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
Monday, October 13, 2008
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"
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