Hello friends and supporters,
Thank you once again for all your help and support on the campaign trail. For the first time ever, Rob Moir and the New Democrats finished 2nd in Fundy Royal. We all share a part in this breakthrough. We are humbled by your support, and remain committed to getting results for Fundy Royal throughout the next parliament.
On the trail, we spoke to people of all political stripes across the riding. We had the support of life long Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, and even the former Green Party candidate. All of us realize the challenges we face, and it was through this cooperation that we were able to run a strong campaign that had not been seen in this riding's history.
It is in this spirit of cooperation that we respond to the efforts of our leader, Jack Layton, and his counterpart Stephane Dion of the Liberals to form a government that truly represents the voice of Canadians. Mr. Harper and his Conservatives have failed Canada. They failed to put forward an economic plan for Canada.
Canada has a growing movement to replace the Harper Conservatives. On October 14, 62% of Canadians voted against Mr. Harper's agenda. As part of the 62%, we feel compelled to support any option that will better represent the majority of Canadians. We can put aside our partisan differences, just as the Rob Moir campaign did in October of this year, and work together as Canadians with progressive political views to give us the governance we deserve.
The next week promises to be interesting, but we are optimistic that change is coming. We need your help and support to make this positive change a reality.
The Fundy Royal NDP Team
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Only one more day!
Hello Friends;
This has been a wonderful ride - the whole team has performed extremely well. We now wait for the votes to roll in. The Elections Canada campaigning blackout starts with the opening of the polls tomorrow, so this will be the last message we're able to post online until the results come in.
But in advance of this last day, we do have one more favour to ask...
Please get your friends, family and neighbors out to vote!!!
We have really impressed a great number of people this campaign. We have the favored candidate on the CBC Riding Blog. We have the wholehearted support of the Green Candidate from the last election (Patty Donovan). We have a number of past Liberal campaign organizers actively working with us. We have met many long-time Progressive Conservatives who are supporting us. In addition, we are the preferred candidate for Fundy Royal on both http://voteforenvironment.ca and http://strategicvoting.ca/. Friendly newspaper reporters on the street are telling us that we have the campaign to watch!
Fundy Royal deserves a progressive voice in Ottawa - a voice that cares about the environment and about jobs. A voice for the hardworking people and communities in this great riding. A voice that has been there for local issues and will continue to be there, because Fundy Royal matters!
Join in the process. Spread the word to as many people as you can. Let's win this together!
Sincerely,
The Rob Moir Team.
www.robmoirndp.ca
This has been a wonderful ride - the whole team has performed extremely well. We now wait for the votes to roll in. The Elections Canada campaigning blackout starts with the opening of the polls tomorrow, so this will be the last message we're able to post online until the results come in.
But in advance of this last day, we do have one more favour to ask...
Please get your friends, family and neighbors out to vote!!!
We have really impressed a great number of people this campaign. We have the favored candidate on the CBC Riding Blog. We have the wholehearted support of the Green Candidate from the last election (Patty Donovan). We have a number of past Liberal campaign organizers actively working with us. We have met many long-time Progressive Conservatives who are supporting us. In addition, we are the preferred candidate for Fundy Royal on both http://voteforenvironment.ca and http://strategicvoting.ca/. Friendly newspaper reporters on the street are telling us that we have the campaign to watch!
Fundy Royal deserves a progressive voice in Ottawa - a voice that cares about the environment and about jobs. A voice for the hardworking people and communities in this great riding. A voice that has been there for local issues and will continue to be there, because Fundy Royal matters!
Join in the process. Spread the word to as many people as you can. Let's win this together!
Sincerely,
The Rob Moir Team.
www.robmoirndp.ca
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Campaign - final days
Wow, what a campaign this has been. Sorry to have missed blogging for a while. Things are a little crazy when you are a dad for two school-aged kids, a NEW dad (Toby's 6-weeks old today), and everybody in the riding seems to want a piece of you. But, it has been great fun and I have once again learnt a great great deal.
I'll do a highlights blog a little later, but here I want to speculate a little.
WE (and I use that word because We are a team) have a very real chance of WINNING!
"WHAT???!!!" you say.
Well, I can tell you that the Conservatives are worried - they have said as much to us at various debates and events. I can tell you that a number of progressive conservatives are shifting our way.
I can tell you that significant portions of the Liberal campaign machine throughout Fundy Royal have stepped away from their candidate and some are even actively and openly working with us.
I can tell you that the Green candidate from the last election, Patty Donovan, has given us her FULL endorsement (see the CBC's riding talk).
I can tell you that even the press is contacting us with a very positive sign of "word-on-the-street is ..." and they are talking about a win.
I can tell you that both "Strategic Voting" and "Vote for the Environment" have identified our campaign as the one to support.
This is going to be a hard-fought race to the end. Harper's support across the country is dropping drastically - their "do nothing" approach to the economy, the massive increase in cost of Afghanistan, their "do nothing " approach to the environment, their rampant corporatism, the fact that their local candidates are muzzled and cannot speak to local issues - it's all bad for them.
This leads to the Liberal rise based on a claim to sound fiscal management. I have one problem with this. What has gotten us into this massive economic turmoil - a lack of financial accountability, especially on loans. What bill did the Liberals vote as a block against - Bill C-29 "An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (accountability with respect to loans)"? Every other party supported it. So, the party that assures us it can solve our economic woes does not want more complete accountability with respects to loans? Seems odd to me.
Well, off to go door-to-door. I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the special moments you have with your family.
Cheers,
rob
I'll do a highlights blog a little later, but here I want to speculate a little.
WE (and I use that word because We are a team) have a very real chance of WINNING!
"WHAT???!!!" you say.
Well, I can tell you that the Conservatives are worried - they have said as much to us at various debates and events. I can tell you that a number of progressive conservatives are shifting our way.
I can tell you that significant portions of the Liberal campaign machine throughout Fundy Royal have stepped away from their candidate and some are even actively and openly working with us.
I can tell you that the Green candidate from the last election, Patty Donovan, has given us her FULL endorsement (see the CBC's riding talk).
I can tell you that even the press is contacting us with a very positive sign of "word-on-the-street is ..." and they are talking about a win.
I can tell you that both "Strategic Voting" and "Vote for the Environment" have identified our campaign as the one to support.
This is going to be a hard-fought race to the end. Harper's support across the country is dropping drastically - their "do nothing" approach to the economy, the massive increase in cost of Afghanistan, their "do nothing " approach to the environment, their rampant corporatism, the fact that their local candidates are muzzled and cannot speak to local issues - it's all bad for them.
This leads to the Liberal rise based on a claim to sound fiscal management. I have one problem with this. What has gotten us into this massive economic turmoil - a lack of financial accountability, especially on loans. What bill did the Liberals vote as a block against - Bill C-29 "An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (accountability with respect to loans)"? Every other party supported it. So, the party that assures us it can solve our economic woes does not want more complete accountability with respects to loans? Seems odd to me.
Well, off to go door-to-door. I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the special moments you have with your family.
Cheers,
rob
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Catch the Fundy Royal debates on Rogers TV
Hello everyone,
Be sure to catch Rob Moir take on incumbent Conservative Rob Moore as part of the Rogers Television debate series. You can see it on Cable 10 at the following times:
Saint John
Wednesday October 8, 10PM
Thursday October 9, 10PM
Friday October 10, 8PM
Saturday October 11, 6PM
Sunday October 12, 5PM
Moncton
Saturday October 10, 5PM
Sunday October 11, 5PM
Fredericton
Saturday October 10, 5PM
Sunday October 11, 5PM
Please forward this on to others in Fundy Royal!
The Rob Moir Team
www.robmoirndp.com
Be sure to catch Rob Moir take on incumbent Conservative Rob Moore as part of the Rogers Television debate series. You can see it on Cable 10 at the following times:
Saint John
Wednesday October 8, 10PM
Thursday October 9, 10PM
Friday October 10, 8PM
Saturday October 11, 6PM
Sunday October 12, 5PM
Moncton
Saturday October 10, 5PM
Sunday October 11, 5PM
Fredericton
Saturday October 10, 5PM
Sunday October 11, 5PM
Please forward this on to others in Fundy Royal!
The Rob Moir Team
www.robmoirndp.com
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Cooperation and action can help economy
Correction Notice: Original press release stated "layoffs will affect between 50 and 195 people", due to a misinterpretation of this Telegraph Journal article.The layoff will only affect up to 50 of Moosehead's 195 production employees. We apologize for this error.
UPDATE: Here are two more stories of New Brunswick companies affected by the slumping US economy.
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/search/article/444702
http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/search/article/444988
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rob Moir, NDP Candidate for Fundy Royal and professor of economics, expresses optimism that cooperation on the economy is possible in light of the recent 'credit crunch' in the United States. While Mr. Harper is resistant to admit the impacts it will have on the Canadian economy, Moir remains confident that progressive minds can work together.
I n the English language debate, Stephen Harper said, "First, I'd like to say that Canada is not the U.S. The situation is very different from it; the basic fundamentals of our economy are strong. We have a surplus, a budget surplus, we have an economy that continues to create jobs, we're not experiencing a crisis in our financial system." I find that a bit hard to swallow," says Moir. "Just yesterday it was reported that Moosehead would introduce rotating lay-offs that will affect up to 50 people."
Moosehead blames the lay-offs, in part, upon reduced demand for premium beer in the United States as a consequence of that country's slowing economy. "To imply that we are insulated from what is happening in the U.S., our single largest trading partner, is at best misleading, and at worst, completely disingenuous," comments Moir, echoing New Democrat leader Jack Layton's retort to Mr. Harper, "Either you don't care or you're incompetent. Which is it?"
There is growing speculation that the credit crunch in the United States will in fact leak into Canada. While the Bank of Canada may lower interest rates in the near future, liquidity-strapped banks with questionable loans may be reluctant to lend, consumers may be reluctant to borrow and spend, and industry may be reluctant to invest.
"It is naive to think that within today's global economy, our country could somehow be isolated from the larger market," admits Moir. "But with co-operation and vision, we can work together to seek wise investment strategies and opportunities for growth that will cushion us from events in the United States. This will not happen, however, if our government ignores the obvious challenges we face as a nation."
Earlier in the week, New Democrat leader Jack Layton appealed to members of all parties to meet and discuss the economy. This commitment to cooperation is shared by his candidate in Fundy Royal. "What this country needs right now," comments Moir, "is trained progressive economists who understand the important productivity gains of prudent social investment, specifically at the local level. We need to get to work in Ottawa; hang up our political jackets at the door, and sit down together and do some very hard work."
