looks like gerard kennedy is indeed running for provincial leadership ... i like him ... from the list - it's good to see that guys like duncan aren't running and it kinda shows that they recognize what's wrong with the party ...
I'd like to see him win ... plus he doesn't carry any of the baggage the rest carried. Sandra Pupatello appears to be the front runner and the way she's talking in the media, it's like she's won already...
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Gerard Kennedy is distancing himself from controversial legislation banning teachers’ strikes, freezing wages, and curbing benefits in his bid to succeed Premier Dalton McGuinty.
Kennedy told the Star on Sunday that he would also recall the prorogued legislature as soon as possible after the Jan. 25-27 Ontario Liberal leadership convention.
The former education minister, who left Queen’s Park in 2006 to enter federal politics, will formally enter the leadership race on Monday morning with an announcement on CP24.
But he staked his ground in Sunday’s interview, criticizing Bill 115, the legislation passed in September by the minority Liberals with Progressive Conservative backing.
“I do not need legislation to get a good arrangement for teachers, students, parents, and the public,” said Kennedy, an MPP between 1996 and 2006 and MP from 2008 to 2011.
“I wasn’t at those tables, I didn’t vote for those things. I won’t need legislation to solve problems with teachers or other public servants,” he said, pledging to inject “goodwill” into talks with 481.000 other unionized workers now in negotiations with the province.
“That’s going to be different.”
Positioning himself as an outsider, Kennedy emphasized “people will accept from me that I wasn’t part of things that they think are problematic.”
Beyond Bill 115, which has ruptured teachers' relations with the Liberals, he appeared to be referring to the ORNGE air-ambulance scandal, past problems at eHealth Ontario, and the outcry over the closure of gas-fired power plants in Mississauga and Oakville that cost taxpayers at least $230 million.
Candidly admitting the nine-year-old Liberal government is “off-kilter on some the original goals that we had,” he promised a return to progressive policies.
At the same time, he vowed to bring “a fresh approach” and the perspective of someone who has been away from Queen’s Park since 2006.
“The Liberal Party has to reconnect with Ontarians in an unfiltered way,” he said, explaining that he will blitz “coffee shops, church basements,” teacher’s staffrooms, and nurses’ gatherings to gauge what the people want.
His campaign should get a boost from the fact former ministers George Smitherman and Joe Cordiano — friends and colleagues in government and opposition — will play key roles in it.
Lamenting “the poison that’s entered the Ontario legislature … sucking the hope out of the place,” Kennedy said he would work with Tory Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath to improve the minority assembly.
He echoed their concerns about McGuinty’s proroguing of the house on Oct. 15 when he announced his retirement.
“Prorogation is only to be used administratively,” said Kennedy, opposing its “use for any other objectives” and noting he also fought Prime Minister Stephen Harper for doing what McGuinty did.
“I will bring the house back as soon as possible. It isn’t necessary to have a seat — Ernie Eves proved that,” he said, referring to the former PC premier who took power in 2002.
While he declined to say where he would run, Kennedy shared that Liberal MPPs have offered their ridings to him because his former provincial seat of Parkdale-High Park is currently held by NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo.
New Democrat Peggy Nash trounced him in the riding federally in the 2011 election — winning 47.2 per cent to his 32.9 per cent with a plurality of 7,289 votes — but he said that defeat “gives me a helpful perspective.”
He was runner-up to McGuinty in the 1996 Ontario Liberal leadership race — after leading every ballot but the final one — and was fourth in the 2006 federal Liberal contest in which he was the kingmaker for winner Stéphane Dion.
Mindful of those losses, Kennedy, who currently runs a firm called Enterprising for the Public Good, which helps non-profit organizations and businesses, joked he’s “definitely not the front-runner” in this race.
“There’s only one time I want to be the front-runner — on the last ballot, the last vote,” he said with a laugh.
Kennedy joins former cabinet colleague Sandra Pupatello, 50, as the only candidates who served in opposition.
Also running are recently resigned ministers Glen Murray, 55, Charles Sousa, 54, and Kathleen Wynne, 59.
Eric Hoskins, 51, will formally launch his campaign in Tuesday.
Government Services Minister Harinder Takhar, 61, is still weighing his options for a bid.
