Author: Doug Rutherford

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Some thoughts for Canada Day

I’ll willingly admit that this is one of my favourite holidays. I know, nothing holds a candle to Hallowe’en but, this is close. Because, much as we are governed by idiots and often, our leaders aren’t sure of where we are going or what the handcart has to do with it, we still live in the greatest country in the world and the last 40 years of imbecilic governments at the Federal, Provincial/Territorial and Municipal levels have failed to destroy it, regardless of how hard they’ve tried.

Living in Canada:

  • I can e-mail my MP and tell him he’s an idiot and a liar.
  • I can get really pissed at my MP and run against him in the next election.
  • I can join a union.
  • I can join any political party I want to (and, when you consider how wing-y some of those parties are, that is really saying something).
  • I can choose to join the Armed Forces and serve my country, or not.
  • I can get an education in any discipline I choose and, while it helps, I don’t have to be rich to do it.
  • I can vote for whomever I want in an election.
  • I can marry anyone who will have me and don’t have to marry the person I’m told to.
  • I can practice any religion I choose, even Jedi. I can also choose not to believe in anything.

There are quite a few countries where this list is somewhat shorter. There are quite a few countries where this list doesn’t exist at all. The fact that it does exist, however, is what we celebrate on Canada Day. Remember, too, that this list was purchased by men and women who were willing to fight for it and many paid the highest price. and are still doing so, that you could have it.

So, enjoy the parade, the beer and the barbecue.  Enjoy the fireworks, if you don’t live in the Yukon (they’re kind of wasted here when it won’t get dark, but some of my neighbours will smuggle some for New Year’s Eve so it all works out). But remember to celebrate, because it really is worth the celebration…

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Warranty Curiosity

I bought a new Acer computer in February. It was a netbook, since it was inexpensive, I was curious about the portability factor and a small computer was really all I was looking for. It did fill that bill but had a minor problem from the very beginning. If you touched the bottom of the computer when the AC adapter was plugged in, you’d get shocked. Not a big one since the computer ran on low voltage DC, but a shock nonetheless.

I was in contact with the support department basically since March and finally, last week,  they asked me to return the computer and adapter for warranty service. It would be returned within 7 to 10 days after receipt.

However, here’s the rub. Packing materials to ship it cost about $35. Shipping it via courier with insurance would cost $140. The computer itself only cost $245 so I really didn’t see a great deal of sense in returning it. So I ordered a new one… yes, a different brand. I did turn around and send a note to the support department explaining that I would not be returning my computer for warranty service and why. Apparently, I’ll receive an answer in less than 24 hours. Or, not…

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Not much of a public speaker, is he?

Our MP, Ryan Leef, posted the following on his Facebook page today. It is the Hansard listing of his response to Joe Comartin in the house during the debate on Bill C-6.

Mr. Speaker, I was certainly encouraged to hear the member talking about evidence-based solutions. We are hearing this now in the wee hours of the night. When we ask that question of the NDP opposition, it is only going to be their solutions that are satisfying to them.

We heard much earlier in the evening about talking from the heart, and new members of Parliament being here. I, as a new member of Parliament, would rather talk from my heart and not from scripted notes that we had a feverish debate on earlier.

I would like to say that back in 1910, Inspector Fitzgerald of the RCMP led a group of RCMP officers from Fort McPherson to Dawson City to deliver the mail. That became famously known as the Lost Patrol. That issue, that commitment to deliver the mail, was done because they understood the needs of communication and commerce in the north. They did so on December 21, four days from Christmas.

They were not battling pensions. They were not worrying about wages. They were doing this because they understood how important commerce and communication was to the north and to the people of Canada.

Can the member please tell us, where have we lost that idea that this service to the north is so important? What is so wrong with a Conservative government trying to protect that and re-instill that for Canadian people?

Keep in mind that the Lost Patrol were doing a ceremonial mail delivery and the leader of the patrol got lost and every member died because he probably didn’t have any real experience in the country they were crossing.