UPDATE: Here are two more stories of New Brunswick companies affected by the slumping US economy.
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/search/article/444702
http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/search/article/444988
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rob Moir, NDP Candidate for Fundy Royal and professor of economics, expresses optimism that cooperation on the economy is possible in light of the recent 'credit crunch' in the United States. While Mr. Harper is resistant to admit the impacts it will have on the Canadian economy, Moir remains confident that progressive minds can work together.
I n the English language debate, Stephen Harper said, "First, I'd like to say that Canada is not the U.S. The situation is very different from it; the basic fundamentals of our economy are strong. We have a surplus, a budget surplus, we have an economy that continues to create jobs, we're not experiencing a crisis in our financial system." I find that a bit hard to swallow," says Moir. "Just yesterday it was reported that Moosehead would introduce rotating lay-offs that will affect up to 50 people."
Moosehead blames the lay-offs, in part, upon reduced demand for premium beer in the United States as a consequence of that country's slowing economy. "To imply that we are insulated from what is happening in the U.S., our single largest trading partner, is at best misleading, and at worst, completely disingenuous," comments Moir, echoing New Democrat leader Jack Layton's retort to Mr. Harper, "Either you don't care or you're incompetent. Which is it?"
There is growing speculation that the credit crunch in the United States will in fact leak into Canada. While the Bank of Canada may lower interest rates in the near future, liquidity-strapped banks with questionable loans may be reluctant to lend, consumers may be reluctant to borrow and spend, and industry may be reluctant to invest.
"It is naive to think that within today's global economy, our country could somehow be isolated from the larger market," admits Moir. "But with co-operation and vision, we can work together to seek wise investment strategies and opportunities for growth that will cushion us from events in the United States. This will not happen, however, if our government ignores the obvious challenges we face as a nation."
Earlier in the week, New Democrat leader Jack Layton appealed to members of all parties to meet and discuss the economy. This commitment to cooperation is shared by his candidate in Fundy Royal. "What this country needs right now," comments Moir, "is trained progressive economists who understand the important productivity gains of prudent social investment, specifically at the local level. We need to get to work in Ottawa; hang up our political jackets at the door, and sit down together and do some very hard work."
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Answers to Moncton Chamber of Commerce Questions
The following are Rob Moir's written answers to the questions posed of him by the Moncton Chamber of Commerce at their all-candidates meeting today:
Will your party encourage the provinces to speed up the elimination of capital taxes?
Respectfully, I would suggest that the premise of this question is faulty. On a national scale, consider the recent KPMG study on business taxes and competitiveness (http://www.kpmg.ca/en/services/tax/2008special_report.html). In comparison to 10 other industrialized countries, Canada has the 3rd lowest total tax index for business – lower than traditional powerhouses like the US, UK, Japan, and Germany. Provincially, turn to the data used by Jack Mintz in our newly proposed tax system (http://www.gnb.ca/0162/New_Brunswick_Tax_System/Discussion_Paper-English.pdf). Compared to the rest of Canada, New Brunswick has the lowest or the 3rd lowest METR on capital and we hold a similar ranking when comparing the METR on all costs. We’re only behind Saskatchewan and Alberta.
We can’t simply conclude that taxes are the cause of slow business growth in this province, if this were the case, we’d be doing better than many other provinces (and we aren’t). I’d argue that in New Brunswick there are two problems – the first we talk about quietly and the second we won’t talk about at all.
(1) There’s a great deal of red tape and bureaucracy – regulations that are not only not harmonized (and I favour harmonizing to the higher standards because our companies can be regional and international leaders), but sometimes in direct conflict with each other.
(2) This is the 800-lb gorilla in the room – we have a very uncompetitive province, particularly because of a few big business interests and governments that work with them.
Both of these issues must be solved before we’d see much in the way of a gain from lower tax rates. Right now, simply lowering taxes will only favour incumbent enterprises and further reduce effective competition, thereby stunting economic growth (sustainable or otherwise).
As an economist, I would encourage lower tax rates on small-business, some form of tax rebate on new (especially environmentally-friendly) capital in small- and medium-sized businesses and startups, and targeted R&D tax credits that fit into provincial goals with a specific focus on alternative energy production as this is a rapidly growing market.
Does your party support the development of all economic energy sources in order provide a stable, diverse and flexible energy supply?
The New Democrats have a policy of emphasizing energy efficiency/productivity first. As an economist, I recommend to people the recent work of the McKinsey Global Institute (http://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/reports/pdfs/Investing_Energy_Productivity/Investing_Energy_Productivity.pdf) where it is shown that the highest internal rate of return in energy investment is in energy efficiency/productivity (about 17%). I would also stress that we have a great, but underfunded, institution in Efficiency NB and it is headed by a great New Democrat – Elizabeth Weir.
As a party (but also as an economist) we would argue against expansion in the Athabasca tar sands without full environmental impact analysis. As Preston Manning points out, four barrels of fresh water are used to extract one barrel of oil. Whatever we do, we need full cost accounting. This includes complete environmental impact assessments of major projects with potential environmental impacts (e.g., a new oil refinery) – with funding for research in the public interest.
Personally, I am excited by the natural gas that we have in our province. I have worked with groups on the natural gas in the McCully field. The idea was to set up an Energy Park and create local jobs with our resources. There was no success there; I’ll happily discuss my ideas of why this happened at another time. So, instead of a thousand plus jobs employing people from Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton, we got a pipeline spur that is managed with the labour of ½ of one overtime position. The fuel is now in Boston. BUT … there is exciting news on the horizon with mention of new finds of stranded natural gas. I see New Brunswick natural gas and energy efficiency investments as going a significant way to meeting both our job creation needs and environmental objectives.
Finally, I think we should ask for a significant federal investment into a province-wide project that would study Energy Production. This study would compare traditional sources we already have, emerging sources (e.g., natural gas, wood heat), and alternative sources (e.g., wind, tidal, solar-bio-hydrogen, HVDC, cellulosic bio-fuel, energy efficiency, etc.). This would make NB a national and world leader in Energy Studies, Energy R&D, and Energy Production. It might also kick-start new manufacturing and industry.
ON IMMIGRATION
As an individual, currently spearheading the sponsorship of a refugee family, I am becoming familiar with the immigration process. As a professor at UNBSJ, with very high international student enrolments, I know the problems associated with new immigrants trying to find work here.
Will your party review and streamline current processes to ensure that applications are processed within six to 12 months, starting with economic and business applicants?
This is directly out of the New Democrats’ platform: “Jack Layton and his team of New Democrats will [r]eview the point system used to assess new applications to match the reality of work in Canada, including specific provisions for blue-collar workers and tradespeople. …[i]ncrease financial support for the settlement process for new Canadians to assist with literacy, community integration and orientation, including bridging, mentorship, English-as-a-second-language (ESL) programs and resource service centres. … [s]ignificantly increase resources and support for immigration processes to reduce the huge and unacceptable backlogs that currently exist in processing applications, work to meet Canada’s target of annual immigration (1 percent of population), and establish firm targets for on-time completion of family class and spousal sponsorships.” There is little I can add.
Will your party work with the provinces and territories to develop national accreditation standards to evaluate foreign credentials, professional and trade qualifications, and certification in regulated and non-regulated occupations?
This is directly out of the New Democrats’ platform: “Jack Layton and his team of New Democrats will [a]ccelerate and streamline the recognition of foreign credentials, overseas degrees and previous employment experience in conjunction with provinces and licensing authorities.” I know this has been part of party policy for years.
Will your party work with the provinces and territories to develop innovative immigration policies, programs and processes necessary to increase the number of immigrants recruited (and more importantly) retained in our smaller regions.
A federal party can work with a provincial government when the provincial government agrees to federal involvement. Inasmuch as the provincial government would like to work on a strategy, I would be more than willing to work on the project. As I noted earlier, I have been involved in immigration issues for a few years and certainly see the benefits to New Brunswick of an immigration programme that includes smaller regions.
Will your party develop and implement an objective-based National Transportation Strategy?
Yes. The NDP has argued for a long time for a more comprehensive method of analyzing transportation (both travel and shipping). I for one would like to see greater integration between ships, rail, and trucks – ships for international shipping, rail for long-distance land-based travel, and trucks for short haul.
Within New Brunswick, I would like to explore the feasibility of light rail as a method of travel between the three major business centres in southern NB (i.e., Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton) with a hub somewhere outside of Sussex.
Will your party invest the funds necessary to complete the Restoration of the Petitcodiac River – an important environmental initiative?
Yes. I have argued for the opening of the Petitcodiac before I ever entered the fray as a politician. It is a sensible thing to do. To date, the holdup from the federal government has been MP Rob Moore of Fundy Royal with support from MP Greg Thompson (a more senior cabinet minister in Mr. Harper’s government).
While this requires coordination with the provincial government, I view this as a critical issue and one that has been held up for far too long, throwing people’s lives – from both sides – into disarray.
I would expect that we can get money from an environmental grant, and infrastructure grant, and perhaps worker training grants.
What is your party’s strategy to address Literacy Issues?
As you are well aware, investing in children is a top priority of the New Democrats – just look at our costed platform. I have written a number of times on the issue of tax cutting without mentioning programme cuts. Indeed, with those tax cuts in the first part of Mr. Harper’s mandates, we saw programme cuts across Canada, and here in NB, including many of our literacy programmes.
The New Democrats see your tax dollars as a source of coordinated social investment. I personally see literacy, and more broadly education, as a very sensible investment. Why? Because it enhances productivity, thereby attracting new investment in higher-paying jobs, and it also enhances civic responsibility. Informed people are the cornerstone of a well-functioning democracy.
The New Democrats have long advocated that training of workers include a literacy component – it is a part of our platform.
On a related note, I would like to see CBC bring back Sesame Street or something similar. There seems to be little on public TV across Canada that focuses on issues like literacy and basic numeracy. Speaking as a parent, this would be a great asset.
Will your party encourage the provinces to speed up the elimination of capital taxes?
Respectfully, I would suggest that the premise of this question is faulty. On a national scale, consider the recent KPMG study on business taxes and competitiveness (http://www.kpmg.ca/en/services/tax/2008special_report.html). In comparison to 10 other industrialized countries, Canada has the 3rd lowest total tax index for business – lower than traditional powerhouses like the US, UK, Japan, and Germany. Provincially, turn to the data used by Jack Mintz in our newly proposed tax system (http://www.gnb.ca/0162/New_Brunswick_Tax_System/Discussion_Paper-English.pdf). Compared to the rest of Canada, New Brunswick has the lowest or the 3rd lowest METR on capital and we hold a similar ranking when comparing the METR on all costs. We’re only behind Saskatchewan and Alberta.