John Wilkinson, 53, a former minister who narrowly lost his seat in the Oct. 6, 2011 election, abandoned his leadership effort on Saturday “after much soul searching.”
In a break with tradition at Queen’s Park, McGuinty ordered any minister wishing to run for the leadership to step down from cabinet to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
harper is destroying this country ... his disdain for democracy is clear as mud and whatever fear mongering there was prior to his majority is far worse than ever expected ...
"The Conservatives have clearly determined that a lost night’s sleep in the Commons is an easy price to pay for passing legislation their way, and the opposition may have to look for another way to engage Canadians this time around." -- we have nothing, no hope without this happening.
well ... that's not true ... the fact of the matter is that the comments made by mcguinty and trudeau are true ... the majority of the albertans who hold seats don't have prominent roles in cabinet for a reason ... it's just that as a population we can't think critically enough to acknowledge what is very blatant ... there is a reason why the pmo puts a muzzle on his mps ... there is a reason why they aren't in cabinet ... and there is a reason why we've made negative progress on global warming and the environment ...
well ... that's not true ... the fact of the matter is that the comments made by mcguinty and trudeau are true ... the majority of the albertans who hold seats don't have prominent roles in cabinet for a reason ... it's just that as a population we can't think critically enough to acknowledge what is very blatant ... there is a reason why the pmo puts a muzzle on his mps ... there is a reason why they aren't in cabinet ... and there is a reason why we've made negative progress on global warming and the environment ...
Speaking as an Albertan (I have lived here all my life) I agree with Mcguinty 100%. Most of those MP's and our own MLA's are shills for the oil industry. It's a disgrace.
Speaking as an Albertan (I have lived here all my life) I agree with Mcguinty 100%. Most of those MP's and our own MLA's are shills for the oil industry. It's a disgrace.
you have to consider what Canada has become on the international stage as it relates to the oil industry ... we didn't just turn our back on global warming - we went to war against it on the basis of ignorance and protecting the oil industry ... the same motivations that is making us push pipelines into environmentally fragile areas ...
If you take away OIL...what would Alberta's economy be like? If it's anything like what happening in Ontario with loss of so many manufacturing jobs...then Alberta politicians will defend it no matter what...and truth be told I think any Ontarian who wouldn't like to go back in time and have our MP's fight like hell to protect our manufacturing sector...
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Tories misled Canadians on F-35, opposition MPs charge
--
(I would rather see this)
The federal government is being urged to reach back in history for a made-in-Canada solution to its fighter jet woes by resurrecting the legendary but aborted Avro Arrow interceptor to serve as this country’s next war plane.
It may seem a far-fetched idea but backers – including retired major-general Lewis MacKenzie – insist that a revised version of the 1950s jet, with an upgraded engine, would outperform Ottawa’s preferred choice on several important counts
RCMP concerned as Conservatives consider loosening firearms restrictions
Published on Thursday December 06, 2012
OTTAWA — The federal Conservatives are considering sweeping recommendations from an influential government firearms advisory committee to loosen Canada’s gun control laws, the Star has learned.
The proposed changes would touch on many of the remaining restrictions on firearms and critics say would pose a risk to public safety.
The proposals include getting rid of the “prohibited” category of firearms and reclassifying weapons such as certain handguns and assault weapons as “restricted” only, and extending the duration of owner licences from five to 10 years — a move the RCMP warns would strip away an important safety check.
MORE:Gun control advocate fears new tragedy
On the 23rd anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre of 14 women, one of its survivors is aghast at the ideas proposed by the committee and fearful of its influence and power in Ottawa.
“I am very sad. And I am mad,” said Nathalie Provost, who was wounded in Marc Lepine’s fusillade against female engineering students on Dec. 6, 1989. Parliament has declared the anniversary a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada, and yet Provost fears any lessons learned have been forgotten.
“I have the feeling with all of this that we are losing more than just the long-gun registry, we are losing total control of guns in Canada,” Provost said in an interview from Montreal.
A summary of the recommendations as well as a record of a meeting where they were pitched to the government are among documents released to researchers for the Coalition for Gun Control under the access to information law and provided to the Star.
