(Aired on October 13, 2010)
If you get picked up for being drunk or passed out in public, you can go to one of two places. You can go to the emergency room if your medical condition is serious enough. Or you can go to the drunk tank.
If you are sent to the drunk tank in RCMP cells, you will essentially be left there to sober up. Every now and then a guard will check up on you, make sure you're doing okay, and give you a meal. When it's deemed you are back in your right mind, you are released. It sounds like I know this from personal experience, but in fact, there has been so much made public concerning drunk tank policy lately that we all probably know, whether we've stayed a night in the clink or not.
A deficiency in the drunk tank system is being played out in a coroner's inquest this week, as a jury hears about the tragic demise of Stanley Cardinal after being lodged in cells last year. The recent sex in cells in controversy also reveals problems with the system.
What the E.R. and the drunk tank have in common is that they are both "catch and release." Once you're done, you're done, and off you go. But a lot of the time, if you get picked up for being drunk or passed out in public, it's not an isolated incident. You'll be back. That's why catch and release isn't necessarily appropriate.
Elsewhere in the province, communities have been setting up sobering centres. At a sobering centre, a person picked up passed out is set up with the programs that will get them on the road to recovery. I'd like to see this become the norm, rather than a rarity. Even during fishing season, it sounds a lot better than catch and release.
Showing posts with label James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James. Show all posts
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
James Will Regret Booting Simpson
(Aired on October 8, 2010)
Back in December, an interview I did with Bob Simpson made me sit up and take notice. He spoke about an upcoming party convention in which the New Democrats would discuss their Harmonized Sales Tax strategy. While his colleagues were simply launching attacks against the Liberal government, Simpson was much more reluctant. He said after the party already opposed the Carbon Tax, it needed to be careful. Opposing the HST, he thought, would position the NDP as an anti-tax party. BC politics are crazy, but not that crazy.
The interview confirmed to me that Bob Simpson isn't always in step with the rest of the party. Sure enough, Simpson was booted out of the NDP camp this week for criticizing leader Carole James.
Most people will recognize that Bob Simpson was ejected from the caucus for speaking the truth. Simpson sees that the NDP have failed to capitalize on the giant political football fumbled by the governing Liberals directly into their hands. The HST boondoggle should be what the party is jumping all over - not the substance of the tax, but the way the government screwed up its imposition. Instead, the upstart Fight HST group has been the dominant voice keeping the government accountable, and as such has become the de facto opposition party. The NDP are riding high in the polls, but that's because they are the default second option. The party has failed to find its voice. It's exactly the reason why I am still reluctant to write off the Liberals for the next election.
Bob Simpson is right to criticize his party, and he is justified in doing so because he wants to see his party do well. If he stays on the outside looking in, and if his critiques are not heeded, it's Carole James who regret not having him on board.
Back in December, an interview I did with Bob Simpson made me sit up and take notice. He spoke about an upcoming party convention in which the New Democrats would discuss their Harmonized Sales Tax strategy. While his colleagues were simply launching attacks against the Liberal government, Simpson was much more reluctant. He said after the party already opposed the Carbon Tax, it needed to be careful. Opposing the HST, he thought, would position the NDP as an anti-tax party. BC politics are crazy, but not that crazy.
The interview confirmed to me that Bob Simpson isn't always in step with the rest of the party. Sure enough, Simpson was booted out of the NDP camp this week for criticizing leader Carole James.
Most people will recognize that Bob Simpson was ejected from the caucus for speaking the truth. Simpson sees that the NDP have failed to capitalize on the giant political football fumbled by the governing Liberals directly into their hands. The HST boondoggle should be what the party is jumping all over - not the substance of the tax, but the way the government screwed up its imposition. Instead, the upstart Fight HST group has been the dominant voice keeping the government accountable, and as such has become the de facto opposition party. The NDP are riding high in the polls, but that's because they are the default second option. The party has failed to find its voice. It's exactly the reason why I am still reluctant to write off the Liberals for the next election.
Bob Simpson is right to criticize his party, and he is justified in doing so because he wants to see his party do well. If he stays on the outside looking in, and if his critiques are not heeded, it's Carole James who regret not having him on board.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
More Money Needed for Emerald Centre
(Aired on October 6, 2010)
Doug Sage seems confident. Me, not so much.
I was speaking with Sage today about the former Rendezvous Hotel, soon to be called Emerald Centre. You may recall the property was purchased by the province earlier this year, with the promise that it would be turned into a homeless shelter, jointly run by ASK Wellness and Canadian Mental Health. Sage, who runs CMHA locally, says the estimate on how much it will cost to renovate the property has risen by about $1.5-million. The local organizations have to go back to BC Housing with open hands hoping that the government will pony up the dough.
As I said before, Sage is confident. He says he knows that times are tight, and the government is not handing out money very easily these days. If you listen to him, though, the province is committed to this project. Any hesitation to hand over the money will only result in a delay in project completion, not a complete cancellation.
I'm much more reluctant. I know the Campbell Liberals need to win some popularity points right now, and funding social projects is always a good way to do that. But it's my thinking they'd rather do that on the right, by yanking the reins on spending and getting BC out of deficit as soon as possible, than on the left by spending more. For the sake of the homeless in Kamloops, I hope I'm wrong.
Sage is certainly right about one thing, he says as long as people are forced to stay in shelters rather than their own housing, the fight must continue. In that fight, he will soon find out whether the province is foe or ally.
Doug Sage seems confident. Me, not so much.
I was speaking with Sage today about the former Rendezvous Hotel, soon to be called Emerald Centre. You may recall the property was purchased by the province earlier this year, with the promise that it would be turned into a homeless shelter, jointly run by ASK Wellness and Canadian Mental Health. Sage, who runs CMHA locally, says the estimate on how much it will cost to renovate the property has risen by about $1.5-million. The local organizations have to go back to BC Housing with open hands hoping that the government will pony up the dough.
As I said before, Sage is confident. He says he knows that times are tight, and the government is not handing out money very easily these days. If you listen to him, though, the province is committed to this project. Any hesitation to hand over the money will only result in a delay in project completion, not a complete cancellation.
