Smallc Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Canada's information watchdog says the public knows less than ever about what its government is doing — a stark contrast to U.S. President's Barack Obama's push for openness in the United States.Information Commissioner Robert Marleau said Thursday the grip on federal files is tightening, largely because of the Conservative government's "communications stranglehold" on the bureaucracy. "There's less information being released by government than ever before. And that's alarming." CBC Quote
bush_cheney2004 Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Canada is not the United States...and it certainly has no "Obama". See "Sponsorship Scandal". Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
capricorn Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 It's a Commissioner's job to be alarmed. The Information Commissioner is alarmed, the Privacy Commissioner is alarmed, the Official Languages Commissioner is alarmed as are all other Commissioners. If they weren't alarmed they'd be out of a job since everything would be deemed honky dory. And the more complaints these Commissioners get the larger the staff required to handle them. The more alarm, the better for their offices. How do we know that it is Harper's fault that the process for information requests is slow? Bureaucracy does move at a snail's pace. How do we know that he is responsible for the decisions of bureaucrats to black out as much information as possible on documents that are released? In my experience this is mostly the result of bureaucrats trying to protect their asses by releasing as little information as possible and sitting on requests for as long as possible. Then, there are the lazy ones. Perhaps Harper should simply write a memo to government officials, as Obama has done. That should fix it. Quote "We always want the best man to win an election. Unfortunately, he never runs." Will Rogers
DrGreenthumb Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 It's a Commissioner's job to be alarmed. The Information Commissioner is alarmed, the Privacy Commissioner is alarmed, the Official Languages Commissioner is alarmed as are all other Commissioners. If they weren't alarmed they'd be out of a job since everything would be deemed honky dory. And the more complaints these Commissioners get the larger the staff required to handle them. The more alarm, the better for their offices.How do we know that it is Harper's fault that the process for information requests is slow? Bureaucracy does move at a snail's pace. How do we know that he is responsible for the decisions of bureaucrats to black out as much information as possible on documents that are released? In my experience this is mostly the result of bureaucrats trying to protect their asses by releasing as little information as possible and sitting on requests for as long as possible. Then, there are the lazy ones. Perhaps Harper should simply write a memo to government officials, as Obama has done. That should fix it. Oh c'mon now. not even you are going to deny that the Harper regime has been the most secretive and unapproachable government Canada has ever had. Harper is a total control freak, and that need to control everything extends to information control. He does everything he can to hide things from Canadians when he knows the information isn't politically positive for him. Quote
normanchateau Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Harper is a total control freak, and that need to control everything extends to information control. He does everything he can to hide things from Canadians when he knows the information isn't politically positive for him. Speaking of which Harper delayed his own lawsuit against the Liberals for his claim that they defamed him by exposing his involvement in the attempted bribery of Chuck Cadman: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2...man-harper.html When Harper postponed it, he claimed it was because of the election. I wonder what bogus excuse he'll use next time. Here's a more likely reason why Harper "postponed" the defamation suit: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2...adman-tape.html Quote
Mr.Canada Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Oh c'mon now. not even you are going to deny that the Harper regime has been the most secretive and unapproachable government Canada has ever had. Harper is a total control freak, and that need to control everything extends to information control. He does everything he can to hide things from Canadians when he knows the information isn't politically positive for him. Lol. Too bad he can't sue you for slander. No sense in it though as you're unemployed and on social assistance. Plus you're busy, what with protesting and all. Quote "You are scum for insinuating that isn't the case you snake." -William Ashley Canadian Immigration Reform Blog
Argus Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Oh c'mon now. not even you are going to deny that the Harper regime has been the most secretive and unapproachable government Canada has ever had. I dunno, the Liberals were pretty secretive - and they had a big majority with a scattered opposition. At least the Conservatives are in a minority - which always makes governments want to keep their cards close to their vest. Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Moonbox Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Lol. Too bad he can't sue you for slander. No sense in it though as you're unemployed and on social assistance. Plus you're busy, what with protesting and all. That was really funny haha. 10/10 Quote "A man is no more entitled to an opinion for which he cannot account than he is for a pint of beer for which he cannot pay" - Anonymous
DrGreenthumb Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Lol. Too bad he can't sue you for slander. No sense in it though as you're unemployed and on social assistance. Plus you're busy, what with protesting and all. Sorry, unlike your welfare recipient socialist church, I don't recieve ANY money from the government. In Fact I paid almost 20,000 in income tax this year. Quote