Co-chaired by Steve Torino of the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee met with Public Safety Minister Vic Toews and other senior government officials in Ottawa in late March, after the bill to kill the long-gun registry had cleared the Commons and was on the verge of Senate approval.
The 12 committee members also called for the removal of the requirement on gun owners to get an “authorization to transport” firearms, and for the creation of a committee to advise on the classification of imported firearms — but said it should be made up mostly of advisers from industry.
They recommended seized firearms — which by law must now be destroyed — be made legally available for public sale or trade. They suggested a “prohibited persons registry” could be set up to aid the tracking of those who should not be allowed to possess guns, but otherwise prohibited weapons should be reclassified.
Firearms licences should be valid for at least 10 years “or longer,” said the committee, and “if a licence expires, it should go into suspension until renewed, removing the criminalization of the firearm possessor.”
Toews’ office confirmed Wednesday that he is actively considering the recommendations, particularly a licence of longer duration.
“We always consider common sense solutions to ensure we have effective firearms laws that keep people safe, without needlessly burdening law abiding Canadians. We are looking at ways to ensure the licensing system is efficient and effective,” said Toews’ communications director Julie Carmichael. Her email reply did not directly address several other Star queries.
The RCMP refused the Star’s request for comment or technical information Wednesday, deferring to the department of public safety.
But the documents show the Mounties had real concerns in the spring.
Assistant Commissioner Pierre Perron, responsible for the Canadian Firearms Centre, was at the March meeting and warned extending the duration of licences to 10 years “would limit” the RCMP’s “ability to monitor, on a timely basis, any changes to an individual’s mental health status,” according to a written record of the discussion that Toews’ office prepared. That’s because when a licence is renewed, an individual must answer questions about mental health or changes in personal circumstances that could affect their fitness to own a weapon— and the form must be verified by another person.
The Conservative government — which has so far failed to respond to a request by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to put their representative on the advisory committee — has already acted on two of the committee’s other recommendations:
Earlier this fall, Toews eliminated certain gun show regulations the committee called useless, and just last week, cabinet quietly deferred to December 2013 a decision to require gun manufacturers to put new markings on weapons imported to Canada — a move that was intended to allow better tracking and to bring Canada into compliance with a UN effort to control international gun smuggling.
The proposed changes are “just chilling,” said Michael Bryant, former Ontario attorney-general who spoke on behalf of the Coalition for Gun Control. “And I think Canadians should be frightened by this.”
“The idea that you could get the equivalent of a lifetime licence to use a gun in Canada is not what the Conservatives ran on in the last election, and that the RCMP is concerned about changes to somebody’s mental health over that period of time is enough to keep the licensing requirements and not water it down.”
sooo ... the liberal leadership is up for grabs and david suzuki has just backed joyce murray ... who amongst other things is advocating a one time collaboration between the ndp and greens in the 2015 election to defeat harper and his neo cons ... and then institute electoral reform ... probably including a change in the senate either through elections or fixed terms or abolishment (what I'm in favour of) ... anything but patronage appointments ...
i haven't voted liberal ever in any election but i suppose she would be my pick for liberal leader ... although I think she just might be too progressive for many parts of canada ...
I'd be shocked if anyone defeated Justin Trudeau ... but I guess one never knows ... polls show that Trudeau could defeat the conservatives without aligning with the NDP. Not that I overly care who wins the leadership because ALL politicians are in the hip pocket of corporations and the elite ... but I personally like Garneau.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
I'd be shocked if anyone defeated Justin Trudeau ... but I guess one never knows ... polls show that Trudeau could defeat the conservatives without aligning with the NDP. Not that I overly care who wins the leadership because ALL politicians are in the hip pocket of corporations and the elite ... but I personally like Garneau.
garneau has definitely shown a level of class and integrity that i can respect ... i like the way he stays on the issues and focuses on what the solution is ... as opposed to the stupid stuff like whether a rich kid can understand the plight of the middle class ... obviously the answer is no! ... hahaha ... just kidding ... although i do think that if you were born with a silver spoon and everything was given to you ... you lack something fundamental in leading a nation ...