We can’t simply conclude that taxes are the cause of slow business growth in this province, if this were the case, we’d be doing better than many other provinces (and we aren’t). I’d argue that in New Brunswick there are two problems – the first we talk about quietly and the second we won’t talk about at all.
(1) There’s a great deal of red tape and bureaucracy – regulations that are not only not harmonized (and I favour harmonizing to the higher standards because our companies can be regional and international leaders), but sometimes in direct conflict with each other.
(2) This is the 800-lb gorilla in the room – we have a very uncompetitive province, particularly because of a few big business interests and governments that work with them.
Both of these issues must be solved before we’d see much in the way of a gain from lower tax rates. Right now, simply lowering taxes will only favour incumbent enterprises and further reduce effective competition, thereby stunting economic growth (sustainable or otherwise).
As an economist, I would encourage lower tax rates on small-business, some form of tax rebate on new (especially environmentally-friendly) capital in small- and medium-sized businesses and startups, and targeted R&D tax credits that fit into provincial goals with a specific focus on alternative energy production as this is a rapidly growing market.
Does your party support the development of all economic energy sources in order provide a stable, diverse and flexible energy supply?
The New Democrats have a policy of emphasizing energy efficiency/productivity first. As an economist, I recommend to people the recent work of the McKinsey Global Institute (http://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/reports/pdfs/Investing_Energy_Productivity/Investing_Energy_Productivity.pdf) where it is shown that the highest internal rate of return in energy investment is in energy efficiency/productivity (about 17%). I would also stress that we have a great, but underfunded, institution in Efficiency NB and it is headed by a great New Democrat – Elizabeth Weir.
As a party (but also as an economist) we would argue against expansion in the Athabasca tar sands without full environmental impact analysis. As Preston Manning points out, four barrels of fresh water are used to extract one barrel of oil. Whatever we do, we need full cost accounting. This includes complete environmental impact assessments of major projects with potential environmental impacts (e.g., a new oil refinery) – with funding for research in the public interest.
Personally, I am excited by the natural gas that we have in our province. I have worked with groups on the natural gas in the McCully field. The idea was to set up an Energy Park and create local jobs with our resources. There was no success there; I’ll happily discuss my ideas of why this happened at another time. So, instead of a thousand plus jobs employing people from Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton, we got a pipeline spur that is managed with the labour of ½ of one overtime position. The fuel is now in Boston. BUT … there is exciting news on the horizon with mention of new finds of stranded natural gas. I see New Brunswick natural gas and energy efficiency investments as going a significant way to meeting both our job creation needs and environmental objectives.
Finally, I think we should ask for a significant federal investment into a province-wide project that would study Energy Production. This study would compare traditional sources we already have, emerging sources (e.g., natural gas, wood heat), and alternative sources (e.g., wind, tidal, solar-bio-hydrogen, HVDC, cellulosic bio-fuel, energy efficiency, etc.). This would make NB a national and world leader in Energy Studies, Energy R&D, and Energy Production. It might also kick-start new manufacturing and industry.
ON IMMIGRATION
As an individual, currently spearheading the sponsorship of a refugee family, I am becoming familiar with the immigration process. As a professor at UNBSJ, with very high international student enrolments, I know the problems associated with new immigrants trying to find work here.
Will your party review and streamline current processes to ensure that applications are processed within six to 12 months, starting with economic and business applicants?
This is directly out of the New Democrats’ platform: “Jack Layton and his team of New Democrats will [r]eview the point system used to assess new applications to match the reality of work in Canada, including specific provisions for blue-collar workers and tradespeople. …[i]ncrease financial support for the settlement process for new Canadians to assist with literacy, community integration and orientation, including bridging, mentorship, English-as-a-second-language (ESL) programs and resource service centres. … [s]ignificantly increase resources and support for immigration processes to reduce the huge and unacceptable backlogs that currently exist in processing applications, work to meet Canada’s target of annual immigration (1 percent of population), and establish firm targets for on-time completion of family class and spousal sponsorships.” There is little I can add.
Will your party work with the provinces and territories to develop national accreditation standards to evaluate foreign credentials, professional and trade qualifications, and certification in regulated and non-regulated occupations?
This is directly out of the New Democrats’ platform: “Jack Layton and his team of New Democrats will [a]ccelerate and streamline the recognition of foreign credentials, overseas degrees and previous employment experience in conjunction with provinces and licensing authorities.” I know this has been part of party policy for years.
Will your party work with the provinces and territories to develop innovative immigration policies, programs and processes necessary to increase the number of immigrants recruited (and more importantly) retained in our smaller regions.
A federal party can work with a provincial government when the provincial government agrees to federal involvement. Inasmuch as the provincial government would like to work on a strategy, I would be more than willing to work on the project. As I noted earlier, I have been involved in immigration issues for a few years and certainly see the benefits to New Brunswick of an immigration programme that includes smaller regions.
Will your party develop and implement an objective-based National Transportation Strategy?
Yes. The NDP has argued for a long time for a more comprehensive method of analyzing transportation (both travel and shipping). I for one would like to see greater integration between ships, rail, and trucks – ships for international shipping, rail for long-distance land-based travel, and trucks for short haul.
Within New Brunswick, I would like to explore the feasibility of light rail as a method of travel between the three major business centres in southern NB (i.e., Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton) with a hub somewhere outside of Sussex.
Will your party invest the funds necessary to complete the Restoration of the Petitcodiac River – an important environmental initiative?
Yes. I have argued for the opening of the Petitcodiac before I ever entered the fray as a politician. It is a sensible thing to do. To date, the holdup from the federal government has been MP Rob Moore of Fundy Royal with support from MP Greg Thompson (a more senior cabinet minister in Mr. Harper’s government).
While this requires coordination with the provincial government, I view this as a critical issue and one that has been held up for far too long, throwing people’s lives – from both sides – into disarray.
I would expect that we can get money from an environmental grant, and infrastructure grant, and perhaps worker training grants.
What is your party’s strategy to address Literacy Issues?
As you are well aware, investing in children is a top priority of the New Democrats – just look at our costed platform. I have written a number of times on the issue of tax cutting without mentioning programme cuts. Indeed, with those tax cuts in the first part of Mr. Harper’s mandates, we saw programme cuts across Canada, and here in NB, including many of our literacy programmes.
The New Democrats see your tax dollars as a source of coordinated social investment. I personally see literacy, and more broadly education, as a very sensible investment. Why? Because it enhances productivity, thereby attracting new investment in higher-paying jobs, and it also enhances civic responsibility. Informed people are the cornerstone of a well-functioning democracy.
The New Democrats have long advocated that training of workers include a literacy component – it is a part of our platform.
On a related note, I would like to see CBC bring back Sesame Street or something similar. There seems to be little on public TV across Canada that focuses on issues like literacy and basic numeracy. Speaking as a parent, this would be a great asset.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Rob Moir to appear on CBC Maritime Noon Call-In Panel this Tuesday
Rob Moir, an environmental economist and New Democrat Candidate in Fundy Royal will be part of the CBC Maritime Noon political panel/phone-in on Tuesday, Sept. 30th, from 1-2pm.
This week's topic:
Tuesday, September 30th : In the second of our election issue phone-ins : call with your questions about the parties' economic platforms and tell federal candidates from around the Maritimes which economic issue is most important for the next government.
Tune in to hear Rob answer questions on the economy and its link to the environment, and feel free to call in with your own questions. The other guests will be Scott Brison (Liberal, Kings-Hants), Kristen Rudderham (Conservative, Sydney NS), and Mary-Lou Babineau (Green, Fredericton).
Please pass this notice on to as many people as possible.
Thanks!
The Fundy Royal NDP Team.
This week's topic:
Tuesday, September 30th : In the second of our election issue phone-ins : call with your questions about the parties' economic platforms and tell federal candidates from around the Maritimes which economic issue is most important for the next government.
Tune in to hear Rob answer questions on the economy and its link to the environment, and feel free to call in with your own questions. The other guests will be Scott Brison (Liberal, Kings-Hants), Kristen Rudderham (Conservative, Sydney NS), and Mary-Lou Babineau (Green, Fredericton).
Please pass this notice on to as many people as possible.
Thanks!
The Fundy Royal NDP Team.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Another Day on the Trail
A pretty busy day today. Went in to the University to meet with the Washington Institute. This not-for-profit group provides some phenomenal opportunities for students to work in areas like international trade, energy policy, poverty reduction, and so on. It is a really great opportunity for students.
I met Mr. Moore at the ferry today - he was canvassing. He came to my car and jokingly asked for my vote. We had a nice chat for a few minutes, during which he commented on the fuel efficiency of my car. I just wish Mr. Harper would pay attention and do something to help all us regular people who are having to cope with high gas prices.
I heard Mr. Moore chat to the person behind me in the lineup. He started with a line like, "I'm Rob Moore, running against Rob Moir." He has that right - well, almost right. He's running against a whole team of us. There's a very large number of New Brunswickers (especially in Fundy Royal) that want to see a change. I can't do it, but WE can and WE will!
Thanks to everyone who is helping. If you want to help too, please talk to neighbours and friends about the momentum of our campaign. Point them to this blog or to the website (http://www.robmoirndp.ca). If you are really eager, and I hope you are, then please contact the office (506-832-0570) and find out how you can help. There are lawn signs to deliver, doors to knock on, and phone calls to make.
Another thing you can all do is participate in CBC's Riding Talk (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/riding/026/ridingtalk.html). Let's oust Mr. Moore and send a loud "NO" to Mr. Harper from Fundy Royal.
Good night everyone. Tomorrow is another exciting day.
I met Mr. Moore at the ferry today - he was canvassing. He came to my car and jokingly asked for my vote. We had a nice chat for a few minutes, during which he commented on the fuel efficiency of my car. I just wish Mr. Harper would pay attention and do something to help all us regular people who are having to cope with high gas prices.
I heard Mr. Moore chat to the person behind me in the lineup. He started with a line like, "I'm Rob Moore, running against Rob Moir." He has that right - well, almost right. He's running against a whole team of us. There's a very large number of New Brunswickers (especially in Fundy Royal) that want to see a change. I can't do it, but WE can and WE will!