That aside, is our Member asking the postal workers to carry the mail to their deaths? He seems to think that postal workers shouldn’t worry about their wages and pensions and, if their job is unsafe, just keep going. Hey, what’s the worst that could happen?

Actually, the worst that could have happened in the House didn’t. This irrelevant comment was made to Joe Comartin, one of the A-List debaters in the House and one known to not suffer fools gladly and has been known to verbally draw blood. His response was far more gentle than expected… he just treated Leef like a 10-year old.

Mr. Speaker, I know he is a new member of the House, and it is probably not fair for me to say this to him so I will say it to the two ministers who are here.

I would suggest to the member that he walk across the chamber and tell those two ministers to do their job. He should ask them to go to the Prime Minister and tell him to pick up the phone, call the CEO of Canada Post, and tell him to unlock the doors, honour the collective agreement, and go back to the negotiating table. If he wants to get something done and he wants it done right now and he wants to get those workers back to work who want to work, that is what he should do.

I, for one, would not be so willing to post such a comment on my page. Incidentally, he still hasn’t announced if he’s taking an 18% pay cut or changing his gold-plated pension plan. I’m not holding my breath for that to happen as he has already broken his main campaign promise less than two months into the job…

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More Correspondence

My last blog post was the letter I sent to Ryan Leef, our newly minted MP, regarding back to work legislation for Canada Post. He did respond rather quickly, as well he should as the main thrust of his campaign was that he would vote against party lines if asjked to do so by his constitutents. Here is the remainder of the conversation.

Thank you for your note Doug and Clara,

I am sure you can appreciate that I am receiving many emails from Yukon residents and businesses who support the back to work Legislation.   I have asked the Opposition (twice in the early hours this morning) to end the debate (which I think was essential, but is now just repetitive) and bring their proposed solutions to a Committee of the Whole.  They have refused to do so. 

I will continue to ask for this to move to a Committee of the Whole so I can hear the proposed solutions of the Opposition and see what would be in the best interests of all Yukoners, which now includes Postal Workers, residents, charities, and small business.

Thank you for taking the time to email me.  I am keeping record of all who contact me, and am reaching out to both sides of this issue. 

Kind Regards,

 Ryan.

Ryan Leef, MP
Yukon

 Our response to this was:

Ryan:

We seriously suspect, given the strong support Yukoners have shown for CUPW in the current lockout, that you have not received letters spefically stating “Break the union.” Rather, we assume, they reqested the resumption of mail services.

The fastest way to do so is to order Canada Post to end the lockout and allow good faith bargaing. This would allow a win-win situation without the jackboot tactics of enforcing back to work legislation.

Doug and Clara Rutherford

 I found his response to this, in spite of the fact that this would expedite what all seemed to wanting, very disappointing and simply a “party talking point” response.

Hi Doug,

Yes, some are just asking for an end…others, (including CUPW Members) are asking for the Legislation as they feel the Union has “mislead” and “bullied” them. Again, having to take all sides into account, I am continuing to reach out to both sides for balanced information so I can make an informed choice based on Yukoners wants, needs, and expectations. As the view is quite polarized, I want to move quickly but not in blind haste to ensure the choice and contributions I make best represent the Yukon. I appreciate your point about the support you see by Yukoners to CUPW.

Thanks again for forwarding your position.

Ryan. 

 Guiven the somewhat sheep-like response, particularly since there are a few problems with the legality of the points he brought forward, we decided to send another reminder.

Ryan:

We have issue with the terms “mislead” and “bullied” here, particularly if these reference the offer made to Canada Post and not relayed to the union membership. We see that those members of parliament making this point should learn a bit about labour law. Presenting an offer to the membership that has not been endorsed by the bargaining committee is termed bargaining in bad faith and is illegal under the Canadian Industrial Relations Board regulations.

 We suggest that you place yourself in the shoes of those who this legislation will affect, a vital step in the process of any legislation. We want to know if you, as a new member of parliament, are willing to accept 18% less salary than members who were sitting in the last election. And, are you intending to change your pension plan from a defined benefit to a defined contribution program? If you are not willing to accept these conditions you are legislating on others, we strongly suggest you allow the process of collective bargaining to resume.