I'd be shocked if anyone defeated Justin Trudeau ... but I guess one never knows ... polls show that Trudeau could defeat the conservatives without aligning with the NDP. Not that I overly care who wins the leadership because ALL politicians are in the hip pocket of corporations and the elite ... but I personally like Garneau.
garneau has definitely shown a level of class and integrity that i can respect ... i like the way he stays on the issues and focuses on what the solution is ... as opposed to the stupid stuff like whether a rich kid can understand the plight of the middle class ... obviously the answer is no! ... hahaha ... just kidding ... although i do think that if you were born with a silver spoon and everything was given to you ... you lack something fundamental in leading a nation ...
Not that I'm defending Justin Trudeau ... but it's not like he just lived off a trust fund and decided to run on his fathers name only ... his fathers name did help of course, your right he obviously would have a tougher time understanding the plight of the middle class, for me . I just like Garneau's background and the fact he's only been elected politician since 2008, his age 63 combined with his work experience makes him an interesting choice. I'm tired of these career politicians, as far as I'm concerned they are the one's that everything is handed ... I don't even want to talk electoral reform unless it includes term limits on our MP'S including the PM. As for the senate abolish it ... it's not that complicated ...
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Not that I'm defending Justin Trudeau ... but it's not like he just lived off a trust fund and decided to run on his fathers name only ... his fathers name did help of course, your right he obviously would have a tougher time understanding the plight of the middle class, for me . I just like Garneau's background and the fact he's only been elected politician since 2008, his age 63 combined with his work experience makes him an interesting choice. I'm tired of these career politicians, as far as I'm concerned they are the one's that everything is handed ... I don't even want to talk electoral reform unless it includes term limits on our MP'S including the PM. As for the senate abolish it ... it's not that complicated ...
ya ... and he also spent his time doing community work vs. getting handed a company that basically runs itself ... definitely agree on term limits ... and abolishment of the senate ...
Not that I'm defending Justin Trudeau ... but it's not like he just lived off a trust fund and decided to run on his fathers name only ... his fathers name did help of course, your right he obviously would have a tougher time understanding the plight of the middle class, for me . I just like Garneau's background and the fact he's only been elected politician since 2008, his age 63 combined with his work experience makes him an interesting choice. I'm tired of these career politicians, as far as I'm concerned they are the one's that everything is handed ... I don't even want to talk electoral reform unless it includes term limits on our MP'S including the PM. As for the senate abolish it ... it's not that complicated ...
ya ... and he also spent his time doing community work vs. getting handed a company that basically runs itself ... definitely agree on term limits ... and abolishment of the senate ...
Good points ... I think Justin will win, I am hoping for Garneau myself. But part of me can't help but think we are doomed no matter who is PM or Premier or Mayor or whatever elected official it is ... partly because society is so incredibly selfish and petty anymore.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Good points ... I think Justin will win, I am hoping for Garneau myself. But part of me can't help but think we are doomed no matter who is PM or Premier or Mayor or whatever elected official it is ... partly because society is so incredibly selfish and petty anymore.
ya ... combined with the fact we are becoming increasingly partisan and can't think for ourselves anymore ...
I'd consider it ... they'd never win this riding though ...
are you in one of the orange ridings? ... if orange can win ... so can green ...
Orange Federally, Red Provincially ... the rumour mill has Dwight Duncan running federally in this riding if Trudeau wins the leadership ... people here like Joe Comartin ... I think as long as he's running it'd be a tough go for any candidate.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Orange Federally, Red Provincially ... the rumour mill has Dwight Duncan running federally in this riding if Trudeau wins the leadership ... people here like Joe Comartin ... I think as long as he's running it'd be a tough go for any candidate.
Orange Federally, Red Provincially ... the rumour mill has Dwight Duncan running federally in this riding if Trudeau wins the leadership ... people here like Joe Comartin ... I think as long as he's running it'd be a tough go for any candidate.
not a fan of duncan at all ...
I'm not either ... he's bee a politician for the last 25 years ... Might be all he knows or is really comfortable doing. I'm guessing if he runs and Trudeau wins the Duncan will get a cabinet post, rumour also has Pupatello running if Trudeau wins. So we'll see what happens. I think if Comartin runs he'll retain the seat ... But he's getting up in years and might want to retire.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Comments
I'd like to see him win ... plus he doesn't carry any of the baggage the rest carried. Sandra Pupatello appears to be the front runner and the way she's talking in the media, it's like she's won already...