I'm much more reluctant. I know the Campbell Liberals need to win some popularity points right now, and funding social projects is always a good way to do that. But it's my thinking they'd rather do that on the right, by yanking the reins on spending and getting BC out of deficit as soon as possible, than on the left by spending more. For the sake of the homeless in Kamloops, I hope I'm wrong.
Sage is certainly right about one thing, he says as long as people are forced to stay in shelters rather than their own housing, the fight must continue. In that fight, he will soon find out whether the province is foe or ally.
Monday, October 4, 2010
HST Debate Turning Nasty
(Aired on October 1, 2010)
Two weeks ago, I theorized that advertising would be key in determining who gets the upper hand in the Harmonized Sales Tax campaign prior to next year's referendum. Turns out I was wrong. Or at least that's the way this week turned out.
First, there was the comments unearthed by the Liberals, attributed to Okanagan Fight HST organizer Al Romanchuk, who was sympathetic to holocaust-denier Ernst Zundel. Then, Liberal MLAs pointed to Cariboo-Chilcotin organizer Gary Edwards, who peppers his angry blog entries with profanities and vulgarisms. The Fight HST campaign countered by uncovering comments made by a former Young Liberal official, who tweeted that Bill Vander Zalm is to politics what Michael Jackson was to children.
So no, I suppose it won't be advertising or rational debate that will turn the tide. It will be the nastiest, most cynical form of political dirty tricks. Certainly, the comments made are deplorable, and in some cases, completely reprehensible. But it doesn't have any real impact on the debate. In fact, instead of changing the minds of the voters, it will only further entrench people in their own positions.
I thought sanity would be restored today when I learned that Cariboo-Chilcotin organizers are proceeding with a recall of MLA Donna Barnett. My idea was that maybe we'd get down to something real. But when I spoke to Barnett about it, all she wanted to do was direct me to read up more on the foul-mouthed blogger.
It's my hope that British Columbians keep their eyes on the prize, and consider all relevant points before making a decision on HST. Character assassination, to my mind, is not relevant.
Two weeks ago, I theorized that advertising would be key in determining who gets the upper hand in the Harmonized Sales Tax campaign prior to next year's referendum. Turns out I was wrong. Or at least that's the way this week turned out.
First, there was the comments unearthed by the Liberals, attributed to Okanagan Fight HST organizer Al Romanchuk, who was sympathetic to holocaust-denier Ernst Zundel. Then, Liberal MLAs pointed to Cariboo-Chilcotin organizer Gary Edwards, who peppers his angry blog entries with profanities and vulgarisms. The Fight HST campaign countered by uncovering comments made by a former Young Liberal official, who tweeted that Bill Vander Zalm is to politics what Michael Jackson was to children.
So no, I suppose it won't be advertising or rational debate that will turn the tide. It will be the nastiest, most cynical form of political dirty tricks. Certainly, the comments made are deplorable, and in some cases, completely reprehensible. But it doesn't have any real impact on the debate. In fact, instead of changing the minds of the voters, it will only further entrench people in their own positions.
I thought sanity would be restored today when I learned that Cariboo-Chilcotin organizers are proceeding with a recall of MLA Donna Barnett. My idea was that maybe we'd get down to something real. But when I spoke to Barnett about it, all she wanted to do was direct me to read up more on the foul-mouthed blogger.
It's my hope that British Columbians keep their eyes on the prize, and consider all relevant points before making a decision on HST. Character assassination, to my mind, is not relevant.
Government's Response to Sex Trade Ruling Troubling
(Aired on September 29, 2010)
A ruling by the Ontario Superior Court this week is sending shockwaves through the Canadian legal system. The decision strikes down certain provisions in the laws governing Canada's sex trade. Most people who work with prostitutes, like the ASK Wellness Centre here in Kamloops, are applauding the ruling, saying it will make that particular line of work much safer.
Having this discussion in the public realm is long-needed. Strict government regulations have forced the sex trade to a place that is too far underground for its participants to remain safe.
Troubling, though, is the Canadian government's response. Immediately after the ruling was announced, the government said it would probably appeal. Today, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson confirmed that intention. But the first person to voice the government's displeasure with the court decision was Rona Ambrose. Ms. Ambrose is the Minister of State for the Status of Women. For her to be the person that openly opposes a plan to make women safer ostensibly goes against her own job description. Even if she needs to toe the government line on opposition, she should articulate a message that the government is doing everything possible to keep women safe. Of course, the government could do that even better by actually changing prostitution laws accordingly.
A ruling by the Ontario Superior Court this week is sending shockwaves through the Canadian legal system. The decision strikes down certain provisions in the laws governing Canada's sex trade. Most people who work with prostitutes, like the ASK Wellness Centre here in Kamloops, are applauding the ruling, saying it will make that particular line of work much safer.
Having this discussion in the public realm is long-needed. Strict government regulations have forced the sex trade to a place that is too far underground for its participants to remain safe.
Troubling, though, is the Canadian government's response. Immediately after the ruling was announced, the government said it would probably appeal. Today, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson confirmed that intention. But the first person to voice the government's displeasure with the court decision was Rona Ambrose. Ms. Ambrose is the Minister of State for the Status of Women. For her to be the person that openly opposes a plan to make women safer ostensibly goes against her own job description. Even if she needs to toe the government line on opposition, she should articulate a message that the government is doing everything possible to keep women safe. Of course, the government could do that even better by actually changing prostitution laws accordingly.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Palin: The Next Celebrity President?
(Aired on September 24, 2010)
In november of 2008, I happened to be down in Hawaii when Barack Obama was elected president of the United States. You could tell that change was in the wind, and a member of the old guard like John McCain didn't stand a chance. The campaign was significant in that Obama rose through the Democratic ranks with a groundswell of grassroots support to snag the nomination. Obama had converted a lot of supporters of other candidates because he represented someone young, energetic, and wise. He was an eloquent speaker, yet was down to earth enough to shoot hoops on his down time. Obama was a genuine celebrity.
