Brindle Stick

Beyond the Myth is coming to London February 5th, 2012

2012-01-23T13:08:00.000-05:00

Lookout London here we come!

Where: Hyland Theatre 240 Wharncliffe Road South, London, Ontario

When: Sunday February 5th, 2012 at 1:00 (doors open at 12:30)

Tickets: $10 in advance ~ $15 at the door

The documentary intelligently explores the contributing factors behind the public's generalized fear of "pit bulls", and examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of breed discriminatory laws, commonly referred to as breed bans. It investigates the myths associated with these breeds, challenges the idea that they are inherently vicious, presents eye-opening research regarding the media's role in influencing people's opinion on dog attacks.

The doors at The Hyland Theatre will open at 12:30 pm where you can mingle, purchase merchandise and pick up informational materials.

For more information about the film

www.beyondthemythmovie.com

Excellent radio show from Dave McMahon "All About Dogs"

2012-01-09T21:21:00.002-05:00

I urge everyone to listen to Dave's radio show from December 18th entitled "Kim Craitor and Pitbulls".

Click on this link and scroll to Dec. 18th with the above title and hit play.

My good friend and colleague Selma was on Dave's show with Liberal MPP Kim Craitor, who signed on his support to Bill 16 Hershey's Bill. It was an awesome show and explains the issue and the Bill to repeal that has been tabled and up for second reading Feb 23rd. It is a tri-party supported Bill with PC MPP Randy Hillier tabling the Bill with co-support from NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo and Mr. Craitor.

Please pass this information along to anyone you think may be interested.

We hope to see you all at Queen's Park on Thursday February 23rd, 11:30 to 12:30. The YES WE CAN Rally is happening just prior to the second reading of Hershey's Bill. We are looking for record numbers at this event.

To join the YES WE CAN Rally facebook page click here.

New song "This Way" inspired by Beyond the Myth

2012-01-04T11:06:00.000-05:00

A new song inspired by Beyond the Myth, written and performed by Kimber
Cleveland and Roxie Randle. "This Way" is a son that conveys the feelings of
those who have lost their pets to BSL and the feelings of those who fight to
prevent it from happening ever again.

Kimber Cleveland wrote and performed the song "Strong for You" in Beyond the
Myth.

The dog in the video ~ "Fernie" ~ belongs to Libby, the writer/director/producer
of Beyond the Myth.

Beyond the Myth is coming to Ottawa January 22nd!

2012-01-02T22:06:00.000-05:00

Tickets on sale now!

The doors at The Mayfair Theatre will open at 5:00 pm where you can mingle, purchase merchandise and pick up informational materials.

For more information about the film

www.beyondthemythmovie.com

Sneak Peak

Ad sponsored by

YES WE CAN! Rally for Hershey's Bill

2011-12-20T22:08:00.000-05:00

We need all "Boots on the Ground"

The McGuinty Liberals MUST feel the pressure.

It is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE that ALL animal advocates show up to

ensure SUCCESS.

YOUR commitment is YOUR physical presence.

SUPPORT Bill 16, Hershey's Bill's tri party private members Bill and the

MPP's who put it forward.

WHY? Responsible dog owners are being targeted and innocent family

pets are being taken and killed.

Time for FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT UNDER THE LAW IN ONTARIO!

Time to STEP UP! Don't leave this to the precious few.

We need you to be present

Second Reading of Bill 16 Hershey's Bill

Thursday February 23rd

At Queen's Park

Toronto, Ontario

11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Please join the facebook page

We want to see this lawn full of Ontario Dog Owners Feb 23rd!

BIFF is waiting for you!

Hershey's Bill needs your help to succeed!

2011-12-04T12:15:00.001-05:00

We are asking for your help.

As you may have heard a tri-party supported Hershey's Bill was introduced in the House of Legislature November 30th by PC MPP Randy Hillier. The Bill is co-sponsored by NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo and Liberal MPP Kim Craitor! This is huge.. it is rare to have a Private Members Bill sponsored by all 3 parties!

Please visit this website and sign the petition.

http://www.randyhilliermpp.com/ontariocanleadagain/index.php?option=com_petitions&view=petition&id=25&Itemid=33

Please consider sending a Christmas card to your MPP asking them to support Randy Hillier's Bill 16 to repeal the "pitbull" ban. Second reading and debates are February 23, 2012.

A list of Ontario MPP's and contact information can be found at this link.

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_current.do?locale=en

It would be most helpful for the Ontario government to witness the overwhelming support in favor of repealing the ban!

