Census Still - Exchange with Friend

I have been posting lots of articles on the census controversy .. mostly from Globe and Mail - onto my facebook profile.

A good friend asked about my continuing concern over the issue. I indicated I was as the government's decision goes against so much of what I believe in. Canadians like to have government decisions based on analyses of problems and recommended solutions. They don't want decisions based on ideological biases alone.

Regrettably our current federal government appears on this course. While we can find examples where they did undertake rigourous analysis of facts, there are now so many areas of public policy where the guiding principle of our federal government is 'Never mind the facts...and don't let them interfere with my opinion'

Various

So yesterday our National Statistics Council put forward a proposal to break the impasse/end the controversy over the census. Did our government move to 'cool the passions' by considering it.. well not apparently. The Minister stuck to his 'guns' so to speak at the parliamentary committee meeting.

Such a shame to see more ideologically-based policies coming from this government. An election may be what Canadians need to straighten folks out....

On a personal front still getting up awfully early in the morning but enjoy the physical effort.. and getting paid to boot. Six days a week I deliver 80-90 newspapers. I do miss the 'human contact' now that all customers prepay their paper. But it is certainly a relief not to have to 'collect' from anyone.

Have another business opportunity in the works. A major charity in this part of the world sells what are called 'cash calendars'. They provide commission to individuals and groups who sell calendars for them. I may become one of those sellers in next day or so.

The world (and life) goes in circles. Just today I found out a close family friend is in her final days in Ottawa. It's a woman I have know since very early childhood. I had just finished reading a long blog-type entry from her daughter when (on facebook) I had a beep from a new friend asking me if I still did taxes for a living. Later on today I met with her and her spouse to do their tax returns. The timing was so 'interesting'.. readig about a life-ending process and almos immediately getting a new client....such is our world.

Really enjoying warm DRY days of a Saskatchewan summer.

What a Week in our Political Sphere

Two ideologically-based innovations by our federal government. The war on accurate census information appears to have 'blown up' on the Conservatives. I hope they take the same course they took on the short-lived idea of changing the words of 'Oh Canada'.

And the 'review' of employment equity programs. Stockwell Day says the programs are working. So why the review. As a long time employment equity advocate I know that in order to create a more diversified workforce an employer will designate positions as (initially) open to members of designated groups. A single concern expressed about a position not be open to all who apply, should not (in normal circumstances) results in a government-wide review of a program. But I guess if the concern is expressed by a known supporter of an ideologicall--based government, the government will want to be seen to be acting....

Clear Language Hopes

Want to talk about a pet peeve of mine.. don't think I have ever talked about it before here.

The subject is plain language. You know so many documents in our commercial and other sectors are written in complex legalese or some might say 'gobbledygook'. Very long sentences abound. People given these types of documents just don't read them.

Today I was given a handbook and other material at our new financial advisor's office. Full of jargon and technical 'mumbo jumbo'. I likely won't read it for that reason. By not reading it I may not know all my rights in any relationship with the new company.

Many years ago when I was a provincial public servant I was aware of a move to 'clear language' in documents. If I recall correctly a document was written in clear language if it was understandable to someone with a Grade 6 education. It's too bad that even in the 21st century we have not learned to communicate using easy to understand words.

Saturday Morning in saskatchewan

Well it's the end of a week of delivering newspapers so early in the morning. Fortunately the local paper does not publish on Sundays so I don't have to get up so early in the morning.. yea.. a chance to maybe sleep in ( a rare occurrence at any time once you're up past your 50's - at least that's my experience) (:-())

Last night and this weekend there is a wonderful 'retreat'-type action at our local synagogue. We are attending and if last night's experience is any indication the community is going to be considering fundamental changes in the way it conducts its affairs. Good for them.. and we are likely to be part of it.

The long form census controversy....once again our federal government despite its rhetoric about wishing to accommodate needs/wishes of Canadians, is really acting ostrich-like right now.,.. another example of ideology trumping analysis. This is an all too often habit of this government. Only an election can resolve this continuing problem.

We left a lot of family and friends in eastern Ontario when we moved back here in June. Part of understanding is we would make 2/3 visits a year back there. Looking forward to making relevant travel arrangements very soon.

Carrying On

Just carrying on in Saskatchewan. Back to getting up very early in the morning and delivering newspapers... a great way to get exercise and being paid for it ((:-)).. can be a hassle if the weather doesn't co-operate.. like this morning.. but do find ways to cope.

Son-in-law's condition stable. Will be taking him to Saskatoon in several days to meet with specialist.. if time permits may visit a fellow who I worked for some 30 years ago.

Keeping in touch with a number of tax clients in central Canada. Long distance plans are a godsend.

Beginning also to plan visit to central Canada in November to attend a wedding. Will spend several days doing both 'business' stuff and visiting friends and relatives.

Continuing to do the type of things one does after moving into a new city... 'lucked out' in finding a new 'family doctor'... first person on list whose office I phoned was accepting new patients. Our prescriptions have been transferred to a close by pharmacy. Got our new driver's licences yesterday.

Our damaged vehicle is being fixed in early August.

For those who are interested check out my latest musings on a variety of topics on Facebook and Twitter. But stay here for the real 'personal' and 'opinionated' stuff ((:-))

Here We Go Again (Maybe.....)

So there is now renewed federal election speculation because of Senate dealing with budget bill in a way government doesn't like... but isn't this a Senate with many more new government supporters.....

Well if there must be an election so be it...all polls suggest it would be a $300 million exercise resulting in a parliament configured much like the present one. But the voters would have a chance to pass judgement not only on the current government's performance but also on alternatives offered by the opposition.