After that, he had so much momentum, it carried him right through to the White House, and had a lot of people treating him like a messiah. Since then, it has become clear that he is not the messiah, and his presidency has lost a lot of its lustre.
But if you thought he was a celebrity, you ain't seen nothing yet. Sarah Palin has become a much bigger celebrity to most americans. For a lot of people, Palin is more of a breath of fresh air. While she can't touch Obama as an orator or a thinker, she has a tonne of charisma and that can make up for a lot of flaws. That charisma has been front and centre in the media ever since 2008, even though the next presidential vote is a long way away.
Palin's desire for the spotlight tells me two things. First, I don't think anyone doubts she will take a run at the White House herself in 2012. But second, it tells me she is far more interested in being seen than being a leader. Sarah Palin wants to be in books, she wants to be on TV, and she wants to be on the tips of people's tongues, far more than she wants to be in the White House. My worry is that she will get to the White House in 2012, and will have no idea what to do once she's there. We already had that problem with a certain Texas oilman called Dubya.
In november of 2008, I happened to be down in Hawaii when Barack Obama was elected president of the United States. You could tell that change was in the wind, and a member of the old guard like John McCain didn't stand a chance. The campaign was significant in that Obama rose through the Democratic ranks with a groundswell of grassroots support to snag the nomination. Obama had converted a lot of supporters of other candidates because he represented someone young, energetic, and wise. He was an eloquent speaker, yet was down to earth enough to shoot hoops on his down time. Obama was a genuine celebrity.
After that, he had so much momentum, it carried him right through to the White House, and had a lot of people treating him like a messiah. Since then, it has become clear that he is not the messiah, and his presidency has lost a lot of its lustre.
But if you thought he was a celebrity, you ain't seen nothing yet. Sarah Palin has become a much bigger celebrity to most americans. For a lot of people, Palin is more of a breath of fresh air. While she can't touch Obama as an orator or a thinker, she has a tonne of charisma and that can make up for a lot of flaws. That charisma has been front and centre in the media ever since 2008, even though the next presidential vote is a long way away.
Palin's desire for the spotlight tells me two things. First, I don't think anyone doubts she will take a run at the White House herself in 2012. But second, it tells me she is far more interested in being seen than being a leader. Sarah Palin wants to be in books, she wants to be on TV, and she wants to be on the tips of people's tongues, far more than she wants to be in the White House. My worry is that she will get to the White House in 2012, and will have no idea what to do once she's there. We already had that problem with a certain Texas oilman called Dubya.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Privacy Breach Nothing Less Than Frightening
(Aired on September 22, 2010)
Imagine you are fighting for something. You have a cause that is completely righteous in your eyes, and in fighting for it, you make your fair share of enemies - including people in the government. Now imagine those enemies have information about you that no one else should have. That includes your banking information and your medical information. It even includes a psychiatric report, spelled out in painstaking detail.
That's exactly what has happened to Sean Bruyea. He has been an outspoken critic of Veterans Affairs for a long time, and certainly made himself a lot of enemies. In 2006, Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson found that personal information relating Bruyea in his briefing notes. That means that someone, likely in the bureaucracy, managed to dredge those documents up.
How that happened is the scary part. It is quite frightening that, given enough impetus, people who don't like you can find your most sensitive information and potentially use it against you. That's a paranoia-inducing reality of Orwellian proportions.
It's imperative that there be a full investigation into how this happened. That investigation, interestingly for us, could unearth former MP Betty Hinton, who has made herself scarce since deciding not to run in the last federal election. Hinton was once Greg Thompson's parliamentary secretary, a position she once famously mistook for a cabinet seat.
The investigation is crucial, not just for Mr. Bruyea himself, but for the principle of the thing. It's an egregious incident, and we need to know that it is an isolated one.
Imagine you are fighting for something. You have a cause that is completely righteous in your eyes, and in fighting for it, you make your fair share of enemies - including people in the government. Now imagine those enemies have information about you that no one else should have. That includes your banking information and your medical information. It even includes a psychiatric report, spelled out in painstaking detail.
That's exactly what has happened to Sean Bruyea. He has been an outspoken critic of Veterans Affairs for a long time, and certainly made himself a lot of enemies. In 2006, Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson found that personal information relating Bruyea in his briefing notes. That means that someone, likely in the bureaucracy, managed to dredge those documents up.
How that happened is the scary part. It is quite frightening that, given enough impetus, people who don't like you can find your most sensitive information and potentially use it against you. That's a paranoia-inducing reality of Orwellian proportions.
It's imperative that there be a full investigation into how this happened. That investigation, interestingly for us, could unearth former MP Betty Hinton, who has made herself scarce since deciding not to run in the last federal election. Hinton was once Greg Thompson's parliamentary secretary, a position she once famously mistook for a cabinet seat.
The investigation is crucial, not just for Mr. Bruyea himself, but for the principle of the thing. It's an egregious incident, and we need to know that it is an isolated one.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Kamloops Will Cry, But PG Will be a Good Host
(Aired on September 17, 2010)
Well, good for Prince George. P.G. won the right to host the 2015 Canada Winter Games today. It's believed the games will bring 3600 athletes and $60-million in economic activity to the winning city.
That, of course, would have been more than welcome in Kamloops, but is even more necessary in Northern BC. Though it wasn't that long ago that Kamloops had a local economy dominated by the forest industry. Insightful and innovative leadership in both the public and private sector led to better diversity in the business community here. That hasn't been the case in Prince George, where the economy is still largely based on forestry. And with the downturn, the entire region is hurting. So in that way, it's good for P.G.
Here's another reason it will work out well for Prince George - 2015 will be the 100th anniversary of the city's incorporation. There may be some negative aspects to the city. I've never visited, but people who have tell me it's poorly laid out, the downtown has virtually been abandoned, and of course, it stinks. But apparently, contrary to popular belief, Prince George does have adequate facilities to host the event. And they have five years to get up to speed.
Good on Kamloops for a strong bid, I'm sure we'll get many more high profile events in the future. For now, we'll cry in our beer, and tomorrow's another day.
