Norlock’s comments on Senate scandal leave room for improvement

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May 202013
 

By Robert Washburn

Parroting the Prime Minister, Northumberland MP Rick Norlock waded into the Senate scandal in an exclusive interview with Cramahe Now editor Bob Owen.

Senator Mike Duffy is under fire for improperly claiming $90,000 in living expenses for saying he live in P.E.I, when his primary residence was actually Ottawa. Duffy said he paid back the money, but it was discovered his was given a personal cheque from Harper’s chief of staff Nigel Wright for the full amount. Wright resigned over the weekend.

Norlock called Duffy a disappointment and criticized him for bringing disrepute to the Senate. He blamed his action for making it more difficult now to reform the upper chamber.

Norlock defended Wright, saying he tried to do the right thing, but it is being perceived as the opposite. Continue reading »

B.C. polling gaffe a blessing for journalism

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May 152013
 

By Robert Washburn

There are a lot of pollsters pacing the floor in office towers across British Columbia today after an abysmal performance predicting election results Tuesday night

But what is bad for the polling business may be good for journalism.

The results of the provincial election in British Columbia has pollsters scratching their collective heads this morning as the Liberals won handily over the NDP.

While some analysts are saying as many as 12 per cent of the voters made up their minds in the voting booth, there are many red faces amongst the election soothsayers. Continue reading »

Interview with MP Rick Norlock on CPAC

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May 132013
 

CPAC’s Catherine Clark interviews Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West, as part of the show Beyond Politics. Since it is only election time voters get a chance to learn about him, this is a good background piece.

Watch here:

http://www.cpac.ca/eng/programs/beyond-politics/episodes/rick-norlock

Watch for Tory plot to sink waterway

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Apr 302013
 

By Robert Washburn

As the ice disappears on Rice Lake and the waterways of the Trent fill with runoff from the snowy fields, thoughts turn towards the upcoming summer where people can enjoy boating along the local waterways.

Not so fast.

The 2013 boating season along the local Trent-Severn Waterway is heading into rough waters after the federal government’s decision to reduce hours of operation and increase fees last year. A major section of the waterways travels through Northumberland via Rice Lake and the eastern border of the county.

The results could leave boaters unable to move efficiently through the system, turning off tourists and locals. As well, those who make their living from the tourism and other aspects of the system, say it will drive them out of business. Continue reading »

Mayor needs to avoid police minefield or proceed with caution

 Columns  1 Response »
Apr 292013
 

By Robert Washburn

Cobourg Mayor Gil Brocanier

Cobourg Mayor Gil Brocanier cautiously told a local cable show host last week he is open to discussions with Port Hope around the creation of an amalgamated police force.

As Port Hope residents grapple with the recent cutbacks announced by the Port Hope Police Services Board, the Cobourg’s mayor should be extremely careful.

Acting on a request by Port Hope Council to make spending cuts, the police board announced it is looking at outsourcing its communications services and it will cut three officers, reducing its force to 23 from 26. Between the closure and the layoffs, 14 jobs will be lost. There are also other changes to the service included in the 10-year strategic plan, including a reduction in hours the police station is open to the public.

The rationale for the cutbacks may be based on facts and figures, but the ghosts of the contentious debate over policing last year looms in the wings.

After a bitter battle between those who supported a local force and those who wanted the OPP, council narrowly voted to keep its own force. The losers vowed cutbacks would take place. It seems like payback for those who lost the vote for the OPP. It seems the report says, if taxpayers want to keep the force, then it will be eviscerated to the point where it cannot function properly. Continue reading »

Wynne needs bold, new strategy for rural Ontario

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Apr 292013
 

By Robert Washburn

The threat of an provincial election looming large over Queen’s Park meant Premier Kathleen Wynne loosened the purse strings a bit last week announcing a new $100 million fund for roads and bridges in rural Ontario.

It is a tiny goodie for cash strapped municipalities looking to make up a $60 billion gap to upgrade infrastructure, according to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. While this drew a quick positive response, it is clear this is woefully inadequate.

Besides, there is a real threat the Liberal budget may die on the order papers after Thursday when Finance Minister Charles Sousa will outline the next year’s fiscal plan. The NDP is currently turning up its nose and it is a non-starter for the Progressive Conservative, leading to a spring election.

But, there is another level to this announcement. Continue reading »

Precarious employment needs to be addressed

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Apr 282013
 

By Robert Washburn

As Northumberland municipal leaders focus great energy these days trying to revitalize downtown businesses or retain manufacturers as part of local economic development, little is being done to make sure working people are getting the same attention.

A study released earlier this week says about 60 per cent of adult workers in Toronto and Hamilton areas have permanent jobs. The other 40 per cent work in what is called precarious employment, meaning the jobs are temporary, part-time or contract. Because these jobs do not provide stable paycheques, it means these men and women are less likely to buy a house, have children or do many other things most people who have full-time work with benefits can do.

The study, titled It’s More Than Poverty, was done for the United Way by researchers at McMaster University. It concludes people who face precarious employment tend to not get married, suffer from anxiety, do less with family and friends. Simply, these people face increased stress on their home life and limit their participation in community. And, of course, in situations where there are children, it impacts them even more. Continue reading »

Time for Senate reform

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Apr 272013
 

By Robert Washburn

Senate reform is back in the news and for all the wrong reasons, making it vulnerable to a reactionary solution rather than the one Canadians need.

The Senate is investigating all its members regarding a $21,000 housing allowance. It appears three members, Mike Duffy, Mac Harb and Patrick Brazeau, filed for living expenses claiming their homes are more than 100 kilometres outside Ottawa.

While Duffy is supposed to live in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Brazeau in Maniwaki, Quebec, and Harb in Prembroke, Ontario (150 km from Ottawa), questions are being raised as to whether or not these are primary residences.

To compound matters, Brazeau was charged with assault and sexual assault. He was ejected from the Conservative caucus, forcing him to sit as an independent. If convicted, he would lose his seat. Continue reading »

Municipalities will need to wait and see about Ontario’s new premier

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Apr 262013
 

By Robert Washburn

As the new Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne settles into her role, municipal politicians and bureaucrats will be huddling this week in meeting rooms, halls and over water coolers trying to figure out what this means for local government.

Following her victory over the weekend to lead the Ontario Liberal Party, one of Wynne’s key planks in her leadership bid was to empower municipal government allowing more local decision-making on important issues.

No doubt, there is room for optimism. As the former Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing, Wynne already has a relationship with local politicians.

On several occasions, she demonstrated her sensitivity towards lower-tier issues, in some cases distancing herself from her predecessor’s positions. A good example is changes to the horse racing industry where she wants to take a sober second look at the issue. This will be good news for Northumberland trainers. Continue reading »

Politicians need better ways to consult public, less theatre

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Apr 252013
 

By Robert Washburn

Northumberland MP Rick Norlock was pretty busy last week racing around meeting with interest groups and residents around the upcoming federal budget as part of a series of public consultations in Campbellford and Cobourg.

However, the federal government is not the only one asking the public for its input on budgets. Municipal councils throughout Northumberland will be hunkering down over stacks of reports and spreadsheets working with sharp pencils trying to figure out how much they will need to collect for 2013. Continue reading »

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