Oh.. and what's with the 'tanking' of liberal support....is a putsch coming in that party... I think if this continues something will 'break' by Labour Day. I know many folks want the current Liberal leader to fight one election to see how he will do.. but a telling commentary I read somewhere suggests he is perceived to be too 'conservative' on so many issues that he won't attract conservative voters (who already have a party), nor will he attract progressive voters (even some NDP and Green supporters) as his views are too far away from their outlooks.

My own view is the only good thing right now about the federal Liberal MP's is one of their number, I believe it was Gerard Kennedy, was willing some time ago to speculate that to balance our books there may be a need for tax adjustments....there's a politician with 'guts'.

Oh.. and I should 'confess' to be transparent ((:-)). ... in last several federal and provincial elections I have worked as an elections official on voting day.. so if I do that again I'll get a tiny portion of the $300 million election cost....

success!!

Got a part time job starting Monday next.. early morning job but one I have done in the past.

Before I left Regina in 2002 I had delivered newspapers for a couple of hours each early morning.. a way to be paid for walking around in early mornings as a good way to get regular exercise. Welll I'll be doing it again.....starting small but may expand.

Also may decide to drive a school bus.. that would be new.. but as a grandpa who likes grandchildren it could be great fun.....

Just spent first overnight with our 7 year old grandson whose father is quite sick...seemed to go great.. he's a very pleasant young man.

Enjoying cool pleasant weather here in southern Saskatchewan - avoiding heat and humidity of central Canada where we used to live.

well not meant to be +

Well I won't be pursuing the full time job opportunity discussed in yesterday's post. Seems the employer while willing to accommodate short term breaks for family reasons, is not willing to consider say a three month break each year.

I consider running my income tax preparation business as my primary activity in the 'world of work' for the last seven years. The prospective employer was not willing to countenance a 2 1/2 to 3 month gap each year.

Oh well I have a number of part time possibilities I am pursuing.

I see lots of stuff about policing and the G20. I see the Toronto police department is going to have an outside investigator. This is a step in the right direction. I think critics may wish to 'hold their fire' before condemning this step. Let's remember we want the facts about what happened. If something less than a full inquiry gets to the bottom of what happened, that should be sufficient.

I think the progressive elements in our country who in general have bona fide legitimate concerns over police tactics during the G20 should recognize progress when there is progress.

BTW I remain confused about cell service options.. both when I was in Ottawa, and now in Regina. There are so many plans, fees, alternatives etc. out there. How does one make any real comparisons.

Choices One Has to Make in Life Plus

I retired from full time work in March 2001. Except for working 'flat out' for my income tax business in tax season I have only worked at part time jobs.

Earlier today I became a aware of a full time job possibility. I haven't decided to do that yet but am willing to consider it...will likely decide in next day or so.

It would mean a real change in my lifestyle having to work full time again.. it would only last about six months or so as by then I will be preparing for the next tax season.

It would also mean FAR less volunteer activity than I have done the last 9 years.

On other matters I have posted a couple of links on facebook about opinions out there about recent events in Canada like the G8/G20 stuff in toronto. We really do need an independent inquiry on what happened.

Musings

Spent an enjoyable time last evening with our young grandson - the one whose father is so ill. Getting to know him better will help all of us face the future no matter what happens.

His Dad has his good days and bad days. He is set to meet his medical specialist again in Saskatoon on the last Monday in July.

More or less settled here in Saskatchewan. If nothing else turns up I have a part time telephone job commencing on Monday July 12 - not ideal work - but work nevertheless.

Speaking of telephone jobs I have a comment I have often made.. Telemarketing is like the ads for a certain cough medicine... it's a terrible industry in many ways.. but it works. Charities would not use telemarketers to solicit donations if the they were not successful. But apparently they are....

My business is fully registered to operate in Saskatchewan. Now I find out I have to obtain a business licence from my municipality.. that part is ok.. but I then find out it is quite expensive for a business my size. The provincial fee was $55 for three years (it as $60 for five years in Ontario). But the municipal fee is over $100 for the first year and if I read it correctly OVER $200 per year thereafter.. A big OUCH...

Lots of rain all over Saskatchewan. Flooding problems big time in many areas. And some have said Saskatchewan is a dry province.. not in 2010.

143 years old today...advocating for social change

Happy Canada Day to all Canadians. This is a day to celebrate the wonderful country in which we live. We are a vibrant democracy with about 34 million residents who demonstrate the wonders of how a diverse set of folks can mange to live together in generally amicable relationships.

We will be celebrating Canada Day here in Regina by joining with thousands of others in a local park where these types of events occur on a regular basis.

As we celeberate our nation's birthday I cannot help but notice a change in our country the last 30 years. Canadians have a long history of caring for one another. Our social service agencies and volunteer commitments are some of the greatest in the world. Yet there is a 'troubling trend'.

It started in the 1979-80 period with the elections of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. These two 'neo-cons' popularized the idea of a 'less caring society' if not by words, but by their actions. Our public agencies began withdrawing themselves from actions which support a greater sense of equity in our society. Cutbacks were aimed at reducing social services directed to the least fortunate in our societies. We have seen this extended to an inability to meet foreign aid commitments, a refusal to extend women's rights to all corners of our country (and to the world), an ideological approach to crime prevention (never mind the evidence just incarcerate more people), reductions in social assistance benefit payments, etc. etc.

Occasionally one sees exceptions to this general trend.. the Canadian Child Tax Benefit.. is an example.. but they seem few and far between.

As we mark of nation's birthday, I hope progressive-minded Canadians will re-commit ourselves to continue to strive for a more egalitarian country and world based on human rights, equity, equality, and most important a society that 'cares' for its less fortunate.