Well, good for Prince George. P.G. won the right to host the 2015 Canada Winter Games today. It's believed the games will bring 3600 athletes and $60-million in economic activity to the winning city.
That, of course, would have been more than welcome in Kamloops, but is even more necessary in Northern BC. Though it wasn't that long ago that Kamloops had a local economy dominated by the forest industry. Insightful and innovative leadership in both the public and private sector led to better diversity in the business community here. That hasn't been the case in Prince George, where the economy is still largely based on forestry. And with the downturn, the entire region is hurting. So in that way, it's good for P.G.
Here's another reason it will work out well for Prince George - 2015 will be the 100th anniversary of the city's incorporation. There may be some negative aspects to the city. I've never visited, but people who have tell me it's poorly laid out, the downtown has virtually been abandoned, and of course, it stinks. But apparently, contrary to popular belief, Prince George does have adequate facilities to host the event. And they have five years to get up to speed.
Good on Kamloops for a strong bid, I'm sure we'll get many more high profile events in the future. For now, we'll cry in our beer, and tomorrow's another day.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Can Advertising Change Our Minds on HST?
(Aired on September 15, 2010)
Advertising works. It's a slogan that has kept my industry afloat through some pretty tough times. But we'll see just how well advertising works in the next year.
A year from now, British Columbians will go to the polls to show their feelings on the Harmonized Sales Tax. If the referendum was to be held today, the results would likely be very ominous for the Liberal government. And as TRU Political Studies professor Ray Pillar said yesterday, the referendum will foreshadow the next provincial election.
But who knows how we'll all feel about the HST in a year's time. During that interval, the Campbell government and their big business friends will likely want to max out on advertising the benefits of the HST. There will surely be spending limits placed on direct advertising, but there are always ways in which special interest groups can skirt those rules. You can count on being blitzed with propaganda.
But the anti-HST crowd has a bit of an advantage. While money must be spent to explain the benefits of certain tax policy, no money will need to be spent to convince the public that politicians are shady and coniving. It's an instinct probably all of us have. The government will be successful if it can shift attention away from how it sprung the HST on an unsuspecting public, and onto the benefits of a particular tax policy. If the debate focuses on cynical politics, however, I'm afraid the HST - and the Liberal government in turn - will be sunk.
Advertising works. It's a slogan that has kept my industry afloat through some pretty tough times. But we'll see just how well advertising works in the next year.
A year from now, British Columbians will go to the polls to show their feelings on the Harmonized Sales Tax. If the referendum was to be held today, the results would likely be very ominous for the Liberal government. And as TRU Political Studies professor Ray Pillar said yesterday, the referendum will foreshadow the next provincial election.
But who knows how we'll all feel about the HST in a year's time. During that interval, the Campbell government and their big business friends will likely want to max out on advertising the benefits of the HST. There will surely be spending limits placed on direct advertising, but there are always ways in which special interest groups can skirt those rules. You can count on being blitzed with propaganda.
But the anti-HST crowd has a bit of an advantage. While money must be spent to explain the benefits of certain tax policy, no money will need to be spent to convince the public that politicians are shady and coniving. It's an instinct probably all of us have. The government will be successful if it can shift attention away from how it sprung the HST on an unsuspecting public, and onto the benefits of a particular tax policy. If the debate focuses on cynical politics, however, I'm afraid the HST - and the Liberal government in turn - will be sunk.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Increased Support for Gun Registry Vexing
(Aired on September 8, 2010)
It's a head-scratcher that support for keeping the long gun registry has jumped over the past few months. Back in April, 42% of respondents to a Canadian Press Harris-Decima poll thought it would be a bad idea to get rid of the registry. Now, the number is up to 48%.
That's a significant jump considering nothing has really happened to precipitate it. As far as I know, there haven't been any dramatic jumps in gun violence during that time. The Conservatives still want to scrap the registry, and the opposition parties are still largely looking for ways to keep it in place. Police organizations have reiterated their support for keeping the registry, but that support has always been there. They say it's incredibly helpful to know which homes have firearms registered to them before they knock on the front door. That may be true, but the stated purpose of the long gun registry was to make guns involved in crime more traceable, thus leading police to the criminals more quickly and easily. I have yet to see evidence that actually happens.
It's only common sense that people who would use firearms in the commission of a crime will avoid registering their guns. And while the residual effects may be positive, the billion-dollar boondoggle doesn't seem to be effective at fighting crime.
On a philosophical, world view level, I'm not a fan of firearms. In a perfect world, they would not exist. But it's not a perfect world, guns are a part of society and we would be better served managing their possession and use than trying to rid the world of them. Politicians need to come up with a better option than the ones we have today.
It's a head-scratcher that support for keeping the long gun registry has jumped over the past few months. Back in April, 42% of respondents to a Canadian Press Harris-Decima poll thought it would be a bad idea to get rid of the registry. Now, the number is up to 48%.
That's a significant jump considering nothing has really happened to precipitate it. As far as I know, there haven't been any dramatic jumps in gun violence during that time. The Conservatives still want to scrap the registry, and the opposition parties are still largely looking for ways to keep it in place. Police organizations have reiterated their support for keeping the registry, but that support has always been there. They say it's incredibly helpful to know which homes have firearms registered to them before they knock on the front door. That may be true, but the stated purpose of the long gun registry was to make guns involved in crime more traceable, thus leading police to the criminals more quickly and easily. I have yet to see evidence that actually happens.
It's only common sense that people who would use firearms in the commission of a crime will avoid registering their guns. And while the residual effects may be positive, the billion-dollar boondoggle doesn't seem to be effective at fighting crime.
On a philosophical, world view level, I'm not a fan of firearms. In a perfect world, they would not exist. But it's not a perfect world, guns are a part of society and we would be better served managing their possession and use than trying to rid the world of them. Politicians need to come up with a better option than the ones we have today.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
RCMP Voyeurism Inexcusable
(Aired on September 1, 2010)
Four RCMP officers. Three city employees. Two women having sex in the drunk tank. One of them apparently HIV positive.