Drea Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 (edited) But Doctor! Surely you jest! You MUST be a welare recipient... you advocate pot to be legal!!! Only deadheads smoke (shhhhhhhhh!) m-a-r-i-j-u-a-n-a after all. Damn you sinner! Off with yer head! To the pit of hell for you! ...Harper is a Dodo bird very very soon -- Dr. G, we can be really thankful for that. The conservatives are losing ground all over the world. 2012 will usher in a new enlightenment of socialism and humanity where all people, regardless of colour, religious affiliation, or lack thereof, will no longer be divided as a species. Either that or the rightwing nutbars will start a world war in order to usher in their much anticipated "army-geddon". Edited January 23, 2009 by Drea Quote ...jealous much? Booga Booga! Hee Hee Hee
OddSox Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Oh c'mon now. not even you are going to deny that the Harper regime has been the most secretive and unapproachable government Canada has ever had. Harper is a total control freak, and that need to control everything extends to information control. He does everything he can to hide things from Canadians when he knows the information isn't politically positive for him.Ignatieff is no different...http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/f...ider-leaks.aspx Quote
Barts Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Sorry, unlike your welfare recipient socialist church, I don't recieve ANY money from the government. In Fact I paid almost 20,000 in income tax this year. If you personally paid $20,000 in income tax, it must mean you can afford it. Are we supposed to feel sorry for you that you are wealthier--and therefore enjoy a better lifestyle--than the majority of Canadians? According to Statistics Canada, Canadian families of two persons or more paid an estimated $12,800 on average in income tax in 2003. Quote Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd -- Voltaire
DrGreenthumb Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 If you personally paid $20,000 in income tax, it must mean you can afford it. Are we supposed to feel sorry for you that you are wealthier--and therefore enjoy a better lifestyle--than the majority of Canadians?According to Statistics Canada, Canadian families of two persons or more paid an estimated $12,800 on average in income tax in 2003. Where did I ask for your sympathy? I don't feel sorry for myself and I wouldn't expect anyone to pity me. How could I feel sorry for myself when I am so blessed with a healthy family and plenty of money to afford the finer things in life? Sitting in front of my 54 inch Tv, smoking a nice overstuffed bong bowl, watching a movie before climbing into my 7 seater Jacuzzi, on the deck of my 5 bedroom house, on a quarter section of land, life seems pretty sweet. Nowhere have I ever asked for sympathy, I just take offence to being labeled a welfare recipient by nutters like Mr.Canada, just because I support the NDP, and smoke cannabis. Quote
Mr.Canada Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 Sorry, unlike your welfare recipient socialist church, I don't recieve ANY money from the government. In Fact I paid almost 20,000 in income tax this year. You mean you paid taxes on $20,000 a year income, right? Quote "You are scum for insinuating that isn't the case you snake." -William Ashley Canadian Immigration Reform Blog
Progressive Tory Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 But Doctor! Surely you jest! You MUST be a welare recipient... you advocate pot to be legal!!! Only deadheads smoke (shhhhhhhhh!) m-a-r-i-j-u-a-n-a after all.Damn you sinner! Off with yer head! To the pit of hell for you! ...Harper is a Dodo bird very very soon -- Dr. G, we can be really thankful for that. The conservatives are losing ground all over the world. 2012 will usher in a new enlightenment of socialism and humanity where all people, regardless of colour, religious affiliation, or lack thereof, will no longer be divided as a species. Either that or the rightwing nutbars will start a world war in order to usher in their much anticipated "army-geddon". Drea. Do you know the secret handshake of the new Leftie World Order? Did you hear of our secret plan to take over; paint the Parliament Buildings pink and confiscate all worldly goods for the 'state'? Honest to God. What is all this secular socialist, Christian prosecution nonsense? The Conservatives did not buy the franchise to Christianity. Paul Martin and Pierre Trudeau were devout Cathoics. Pearson was Evangelical. Most Liberals are Christian and I haven't checked them all, but probably most NDP as well. One of the Bloc members was a Parish Priest. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Progressive Tory Posted January 23, 2009 Report Posted January 23, 2009 CBC Here's how it's done. Zeal to manage message sees journalists shunned, bureaucrats, cabinet ministers routinely muzzled http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/429906 Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
DrGreenthumb Posted January 25, 2009 Report Posted January 25, 2009 You mean you paid taxes on $20,000 a year income, right? I made more than that without even considering any of the income from my rental units. Quote
Mr.Canada Posted January 25, 2009 Report Posted January 25, 2009 I made more than that without even considering any of the income from my rental units. lol. Quote "You are scum for insinuating that isn't the case you snake." -William Ashley Canadian Immigration Reform Blog
