Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
TheStar Salutin: The sector that dares not speak its name
Awesome article from the Star offering a refreshing and important view. TheStar Salutin: The sector that dares not speak its name
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
TheStar Jack Layton dead at 61
Jack's obit as written in the Toronto Star. TheStar Jack Layton dead at 61
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
More than Jobs are Lost
There is no question in my mind that the current round of job cuts in the Ontario Public Service is driven by politics and optics. The McGuinty Liberals have made their move to demonstrate to the electorate that they can be “tough conservative fiscal managers”. The result of this chest pounding bravado is that hundreds of talented , dedicated, hardworking men and women will lose their jobs so the government will get the “headlines” it needs to position itself to attract right of center voters in this fall’s provincial election. The fact that hundreds of families will suffer the impact and hardship of job loss is seen as nothing more than the price for political expedience.
Modern employers go to great lengths to disassociate themselves from the humanity of the workforce. In boardrooms, workers are referred to as “resources, expendable assets, fiscal liabilities or just plain jobs. Any term can be used so long as it does not conjure up an image of a human face. But the reality is every worker/job has a face, a story, a life attached to it. Jobs are a means to an end and never the end. Jobs support families, build communities and is some cases give use what we need to fulfill our dreams. When a community loses jobs it sets of a chain reaction that can have far reaching repercussions.
Take Larry for instance. He is a twenty something who has been working as a customer service representative in the Ontario Public Service for about five years. He enjoys his job and by all accounts is a reliable and effective worker. He has recently been advised his job has been eliminated and he will be facing a permanent lay-off. In communities in Northern Ontario where good paying union jobs are getting tougher to find so Larry’s pending job loss will mean he will have to move to find work.
Larry has been married for about two years. A year ago his bought his first home and six month after that his first child was born. Larry thought his life was on track so he and his wife Indara were looking at have a second child. Indara was planning to start an in home daycare so she could stay home with the kids while contributing to the family income. They are lucky to live in a great neighbourhood with many young working families.
Larry likes to be involved in his community and stay active. He volunteers as a Scout Leader. He likes to play soccer and sits on his league’s executive. Several weekends every summer Larry volunteers for soccer skills camp for kids. Indara’s parents are aging and Larry is happy to maintain their home and yard.
Indara has a psychology degree and likes volunteering her time at a local school working with special needs children. She also supports her elderly parents so they can stay in their own home.
Larry and Indara like to think of themselves as an ordinary family who enjoy being involved in their community; not unlike many of their neighbour. But the loss of “one job” will have a significant impact on their town. So let’s recap. Their town will lose a scout leader, soccer volunteer and a league executive. An aging couple will lose their support system and easy access to their grandchildren. The neighbourhood will lose quality daycare spaces and a skilled volunteer at a local school
There will be a human toll as well. Friends and family will be separated while facing the financial realities of job loss. There is no doubt this young couple will be facing stress producing challenges for some time. Many such experiences can lead to divorce or at the very least marital distress.
So the next time you see a newspaper headline about job cuts, remember there is far more happening than just the loss of a job…
Modern employers go to great lengths to disassociate themselves from the humanity of the workforce. In boardrooms, workers are referred to as “resources, expendable assets, fiscal liabilities or just plain jobs. Any term can be used so long as it does not conjure up an image of a human face. But the reality is every worker/job has a face, a story, a life attached to it. Jobs are a means to an end and never the end. Jobs support families, build communities and is some cases give use what we need to fulfill our dreams. When a community loses jobs it sets of a chain reaction that can have far reaching repercussions.
Take Larry for instance. He is a twenty something who has been working as a customer service representative in the Ontario Public Service for about five years. He enjoys his job and by all accounts is a reliable and effective worker. He has recently been advised his job has been eliminated and he will be facing a permanent lay-off. In communities in Northern Ontario where good paying union jobs are getting tougher to find so Larry’s pending job loss will mean he will have to move to find work.