As many times as I go over it, the math doesn't add up. Why would seven professionals, all tasked with a role in maintaining public safety, simply watch on video as two cell block occupants put themselves at risk? As much as these seven men may have been turned on by what they saw, or giggling like school children at what was unfolding before their eyes on closed circuit video cameras, it doesn't make sense.
If all of the multitude of investigations find the basic facts as reported are accurate, then all of the culpability should be placed on one man - the 20-year-veteran watch commander who was in charge when this was happening. As of this recording, the corporal's identity has not been made public. But whoever he is should have known better. He should have known to break up the party as soon as he realized what was going on. The RCMP have a pseudo-military structure, meaning junior members look to those who outrank them for leadership and decision-making. The three constables involved combined don't have as much service time as the corporal. He needed to make the call immediately, not seven minutes into the show.
RCMP E-Division says a question exists as to whether the sex was consensual. But even if it appeared consensual, the sobriety of the participants muddies the issue. If the sex had been halted before it started, the criminal investigation into whether one of the participants disclosed her HIV status would not be necessary.
Being a Mountie is a tough job. Controversies surrounding excessive force in arrests, taser use, or undercover officers shooting a man all deserve careful consideration. This case does too, but it's in another realm. Taking a break and gathering your buddies around for a little voyeurism is completely inexcusable.
Four RCMP officers. Three city employees. Two women having sex in the drunk tank. One of them apparently HIV positive.
As many times as I go over it, the math doesn't add up. Why would seven professionals, all tasked with a role in maintaining public safety, simply watch on video as two cell block occupants put themselves at risk? As much as these seven men may have been turned on by what they saw, or giggling like school children at what was unfolding before their eyes on closed circuit video cameras, it doesn't make sense.
If all of the multitude of investigations find the basic facts as reported are accurate, then all of the culpability should be placed on one man - the 20-year-veteran watch commander who was in charge when this was happening. As of this recording, the corporal's identity has not been made public. But whoever he is should have known better. He should have known to break up the party as soon as he realized what was going on. The RCMP have a pseudo-military structure, meaning junior members look to those who outrank them for leadership and decision-making. The three constables involved combined don't have as much service time as the corporal. He needed to make the call immediately, not seven minutes into the show.
RCMP E-Division says a question exists as to whether the sex was consensual. But even if it appeared consensual, the sobriety of the participants muddies the issue. If the sex had been halted before it started, the criminal investigation into whether one of the participants disclosed her HIV status would not be necessary.
Being a Mountie is a tough job. Controversies surrounding excessive force in arrests, taser use, or undercover officers shooting a man all deserve careful consideration. This case does too, but it's in another realm. Taking a break and gathering your buddies around for a little voyeurism is completely inexcusable.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Traveling, Broke, and Hungry? No Kidding
(Bonus Editorial! Was Meant to Air August 27, 2010 - but did not.)
I think I'm starting to turn into a crotchety old man. I promised myself just a few short years ago it seems never to lose sympathy, but it's starting to happen anyway.
Driving through Sahali, you're quite likely to come across the two young people I saw at the corner of Summit and Columbia today. The man and woman were on either side of the intersection, each with a dog at their side, each holding a sign bearing the words "traveling, broke, and hungry."
"Broke and hungry" I have plenty of sympathy for. Sometimes the world conspires against a person, you find yourself caught up in addiction or bad financial investments, maybe you have a mental health issue, all of the sudden you're out on the street. Sometimes it truly is "down on your luck."
But "traveling" is the part that chaps my hide. That's where I lose my empathetic side. I'd love to be traveling. The best times of my life happened while I was traveling. I work for the vast majority of my life so that I can see a bit of the world during the little time off I get. When you tell me that you are traveling, you tell me exactly why you are broke and hungry.
I suppose it's very straight-laced of me to tell these people to settle down and get a job. The 20-year-old version of myself would be steamed at this. But really. Get a job.
I think I'm starting to turn into a crotchety old man. I promised myself just a few short years ago it seems never to lose sympathy, but it's starting to happen anyway.
Driving through Sahali, you're quite likely to come across the two young people I saw at the corner of Summit and Columbia today. The man and woman were on either side of the intersection, each with a dog at their side, each holding a sign bearing the words "traveling, broke, and hungry."
"Broke and hungry" I have plenty of sympathy for. Sometimes the world conspires against a person, you find yourself caught up in addiction or bad financial investments, maybe you have a mental health issue, all of the sudden you're out on the street. Sometimes it truly is "down on your luck."
But "traveling" is the part that chaps my hide. That's where I lose my empathetic side. I'd love to be traveling. The best times of my life happened while I was traveling. I work for the vast majority of my life so that I can see a bit of the world during the little time off I get. When you tell me that you are traveling, you tell me exactly why you are broke and hungry.
I suppose it's very straight-laced of me to tell these people to settle down and get a job. The 20-year-old version of myself would be steamed at this. But really. Get a job.
BC Regs on School Properties Vexing
(Aired on August 25, 2010)
A report released today says BC's public school districts could have more money at their disposal, but accounting practices and government rules are preventing it. According to the Auditor General, school districts collectively have about $1-billion they can't reasonably access - much of it tied up in low-interest bank accounts. If they did use the money, they would have to show it on the books as an expense. That wouldn't be a problem, but the provincial government has mandated that all school districts must run a balanced budget. Thus, if you have a new expense, you have to show the revenue to offset it. With government funding cuts and a flawed funding formula, that revenue is not forthcoming.
Even more vexing to me are government rules restricting what school districts can do with surplus property. For example, District 73 has four new surplus school properties within Kamloops this year; those being John Tod, Ralph Bell, George Hilliard, and the former Beattie Pineridge campus. The district is obligated to maintain those properties and keep them from falling into disrepair.
It would make far more sense to sell those schools and schoolyards, with the government investing the revenue right back into education. But the province has extremely tight rules that make it almost impossible for a district to do that. If you ask the education minister about those rules, she says that it's prudent policy. A selloff of property now - when student numbers are in decline - would hamstring districts in the future, when student numbers are bound to rise again.