Bill 16 seeks to repeal all breed specific portions of the Dog Owners Liability Act. For a bit of background, the ban was originally implemented by the McGuinty Liberals in August, 2005. The ban targeted 3 purebred breeds, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier plus the "pitbull" which is a slang term for an appearance of dog. This appearance has nothing to do with the genetic makeup of the 3 named purebreds as they are all very rare. There are less than 1000 dogs of all three purebreds combined in the province of Ontario but yet the common short haired mutt is one of the most common mutts in the province. There have been roughly over 6000 dogs killed in Ontario since August 2005, not based on behavior but looks. Many of these dogs included puppies that were deemed "pitbulls". The purebreds are rarely seen and most people have never actually met one. That being said, it is highly likely the common short haired mutt is likely a blend of a multitude of crosses constituting of what are likely the more common breeds. In other words the purebreds named in the law are physically unable to parent the massive majority of the provinces common short haired mutt. These are dogs of unknown lineage and there is no way of determining the breed makeup of a cross bred dog. What I am presenting to you is fact and can be supported by hard evidence. What is my opinion is that this law is insane; however I think if you have any logic at all, you would have to agree with my hypothesis.

What Bill 16 will achieve if it successfully passes through the legislature is;

1. To keep DOLA intact but returning it to its original form keeping the stiffer penalties it now contains.

2. To remove all references to breeds but instead have the law apply to ALL dog owners equally.

Essentially what we dog owners want is FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT UNDER THE LAW.

As it stands now in an overly simplified view;

If your dog is deemed a "pitbull" or you own one of the purebreds, you are open to warrant-less entry of your property, reverse onus (prove your dog is not a "pitbull" but you cannot prove a negative), search and seizure in public, restrictions on mobility (cannot travel through the province), dog must be muzzled, leashed, spayed, neutered and if you own a dog falling under the law born after November 29, 2005 it is prohibited. The penalty of being found guilty means your dog is seized/killed/or sent for research.

The law is harsh, cruel and irrational. There is NO scientific evidence to support dogs are dangerous by breed. There is NO scientific evidence to support that you can breed dogs for aggression since aggression is a learned behavior. There IS scientific evidence to support that banning breeds of dogs DOES NOT increase public safety!

Countless family pets have been seized from homes or picked up while out on an accidental neighborhood joyride, only to be killed or thousands spent on legal fees fighting for the dog's life! Very few cases have involved actual threatening circumstances! In many cases the owner signs the dog over to be killed because they cannot afford to defend themselves in court.

The law targets dog owners for owning a certain "look" of dog and is not based on behavior of the owner or dog but simply on how the dog "looks".

It is irrational to think that if someone's dog bites someone in Thunder Bay, someone in Ottawa should be punished.

All dogs have the ability to bite. That being said, dog bites are not common, however dog/s reside in nearly half of all family homes. Statistically 96% of all dog bites happen at home with the family dog or an adjacent property. Your chances of being bitten by a dog or by a strange dog are really quite remote!

Public Health do not record dog bites by breed. Public Health is the only entity that records all bites that require medical attention but only collect dog/human incidents. Therefore if you are hearing bite stats by breed in Ontario, it is safe to assume the stats are inconclusive. Toronto Animal Services collect bite stats of their own accord but they only have access to bites they are called to, which is only a fraction of the overall bites. They record all bites whether dog/human, dog/dog or dog/domestic animal. The are recorded by breed but the breed determination is their own and AC officers have been deemed in court NOT to be experts. Ontario animal control licencing programs sit on an average of licensing only between 10 - 15% of dogs in any town/city therefore they really do not know how many dogs reside in Ontario.

The original DOLA protects the public from dangerous dogs and their incompetent owners; however it must be enforced. The Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw in Calgary is a model on a municipal level that is tried and true for the past 2 decades. They have virtually eliminated bites, have a 97% licensing program and run a revenue neutral, state of the art facility that keeps dog owners and non dog owners happy. Calgary has NO breed specific provisions, no pet limits and no mandatory spay/neuter. They reward owners for "good" behavior and enforce penalties on those who are not!

I hope that you will join us by supporting this important move to end discrimination of dog owners in Ontario based on what type or look of dog one owns. Please join us in the movement to FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT UNDER THE LAW.

Help us PUSH Dalton McGuinty to support the repeal of the breed ban in Ontario.

An interview with Cheri DiNovo on CBC radio

2011-12-02T23:15:00.001-05:00

NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo did an interview on CBC's Metro Morning. Jane Hawtin was sitting in and did the interview.

Cheri did a great job with the interview. Here is a link to the podcast.

Thank you Cheri for being the voice of reason, and a strong voice for fair and equal treatment under the law, for Ontario's dog owners.

Bite stats remain constant in Ontario so NO the ban doesn't work!

2011-11-30T23:08:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago Global News did a series of short news stories on dogs. The first of the series led the viewer to think that bite stats in Ontario are down since "pitbulls" were banned.

Well, they were wrong. Not only were they wrong they did not tell the truth about where they got the numbers from. They claimed they got the numbers from Public Health yet when my colleague at Caveat contacted PH they clearly stated they do not keep bite stats by breed.