Thanks to everyone who is helping. If you want to help too, please talk to neighbours and friends about the momentum of our campaign. Point them to this blog or to the website (http://www.robmoirndp.ca). If you are really eager, and I hope you are, then please contact the office (506-832-0570) and find out how you can help. There are lawn signs to deliver, doors to knock on, and phone calls to make.
Another thing you can all do is participate in CBC's Riding Talk (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/riding/026/ridingtalk.html). Let's oust Mr. Moore and send a loud "NO" to Mr. Harper from Fundy Royal.
Good night everyone. Tomorrow is another exciting day.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Rob Moir raises warning flag over 'two-tiered' youth justice
23 September 2008
Hampton, New Brunswick
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hampton, New Brunswick
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fundy Royal New Democratic Party candidate Rob Moir is very concerned with Mr. Harper's recent proposals as part of his promise to "get tough" on youth crime. In an announcement this week, Harper stated that he wants to make it easier for courts to name young offenders.
"Mr. Harper suggests that 'name-and-shame' will lower youth crime," comments Moir, "but criminologists generally disagree. In the act of committing an offence, people rarely consider the consequences. Besides, we already have a Youth Criminal Justice Act that permits naming in certain cases."
Moir suggests that an increase the number of police officers, a renewed focus upon pro-active policing, and significant investment in the community - including youth programs and crime prevention strategies - is what is really needed. "Jack Layton and the New Democrats propose a solution that works, instead of one that fills jails with kids," says Moir.
Despite the questions he has of this policy and its potential effectiveness, a lesser-known caveat in the proposal has him perplexed. "The rules proposed by Mr. Harper would apply to 14 year-olds across Canada," notes Moir, "but to 16-year olds in Quebec."
Commentators speculate that this is because Mr. Harper wants to expand his caucus in vote-rich Quebec.
"Are we still one country?" asks Moir. "If Mr. Harper likes the more progressive views of Quebec on youth crime, then why not use Quebec as a model for the rest of the country; and while we're at it, why not implement their childcare program and their carbon trading system as well?"
Rob Moore, the Conservative candidate in Fundy Royal, was previously the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. He would have known of this component of Mr. Harper's platform.
"I would like the public to know if Mr. Moore agrees with two-tiered youth justice." says Moir. "Does he agree with his leader in that there should be one set of rules for Quebec, and one for the rest of Canada? If so, why?"
See Related Story in today's Globe and Mail, "Harper pitches two-tier youth justice plan"
Saturday, September 20, 2008
On the Trail
Hi everyone. Sorry to have left the blog for so long. Things get kind of busy with 2 kids in school, a newborn in the house, a job at UNBSJ, and a campaign. That said, with the awesome team of volunteers we have, things are getting done.
There is a definite change in the air right now. People have seen my face on the signs and they have read my musings in the papers - I am a known quantity, not some radical upstart.
As a team, we have been here for local issues. Not because it is important to wave an orange banner, but because there is so much opportunity in this province and in this riding. I see it as the correct thing to do and, wearing my economists' hat, the efficient thing to do. Indeed, for many things in this world, it is a question of efficiency.
We have two opponents in this coming election.
1) Big Business: I'm sure we can all guess some of the bigger names in our province. As an economist, I have no problem with big business. I do have a problem with big business if it infiltrates government, tells people that we need less government, and then gets government to make it easier for big business to get bigger. If you think this is a bit "out there" consider the massive (some say it could cost in total, a TRILLION dollars) rescue package for US financial institutions. PRIVATIZED PROFIT and SOCIALIZED RISK. Right now, work in the Athabasca tar sands is phenomenally profitable (in part due to a complete lack of environmental regulation).
So why do already astronomically rich companies need to forgo BILLIONS in taxes so they can expand faster? This is exactly the gift Mr. Harper gave them while cutting funding for literacy, women, seniors, and veterans.
This isn't capitalism, socialism, communism, or pragmatism. This is neo-liberalism which I also see as rampant corporatism. It is BIG government run for the benefit of BIG and EXISTING corporations. It leaves labour, the self-employed, and small-to-medium business behind in the dust.
As I see it, we have to invest in our communities - hardworking families, farmers, foresters, fishermen, and our small businesses. These investments in our local economies will have larger payoffs in the long run.
2) Tradition: More here than anywhere else I have been, people vote by colour. Indeed, while covering the last federal election, CTV's Lloyd Robertson said, " ... look at the NDP in Fundy Royal - that's Canada's most conservative riding!"
As a candidate from a "non-traditional" party, it is my job to provide a credible alternative and a real reason to change. I know that my approach to economics has got people talking positively, so credibility is not an issue. I think change is absolutely needed in Fundy Royal, and in New Brunswick, because we know the old way is not working at the kitchen table so to speak. I mean, we have a government that is willing to increase taxes on the poor, give big corporate managers a tax break, and we'll still need to cut investment in social programmes. This is lunacy. It is a waste of taxpayers dollars and goes against the principles of investment in sustainable economic growth. Pardon my bluntness, but "Throw the bums - the corporate welfare bums - out!"
That's exactly what I am off to do today. Canvassing blitz in Quispamsis today. Next Saturday we'll do Hampton. Contact the office (832-0570 or info@robmoirndp.com) if you can help out.
In the meantime, please talk to your friends and neighbours. Let's seize this opportunity for positive change.
There is a definite change in the air right now. People have seen my face on the signs and they have read my musings in the papers - I am a known quantity, not some radical upstart.
As a team, we have been here for local issues. Not because it is important to wave an orange banner, but because there is so much opportunity in this province and in this riding. I see it as the correct thing to do and, wearing my economists' hat, the efficient thing to do. Indeed, for many things in this world, it is a question of efficiency.
We have two opponents in this coming election.
1) Big Business: I'm sure we can all guess some of the bigger names in our province. As an economist, I have no problem with big business. I do have a problem with big business if it infiltrates government, tells people that we need less government, and then gets government to make it easier for big business to get bigger. If you think this is a bit "out there" consider the massive (some say it could cost in total, a TRILLION dollars) rescue package for US financial institutions. PRIVATIZED PROFIT and SOCIALIZED RISK. Right now, work in the Athabasca tar sands is phenomenally profitable (in part due to a complete lack of environmental regulation).
So why do already astronomically rich companies need to forgo BILLIONS in taxes so they can expand faster? This is exactly the gift Mr. Harper gave them while cutting funding for literacy, women, seniors, and veterans.
This isn't capitalism, socialism, communism, or pragmatism. This is neo-liberalism which I also see as rampant corporatism. It is BIG government run for the benefit of BIG and EXISTING corporations. It leaves labour, the self-employed, and small-to-medium business behind in the dust.
As I see it, we have to invest in our communities - hardworking families, farmers, foresters, fishermen, and our small businesses. These investments in our local economies will have larger payoffs in the long run.
2) Tradition: More here than anywhere else I have been, people vote by colour. Indeed, while covering the last federal election, CTV's Lloyd Robertson said, " ... look at the NDP in Fundy Royal - that's Canada's most conservative riding!"
As a candidate from a "non-traditional" party, it is my job to provide a credible alternative and a real reason to change. I know that my approach to economics has got people talking positively, so credibility is not an issue. I think change is absolutely needed in Fundy Royal, and in New Brunswick, because we know the old way is not working at the kitchen table so to speak. I mean, we have a government that is willing to increase taxes on the poor, give big corporate managers a tax break, and we'll still need to cut investment in social programmes. This is lunacy. It is a waste of taxpayers dollars and goes against the principles of investment in sustainable economic growth. Pardon my bluntness, but "Throw the bums - the corporate welfare bums - out!"
That's exactly what I am off to do today. Canvassing blitz in Quispamsis today. Next Saturday we'll do Hampton. Contact the office (832-0570 or info@robmoirndp.com) if you can help out.
In the meantime, please talk to your friends and neighbours. Let's seize this opportunity for positive change.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Rob Moir renews call for full panel EIA of 2nd refinery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 SEPTEMBER 2008
Kingston, New Brunswick
Rob Moir, environmental economist and candidate for the Fundy Royal New Democrats, is re-issuing his call for a Full Federal Panel Review of the environmental impacts of the entire operations of the proposed second oil refinery in Saint John. The federal government has agreed to study only the marine impacts.
"I know it is called 'Project Eider Rock'," states Moir, "but really it is just another big stinky oil refinery, and recent scientific studies confirm that."
Moir is referring to a 2008 study in the August volume of the Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association that was mentioned in last Saturday's Globe and Mail and on CBC radio yesterday (September 10). Using lasers to estimate fugitive emissions, the study shows that at an Alberta oil refinery half the size of the existing refinery in Saint John, smog-causing hydrocarbon emissions are about 15 times higher than those reported to government regulators, and cancer-linked benzene emissions are about 19 times higher.
"The existing refinery is twice the size of that studied," notes Moir, "and now there is a proposal to build a second one of equal size, but with virtually no federal assessment of the environmental impacts? Then we hear that the provincial government is not going to require Irving Oil to build in any carbon offsets for the new refinery. This is quite troubling!"
"Sure there are jobs - and big profits for the Irvings too," continues Moir, "but as you watch the fog creep up the Bay of Fundy, you realize that it is people in Fundy Royal and Moncton that will also pay the price in terms of healthcare costs, missed work days, and quality of life. People forget that the economy and the environment are a closed system – there is no trade-off."
Moir has asked for a Full Federal Panel Review in the past and followed up his request with complaints to both Environment Minister, Mr. Baird and directly to Environment Canada. "How can Environment Canada ignore its duty to trigger a full review," asks Moir, "when a number of a refinery's emissions appear on their Priority Substance Lists?"
An access to information request was filed by Moir to see documents pertaining to the Environment Minister's decision, but it was not pursued as the costs could have exceeded $1,000. "I can't afford that money as a private citizen, but surely as an MP I'd have better luck," notes Moir.
- 30 -
For more information please contact:
Pat Hanratty, Campaign Manager
(506) 647-1405
Rob Moir Campaign Office
1031 Main Street
Hampton, NB
(506) 832-0570
E-mail: info@robmoirndp.com
Web: www.robmoirndp.com
11 SEPTEMBER 2008
Kingston, New Brunswick
Rob Moir, environmental economist and candidate for the Fundy Royal New Democrats, is re-issuing his call for a Full Federal Panel Review of the environmental impacts of the entire operations of the proposed second oil refinery in Saint John. The federal government has agreed to study only the marine impacts.