Larry has been married for about two years. A year ago his bought his first home and six month after that his first child was born. Larry thought his life was on track so he and his wife Indara were looking at have a second child. Indara was planning to start an in home daycare so she could stay home with the kids while contributing to the family income. They are lucky to live in a great neighbourhood with many young working families.
Larry likes to be involved in his community and stay active. He volunteers as a Scout Leader. He likes to play soccer and sits on his league’s executive. Several weekends every summer Larry volunteers for soccer skills camp for kids. Indara’s parents are aging and Larry is happy to maintain their home and yard.
Indara has a psychology degree and likes volunteering her time at a local school working with special needs children. She also supports her elderly parents so they can stay in their own home.
Larry and Indara like to think of themselves as an ordinary family who enjoy being involved in their community; not unlike many of their neighbour. But the loss of “one job” will have a significant impact on their town. So let’s recap. Their town will lose a scout leader, soccer volunteer and a league executive. An aging couple will lose their support system and easy access to their grandchildren. The neighbourhood will lose quality daycare spaces and a skilled volunteer at a local school
There will be a human toll as well. Friends and family will be separated while facing the financial realities of job loss. There is no doubt this young couple will be facing stress producing challenges for some time. Many such experiences can lead to divorce or at the very least marital distress.
So the next time you see a newspaper headline about job cuts, remember there is far more happening than just the loss of a job…
Friday, July 22, 2011
Losing Myself in the Festival Atmosphere
Last evening I was in Mattawa getting our campsite, on our property there, ready for Voyager Days Weekend. The festivities got underway last night with a free concert from local talent and a children’s’ fishing derby.
This evening could not have been more perfect. With the temperature hovering above 30◦ Celsius and warm breeze making the heat bearable, the evening was right for festivals. Children at the fishing derby had their faces covered in ice cream and excitement as they received their prizes for participating in the event. Is there anything more Canadian than kids, fishing and ice cream cones being served from the back of a half-ton truck? It’s hard to know what was producing more heat on this hot summer evening, the heat from the setting sun or the heat radiating from everyone’s glowing smiles.
Last fall my wife and I bought property in this town of 2200 people with a plan the move here was we retire. Mattawa means "Meeting of the Waters" in Ojibwa and its natural beauty is striking. Nestled in the Laurentian Valley at the confluence of the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers, there is water and tree covered mountains just about everywhere you look. It is truly and special place in the summer.
At the festival grounds, musicians began to entertain the locals. Although the crowd was small on this evening, it was festive and appreciative. This was the town’s night to relax and be entertained before the thousands of visitors arrive. On Explorer’s Point, where in 1615 Etienne Brulé and Samuel de Champlain were the first Europeans to pass through this area, one of Ontario’s top 10 summer festivals was underway.
This is the first time I will attend the communities “biggest weekend” of the year with 15,000 people expected to attend. Its Main Street will be bustling as new visitors and former residents meet to chat or simply share a smile. Despite the town’s population growing tenfold, I’m anticipating a wonderful weekend. Small towns are at their best when they entertain visitors and there is no doubt that Mattawa will be a spectacular host this weekend. Even though I have only been a part-time resident of this little town for about eight months, I’m brimming with civic pride and looking forward to losing myself in the festival atmosphere for the next three days.
This evening could not have been more perfect. With the temperature hovering above 30◦ Celsius and warm breeze making the heat bearable, the evening was right for festivals. Children at the fishing derby had their faces covered in ice cream and excitement as they received their prizes for participating in the event. Is there anything more Canadian than kids, fishing and ice cream cones being served from the back of a half-ton truck? It’s hard to know what was producing more heat on this hot summer evening, the heat from the setting sun or the heat radiating from everyone’s glowing smiles.
Last fall my wife and I bought property in this town of 2200 people with a plan the move here was we retire. Mattawa means "Meeting of the Waters" in Ojibwa and its natural beauty is striking. Nestled in the Laurentian Valley at the confluence of the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers, there is water and tree covered mountains just about everywhere you look. It is truly and special place in the summer.