DrGreenthumb Posted January 25, 2009 Report Posted January 25, 2009 Lol. Too bad he can't sue you for slander. No sense in it though as you're unemployed and on social assistance. Plus you're busy, what with protesting and all. Could it be that you are projecting? Seems you have an awful lot of time to be in these forums. Are you unemployed? You did say you were going on a nationwide anti-choice protest tour didn't you? Is your church supporting you financially? Truth is I only have to work as much as I want to. I live quite comfortably. Even without my income our household income is above average, my wife is in management direcetly supervising more than 40 employees. The organization she works for is the third highest employer in our area and she is second in command. I know people like you think its terrible that she isn't staying at home with the kids, barefoot and pregnant but her success doesn't threaten me at all, in fact I appreciate the freedom it gives me to spend more time with my kids than if I had to work a 9 to 5er. Most of the time work isn't really work at all for me, we buy, renovate, and rent out or sell single family homes. That means "work" for me really means hanging out with some friends, smokin joints and enjoying my hobby of renovations. I get together with some friends and paint or install laminate floors , redo the bathrooms and generally restore the house, so that I can resell it, or rent it out till it sells. We also work as a crew doing renovations for other people. There is never any shortage of people looking for a house to rent. All my houses are always rented out. The renters are buying all these homes for me, and building my assets. I also do some security work but on a casual basis so that I am always free to turn down any shift. I'd be willing to bet that you are a lot closer to the welfare line than we are Mr Canada. Quote
normanchateau Posted January 25, 2009 Report Posted January 25, 2009 That means "work" for me really means hanging out with some friends, smokin joints and enjoying my hobby of renovations. Let's hope you don't actually grow any marijuana. If that anti-civil libertarian Harper's legislation passes, you face a MANDATORY six month jail sentence for growing one marijuana plant: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/st...31-3411c2619f58 The only reason that legislation has not passed is because it was stalled in committee by the opposition who kept raising the issue of Harper's alleged criminal behaviour in the Cadman affair. Each time the opposition raised the issue, the Conservative Committee Chair, Art Hangar, called the meeting to an end. It shows just how morally bankrupt Harper is. He'd rather not see his beloved omnibus crime bill pass than have to answer questions about his alleged criminal behaviour. I predict he'll continue to avoid questions about what he said on the tape and use the economy as an excuse. Quote
Progressive Tory Posted January 25, 2009 Report Posted January 25, 2009 Let's hope you don't actually grow any marijuana. If that anti-civil libertarian Harper's legislation passes, you face a MANDATORY six month jail sentence for growing one marijuana plant:http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/st...31-3411c2619f58 The only reason that legislation has not passed is because it was stalled in committee by the opposition who kept raising the issue of Harper's alleged criminal behaviour in the Cadman affair. Each time the opposition raised the issue, the Conservative Committee Chair, Art Hangar, called the meeting to an end. It shows just how morally bankrupt Harper is. He'd rather not see his beloved omnibus crime bill pass than have to answer questions about his alleged criminal behaviour. I predict he'll continue to avoid questions about what he said on the tape and use the economy as an excuse. He may be making a huge mistake, because stalling investigations into Cadman and the "In and Out", amoung other things, won't make them go away. They could all rear their heads at once - like maybe during the next election campaign. He should address them if he's got nothing to hide. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Mr.Canada Posted January 25, 2009 Report Posted January 25, 2009 He may be making a huge mistake, because stalling investigations into Cadman and the "In and Out", amoung other things, won't make them go away. They could all rear their heads at once - like maybe during the next election campaign. He should address them if he's got nothing to hide. If Harper doesn't get the budget passed or remains to be disloyal to social and fiscal conservatism I think he needs to step down before the next election imo. It would also clear the slate for the next election as Harper may have too much baggage to lead another General Election. Quote "You are scum for insinuating that isn't the case you snake." -William Ashley Canadian Immigration Reform Blog
Progressive Tory Posted January 25, 2009 Report Posted January 25, 2009 If Harper doesn't get the budget passed or remains to be disloyal to social and fiscal conservatism I think he needs to step down before the next election imo. It would also clear the slate for the next election as Harper may have too much baggage to lead another General Election. I think you're right. And like I said before, he's bringing a lot of good people down with him. He gambled and lost; now it's time to move on. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
blueblood Posted January 26, 2009 Report Posted January 26, 2009 I think you're right. And like I said before, he's bringing a lot of good people down with him. He gambled and lost; now it's time to move on. What did he lose? Is inspiring the majority of Canadians to pay attention to politics and the majority of Canadians denouncing the coalition losing? Wait until the end of the week to determine if indeed he "lost" anything. Quote "Stop the Madness!!!" - Kevin O'Leary "Money is the ultimate scorecard of life!". - Kevin O'Leary Economic Left/Right: 4.00 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -0.77
ToadBrother Posted January 26, 2009 Report Posted January 26, 2009 What did he lose? Is inspiring the majority of Canadians to pay attention to politics and the majority of Canadians denouncing the coalition losing? Wait until the end of the week to determine if indeed he "lost" anything. He lost the initiative, and, as I predicted, he's losing his party. Caucus is still deeply angry at him and Flaherty for their party funding stunt. The budget is going to be a free-for-all, which is the only way the Conservatives could survive the vote, and each other. The Conservative Caucus is, by all rumors, not a happy place these days. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.