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/poli ... -grit-helm
Gerard Kennedy is distancing himself from controversial legislation banning teachers’ strikes, freezing wages, and curbing benefits in his bid to succeed Premier Dalton McGuinty.
Kennedy told the Star on Sunday that he would also recall the prorogued legislature as soon as possible after the Jan. 25-27 Ontario Liberal leadership convention.
The former education minister, who left Queen’s Park in 2006 to enter federal politics, will formally enter the leadership race on Monday morning with an announcement on CP24.
But he staked his ground in Sunday’s interview, criticizing Bill 115, the legislation passed in September by the minority Liberals with Progressive Conservative backing.
“I do not need legislation to get a good arrangement for teachers, students, parents, and the public,” said Kennedy, an MPP between 1996 and 2006 and MP from 2008 to 2011.
“I wasn’t at those tables, I didn’t vote for those things. I won’t need legislation to solve problems with teachers or other public servants,” he said, pledging to inject “goodwill” into talks with 481.000 other unionized workers now in negotiations with the province.
“That’s going to be different.”
Positioning himself as an outsider, Kennedy emphasized “people will accept from me that I wasn’t part of things that they think are problematic.”
Beyond Bill 115, which has ruptured teachers' relations with the Liberals, he appeared to be referring to the ORNGE air-ambulance scandal, past problems at eHealth Ontario, and the outcry over the closure of gas-fired power plants in Mississauga and Oakville that cost taxpayers at least $230 million.
Candidly admitting the nine-year-old Liberal government is “off-kilter on some the original goals that we had,” he promised a return to progressive policies.
At the same time, he vowed to bring “a fresh approach” and the perspective of someone who has been away from Queen’s Park since 2006.
“The Liberal Party has to reconnect with Ontarians in an unfiltered way,” he said, explaining that he will blitz “coffee shops, church basements,” teacher’s staffrooms, and nurses’ gatherings to gauge what the people want.
His campaign should get a boost from the fact former ministers George Smitherman and Joe Cordiano — friends and colleagues in government and opposition — will play key roles in it.
Lamenting “the poison that’s entered the Ontario legislature … sucking the hope out of the place,” Kennedy said he would work with Tory Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath to improve the minority assembly.
He echoed their concerns about McGuinty’s proroguing of the house on Oct. 15 when he announced his retirement.
“Prorogation is only to be used administratively,” said Kennedy, opposing its “use for any other objectives” and noting he also fought Prime Minister Stephen Harper for doing what McGuinty did.
“I will bring the house back as soon as possible. It isn’t necessary to have a seat — Ernie Eves proved that,” he said, referring to the former PC premier who took power in 2002.
While he declined to say where he would run, Kennedy shared that Liberal MPPs have offered their ridings to him because his former provincial seat of Parkdale-High Park is currently held by NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo.
New Democrat Peggy Nash trounced him in the riding federally in the 2011 election — winning 47.2 per cent to his 32.9 per cent with a plurality of 7,289 votes — but he said that defeat “gives me a helpful perspective.”
He was runner-up to McGuinty in the 1996 Ontario Liberal leadership race — after leading every ballot but the final one — and was fourth in the 2006 federal Liberal contest in which he was the kingmaker for winner Stéphane Dion.
Mindful of those losses, Kennedy, who currently runs a firm called Enterprising for the Public Good, which helps non-profit organizations and businesses, joked he’s “definitely not the front-runner” in this race.
“There’s only one time I want to be the front-runner — on the last ballot, the last vote,” he said with a laugh.
Kennedy joins former cabinet colleague Sandra Pupatello, 50, as the only candidates who served in opposition.
Also running are recently resigned ministers Glen Murray, 55, Charles Sousa, 54, and Kathleen Wynne, 59.
Eric Hoskins, 51, will formally launch his campaign in Tuesday.
Government Services Minister Harinder Takhar, 61, is still weighing his options for a bid.
John Wilkinson, 53, a former minister who narrowly lost his seat in the Oct. 6, 2011 election, abandoned his leadership effort on Saturday “after much soul searching.”
