changed, and it is highly doubtful that it ever will.

I laughed at those who trolled Poilievre throughout this process and set their affections on Bonnie because that only served to entrench the community and wound up hurting Bonnie more than helping.

One good thing that came out of this was that the whole notion of a sovereign Alberta has been completely thrown out the window, garnering only 1.5 per cent of the vote share. We are Canadians and continue to be proudly so in Alberta, and that is something to praise and recognise.

Like anything else in Canada's political environment today, which plays out more like a night at good old WWF wrestling rather than positive political discourse, Mark Carney's honeymoon with the electorate will soon end, and the long line of social media trolls will be hooking and baiting him with as much hatred as that of Poilievre. This has already started with his decision to order striking Air Canada flight attendants back to work, which the courts will overturn, and his letter praising Donald Trump for the Putin Summit, throwing Ukraine again into uncertainty and instability.

Carney is now beholden to Poilievre to keep him in office and is busy passing as much of the conservative blue book as possible to keep the Conservatives happy. TC Douglas referred to this as a black cats and half white cats coalition, which was from Mouseland and referred to the time of the 1917 Union Government with the Conservatives and Liberals under then Prime Minister Robert Borden.

The next few months are going to be a very bumpy ride for most Canadians, and those thinking that this miraculous change is going to appear are going to be very disappointed, to the point where I think the next election will be another minority, with Poilievre as Prime Minister.

People in this country have become ingrained in this point-and-click mentality that flows even to the expectations of how rapidly changes made by the Government will materialise. It will take years, even generations, to correct the imbalance in both income inequality and economic instability that Canada now faces, which began in the mid-eighties. The problem is in today’s society, if it can't happen now, why even consider?

Politics has shifted so dramatically to the polarisation of opposite spectrums that it has become a battleground of name-calling, trolling, worthless rhetoric and accusations of wrongdoing. We elect Governments to work on behalf of all people to build a society which hopefully will be free of poverty, violence and neglect of one another. Perhaps if our politicians were made well aware of these needs continuously in a constructive manner things may indeed change. 

 

 

Bringing About A Change and Journeying to Stormy Seas

 

Watching the wheels of life pass by, I realised that in less than 5 months, I will have reached my sixty-fifth birthday. Now, for those who don’t know me, I have always complained in between telling stories of my children growing up, the unfair balance of time that has gone by, and how it happened so fast.

 Sadly, my childhood was a time I would have instead let pass by. My starting point most thought was my time in the Navy, or my time working at the NDP caucus office in Regina, neither of which is true. My early twenties were but a host of indecision and painful anxiety. I didn’t know in the slightest what I wanted to do, or which direction was up or down. It would probably be fair to say I was lost in a sea of racing thoughts, and the desperate need to take charge of a life out of control and out of my hands.

A critical decision had to be made: either relocate to an environment conducive to effective evaluation and management of my situation or accept the ongoing risk of remaining in an ambiguous and unsatisfactory state. My journey began in earnest at the intersection of Elizabeth and Bay Street in Toronto, where I arrived with a typewriter secured to my backpack and a cigarette in hand. As I observed the bus departing for the prairies, which I had left behind, I recognised the significance of this pivotal moment.

My Editor was the next person to approach me, having spent approximately fifteen minutes searching for me throughout the bus terminal before discovering me observing my new environment. This marked a significant transition: I was now responsible for myself as I embarked on this new chapter of my life. While this change brought about understandable anxieties, I recognised that it was now up to me alone to address them.  

Adapting to a new situation presented significant challenges; however, Father Joe and Our Place provided valuable support during difficult times. Subsequently, Karen invited me to share my life with hers, marking a transformative period. As our family grew, ongoing adjustments were necessary, and my priorities shifted from personal interests to the well-being of my loved ones. For thirty-seven years, I dedicated myself to what many consider to be a profoundly meaningful undertaking, placing other pursuits on hold.

This morning, as my daughter Sarah left the house to return to her job as a reporter, and Karen left to go to work at the hospital, I was left alone to work on my blog, edit video content, and make changes to the radio station. Upon looking in the mirror, those same feelings I felt in 1985 of being in a life out of control and totally out of my hands began to resurface with all the same anxieties that went with it.

While relaxation and leisure are often recommended at this stage, such approaches do not resonate with my disposition. During these times, I am inclined to reflect on advice, especially that which Father Joe might have provided. Remaining idle is an option; however, I am continuously reminded of experiences from years past.

 My backpack, laptop, and digital equipment stand by as I determine the appropriate moment to proceed. This juncture marks a new chapter in my life, and I am prepared to move forward with purpose.

Canada now Hangs in the Balance

 As the European Union has reached a deal with the Trump administration, imposing a fifteen per cent tariff across the board, Canada's fate now hangs in the balance. Trump now has the upper hand, and he knows it.  

Trump has never wanted a trade deal with Canada. He set his objective out very clearly from the outset, which was the fifty-first state solution. This was his baseline, and that has not changed. The danger here is that Trump now knows he can economically starve us out, and unless Canada moves swiftly to umbrella itself within the European Union, any notion of our sovereignty will disappear.  

Some believe that Canada can continue to address its challenges, but there is an underlying economic issue that governments have not addressed since the 1980s. The country's financial foundations have eroded to the extent that creating the magical and mystical recovery both the Liberals and Conservatives want to achieve would take many years and trillions of dollars to rectify. None of which Canada has now. Leaving Carney in a position where he is acting tough but in reality, running scared and walking his way through a minefield where he can do nothing more than step on mines. He is trapped, and he knows it, and although he tries to put on a brave face, it is clear by his tone that he is about to give in.  

In a previous blog, I suggested that Canada should protect its sovereignty by joining the European Union, and I think most readers laughed or scoffed at my idea. I tell you this without the strength and numbers behind the European Union, we are pretty much going to take a ride on the Titanic, as the American administration puts a stranglehold on our resources and capital exports. 

Canada cannot capitalise on the economy, and this is where the destruction of the economic foundations of our country comes into play. This issue is the high levels of both national and consumer debt combined with the massively increasing numbers of working poor and those now living in a much more abstract poverty. This makes up now well over 25 per cent of the Canadian population, with many more falling into this category every day.  

While the Government and opposition discuss housing for purchase, they say little about the real and more pressing issue of decent, affordable, income-geared rental housing. What is the point of giving money to the private sector that Carney and Poilievre keep touting as our saviours to build houses that the demographic to which they are promoting this fantasy cannot afford? These are but wasted words in the apocalyptic race to the bottom. Even if it could work, he does not have the vast amounts of capital at his disposal to even get this off the ground. First, it is due to the erosion of the tax base, and second, it is Canada's lack of education and promotion of the building trades or working with the provinces to provide Canadians with the opportunity to educate themselves without the high student debt load they must carry for years afterwards. 

As most economists will tell you, a structured economy requires a solid foundation upon which to build itself. The foundation of course is its people. Consumers drive the capitalist economy, without the consumers' ability to buy the goods and services we produce; more people will continue to fall into this never-ending spiral of indebtedness. When a nation's citizens must borrow from banks and credit card companies to make ends meet, they have shattered the foundational aspects of the economy. 

Our politicians must take a firm stand, and the need to make these changes is now. Canada has run out of time, money, and political leverage to maintain its sovereignty against the economic starvation about to be imposed on us by the Trump administration. Mr. Carney, you have run out of time, and with the wolf breathing down our neck, what's your next move, and do you realize the urgency this now takes on?