"I know it is called 'Project Eider Rock'," states Moir, "but really it is just another big stinky oil refinery, and recent scientific studies confirm that."
Moir is referring to a 2008 study in the August volume of the Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association that was mentioned in last Saturday's Globe and Mail and on CBC radio yesterday (September 10). Using lasers to estimate fugitive emissions, the study shows that at an Alberta oil refinery half the size of the existing refinery in Saint John, smog-causing hydrocarbon emissions are about 15 times higher than those reported to government regulators, and cancer-linked benzene emissions are about 19 times higher.
"The existing refinery is twice the size of that studied," notes Moir, "and now there is a proposal to build a second one of equal size, but with virtually no federal assessment of the environmental impacts? Then we hear that the provincial government is not going to require Irving Oil to build in any carbon offsets for the new refinery. This is quite troubling!"
"Sure there are jobs - and big profits for the Irvings too," continues Moir, "but as you watch the fog creep up the Bay of Fundy, you realize that it is people in Fundy Royal and Moncton that will also pay the price in terms of healthcare costs, missed work days, and quality of life. People forget that the economy and the environment are a closed system – there is no trade-off."
Moir has asked for a Full Federal Panel Review in the past and followed up his request with complaints to both Environment Minister, Mr. Baird and directly to Environment Canada. "How can Environment Canada ignore its duty to trigger a full review," asks Moir, "when a number of a refinery's emissions appear on their Priority Substance Lists?"
An access to information request was filed by Moir to see documents pertaining to the Environment Minister's decision, but it was not pursued as the costs could have exceeded $1,000. "I can't afford that money as a private citizen, but surely as an MP I'd have better luck," notes Moir.
- 30 -
For more information please contact:
Pat Hanratty, Campaign Manager
(506) 647-1405
Rob Moir Campaign Office
1031 Main Street
Hampton, NB
(506) 832-0570
E-mail: info@robmoirndp.com
Web: www.robmoirndp.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tax Proposal Op Ed
The Net Effect of
Like many New Brunswickers, I am interested in the tax proposals released by Premier Graham’s government in the Tax Green Paper. I have now submitted my written comments to the government and can only hope that they take the time to consider them along with the many comments received from others. I would like to publicly raise one issue which has only received lip service to date.
A significant portion of the discussion paper outlines the predicted effects of a flat income tax. The authors repeatedly show that everyone who already pays income tax would pay less under either a flat tax or a two-part tax (see Tables 2 , 3, 6, and 7 in the discussion paper). While the discussion paper reads like a marketing pamphlet, making great fanfare of reduced income taxes, it is a very simple mathematical truth that if income is taxed at a lower rate then people pay less income tax.
With little supporting analysis, the discussion paper vaguely estimates that the combined income tax and corporate tax cuts will leave
The discussion paper suggests that the hike in HST is relatively small – “3¢ on a $1.50 coffee” – and implies it would be painless. This, I contend, is a political sleight of hand. It is like a used car salesman dropping the price of a car by $1,000 but then charging you $300 for each tire. The cost of the car increases by $200 overall … unless you can do without tires.
Statistics
Net Tax Payments for a Single Tax Filer
| | Flat Income Tax | Two-Part Income Tax | ||||
| Taxable Income | Income Tax Decrease (Table 2, p.15) | HST Increase | Net Tax Bill | Income Tax Decrease (Table 6, p.19) | HST Increase | Net Tax Bill |
| $15,000 | -$20 | +$210 | +$190 | -$21 | +$210 | +$189 |
| $25,000 | -$359 | +$264 | -$95 | -$326 | +$264 | -$62 |
| $40,000 | -$522 | +$405 | -$117 | -$452 | +$405 | -$47 |
| $60,000 | -$1,018 | +$489 | -$529 | -$1,146 | +$489 | -$657 |
| $100,000 | -$3,160 | +$644 | -$2,516 | -$2,938 | +$644 | -$2,294 |
| $140,000 | -$6,188 | +$1,256 | -$4,932 | -$5,166 | +$1,256 | -$3,910 |
As a result of the HST increase, overall tax “savings” are smaller. Indeed, for single filers with incomes less than $60,000 the tax “savings” are downright modest and for the lowest income earners, the tax bill will likely increase. (For the sake of comparison, 50% of single income earners in
Given travel and energy use has a relatively large fixed component that does not depend upon income the carbon tax proposed in the paper would likely continue to move us in the same direction.
These data raise two important questions. First, why haven’t the various tax proposals been subjected to complete analysis? Second, are the rather modest gains most New Brunswickers are likely to see worth the expenditure cuts that will necessarily follow from a $150 million loss in tax revenues?
At the very least, the government’s tax proposals should undergo complete analysis using state-of-the-art software like SPSD/M. Along with publishing the entire results of this analysis, Premier Graham’s government should also publicly present any proposed expenditure decreases, service delivery shifts (from public to private), and efficiency-enhancing activities that he might make as a consequence of the tax revenue loss.
Only with this information in hand can New Brunswickers make informed choices when considering the bold tax and transfer changes suggested in “A Discussion Paper on New Brunswick’s Tax System.”
Rob Moir is an economist who teaches and conducts research at UNB in
A Joint Letter I Coordinated
31 July 2008
To the Hon. Shawn Graham (Premier of New Brunswick) and the Hon. Victor Boudreau (Minister of Finance);
The New Brunswick Government has proposed a new tax and transfer structure for the Province involving significant change from the current system.
We, the undersigned economists from New Brunswick Universities strongly urge the Government to complete the following tasks before further consideration of such sweeping changes in provincial tax policies.
1. Conduct a comprehensive comparative examination (baseline versus variants) of the effect of the tax proposals on household disposable income using Statistics Canada’s Social Policy Simulation Database and Model which is specifically designed to test policy proposals of this nature, and to make public the results of these simulations.
2. Publish a revised version of A Discussion Paper on New Brunswick’s Tax System in such a way as to convey the combined effects of all proposed tax changes on the distribution of household income. For example, Tables 2 and 3 (p.15) and Tables 6 and 7 (p.19) discuss only personal income taxes but mention neither the HST increase, the proposed new carbon tax, nor any potential effects from changes to corporate tax rates.
3. Provide an analysis and empirical evidence from peer-reviewed sources discussing the predicted increase in the provincial tax base and provincial tax revenues resulting from the proposed tax policy changes.
4. Provide an analysis of the effect of the projected increase in the tax base upon equalization. For instance, does a $1 increase in tax revenues lead to a $1 decrease in equalization funding?
5. If analysis indicates a revenue decline, indicate how the Government proposes to deal with revenue shortfalls.
We believe that the above research will provide a clearer picture of the tax proposal and address some of the questions raised in recent public submissions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rob Moir (Economics, UNB in Saint John; President of the Atlantic Canada Economics Association)
Dr. Rod Hill (Economics, UNB in Saint John)
Dr. Joan McFarland (Economics, Saint Thomas University)
Dr. Joe Ruggeri (Economics, UNB in Fredericton; Vaughan Chair in Regional Economics)
Professor Ron LeBlanc (Economics, Université de Moncton; Chair)
Dr. Michel Deslierres (Economics, Université de Moncton)
Dr. Stephen Law (Economics, Mount Allison University)
Dr. Andrew Secord (Economics, Saint Thomas University)
Dr. Ted McDonald (Economics, UNB in Fredericton)
Dr. Mike Farnworth (Economics, UNB in Fredericton)
Dr. Dev Gupta (Economics, Saint Thomas University)
Dr. Weiqiu Yu (Economics, UNB in Fredericton)
Dr. Tony Myatt (Economics, UNB in Fredericton)
CC : Mr. Jeannot Volpé (Leader of the Opposition), Mr. Roger Duguay (Leader of the NB NDP), Mr. Mike Milligan (Leader of the NB Green Party), Media Outlets
To the Hon. Shawn Graham (Premier of New Brunswick) and the Hon. Victor Boudreau (Minister of Finance);
The New Brunswick Government has proposed a new tax and transfer structure for the Province involving significant change from the current system.
We, the undersigned economists from New Brunswick Universities strongly urge the Government to complete the following tasks before further consideration of such sweeping changes in provincial tax policies.
1. Conduct a comprehensive comparative examination (baseline versus variants) of the effect of the tax proposals on household disposable income using Statistics Canada’s Social Policy Simulation Database and Model which is specifically designed to test policy proposals of this nature, and to make public the results of these simulations.
2. Publish a revised version of A Discussion Paper on New Brunswick’s Tax System in such a way as to convey the combined effects of all proposed tax changes on the distribution of household income. For example, Tables 2 and 3 (p.15) and Tables 6 and 7 (p.19) discuss only personal income taxes but mention neither the HST increase, the proposed new carbon tax, nor any potential effects from changes to corporate tax rates.
3. Provide an analysis and empirical evidence from peer-reviewed sources discussing the predicted increase in the provincial tax base and provincial tax revenues resulting from the proposed tax policy changes.
4. Provide an analysis of the effect of the projected increase in the tax base upon equalization. For instance, does a $1 increase in tax revenues lead to a $1 decrease in equalization funding?
5. If analysis indicates a revenue decline, indicate how the Government proposes to deal with revenue shortfalls.
We believe that the above research will provide a clearer picture of the tax proposal and address some of the questions raised in recent public submissions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rob Moir (Economics, UNB in Saint John; President of the Atlantic Canada Economics Association)
Dr. Rod Hill (Economics, UNB in Saint John)
Dr. Joan McFarland (Economics, Saint Thomas University)
Dr. Joe Ruggeri (Economics, UNB in Fredericton; Vaughan Chair in Regional Economics)
Professor Ron LeBlanc (Economics, Université de Moncton; Chair)
Dr. Michel Deslierres (Economics, Université de Moncton)
Dr. Stephen Law (Economics, Mount Allison University)
Dr. Andrew Secord (Economics, Saint Thomas University)
Dr. Ted McDonald (Economics, UNB in Fredericton)
Dr. Mike Farnworth (Economics, UNB in Fredericton)
Dr. Dev Gupta (Economics, Saint Thomas University)
Dr. Weiqiu Yu (Economics, UNB in Fredericton)
Dr. Tony Myatt (Economics, UNB in Fredericton)
CC : Mr. Jeannot Volpé (Leader of the Opposition), Mr. Roger Duguay (Leader of the NB NDP), Mr. Mike Milligan (Leader of the NB Green Party), Media Outlets
Gearing up for Ottawa
Sorry to have been away for so long. First I got busy putting together a reply to that backwards tax proposal put together by the neo-liberal Liberals of New Brunswick. I loved the fact that most families would pay more in taxes overall so that the Irvings and their executives could pay less. I'll post a piece I wrote for the TJ in a few minutes or so. In any event, that took a while as I had to learn how to use some new software.