It seems to make sense, but the question is, what is happening to students in the meantime? With the way school districts are being eviscerated of funds now, what will the public school system look like in 10 or 20 years' time? It would be better policy to fix what is badly broken now, and let tomorrow think about tomorrow.
A report released today says BC's public school districts could have more money at their disposal, but accounting practices and government rules are preventing it. According to the Auditor General, school districts collectively have about $1-billion they can't reasonably access - much of it tied up in low-interest bank accounts. If they did use the money, they would have to show it on the books as an expense. That wouldn't be a problem, but the provincial government has mandated that all school districts must run a balanced budget. Thus, if you have a new expense, you have to show the revenue to offset it. With government funding cuts and a flawed funding formula, that revenue is not forthcoming.
Even more vexing to me are government rules restricting what school districts can do with surplus property. For example, District 73 has four new surplus school properties within Kamloops this year; those being John Tod, Ralph Bell, George Hilliard, and the former Beattie Pineridge campus. The district is obligated to maintain those properties and keep them from falling into disrepair.
It would make far more sense to sell those schools and schoolyards, with the government investing the revenue right back into education. But the province has extremely tight rules that make it almost impossible for a district to do that. If you ask the education minister about those rules, she says that it's prudent policy. A selloff of property now - when student numbers are in decline - would hamstring districts in the future, when student numbers are bound to rise again.
It seems to make sense, but the question is, what is happening to students in the meantime? With the way school districts are being eviscerated of funds now, what will the public school system look like in 10 or 20 years' time? It would be better policy to fix what is badly broken now, and let tomorrow think about tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Pickton Revelation Must Lead to Reforms
(Aired on August 20, 2010)
Some columnists in Kamloops like to tee off on the police, whether it's individual officers or entire forces. They pile on to any error or abuse of power - whether real or perceived - with hysterical, mouth-frothing fervor. And while that response is hardly as rational and measured as it should be, a report on the Robert Pickton investigation released today makes it hard to remain calm.
The report stated between the time Vancouver Police forwarded a report on Pickton to Coquitlam RCMP and the time he was arrested, 13 women went missing from the Downtown Eastside. 11 of those were later linked to Pickton's farm.
You may think this is yet another reason to tar the RCMP. That's partially true, but the review says both police forces are to blame. It says both forces committed errors that prevented an arrest of Pickton until 2002. There have long been loud questions as to why police didn't take the Pickton situation seriously much sooner. Now we have a few more answers to those questions.
RCMP have been taking it on the chin for quite some time now. And nothing seems to be able to stem the litany of embarrassments for the national force. Today's announcement shouldn't phase the Mounties; it should be like water off a duck's back. Vancouver Police looking bad, however, is another story.
If this should teach us anything, it's that there are problems with law enforcement in general - not just the RCMP. A public inquiry is necessary, followed by sweeping reforms. It's one thing for four cowboys to zap an exhausted Polish man at an airport with a taser. It's quite another for almost a dozen women to die thanks to an inter-office foul-up. Something has to change.
Some columnists in Kamloops like to tee off on the police, whether it's individual officers or entire forces. They pile on to any error or abuse of power - whether real or perceived - with hysterical, mouth-frothing fervor. And while that response is hardly as rational and measured as it should be, a report on the Robert Pickton investigation released today makes it hard to remain calm.
The report stated between the time Vancouver Police forwarded a report on Pickton to Coquitlam RCMP and the time he was arrested, 13 women went missing from the Downtown Eastside. 11 of those were later linked to Pickton's farm.
You may think this is yet another reason to tar the RCMP. That's partially true, but the review says both police forces are to blame. It says both forces committed errors that prevented an arrest of Pickton until 2002. There have long been loud questions as to why police didn't take the Pickton situation seriously much sooner. Now we have a few more answers to those questions.
RCMP have been taking it on the chin for quite some time now. And nothing seems to be able to stem the litany of embarrassments for the national force. Today's announcement shouldn't phase the Mounties; it should be like water off a duck's back. Vancouver Police looking bad, however, is another story.
If this should teach us anything, it's that there are problems with law enforcement in general - not just the RCMP. A public inquiry is necessary, followed by sweeping reforms. It's one thing for four cowboys to zap an exhausted Polish man at an airport with a taser. It's quite another for almost a dozen women to die thanks to an inter-office foul-up. Something has to change.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Credit Cards No Place for Tuition Fees
(Aired on August 18, 2010)
I got a nice e-mail this week from a fellow who wondered why more wasn't made of TRU's policy on students using credit cards to pay for tuition. The viewer had a point, and his e-mail got me thinking.
The story followed a decision by Kwantlen to join a long list of institutions to stop offering credit card services. In doing so, Kwantlen was going to save about $250,000 in fees. TRU says it could save $750,000 in fees, but it won't reconsider because of how convenient it makes things for TRU students.
Credit cards certainly are convenient. They allow you to buy things without actually paying for them. It's something that a new university student would love to take advantage of, I'm sure. But it's not a good habit to get into, especially for major, major expenses like university tuition. Interest rates on most credit cards are through the roof, and most students don't have much sense of fiscal responsibility.
A better idea is to take advantage of Canada Student Loans. Canada Student Loans are relatively easy to qualify for, and they are low interest. I'm all in favour of encouraging more kids to sign up for post-secondary education and have the university experience. But student loans represent far more responsible debt management than Visa or Mastercard.
For international students, some more latitude on credit cards is probably helpful. For most Canadians though, credit cards are simply financial procrastination. And Lord knows university students procrastinate enough.
I got a nice e-mail this week from a fellow who wondered why more wasn't made of TRU's policy on students using credit cards to pay for tuition. The viewer had a point, and his e-mail got me thinking.
The story followed a decision by Kwantlen to join a long list of institutions to stop offering credit card services. In doing so, Kwantlen was going to save about $250,000 in fees. TRU says it could save $750,000 in fees, but it won't reconsider because of how convenient it makes things for TRU students.