In a break with tradition at Queen’s Park, McGuinty ordered any minister wishing to run for the leadership to step down from cabinet to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
so FUCKED up. So unbelievably fucked.
"The Conservatives have clearly determined that a lost night’s sleep in the Commons is an easy price to pay for passing legislation their way, and the opposition may have to look for another way to engage Canadians this time around." -- we have nothing, no hope without this happening.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/201 ... voted-out/
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
well ... that's not true ... the fact of the matter is that the comments made by mcguinty and trudeau are true ... the majority of the albertans who hold seats don't have prominent roles in cabinet for a reason ... it's just that as a population we can't think critically enough to acknowledge what is very blatant ... there is a reason why the pmo puts a muzzle on his mps ... there is a reason why they aren't in cabinet ... and there is a reason why we've made negative progress on global warming and the environment ...
Speaking as an Albertan (I have lived here all my life) I agree with Mcguinty 100%. Most of those MP's and our own MLA's are shills for the oil industry. It's a disgrace.
you have to consider what Canada has become on the international stage as it relates to the oil industry ... we didn't just turn our back on global warming - we went to war against it on the basis of ignorance and protecting the oil industry ... the same motivations that is making us push pipelines into environmentally fragile areas ...
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Tories misled Canadians on F-35, opposition MPs charge
--
(I would rather see this)
The federal government is being urged to reach back in history for a made-in-Canada solution to its fighter jet woes by resurrecting the legendary but aborted Avro Arrow interceptor to serve as this country’s next war plane.
It may seem a far-fetched idea but backers – including retired major-general Lewis MacKenzie – insist that a revised version of the 1950s jet, with an upgraded engine, would outperform Ottawa’s preferred choice on several important counts
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/will-legendary-avro-arrow-make-lazarus-like-return/article4530724/
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/poli ... strictions
RCMP concerned as Conservatives consider loosening firearms restrictions
Published on Thursday December 06, 2012
OTTAWA — The federal Conservatives are considering sweeping recommendations from an influential government firearms advisory committee to loosen Canada’s gun control laws, the Star has learned.
The proposed changes would touch on many of the remaining restrictions on firearms and critics say would pose a risk to public safety.
The proposals include getting rid of the “prohibited” category of firearms and reclassifying weapons such as certain handguns and assault weapons as “restricted” only, and extending the duration of owner licences from five to 10 years — a move the RCMP warns would strip away an important safety check.
MORE:Gun control advocate fears new tragedy
On the 23rd anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre of 14 women, one of its survivors is aghast at the ideas proposed by the committee and fearful of its influence and power in Ottawa.
“I am very sad. And I am mad,” said Nathalie Provost, who was wounded in Marc Lepine’s fusillade against female engineering students on Dec. 6, 1989. Parliament has declared the anniversary a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada, and yet Provost fears any lessons learned have been forgotten.
“I have the feeling with all of this that we are losing more than just the long-gun registry, we are losing total control of guns in Canada,” Provost said in an interview from Montreal.
A summary of the recommendations as well as a record of a meeting where they were pitched to the government are among documents released to researchers for the Coalition for Gun Control under the access to information law and provided to the Star.
Co-chaired by Steve Torino of the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee met with Public Safety Minister Vic Toews and other senior government officials in Ottawa in late March, after the bill to kill the long-gun registry had cleared the Commons and was on the verge of Senate approval.
The 12 committee members also called for the removal of the requirement on gun owners to get an “authorization to transport” firearms, and for the creation of a committee to advise on the classification of imported firearms — but said it should be made up mostly of advisers from industry.
They recommended seized firearms — which by law must now be destroyed — be made legally available for public sale or trade. They suggested a “prohibited persons registry” could be set up to aid the tracking of those who should not be allowed to possess guns, but otherwise prohibited weapons should be reclassified.
Firearms licences should be valid for at least 10 years “or longer,” said the committee, and “if a licence expires, it should go into suspension until renewed, removing the criminalization of the firearm possessor.”
Toews’ office confirmed Wednesday that he is actively considering the recommendations, particularly a licence of longer duration.
“We always consider common sense solutions to ensure we have effective firearms laws that keep people safe, without needlessly burdening law abiding Canadians. We are looking at ways to ensure the licensing system is efficient and effective,” said Toews’ communications director Julie Carmichael. Her email reply did not directly address several other Star queries.