Then there was work on writing some papers for my daytime job as a prof and taking over as Acting Chair of the Social Science Department. Sneak a vacation day or two in there to spend with my family and that brings us to my big news.
On Aug 30, I became a dad for the third time. Little Tobias was born, and he is amazing. I swear I heard him say, "Dad, Mr. Harper is breaking his rules by calling an election. Please don't let him take over. Dad, please go change the world ... and my diaper."
So here we are, more prepared than ever before. People from all over the riding are calling for signs. Volunteers are coming at us from all directions. Expect to see a press release very soon. And that will be followed by another and another and another. We'll get our message out that the hardworking people of Fundy Royal - the families, the fishermen, foresters, and farmers, the small business owners - we all want our riding back. We want Ottawa to hear from Fundy Royal; we're sick-and-tired of following the latest wishes of Presi (oops) Prime Minister Harper.
So ... I invite you to stand up, take charge, and join in this campaign with everything you've got. I'm not looking to win, I'm looking for us to win!
Then there was work on writing some papers for my daytime job as a prof and taking over as Acting Chair of the Social Science Department. Sneak a vacation day or two in there to spend with my family and that brings us to my big news.
On Aug 30, I became a dad for the third time. Little Tobias was born, and he is amazing. I swear I heard him say, "Dad, Mr. Harper is breaking his rules by calling an election. Please don't let him take over. Dad, please go change the world ... and my diaper."
So here we are, more prepared than ever before. People from all over the riding are calling for signs. Volunteers are coming at us from all directions. Expect to see a press release very soon. And that will be followed by another and another and another. We'll get our message out that the hardworking people of Fundy Royal - the families, the fishermen, foresters, and farmers, the small business owners - we all want our riding back. We want Ottawa to hear from Fundy Royal; we're sick-and-tired of following the latest wishes of Presi (oops) Prime Minister Harper.
So ... I invite you to stand up, take charge, and join in this campaign with everything you've got. I'm not looking to win, I'm looking for us to win!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Campaign launched!
With the drop of the writ, Rob Moir and his team are busy getting results for you in Fundy Royal.
During the next five weeks, you can keep up to date with the campaign news and views by visiting our new website, www.robmoirndp.com.
In addition, you can drop by our campaign office at 1031 Main St in Hampton to help, or call us at (506) 832-0570.
Together, we can make Rob Moir our next MP!
During the next five weeks, you can keep up to date with the campaign news and views by visiting our new website, www.robmoirndp.com.
In addition, you can drop by our campaign office at 1031 Main St in Hampton to help, or call us at (506) 832-0570.
Together, we can make Rob Moir our next MP!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Wind Energy Conference Ignored by Mr. Harper
Submitted by a Fundy Royal NDP Volunteer
A news report today on News 88.9 caught my attention as I was driving home. It stated that the World Wind Energy Conference was being held this week in Kingston, Ontario. Private and public sector representatives from all over the world were attending the conference, which was being held in North America for the first time in history.
A quick look at the website at http://wwec2008.com/ shows that the conference is being hosted and heavily sponsored by the Ontario government, and is being attended by government officials from all over the world. Unfortunately, despite numerous invitations, not a single representative from Stephen Harper's Environment office chose to attend the conference, which was called to discuss "the role of community power in building a robust renewable energy industry and strategies [that] strengthen local project control and economic returns within the community."
The World Wind Energy Association is a forward-thinking organization that advocates global co-operation to deal with the challenges of wind power generation. Its mission statement can be found here: http://www.wwindea.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=29 . It is quite upsetting that when such an important and exciting event comes to Canada, our own federal government not only refuses to sponsor and promote the conference, but that it cannot even find the time to send a representative to discuss environmental issues with experts from around the world. This is especially disappointing due to the fact that the conference was called to discuss issues of community wind power generation, something that will make alternative energy more accessible and affordable to ordinary working families across the country.
As concerned Canadians, we must to hold Harper to task on his environmental record (or lack thereof). We cannot afford to have our voices ignored on the world stage in this critically important battle.
A news report today on News 88.9 caught my attention as I was driving home. It stated that the World Wind Energy Conference was being held this week in Kingston, Ontario. Private and public sector representatives from all over the world were attending the conference, which was being held in North America for the first time in history.
A quick look at the website at http://wwec2008.com/ shows that the conference is being hosted and heavily sponsored by the Ontario government, and is being attended by government officials from all over the world. Unfortunately, despite numerous invitations, not a single representative from Stephen Harper's Environment office chose to attend the conference, which was called to discuss "the role of community power in building a robust renewable energy industry and strategies [that] strengthen local project control and economic returns within the community."
The World Wind Energy Association is a forward-thinking organization that advocates global co-operation to deal with the challenges of wind power generation. Its mission statement can be found here: http://www.wwindea.org/home
As concerned Canadians, we must to hold Harper to task on his environmental record (or lack thereof). We cannot afford to have our voices ignored on the world stage in this critically important battle.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Comment to CBC's SHIFT
On Tax Freedom Day
Over the last few days, the CBC has celebrated the Fraser Institute's "Tax Freedom Day."
I admit the name is catchy, but it disguises some real facts. How about instead we call it "Freedom from Firefighters Day," or "Road Repair Free Day," or "Freedom from Literacy Day." These are the services and programs that are provided through our taxes. Taxes pay for the investments we collectively make as Canadians. (Whether we invest wisely or not is a separate question.)
To see this point another way, why don't we create "Food Freedom Day" which would be the last day in the year that the typical Canadian family stops devoting it's hard-earned dollars toward food consumption (to spend on rides at the fair perhaps)?
I am not trying to argue that taxes should go up, down, or sideways, but I do feel it is important that we work to remove loaded language when it comes to taxes. If we do not, then we pave the way for successive governments come in and indiscriminately cut taxes, generally for those at the upper end of the income distribution, market it to us as a good thing (e.g., "tax relief"), and then have us each individually pay a greater amount for services. Our taxes fall, we pay an even greater amount to live, we thank our governments for the "relief," and we stare in wonder at our empty pocketbooks.
Then again, maybe we've already started down that road.
According to the Fraser Institute, New Brunswick is the second province in Canada to "arrive" at Tax Freedom Day - a few days behind Alberta. If I am wrong in my above analysis, then the NB government will conclude that while we may want to fiddle with taxes a bit, we do not need wholesale tax reform as proposed in their "Green Paper." However, if the real goal is just lower taxes (for lower taxes sake), then they will permit us a few weeks of "public input and consultation" and they will likely implement the middle-of-the-road ideas. We'll see.
Over the last few days, the CBC has celebrated the Fraser Institute's "Tax Freedom Day."
I admit the name is catchy, but it disguises some real facts. How about instead we call it "Freedom from Firefighters Day," or "Road Repair Free Day," or "Freedom from Literacy Day." These are the services and programs that are provided through our taxes. Taxes pay for the investments we collectively make as Canadians. (Whether we invest wisely or not is a separate question.)
To see this point another way, why don't we create "Food Freedom Day" which would be the last day in the year that the typical Canadian family stops devoting it's hard-earned dollars toward food consumption (to spend on rides at the fair perhaps)?
I am not trying to argue that taxes should go up, down, or sideways, but I do feel it is important that we work to remove loaded language when it comes to taxes. If we do not, then we pave the way for successive governments come in and indiscriminately cut taxes, generally for those at the upper end of the income distribution, market it to us as a good thing (e.g., "tax relief"), and then have us each individually pay a greater amount for services. Our taxes fall, we pay an even greater amount to live, we thank our governments for the "relief," and we stare in wonder at our empty pocketbooks.
Then again, maybe we've already started down that road.
According to the Fraser Institute, New Brunswick is the second province in Canada to "arrive" at Tax Freedom Day - a few days behind Alberta. If I am wrong in my above analysis, then the NB government will conclude that while we may want to fiddle with taxes a bit, we do not need wholesale tax reform as proposed in their "Green Paper." However, if the real goal is just lower taxes (for lower taxes sake), then they will permit us a few weeks of "public input and consultation" and they will likely implement the middle-of-the-road ideas. We'll see.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Carleton Free Press
Haven't posted in a while as I've been teaching during the spring term and getting a paper ready for the Canadian Economics Association meetings in Vancouver.
Here's a letter I sent off to the Irving papers ... again, doubt they'll publish it.
This letter was inspired by the articles in the links below. The first is a really fun read (for New Brunswickers). I have also informed all 3 CBC Information Morning crews and News 88.9.
(1) http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/MediaNews/2008/05/26/5681061-sun.html
(2) http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/cityplus/story.html?id=68298201-c2d6-48ef-9b7e-01d04d739810
Pass it on!
Here's a letter I sent off to the Irving papers ... again, doubt they'll publish it.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate retired
If we are to have any success in obtaining a goal of self-sufficiency, we must certainly celebrate the accomplishments of our small businesses. To all the employees at Carleton Free Press, congratulations!
This letter was inspired by the articles in the links below. The first is a really fun read (for New Brunswickers). I have also informed all 3 CBC Information Morning crews and News 88.9.
(1) http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/MediaNews/2008/05/26/5681061-sun.html
(2) http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/cityplus/story.html?id=68298201-c2d6-48ef-9b7e-01d04d739810
Pass it on!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Decommissioning fund is no panacea
I sent this to the TJ in early May. So far, no action.
I was intrigued by Professor Lowe’s letter on safe uranium mining (28 April), especially his comments on decommissioning funding for uranium mines.
Quite by coincidence, I have been preparing for a talk on energy alternatives and was reading a paper entitled, “
To quote his findings, “the initial decommissioning cost estimates have been cited by many industry observers as being far too low [and] [t]he tax-paying public, future ratepayers, and/or stockholders may be assessed for funding shortfalls.”
Furthermore “a small - but not inconsequential - number of the 222 funds show balances (and/or contributions) that are below, and some far below, their benchmark levels …” and “the risk is not inconsequential that [economic] conditions could be well below average, leading to large numbers of underfunded trust funds.”
The paper uses data up to 2004. We certainly know that economic conditions have been “below average” since then.