At the festival grounds, musicians began to entertain the locals. Although the crowd was small on this evening, it was festive and appreciative. This was the town’s night to relax and be entertained before the thousands of visitors arrive. On Explorer’s Point, where in 1615 Etienne Brulé and Samuel de Champlain were the first Europeans to pass through this area, one of Ontario’s top 10 summer festivals was underway.
This is the first time I will attend the communities “biggest weekend” of the year with 15,000 people expected to attend. Its Main Street will be bustling as new visitors and former residents meet to chat or simply share a smile. Despite the town’s population growing tenfold, I’m anticipating a wonderful weekend. Small towns are at their best when they entertain visitors and there is no doubt that Mattawa will be a spectacular host this weekend. Even though I have only been a part-time resident of this little town for about eight months, I’m brimming with civic pride and looking forward to losing myself in the festival atmosphere for the next three days.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
All I will let them take is my paycheque
Today I must face the finality of something I have not had to deal with in my 53 years of life. Today I am being “officially” told by my employer of 22 years that my employment is being terminated. I’ve known that this inevitability has been coming no for weeks and although I have struggled and come to terms with the economic impact on my family, I’m still battling the emotional and psychological impact of this experience.
Working and learning have always been important to me. My lifetime of work has shaped who I am and had a positive impact on my life experience. Without a vocation my life would be incomplete. In some ways I believe that work is and can be a life sustaining force. Maybe that’s why my emotional journey through this has been so surprising to me.
It is has been to proverbial roller coaster of emotions for me. At first it was denial and disbelief,and then came anger followed by the sadness. Hindsight clearly demonstrates that I have been actively grieving for months now, which is something that is not foreign to me. What is troubling to me is how at times I’ve been consumed with self-doubt. There are days when my self-worth and self-confidence have been seriously challenged. I continue to question many of my skills and abilities and often feel inadequate. For some reason I struggle with the belief that I am responsible for my situation when cognitively I know I’m not.
While in my mind I know that I will be the same person tomorrow and that my god given gift will still be there, my motivation to push forward is at times less than desired because of questions that linger. Am I a failure, a loser or no longer worthy of work? Again when I’m thinking rationally none of these apply.
I’m realizing that what I’m experiencing now has been experienced by millions around the world and I now stand in solidarity with them. I’m learning that although my work is very important to me it does not define me or my worth. I’m also learning that I can’t surrender power to an then employer because of some random decision taken by them to prematurely end my career as who has power over me is a decision that is fully in my control.
So I will continue to move forward as I must. I will retake control of my destiny and do I what I do best. Work for me and for those I love. I will find a way to make a lasting contribution because no employer can take away my humanity, dignity and purpose along with my paycheque.
Working and learning have always been important to me. My lifetime of work has shaped who I am and had a positive impact on my life experience. Without a vocation my life would be incomplete. In some ways I believe that work is and can be a life sustaining force. Maybe that’s why my emotional journey through this has been so surprising to me.
It is has been to proverbial roller coaster of emotions for me. At first it was denial and disbelief,and then came anger followed by the sadness. Hindsight clearly demonstrates that I have been actively grieving for months now, which is something that is not foreign to me. What is troubling to me is how at times I’ve been consumed with self-doubt. There are days when my self-worth and self-confidence have been seriously challenged. I continue to question many of my skills and abilities and often feel inadequate. For some reason I struggle with the belief that I am responsible for my situation when cognitively I know I’m not.
While in my mind I know that I will be the same person tomorrow and that my god given gift will still be there, my motivation to push forward is at times less than desired because of questions that linger. Am I a failure, a loser or no longer worthy of work? Again when I’m thinking rationally none of these apply.
I’m realizing that what I’m experiencing now has been experienced by millions around the world and I now stand in solidarity with them. I’m learning that although my work is very important to me it does not define me or my worth. I’m also learning that I can’t surrender power to an then employer because of some random decision taken by them to prematurely end my career as who has power over me is a decision that is fully in my control.