 Douglas and Clara Rutherford

His response was, simply:

Thanks again Doug. Points taken. Might be moving into the Committee of the Whole now, so we’ll see what comes up.

Ryan.

In the end, he voted for the legislation. Needless to say, he has yet to public announce he is taking a pay cut and changing his pension plan. I would ask him to table the letters he received to get him to actually prove he received lots of requests to legislate the postal workers back to work, but I assumed he was lying with his campaign and don’t see much sense in rubbing his nose in it. Oh, well. I’m assuming that in four years time, we will probably have a new government and anything else would be a vast improvement…

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Open Letter to Ryan Leef, MP, Yukon

Ryan Leef, MP, Member for Yukon

Dear Ryan,

As a constituent, I wish to express my displeasure with the stand your party has taken in the introduction of Bill C-6, A Bill to Provide for the Resumption and Continuation of Postal Services. The bill is an uncalled for intervention in the time honoured and legal practice of collective bargaining.

Also, I find your party’s stance that the union is preventing the movement of mail offensive. Canada Post locked its employees out rather than deal with the inconvenience of rotating strikes and, as a Crown corporation, can be overruled by an order by Governor in Council. It would be easy for the lockout to be ordered ended and mail moving by Monday morning. Implying anything else is, quite frankly, dishonest.

You stated, during the election, that you would vote contrary to your party if asked to do so by your constituents. Consider this a request by two of your constituents to do exactly that, and vote against Bill C-6.

Douglas and Clara Rutherford

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Was it the good weather or the antibiotics?

I woke up this morning with about thirty seconds warning that Shawna was bringing Hanna and my Father’s Day present. I got a Toronto Maple Leafs condiment set. It is set in a stand with an umbrella and a salt, pepper, ketchup and mustard dispensers. This received in bed from a 14 month old, who immediately proceeded to open my present and play with the contents, is a fabulous way to start your morning.

I noticed that I’m feeling better today. After Shawna and Hanna left, after playing and two kisses for Poppie, I had a bit of lunch and sat around for a bit. Then, I watered the lawn and flowers, filled the feeder and did a few little lawn things. By that point, it was about 20° and sunny. I decided that I actually was in good enough shape for my first, unescorted road trip. This actually entailed going in to work to discuss my upcoming surgery woes, but it was a road trip, nonetheless.

I also got to see a few people, troubleshooted someone’s server issues and, generally, gabbed a bit. It was the first time in two weeks I’d driven by myself after the knee work, but yesterday was the first time I’d driven at all since then. I suddenly feel considerably better. Why? I’m not sure what the source is, but really don’t care either way…

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It never rains, but it pours… or, you have a tornado.

If I remember correctly, the tagline for Jaws II was, “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…”

It seems that we have solved why I have been miserable all winter. I was not feeling very well late Friday night and all day Saturday, coming down with what I thought was a bladder infection, so I decided Saturday night that I was going to pop in to emergency Sunday and get some antibiotics for it. As I mentioned, I’ve had an ongoing colon infection all year too.

After discussing my symptoms, a urine test (damn, I hate the multiple choice questions) and blood work, the on call doctor handed me off to the on call surgeon who put two and two together and wrapped everything up into a nice little package. I’m supposed to go to a specialist in July to see if the current idea of what my colon issue was and she not only confirmed that was probably the case but also that the bladder problem was the same issue. Apparently, I have a fistula, a connection between the bladder and colon and not a good thing to have, by the way. Actually, I don’t think there really is a good colon problem to have.

I’m sure things could be worse. I’ll probably look far more cheery when it’s finally fixed and won’t have to answer people about why I look so different by saying, “Must be the new sweater” or “new glasses.” Remember to point your finger upwards when you use the last one…

Now bluntly, I’m actually happy that it’s finally figured out. One small part of my brain constantly reminded me that the last really healthy day I had, there was a cigarette in my hand and fixing the problem was probably very easy. I try not to listen to that part of my brain. 