Granted, this is
My guess is that the nuclear industry is fairly similar both across nations and within the nuclear power cycle from mining to power generation and ultimately disposal. Until similar thorough research is conducted upon the health and management of decommissioning funding for the Canadian uranium mining industry, then our best bet is to err on the side of caution.
Monday, April 28, 2008
New Letter to the Editor re: "Lepreau 2"
Published Monday April 28th, 2008
Appeared in the Saint John Telegraph Journal and the Fredericton Daily Gleaner
Use caution in nuclear decision
The Graham government seems to have its mind set on a second, preferably AECL-designed, nuclear reactor.
Jack Keir is quite bullish on the topic according to newspaper and radio reports. News coverage and independent consultant reports have cautioned that the decision to move forward depends upon the power demands of the New England market.
It seems that this demand is somewhat uncertain now and may get more uncertain in the future. As I was reading and listening to these stories, I have had a growing sense of déjà vu.
Wasn't there something in the recent past about the Lord government and NB Power moving forward without contracts in place - without really assessing the market?
Wasn't the Orimulsion fiasco a key election issue that propelled Graham to power and Keir into the minister's seat at the Department of Energy? Then again, maybe Graham wants to outperform Lord and do things bigger - if not exactly better.
ROB MOIR
NDP candidate for Fundy Royal
Friday, April 11, 2008
Natural Gas in NB
I sent this to the 3 big Irving papers and the Kings County Record. I don't know if it will be published, but I wanted to share it.
I too share Ms. Whalen’s concerns over the storage of natural gas in salt caverns (Telegraph Journal, 10 April, Letters). Recent radio reports have suggested this storage option, but I wonder if people realize that the idea was publicly discussed by Corridor Resources at a Global Energy Conference held on 24 October 2007 in
Corridor’s presentation can be found at www.corridor.ca/downloads/investors/presentation-global-energy-conference-october-2007.pdf. If you look at page 27, you will notice a suggested gas pipeline from the McCully gas field to a salt cavern near Salt Springs. The gas pipeline seems to follow a similar route to the proposed brine line from the potash mine.
Perhaps more interesting is the proposed gas pipeline connecting Canaport LNG to the same salt cavern.
Are we witnessing a budding partnership between Corridor Resources and a company partially owned by Irving Oil? Could this be the reason two different provincial governments and Fundy Royal’s MP, Rob Moore, have failed to pursue the idea of an
Suppose Corridor Resources is successful in finding the “several trillion cubic feet of [natural] gas” they suspect is in the Frederick Brook shale deposit near
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Open Letter to Garth Moore, President of PotashCorp
PotashCorp,
Suite 500, 122 – 1st Avenue South,
Saskatoon,
SK S7K 7G3
7 April 2008
Dear Mr. Garth Moore (President, PCS Potash);
I address this Open Letter to you and ask that you share it with the identified company officials below.
As you know, most people in southern New Brunswick welcome the jobs your company has created here and, based on reliable news reports, find ourselves applauding both your company's financial success and generosity for groups such as the youth of Illinois. However we have a local concern – the people near your mine in Penobsquis who have lost access to safe clean water!
The belief exists that, in the absence of the mine, some residents in Penobsquis might still have the reliable water supply they enjoyed in the past.
I remind you of some public statements made recently either by PotashCorp or the government of New Brunswick.
• According to a New Brunswick government press release (20 July 2007), Premier Graham offered the new Potash mine (Picadilly) $35 million in royalty rate reductions over the next 20 years. A worldwide increase in demand for fertilizer to increase food and bio-fuel crop yields means that potash, a key fertilizer component, will increase in price. This means the rate reduction will likely rise in value.
• According to a 15 January 2008 PotashCorp news release, PotashCorp has been named one of Fortune Magazine's "top foreign stocks for 2008." The company points out that its shares have increased 5,600% since it went public in 1989.
• According to PotashCorp's 24 January 2008 news release, the company's net income exceeded $1.1 billion in 2007.
• On 29 January 2008, Jim Jubak, Microsoft Networks investment adviser ("the Web's most widely-read investing writer") reported, "On its [PotashCorp's] Jan 24. conference call, this fertilizer company said – and I have listened to this twice – that no company in the world will be more profitable over the next five years." (emphasis mine)
• PotashCorp issued a press release (29 January 2008) noting its $1.5 million donation to Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook in Illinois.
PotashCorp's business success and its significant contribution to Glenview/Northbrook, Illinois is commendable but it is worrisome that approximately 50 households in the Penobsquis area now find themselves with water problems – tainted wells, empty wells, etc. Almost 8.5 million litres of brine are shipped from the mine each day while these hardworking people require trucks to deliver washing and drinking water to their homes.
There are numerous precedents for large companies seeing a community need to respond with a significant financial contribution to fix the problem. They do this because it is a 'quality of life' challenge for those affected and an opportunity for the company to give back to the community from which springs its wealth.
Having PotashCorp fund the installation of a municipal water system to homes in the affected communities would be just such an act of generosity. People in the Penobsquis and Sussex area who currently have water problems (or may develop them in the future), would be guaranteed access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water into the future.
I trust that PotashCorp will see the benefits of embracing its corporate responsibility in this matter, as a healthy and supportive community can only enhance the success of your business.
Sincerely,
Rob Moir
Economist, NDP Candidate (Fundy Royal)
robmoirndp@gmail.com
CC (PotashCorp): William J. Doyle (President & CEO, PotashCorp), John Hewson (Manager, Sustainablity, PotashCorp)
CC (Government of New Brunswick): Premier Shawn Graham, Hon. Roland Haché (Minister of the Environment)
Media Copies: Telegraph Journal, Times & Transcript, Daily Gleaner, Kings County Record, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Rogers Media (News 88.9, News 91.9), CBC Radio, Radio-Canada, Acadia Broadcasting (CHSJ-FM, The Wave FM), 590 CJCW Radio, The Globe and Mail, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Suite 500, 122 – 1st Avenue South,
Saskatoon,
SK S7K 7G3
7 April 2008
Dear Mr. Garth Moore (President, PCS Potash);
I address this Open Letter to you and ask that you share it with the identified company officials below.
As you know, most people in southern New Brunswick welcome the jobs your company has created here and, based on reliable news reports, find ourselves applauding both your company's financial success and generosity for groups such as the youth of Illinois. However we have a local concern – the people near your mine in Penobsquis who have lost access to safe clean water!
The belief exists that, in the absence of the mine, some residents in Penobsquis might still have the reliable water supply they enjoyed in the past.
I remind you of some public statements made recently either by PotashCorp or the government of New Brunswick.
• According to a New Brunswick government press release (20 July 2007), Premier Graham offered the new Potash mine (Picadilly) $35 million in royalty rate reductions over the next 20 years. A worldwide increase in demand for fertilizer to increase food and bio-fuel crop yields means that potash, a key fertilizer component, will increase in price. This means the rate reduction will likely rise in value.
• According to a 15 January 2008 PotashCorp news release, PotashCorp has been named one of Fortune Magazine's "top foreign stocks for 2008." The company points out that its shares have increased 5,600% since it went public in 1989.
• According to PotashCorp's 24 January 2008 news release, the company's net income exceeded $1.1 billion in 2007.
• On 29 January 2008, Jim Jubak, Microsoft Networks investment adviser ("the Web's most widely-read investing writer") reported, "On its [PotashCorp's] Jan 24. conference call, this fertilizer company said – and I have listened to this twice – that no company in the world will be more profitable over the next five years." (emphasis mine)
• PotashCorp issued a press release (29 January 2008) noting its $1.5 million donation to Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook in Illinois.
PotashCorp's business success and its significant contribution to Glenview/Northbrook, Illinois is commendable but it is worrisome that approximately 50 households in the Penobsquis area now find themselves with water problems – tainted wells, empty wells, etc. Almost 8.5 million litres of brine are shipped from the mine each day while these hardworking people require trucks to deliver washing and drinking water to their homes.
There are numerous precedents for large companies seeing a community need to respond with a significant financial contribution to fix the problem. They do this because it is a 'quality of life' challenge for those affected and an opportunity for the company to give back to the community from which springs its wealth.
Having PotashCorp fund the installation of a municipal water system to homes in the affected communities would be just such an act of generosity. People in the Penobsquis and Sussex area who currently have water problems (or may develop them in the future), would be guaranteed access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water into the future.
I trust that PotashCorp will see the benefits of embracing its corporate responsibility in this matter, as a healthy and supportive community can only enhance the success of your business.
Sincerely,
Rob Moir
Economist, NDP Candidate (Fundy Royal)
robmoirndp@gmail.com
CC (PotashCorp): William J. Doyle (President & CEO, PotashCorp), John Hewson (Manager, Sustainablity, PotashCorp)
CC (Government of New Brunswick): Premier Shawn Graham, Hon. Roland Haché (Minister of the Environment)
Media Copies: Telegraph Journal, Times & Transcript, Daily Gleaner, Kings County Record, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Rogers Media (News 88.9, News 91.9), CBC Radio, Radio-Canada, Acadia Broadcasting (CHSJ-FM, The Wave FM), 590 CJCW Radio, The Globe and Mail, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Take on the big banks and save money!
If you are tired of paying exorbitant interest rates on your credit card debt, you're not alone. But there is relief. The Fundy Royal NDP wants you to know that you may be able to reduce your credit card interest rate, just by calling them. On the NDP website, you can check out our credit card fee reduction kit and give it a try for yourself!
The following CBC report shows just how well this approach works!
It raises the question: If it is so easy to reduce our interest rates, why are they so high in the first place?
It is for this reason that the NDP has been taking leadership on this issue by advocating for more consumer-friendly banking legislation, a cap on credit card interest rates, and an end to the unfair burden that it places on working families across the country.
- Fundy Royal NDP
The following CBC report shows just how well this approach works!
It raises the question: If it is so easy to reduce our interest rates, why are they so high in the first place?
It is for this reason that the NDP has been taking leadership on this issue by advocating for more consumer-friendly banking legislation, a cap on credit card interest rates, and an end to the unfair burden that it places on working families across the country.
- Fundy Royal NDP
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
True costs of uranium mining outweigh benefits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 April 2008
Moncton, New Brunswick
Fundy Royal NDP candidate and economist Rob Moir was among the keynote speakers at Moncton's Public Awareness meeting to discuss the effects of test drilling and uranium mining on our health and ecosystem. Dr. Moir's presentation outlined the overall effects that uranium exploration and mining has on the economy.