So I will continue to move forward as I must. I will retake control of my destiny and do I what I do best. Work for me and for those I love. I will find a way to make a lasting contribution because no employer can take away my humanity, dignity and purpose along with my paycheque.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Ontario Public Service Job Cuts will Impact North Bay
OPSEU Local 635 – North Bay
Media Advisory: Ontario Public Service Job Cuts will Impact North Bay
North Bay ON – July 13, 2011
Beginning on July 14 the McGuinty government will begin handing out pink slips to OPSEU represented employees working in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) across Ontario. Over 1000 jobs will be cut province wide and the city of North Bay will be impacted. Just what exactly the impact is for the North Bay area will not be known until OPSEU Members get their lay-off notices over the next couple of weeks.
“This round of cuts will have a far reaching and hurtful impact on communities” says Eric Morin, Vice President of OPSEU Local 635, North Bay. Not only will there be job cuts, but citizens will see service cuts as well.
Morin added, “Unlike previous job cuts, the McGuinty government is not offering access to voluntary exit to early retirement options. Sadly this will mean that many young skilled workers will bear the brunt of the lay-offs and will be left without a job. It could also mean that more young talent will leave the city in search of work.”
“This is a bad business decision by this government” says Morin. “When you consider that a significant portion of public service worker will qualify for pensions in the next three to four years, it makes no sense to fire people now only to start looking for new hires, who need to be trained, in a few short years.”
“Voluntary early retirement options make good business sense” Morin continued. “They allow older workers to retire and continue to make an economic contribution to their communities, while allowing young workers to keep their jobs and stay here in the city as well. It’s a real win-win.”
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced in last spring’s budget that they would cut the OPS by 1,500 positions between 2012 and 2014. This is over and above 3,400 positions to be cut by March 2012, announced in 2009 Budget.
“This is clearly a political move by the McGuinty Liberals to downsize and to prove he can match the Hudak Conservatives when it comes to their mean spirited promises to cut public service jobs”, says Morin. “The Premier is also going back on his promise to reduce the public service by attrition. Sadly this broken promise will hurt young working families now; it will further erode their future opportunities for good jobs in our region.”
-30-
Media Advisory: Ontario Public Service Job Cuts will Impact North Bay
North Bay ON – July 13, 2011
Beginning on July 14 the McGuinty government will begin handing out pink slips to OPSEU represented employees working in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) across Ontario. Over 1000 jobs will be cut province wide and the city of North Bay will be impacted. Just what exactly the impact is for the North Bay area will not be known until OPSEU Members get their lay-off notices over the next couple of weeks.
“This round of cuts will have a far reaching and hurtful impact on communities” says Eric Morin, Vice President of OPSEU Local 635, North Bay. Not only will there be job cuts, but citizens will see service cuts as well.
Morin added, “Unlike previous job cuts, the McGuinty government is not offering access to voluntary exit to early retirement options. Sadly this will mean that many young skilled workers will bear the brunt of the lay-offs and will be left without a job. It could also mean that more young talent will leave the city in search of work.”
“This is a bad business decision by this government” says Morin. “When you consider that a significant portion of public service worker will qualify for pensions in the next three to four years, it makes no sense to fire people now only to start looking for new hires, who need to be trained, in a few short years.”
“Voluntary early retirement options make good business sense” Morin continued. “They allow older workers to retire and continue to make an economic contribution to their communities, while allowing young workers to keep their jobs and stay here in the city as well. It’s a real win-win.”
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced in last spring’s budget that they would cut the OPS by 1,500 positions between 2012 and 2014. This is over and above 3,400 positions to be cut by March 2012, announced in 2009 Budget.
“This is clearly a political move by the McGuinty Liberals to downsize and to prove he can match the Hudak Conservatives when it comes to their mean spirited promises to cut public service jobs”, says Morin. “The Premier is also going back on his promise to reduce the public service by attrition. Sadly this broken promise will hurt young working families now; it will further erode their future opportunities for good jobs in our region.”
-30-
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Working Class Under Attack!
Most of you have known me for many years and know that I’m not an alarmist and the politics of fear is not something I subscribe to. However, as someone who reads about and studies the social fibre and politics of our country extensively, I believe that it is by obligation to share with you my assessment of politics currently in Ontario. To put it plainly and simply, our way of life is under attack.