The diagnosis, however, it means that I require surgery very, very shortly and I vaguely remember doing that two weeks ago. In short, this coming week, when I have a bit more mobility with my knee after the stitches come out tomorrow, will may well be my summer. It means that all the course prep work that I was looking forward to doing in August will probably be done the day before my courses start for all I know, although I have no real inkling if I will be back to work when that happens. I have to call the chair tomorrow and start looking at changing when my courses start and the length of time they run.

Daryl Stenson called me last week and asked if I want to go fishing on Saturday. I said that, in all probability, I’d like to go. The answer has now changed to “HELL, YAH!” It will probably be the only time I go this summer so I’m looking forward to it…

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Now, Time to Talk to Another Branch of Government

Our next step is to deal with the problems associated with having a hazardous waste storage site across the street. Namely, what is my property worth?

I can heartily assure you that no one is going to buy a house on a street with a hazardous waste site on it. That, in consideration with the fact that my property taxes are based on my assessment, we’ve approached the territorial government, who also are the ones responsible for the assessments the property taxes are calculated from, to have our properties reassessed based on the new information available. The deadline for reassessments requests has passed but we think that this is an extenuating circumstance and have asked the department and the minister for an exemption and reassessment anyway. Given that the payment deadline is coming up, I’m probably going to Council Monday evening to ask for an extension on payment to dealt with the administrative issues that may be involved.

Onward into the breach. Again…

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“We Don’t Know How to Remove a Hazardous Waste Permit…”

I asked for a progress report on what was happening with the Special Waste Permit issued to the house across the street. I was expecting that, given that the city has also been pushing to have the permit revoked, we would have heard that the permit had been dealt with appropriately. After all, how long should you expect it to take when the department finds out that it issued a permit for a hazardous waste storage facility on  residential street. After all, the Envirnment Department staff are the ones to issue the permit. This was issued to a company that was salvaging, on contract from the Territorial Government, wastes from 7 community landfills in the territory.

I was incredibly suprised to receive the somewhat weak response that I got. The action taken to date is to ask the guy to store his wastes somewhere else voluntarily! This, by the way, is from the guy who can’t register his vehicles in the territory to meet a court order so is trying to register them in BC.

My particularly favourite response is from the Manager of standards and approvals who stated,

“As I mentioned last week we are looking at what options are legally available to us to amend the special waste permit to specify a different storage location, beginning with a request for a voluntary amendment. Rescinding a permit is not something that is done everyday so we need to be sure we have the necessary authority and evidence before attempting to do so. “

 Equally cheering were the words of the Director of Environmental Protection,

“Unfortunately we are constrained by legislative procedures as outlined in the Solid Waste Regulations on how and when a permit can be cancelled.  Our first and preferred course of action is that the Permittee will voluntarily relocate his operations which we are pursuing.”

So, in other words, while the Department managed to issue a permit that allows a Special (read Hazardous) Waste Storage Facility in the muiddle of a residential neighbourhood, they don’t seem to have the faintest idea on how to remedy their mistake.

Needless to say, our patience is drawing thin and I think that the story should be told to my former senior producer at CBC News sometime tomorrow afternoon…

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One Week After Surgery

One week down and all’s well. Things have good as expected and I am moving around with no difficulties, other than I don’t really go very fast. I take my cane when I’m going on huge adventures, namely involving stairs and uneven ground, but don’t use it much indoors. My wild painkillers are Tylenol and Ibuprofen, and I still have half of my T-3s left over for a worthy occasion. I have a colon infection that’s been bugging me since February and, quite frankly, it’s been far more of an issue than my surgery.

I have been on several great adventures. Today, I went to the hospital for bloodwork and then downtown and for groceries. I’ve been upstairs several times and have decided that sleeping in my far more comfortable bed is tonight’s plan. I did some puttering in the yard today as well.

I will admit that this one has taken a little longer to recover from and I suspect he did far more grinding than he did last time. There were more than a dozen bone spurs to get rid of and one particular place where there wasn’t enough room for one piece to get past the other when I bent my knee which has been fixed.  Full recovery should take about six months. It’s just a question of time and now, it’s time for a nap, I think…