Moir toasted the crowd with a glass of Moncton city water, and commenced by saying, "Thank you Moncton for keeping water public, and here's to keeping it free of radioactivity."
Dr. Moir went on to challenge the common notion that this development represents a choice between the environment and the economy. "The reality of the situation," says Moir, "is that this is a choice simply between short-term business profits and the environment." Moir contends that many of the economic costs of such projects are drawn out into the long term, and they persist well after the profits have been realized. Some of these costs include not only environmental damage, but long term health costs, ongoing cleanup efforts, and systemic reductions in property values. Unfortunately, these spillover costs are incurred by working people, businesses, and governments for generations.
Dr. Moir thanks members of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick for the invitation to speak at this function, and is encouraged by the strong turnout at the Capitol Theatre. "It is certainly promising to see so many people interested and involved with this issue. It is critically important at this time for citizens of Fundy Royal, New Brunswick, and Canada as a whole to work together and have our voices heard."
The Fundy Royal NDP invite you to sign the online petition below:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com
Friday, March 28, 2008
Voting Records
People, both NDP supporters and non-supporters, have told me they are upset with the NDP propping up the Harper government. They see Jack Layton as ineffectual and sometimes too cooperative with Harper.
This is a quick summary of the latest sitting of Parliament and votes cast. For greater detail, see this Edmonton Journal article (28 March 2008). There have been a total of 76 votes so far in this session.
The average voting rate for Liberal MPs is about 64.4% which is less than the 64.7% of eligible voters who felt called to vote in the last Federal Election.
Who is the Real Opposition?
If you count seats, I guess it is the Liberals.
However, when it comes to votes and voting record, the Real Opposition is the NDP!
If we want to tame Harper, if we want to build a Canada that works for average hardworking Canadians and their families, then next time around, vote NDP. We're always on the job!
This is a quick summary of the latest sitting of Parliament and votes cast. For greater detail, see this Edmonton Journal article (28 March 2008). There have been a total of 76 votes so far in this session.
| | Avg # of Votes by MPs | Leader’s # of Votes | % Agreement with CONS |
| CONS | 73 | 49 | n/a |
| LIBS | 49 | 33 | 60%+ |
| BLOQ | 71 | 73 | 41% |
| NDP | 68 | 73 | 26% |
The average voting rate for Liberal MPs is about 64.4% which is less than the 64.7% of eligible voters who felt called to vote in the last Federal Election.
Who is the Real Opposition?
If you count seats, I guess it is the Liberals.
However, when it comes to votes and voting record, the Real Opposition is the NDP!
If we want to tame Harper, if we want to build a Canada that works for average hardworking Canadians and their families, then next time around, vote NDP. We're always on the job!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Soaring Costs for Afghanistan
On March 25 the Canadian Press reported that the Canadian military has been cleared to fire GPS-guided Excalibur artillery shells in Afghanistan
This OXFAM article from Nov. 2007 is quite revealing as is their more recent (Jan. 2008) update.
These shells cost $150,000 each!
Each time the military fires one of these shells, they spend more than I paid altogether for my house and two slightly-used cars.
With a mounting death toll on all sides, decreased security, and insufficient and inefficient development aid, I think it is high time we stop and completely rethink how we approach this mission.
For more information:This OXFAM article from Nov. 2007 is quite revealing as is their more recent (Jan. 2008) update.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Oh what a tangled web ...
I think it is great that New Brunswick is finally getting around to suing 14 tobacco companies for the healthcare costs we have paid for over the years. I suspect that the basis for this lawsuit is the half-truths told to us for a long time about the dangers of cigarette smoking - at least that has been the basis for state- and province-wide lawsuits elsewhere.
But, it is here that our story gets a bit twisted.
The public relations campaign for Big Tobacco was handled, at least in part, by Hill & Knowlton. This campaign included issuing The Frank Statement and helping to organize the Council for Tobacco Research which was used to cast doubt on the many scientific papers that raised health concerns about smoking. (The Council for Tobacco Research closed in 1999.)
While this ancient history is being rehashed in our province, we seem to be headed down a similar path.
One of Hill & Knowlton's more recent clients is the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) which has focused on marketing nuclear power as the new "green" energy. Interestingly, a 1998 ruling by the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in the United States has issued a warning to the NEI recommending that "water and air pollution claims be carefully qualified to avoid any potential for customer confusion, and that the broad, unqualified claims that nuclear energy is 'Environmentally Clean' or produces electricity 'without polluting the environment' be discontinued."
It is also interesting to note that one of the members for the pro-nuclear front group established by Hill & Knowlton is none other than Patrick Moore who made a pro-nuclear presentation in Saint John in early 2008.
When will we ever learn?
But, it is here that our story gets a bit twisted.
The public relations campaign for Big Tobacco was handled, at least in part, by Hill & Knowlton. This campaign included issuing The Frank Statement and helping to organize the Council for Tobacco Research which was used to cast doubt on the many scientific papers that raised health concerns about smoking. (The Council for Tobacco Research closed in 1999.)
While this ancient history is being rehashed in our province, we seem to be headed down a similar path.
One of Hill & Knowlton's more recent clients is the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) which has focused on marketing nuclear power as the new "green" energy. Interestingly, a 1998 ruling by the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in the United States has issued a warning to the NEI recommending that "water and air pollution claims be carefully qualified to avoid any potential for customer confusion, and that the broad, unqualified claims that nuclear energy is 'Environmentally Clean' or produces electricity 'without polluting the environment' be discontinued."
It is also interesting to note that one of the members for the pro-nuclear front group established by Hill & Knowlton is none other than Patrick Moore who made a pro-nuclear presentation in Saint John in early 2008.
When will we ever learn?
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Letters to the Editor...
The two following letters appeared in the March 13th edition of the Telegraph Journal in Saint John, NB.
Save the money wasted on reports
I suspect that the Graham government will one day be remembered as an era of rule by report. I am not sure how many will think that it was an era of 'good' rule however.
Many people predicted the general policy recommendations of the Post-Secondary Education report before it was officially released, even as a trial balloon. It would seem that recommending that we destroy universities and build polytechnics might be expected when one of the report's authors (Rick Miner) sits on the board of Polytechnics Canada.
While I have heard on his call-in sessions that Education Minister Lamrock is not interested in anecdotal evidence, I was told last summer that French immersion in general, and early French immersion in particular, was under threat from his office.
Half-a-year later the government receives a report that, contrary to respected evidence from across the nation, severely undermines French immersion in New Brunswick.
Then the government receives "Public Views on Forest Management in New Brunswick" which surveys people's opinions of the management of Crown lands. This report is about our land, and how we feel about it; so the Graham government permits one public presentation of the report's findings and cancels eight others.
If this government wants to rule by decree - not something that I support - then please save taxpayers the money you waste on reports that either reach the conclusion you've already come to, or provide information that you are unwilling to hear.
ROB MOIR
NDP candidate for Fundy Royal
Canadians want clean air, water
Canadians want action to protect our environment. We want clean air and water for our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately the Harper government isn't listening. A year ago, the Conservatives introduced their so-called Clean Air Act - a bill that would make the air dirtier.
The NDP convinced all parties to work together to re-write the bill.
The new Clean Air and Climate Change Act was supported by the majority of Parliament. When the government shelved the improved C-30, the NDP made a motion to bring the Bill back. That motion also was supported by a majority of this House.
Yet, now, months later, no action has been taken on this Bill. The NDP believes that Canadians can't wait any longer, and used their Opposition Day in the House of Commons on Monday to introduce a vote of non-confidence in the Harper government, for its refusal to bring the Clean Air and Climate Change Act back to the House. That motion was defeated with the help of the Liberals.
Millions of Canadians who sent Liberal MPs to Ottawa must be sorely disappointed to know that only ten Liberal MP's even voted on this motion.
All the others abstained, including each and every New Brunswick Liberal MP.
Why do Dion's Liberals continue to prop up the Harper government? Are no issues important enough for action? Not even the environment?
Only the NDP has been consistently determined to protect our environment and Canadian families.
Only the NDP has been serving as opposition.
ALICE FINNAMORE
(NDP Candidate for) Tobique-Mactaquac
Save the money wasted on reports
I suspect that the Graham government will one day be remembered as an era of rule by report. I am not sure how many will think that it was an era of 'good' rule however.
Many people predicted the general policy recommendations of the Post-Secondary Education report before it was officially released, even as a trial balloon. It would seem that recommending that we destroy universities and build polytechnics might be expected when one of the report's authors (Rick Miner) sits on the board of Polytechnics Canada.
While I have heard on his call-in sessions that Education Minister Lamrock is not interested in anecdotal evidence, I was told last summer that French immersion in general, and early French immersion in particular, was under threat from his office.
Half-a-year later the government receives a report that, contrary to respected evidence from across the nation, severely undermines French immersion in New Brunswick.
Then the government receives "Public Views on Forest Management in New Brunswick" which surveys people's opinions of the management of Crown lands. This report is about our land, and how we feel about it; so the Graham government permits one public presentation of the report's findings and cancels eight others.
If this government wants to rule by decree - not something that I support - then please save taxpayers the money you waste on reports that either reach the conclusion you've already come to, or provide information that you are unwilling to hear.
ROB MOIR
NDP candidate for Fundy Royal
_______________________________________________________________
Canadians want clean air, water
Canadians want action to protect our environment. We want clean air and water for our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately the Harper government isn't listening. A year ago, the Conservatives introduced their so-called Clean Air Act - a bill that would make the air dirtier.
The NDP convinced all parties to work together to re-write the bill.
The new Clean Air and Climate Change Act was supported by the majority of Parliament. When the government shelved the improved C-30, the NDP made a motion to bring the Bill back. That motion also was supported by a majority of this House.
Yet, now, months later, no action has been taken on this Bill. The NDP believes that Canadians can't wait any longer, and used their Opposition Day in the House of Commons on Monday to introduce a vote of non-confidence in the Harper government, for its refusal to bring the Clean Air and Climate Change Act back to the House. That motion was defeated with the help of the Liberals.
Millions of Canadians who sent Liberal MPs to Ottawa must be sorely disappointed to know that only ten Liberal MP's even voted on this motion.
All the others abstained, including each and every New Brunswick Liberal MP.
Why do Dion's Liberals continue to prop up the Harper government? Are no issues important enough for action? Not even the environment?
Only the NDP has been consistently determined to protect our environment and Canadian families.
Only the NDP has been serving as opposition.
ALICE FINNAMORE
(NDP Candidate for) Tobique-Mactaquac
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