As we move to a fall election in Ontario, the two so called front running parties are quickly moving their agenda further to the right of the political spectrum. This move to the right is bad news to working women and men across the province. It will be the worst possible news for those thousands of people who will pay with the loss of their jobs. Here is just a small sample of what they have planned.
The McGuinty Liberals have already begun their assault on the Ontario Public Service. They have broken their promise to not surplus employees and reduce the OPS only through attrition. To this point they have announced nearly 2000 lay-offs for this year alone. They have also appointed a commission that will look at “restructuring the OPS”. Don’t be fooled or misled by this government speak. The commission’s purpose is to reduce the size of the OPS through job reduction along with the divestment and privatization of thousands of good paying jobs. None of this is about saving money. It is about is about putting as much money as possible in the pockets of their friends and major contributors on Bay Street. In fact, if it was about saving money they would put a halt the tax cuts they promised to Ontario’s richest corporations.
The Hudak Conservatives are promising the same for Ontario but plan to take it a step further. They have announced a full attack on trade unions by legislating how unions spend their dues. If successful their law will prevent union campaigns that call for the protection of public services or challenge the government’s actions action against the poor and marginalized. It will prevent unions from publically holding them accountable when they disregard human rights or place people at risk as the Conservatives did in Walkerton in the 1990s. Hudak is Mike Harris with a better smile and an insatiable need to attack working values.
There is only one option as we move toward a provincial election. That is to support the only party created by working people and that has historically fought for our interest, the New Democratic Party of Ontario. Everyone needs to get involved in this election, especially if you believe in working and middle class values. Do whatever you can. Attend nomination meetings, rallies and events. Work on a campaign, be active in social media, write letters or make a financial contribution. It is far easier to prevent election of the McGuintys and the Hudaks than it is to fight them once they are elected. Simply look to the attack on working people in Wisconsin, Ohio and New Jersey as evidence of what may be in store for all of us. PLEASE SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
As we move to a fall election in Ontario, the two so called front running parties are quickly moving their agenda further to the right of the political spectrum. This move to the right is bad news to working women and men across the province. It will be the worst possible news for those thousands of people who will pay with the loss of their jobs. Here is just a small sample of what they have planned.
The McGuinty Liberals have already begun their assault on the Ontario Public Service. They have broken their promise to not surplus employees and reduce the OPS only through attrition. To this point they have announced nearly 2000 lay-offs for this year alone. They have also appointed a commission that will look at “restructuring the OPS”. Don’t be fooled or misled by this government speak. The commission’s purpose is to reduce the size of the OPS through job reduction along with the divestment and privatization of thousands of good paying jobs. None of this is about saving money. It is about is about putting as much money as possible in the pockets of their friends and major contributors on Bay Street. In fact, if it was about saving money they would put a halt the tax cuts they promised to Ontario’s richest corporations.
The Hudak Conservatives are promising the same for Ontario but plan to take it a step further. They have announced a full attack on trade unions by legislating how unions spend their dues. If successful their law will prevent union campaigns that call for the protection of public services or challenge the government’s actions action against the poor and marginalized. It will prevent unions from publically holding them accountable when they disregard human rights or place people at risk as the Conservatives did in Walkerton in the 1990s. Hudak is Mike Harris with a better smile and an insatiable need to attack working values.
There is only one option as we move toward a provincial election. That is to support the only party created by working people and that has historically fought for our interest, the New Democratic Party of Ontario. Everyone needs to get involved in this election, especially if you believe in working and middle class values. Do whatever you can. Attend nomination meetings, rallies and events. Work on a campaign, be active in social media, write letters or make a financial contribution. It is far easier to prevent election of the McGuintys and the Hudaks than it is to fight them once they are elected. Simply look to the attack on working people in Wisconsin, Ohio and New Jersey as evidence of what may be in store for all of us. PLEASE SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Response from the Premier Regarding G20 Secret Law
Some time ago, you wrote to me about security during last summer's G20
summit in Toronto. I appreciated hearing what you had to say about
events during the gathering of world leaders, and would like to provide
you with an update on recent steps that our government has taken.