Credit cards certainly are convenient. They allow you to buy things without actually paying for them. It's something that a new university student would love to take advantage of, I'm sure. But it's not a good habit to get into, especially for major, major expenses like university tuition. Interest rates on most credit cards are through the roof, and most students don't have much sense of fiscal responsibility.
A better idea is to take advantage of Canada Student Loans. Canada Student Loans are relatively easy to qualify for, and they are low interest. I'm all in favour of encouraging more kids to sign up for post-secondary education and have the university experience. But student loans represent far more responsible debt management than Visa or Mastercard.
For international students, some more latitude on credit cards is probably helpful. For most Canadians though, credit cards are simply financial procrastination. And Lord knows university students procrastinate enough.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sri Lankan Refugees Should be Processed, Welcomed
(Aired on August 13, 2010)
"Turn them around." That's what some people are saying about the 490-or-so Tamils who arrived on our shores this week. "You can't just show up in a ship and expect to be welcomed in Canada."
Well, it's a little more complicated than that. In fact, you can just show up and expect to be welcomed - that's what being a refugee is all about. A lot of Tamils are interested in getting out of Sri Lanka, especially since the end of the country's civil war last year. The Tamil people are the minority, many of them are displaced within the country, and more claim they are oppressed by the majority ethnic group.
Whether or not they have legitimate refugee claims will have to be decided on a case-by-case basis. As in most refugee cases, this won't be easy, and it is complicated by the fact that the Tamil Tigers are recognized as a terrorist organization by our government. Each of the refugee claimants will have to be individually checked.
It's a sign of the times that the government is being so careful with the Tamil ship docked at CFB Esquimalt. Not that it shouldn't be careful - it absolutely should. But there was a time when security wasn't the number one concern. There was a time when we would simply be proud that we have created a country that is the first one to come to mind for people throughout the world when they are in trouble. It's like being the most reliable one in your group of friends. It may be a lot of work, but it's pretty gratifying.
Reputable sources say Canada is home to the most Tamils in the world, outside of Sri Lanka itself. Our multi-culturalism should still be a point of pride, and something we encourage and strongly protect - almost as strongly as we protect our borders.
"Turn them around." That's what some people are saying about the 490-or-so Tamils who arrived on our shores this week. "You can't just show up in a ship and expect to be welcomed in Canada."
Well, it's a little more complicated than that. In fact, you can just show up and expect to be welcomed - that's what being a refugee is all about. A lot of Tamils are interested in getting out of Sri Lanka, especially since the end of the country's civil war last year. The Tamil people are the minority, many of them are displaced within the country, and more claim they are oppressed by the majority ethnic group.
Whether or not they have legitimate refugee claims will have to be decided on a case-by-case basis. As in most refugee cases, this won't be easy, and it is complicated by the fact that the Tamil Tigers are recognized as a terrorist organization by our government. Each of the refugee claimants will have to be individually checked.
It's a sign of the times that the government is being so careful with the Tamil ship docked at CFB Esquimalt. Not that it shouldn't be careful - it absolutely should. But there was a time when security wasn't the number one concern. There was a time when we would simply be proud that we have created a country that is the first one to come to mind for people throughout the world when they are in trouble. It's like being the most reliable one in your group of friends. It may be a lot of work, but it's pretty gratifying.
Reputable sources say Canada is home to the most Tamils in the world, outside of Sri Lanka itself. Our multi-culturalism should still be a point of pride, and something we encourage and strongly protect - almost as strongly as we protect our borders.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
MLA Lake in the Crosshairs
(Aired on August 11, 2010)
This is a pre-taped segment, so as much as I'd love to comment on the decision of elections BC with regards to the anti-HST petition, it's impossible. The petition organizers seemed to make every effort to ensure that the petition would be valid. And say what you want about the leaders of the campaign, but they aren't quacks or political neophytes. They should know the process and what is required.
Having said that, it is entirely bizarre to me how this entire process has put one man in the crosshairs. If the petition moves to the next stage, that will involve the parliamentary committee chaired by Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. The government will need to take the initiative seriously, and that committee will be tasked with determining how that's done.
But then there is the prospect of province-wide recall campaigns for MLAs. If that is what the anti-HST organizers are up to next, the first MLA they target will no doubt be - drumroll please - Terry Lake. Why? Because not only did Lake win a close election in a riding that has plenty of NDP support, but he is a rookie at the provincial level. Whatever happens, the man is going to be under pressure.
Lake has a sharp mind, and occasionally an even sharper tongue that can get him into trouble. But he will be prepared for whatever happens, as he is someone with good political instincts and a lot of fight in him. The only thing he shouldn't do is underestimate the fight in the anti-HST crowd.
This is a pre-taped segment, so as much as I'd love to comment on the decision of elections BC with regards to the anti-HST petition, it's impossible. The petition organizers seemed to make every effort to ensure that the petition would be valid. And say what you want about the leaders of the campaign, but they aren't quacks or political neophytes. They should know the process and what is required.
Having said that, it is entirely bizarre to me how this entire process has put one man in the crosshairs. If the petition moves to the next stage, that will involve the parliamentary committee chaired by Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. The government will need to take the initiative seriously, and that committee will be tasked with determining how that's done.
But then there is the prospect of province-wide recall campaigns for MLAs. If that is what the anti-HST organizers are up to next, the first MLA they target will no doubt be - drumroll please - Terry Lake. Why? Because not only did Lake win a close election in a riding that has plenty of NDP support, but he is a rookie at the provincial level. Whatever happens, the man is going to be under pressure.
Lake has a sharp mind, and occasionally an even sharper tongue that can get him into trouble. But he will be prepared for whatever happens, as he is someone with good political instincts and a lot of fight in him. The only thing he shouldn't do is underestimate the fight in the anti-HST crowd.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Air Quality "Good?" Are You Kidding?
(Aired on July 30, 2010)
It seems that there's nothing wrong with the equipment, and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the people who work there either. So something must be wrong with the Ministry of Environment's Air Quality Health Index.
The index was at a 3 in Kamloops for most of the day today, on a scale of 1 to 10. That means the index has determined the air quality in Kamloops is "good." Yet in the time it took me to walk from my car in the parking lot to my desk inside the building, my eyes began burning. Thankfully, I have a fairly robust respiratory system. Others who don't are suffering today.