The RCMP refused the Star’s request for comment or technical information Wednesday, deferring to the department of public safety.
But the documents show the Mounties had real concerns in the spring.
Assistant Commissioner Pierre Perron, responsible for the Canadian Firearms Centre, was at the March meeting and warned extending the duration of licences to 10 years “would limit” the RCMP’s “ability to monitor, on a timely basis, any changes to an individual’s mental health status,” according to a written record of the discussion that Toews’ office prepared. That’s because when a licence is renewed, an individual must answer questions about mental health or changes in personal circumstances that could affect their fitness to own a weapon— and the form must be verified by another person.
The Conservative government — which has so far failed to respond to a request by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to put their representative on the advisory committee — has already acted on two of the committee’s other recommendations:
Earlier this fall, Toews eliminated certain gun show regulations the committee called useless, and just last week, cabinet quietly deferred to December 2013 a decision to require gun manufacturers to put new markings on weapons imported to Canada — a move that was intended to allow better tracking and to bring Canada into compliance with a UN effort to control international gun smuggling.
The proposed changes are “just chilling,” said Michael Bryant, former Ontario attorney-general who spoke on behalf of the Coalition for Gun Control. “And I think Canadians should be frightened by this.”
“The idea that you could get the equivalent of a lifetime licence to use a gun in Canada is not what the Conservatives ran on in the last election, and that the RCMP is concerned about changes to somebody’s mental health over that period of time is enough to keep the licensing requirements and not water it down.”
i haven't voted liberal ever in any election but i suppose she would be my pick for liberal leader ... although I think she just might be too progressive for many parts of canada ...
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
garneau has definitely shown a level of class and integrity that i can respect ... i like the way he stays on the issues and focuses on what the solution is ... as opposed to the stupid stuff like whether a rich kid can understand the plight of the middle class ... obviously the answer is no! ... hahaha ... just kidding ... although i do think that if you were born with a silver spoon and everything was given to you ... you lack something fundamental in leading a nation ...
Not that I'm defending Justin Trudeau ... but it's not like he just lived off a trust fund and decided to run on his fathers name only ... his fathers name did help of course, your right he obviously would have a tougher time understanding the plight of the middle class, for me . I just like Garneau's background and the fact he's only been elected politician since 2008, his age 63 combined with his work experience makes him an interesting choice. I'm tired of these career politicians, as far as I'm concerned they are the one's that everything is handed ... I don't even want to talk electoral reform unless it includes term limits on our MP'S including the PM. As for the senate abolish it ... it's not that complicated ...
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
ya ... and he also spent his time doing community work vs. getting handed a company that basically runs itself ... definitely agree on term limits ... and abolishment of the senate ...
Good points ... I think Justin will win, I am hoping for Garneau myself. But part of me can't help but think we are doomed no matter who is PM or Premier or Mayor or whatever elected official it is ... partly because society is so incredibly selfish and petty anymore.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Court of Appeal for Ontario says Toronto cops acted in good faith.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/02/cops-can-search-mobile-phoneonly-if-its-not-password-protected/
I have mine pass locked ... but they wouldn't find much anyways ... hehehehe.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
ya ... combined with the fact we are becoming increasingly partisan and can't think for ourselves anymore ...
That's what we do far too often ... choose the lesser.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
you could vote green party! ... not evil!
I'd consider it ... they'd never win this riding though ...
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
are you in one of the orange ridings? ... if orange can win ... so can green ...
Orange Federally, Red Provincially ... the rumour mill has Dwight Duncan running federally in this riding if Trudeau wins the leadership ... people here like Joe Comartin ... I think as long as he's running it'd be a tough go for any candidate.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
not a fan of duncan at all ...
I'm not either ... he's bee a politician for the last 25 years ... Might be all he knows or is really comfortable doing. I'm guessing if he runs and Trudeau wins the Duncan will get a cabinet post, rumour also has Pupatello running if Trudeau wins. So we'll see what happens. I think if Comartin runs he'll retain the seat ... But he's getting up in years and might want to retire.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
that's pretty crazy ... he's by all accounts running second ... will find out at 11 am EST who he's gonna support ...