Last September, we asked former Ontario Chief Justice Roy McMurtry to
lead an independent review of the Public Works Protection Act (PWPA).
Our government released his report in April.
Mr. McMurtry concluded that the PWPA should be repealed and replaced
with legislation specific to court security and energy infrastructure. I
want you to know that our government will act on all of his
recommendations.
We will begin consultations on replacement legislation necessary to
protect vital infrastructure, as Mr. McMurtry recommended. Our objective
and commitment are to ensure the security of our essential
infrastructure while protecting civil liberties.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this information with you. Please
accept my best wishes.
Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
summit in Toronto. I appreciated hearing what you had to say about
events during the gathering of world leaders, and would like to provide
you with an update on recent steps that our government has taken.
Last September, we asked former Ontario Chief Justice Roy McMurtry to
lead an independent review of the Public Works Protection Act (PWPA).
Our government released his report in April.
Mr. McMurtry concluded that the PWPA should be repealed and replaced
with legislation specific to court security and energy infrastructure. I
want you to know that our government will act on all of his
recommendations.
We will begin consultations on replacement legislation necessary to
protect vital infrastructure, as Mr. McMurtry recommended. Our objective
and commitment are to ensure the security of our essential
infrastructure while protecting civil liberties.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this information with you. Please
accept my best wishes.
Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Feeling good about Canada today!
Feeling good about Canada today. This is our country and will only loose it if we allow it to happen. For decades we were the world leader on social justice, human rights, peace keeping, immigration, education, health care and environment. In the last eight years we have moved to the back of the pack and become indifferent followers. What has changed? Just look to the top. Let's make decisions that will give our kids the Canada we grew up in...
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
The kids get it, why don't we?
Today's youth are better educated, more informed and socially aware than past generations. These youth are inclusive and care about things like the environment, access to education, human rights and the equitable sharing of wealth. It's going to be their world. I think we should give them the world they want and marginalize the Conservatives because they have shown total disregard for our youth, especially if their views are different and they choose to use their freedom of speech. We seniors have had our chance and are leaving our children a messed up world where women's rights are still threatened; guns, jails and war planes take precedent over health care, affordable housing, daycare and universal access to post secondary education. All of it is possible if we just refocus our priorities. It's time to cut our losses and give our country back to the ones who will need it most, our children... we need to stop talking and start listening to them.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
I'm Baaacckk!
I've been away for a while. Life got really busy during the summer and into the fall. The world is an extraordinary place and leaves us with many issues and topics to grab our interest and time. Recently politics has once again become a preoccupation for me. The emergence of the Tea Party in the U.S., right government in Great Britain along with election season beginning provincially and federally in Canada. Lots to track.
However the transformation that's happening in the middle east, especially Egypt has really rekindled my interest and attention. What courage, patience and commitment by the opposition forces there against incredible odds. Truly a modern day David vs Goliath scenario. My hearth is with the people of Egypt. Through their peaceful demonstration I hope for a peaceful transition to self-determination and prosperity.
I have begun the transition my personal life toward retirement which is just 59 month away. I hope to share some of my plans, preparation as I move to this new phase of my life. So check in to see what I've been up to.
At the end of last year my wife and I bought an investment/retirement property which means we are now landlords for the first time ever. It is turning into quite the adventure. Hope to share about that experience as well.
Lefty out
However the transformation that's happening in the middle east, especially Egypt has really rekindled my interest and attention. What courage, patience and commitment by the opposition forces there against incredible odds. Truly a modern day David vs Goliath scenario. My hearth is with the people of Egypt. Through their peaceful demonstration I hope for a peaceful transition to self-determination and prosperity.
I have begun the transition my personal life toward retirement which is just 59 month away. I hope to share some of my plans, preparation as I move to this new phase of my life. So check in to see what I've been up to.
At the end of last year my wife and I bought an investment/retirement property which means we are now landlords for the first time ever. It is turning into quite the adventure. Hope to share about that experience as well.
Lefty out
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