If you judged the air quality based on the index, though, you'd think it was all good. People like me are in a good state of general health are told that this is "ideal air quality for outdoor activities." And the at-risk population is encouraged to enjoy life in the great outdoors as usual. Yet when you step outside, it looks like a cloudy day when there are no clouds, and it smells like an ashtray.
So there is likely no one who is taking the Air Quality Health Index seriously. If that's the case, the system needs to be revamped. If it's not, the Air Quality Health Index will soon lose all credibility and rendered completely obsolete.
It seems that there's nothing wrong with the equipment, and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the people who work there either. So something must be wrong with the Ministry of Environment's Air Quality Health Index.
The index was at a 3 in Kamloops for most of the day today, on a scale of 1 to 10. That means the index has determined the air quality in Kamloops is "good." Yet in the time it took me to walk from my car in the parking lot to my desk inside the building, my eyes began burning. Thankfully, I have a fairly robust respiratory system. Others who don't are suffering today.
If you judged the air quality based on the index, though, you'd think it was all good. People like me are in a good state of general health are told that this is "ideal air quality for outdoor activities." And the at-risk population is encouraged to enjoy life in the great outdoors as usual. Yet when you step outside, it looks like a cloudy day when there are no clouds, and it smells like an ashtray.
So there is likely no one who is taking the Air Quality Health Index seriously. If that's the case, the system needs to be revamped. If it's not, the Air Quality Health Index will soon lose all credibility and rendered completely obsolete.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Cigarettes Still Causing Wildfires? Ridiculous!
(Aired on July 28, 2010)
There is some suggestion last night's Barnhartvale fire was started by a discarded cigarette. If that's the case, it's utterly, mind-numbingly stupid.
I'll be quite clear - as of the time I am recording this segment, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. However, this much we know. It started near a church on Todd Road. There was no lightning in the area. It started under cover of darkness. And to top it off, RCMP this morning issued a stern warning for people not to discard cigarette butts. Police encouraged witnesses to turn in violaters, and threatened to levy fines against people found to be responsible. So it's not far from the realm of possibility that last night's chaos was caused by a simple act of carelessness and/or laziness.
Anyone who has lived in the BC Interior for any length of time should know by now that this is a no-no. And if they haven't had it drilled into their by firefighting public relations types, it should be a matter of common sense.
A spark from a train causing a fire is one thing. It's not inexcusable, but at least in most cases - like last week on the Kamloops Indian Reserve - the railway takes responsibility and tries to make things right. But a cigarette thrown out of a vehicle is pure negligence. It's awful close to being malicious. And the penalties for doing it are not nearly steep enough.
There is some suggestion last night's Barnhartvale fire was started by a discarded cigarette. If that's the case, it's utterly, mind-numbingly stupid.
I'll be quite clear - as of the time I am recording this segment, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. However, this much we know. It started near a church on Todd Road. There was no lightning in the area. It started under cover of darkness. And to top it off, RCMP this morning issued a stern warning for people not to discard cigarette butts. Police encouraged witnesses to turn in violaters, and threatened to levy fines against people found to be responsible. So it's not far from the realm of possibility that last night's chaos was caused by a simple act of carelessness and/or laziness.
Anyone who has lived in the BC Interior for any length of time should know by now that this is a no-no. And if they haven't had it drilled into their by firefighting public relations types, it should be a matter of common sense.
A spark from a train causing a fire is one thing. It's not inexcusable, but at least in most cases - like last week on the Kamloops Indian Reserve - the railway takes responsibility and tries to make things right. But a cigarette thrown out of a vehicle is pure negligence. It's awful close to being malicious. And the penalties for doing it are not nearly steep enough.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
What to do with $50-million
(Aired on July 23, 2010)
What would you do with $50-million?
The Lotto Max draw will take place in about a half an hour. The jackpot is back up to $50-million, and with multiple spinoff million dollar prizes thrown in for good measure. And even though it may not be smart to come within shouting distance of anything connected to BCLC right now, I must admit, I've bought a ticket. I only tend to buy tickets when the prize is obscenely large - which doesn't make sense, I know, but leave me be.
Buying a ticket gives you license to dream. It's like voting gives you license to dream about good government. Just the other day, the people in the office were fantasizing about what they would do if they won the big prize. Would you keep working? Most people wouldn't. Of course everyone would help out friends and family, and make sure the people they care about are taken care of. How much would you donate to charity, and to which causes would you donate? How would you protect yourself from people trying to take advantage of you?
And finally, how much would instant wealth change the actual substance of your life? I look at friends and acquaintances in upper income brackets, and it quickly becomes evident that money doesn't solve all of a person's problems. There is as much misery and unrest among the rich as there is anywhere.
So to the person who wins the big prize tonight - or whenever its awarded - try to keep some perspective. And if you'd like, I'd be willing to discuss this further, for a small fee.
What would you do with $50-million?
The Lotto Max draw will take place in about a half an hour. The jackpot is back up to $50-million, and with multiple spinoff million dollar prizes thrown in for good measure. And even though it may not be smart to come within shouting distance of anything connected to BCLC right now, I must admit, I've bought a ticket. I only tend to buy tickets when the prize is obscenely large - which doesn't make sense, I know, but leave me be.
Buying a ticket gives you license to dream. It's like voting gives you license to dream about good government. Just the other day, the people in the office were fantasizing about what they would do if they won the big prize. Would you keep working? Most people wouldn't. Of course everyone would help out friends and family, and make sure the people they care about are taken care of. How much would you donate to charity, and to which causes would you donate? How would you protect yourself from people trying to take advantage of you?
And finally, how much would instant wealth change the actual substance of your life? I look at friends and acquaintances in upper income brackets, and it quickly becomes evident that money doesn't solve all of a person's problems. There is as much misery and unrest among the rich as there is anywhere.
So to the person who wins the big prize tonight - or whenever its awarded - try to keep some perspective. And if you'd like, I'd be willing to discuss this further, for a small fee.
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