The Star's columnist, Yvette Van Veen, did a great article last Saturday.

Read up.. both Caveat and Yvette did a bang up job digging for the truth.. The truth is, the numbers state what we have been telling people all along. Breed bans DO NOT work and have never worked in any jurisdiction. The Liberal government was given this information before passing the ban here in Ontario but they chose the path of lies and grand standing over implementing common sense which would have done more to protect public safety than the insane law that is breed specific legislation in Ontario!

Legislation was introduced to repeal the "pitbull" ban in Ontario!

2011-11-30T16:41:00.001-05:00

Please read Randy Hillier's press release!

Today PC MPP Randy Hillier tabled a bill to repeal the "pitbull" ban here in Ontario. What is special about this time is there is TRI PARTY AGREEMENT, which means the bill has been tabled by MPP's from all three provincial political parties.

PC MPP Randy Hillier

NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo

Lib MPP Kim Craitor

This is the best chance we have had since Dalton McGuinty passed the amendment to DOLA and ARA in August of 2005.

The first reading was today. The bill will be debated in the house February 23/2012 and we want to fill the legislature and then some!

Once the bill passes second reading it will go to committee hearings. There were committee hearings when the ban was brought in. There were 102 presentations spread over 4 days in 2004/2005. A whopping 86 of the presentations were against the ban! The foundation of this law is discriminatory, evil and built on a foundation of sand (or bull shit) depending on how you want to describe it. We have always presented the facts and when a foundation is built on the truth it will one day prevail.

This is the best chance we have had to get this law repealed since August 2005. We are happy and hopeful.

Heartfelt thank you to Randy Hillier, Cheri DiNovo and Kim Craitor!

Here we go!

Beautiful story of a "pitbull" therapy dog in Philly

2011-11-26T12:54:00.001-05:00

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

Beyond the Myth coming to a Canadian city near you!

2011-11-18T20:18:00.001-05:00

If you know of or represent a venue that might be interested

in hosting a screening of Beyond the Myth,

please contact Lori at dlccevents@gmail.com

For more information about the film visit

http://www.beyondthemythmovie.com/

Is it possible Edmonton rethinks BSL?

2011-11-14T21:45:00.001-05:00

Council reopens contentious debate on breed-specific bylaw

EDMONTON — Edmonton city council Monday reopened the contentious debate on pit bulls and breed-specific dog bylaws.

Mayor Stephen Mandel asked animal control staff to report back in January with recommendations on whether the current restrictions are warranted.

“Breed-specific legislation might not be justified,” said David Aitken, the city branch manager responsible for bylaw enforcement. “There’s a train of thought that suggests it’s not the animal, it’s the owner that has the issue. Therefore, you can’t hold specific breeds responsible for actions.”

Read on

Perceptions on Breed and Race

2011-11-10T16:31:00.000-05:00

Cottage Dog Magazine article on BSL by our very own Selma Mulvey

2011-11-09T13:34:00.001-05:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More canine

Beyond The Myth Toronto was amazing!

2011-11-07T21:24:00.000-05:00

The DLCC was very pleased to have hosted the Toronto screening of Beyond the Myth this past weekend. Writer/Producer/Director Libby Sherrill and her sidekick Bob were in Toronto for the screening. There were 2 screenings, one Saturday and Sunday.

At the screening on Saturday we were pleased to have NDP MPP for Parkdale/High Park Cheri DiNovo there. Cheri offered words of encouragement that Hershey's Law will one day soon come to fruition.

Libby Sherrill and Cheri DiNovo

Beyond the Myth is a film that enlightens, melts your heart, breaks your heart and leaves you laughing and crying then ignites or re-ignites a fire in your soul to do the right thing and fight this discrimination with all your might. Those of us who have been touched by the discriminatory law, based on how your dog "looks", know all to well the emotional roller coaster that you fall into. Beyond the Myth captures the insanity that is the foundation for BSL or breed specific legislation.

We feel fortunate to have met Libby and applaud her undertaking. We support Libby and feel Beyond The Myth is a film that needs to be widely viewed.

The insanity of BSL is a deep wound in the heart of every person touched by it's cruel discrimination. We stand strong, proud and united. We will continue this fight until we have ended this insanity.

I encourage you to read Desiree and Coco's story from Beyond the Myth website. An example of the cruel reality of what BSL means to people's lives.

Beyond the Myth :: Banned in Denver, the Story of Desiree and Coco

www.beyondthemythmovie.com

It is not a matter of if BSL will be repealed but WHEN BSL will be repealed!

Hershey's Law will become a reality in Ontario. We will not back down until this becomes our reality.

As an add on...

I heard from Libby this morning and she relayed a message from her friend Bob who traveled to Toronto to help with the screening.

Bob is not a dog owner himself but supports the project because he disagrees with BSL.

Bob's comment after coming to Toronto and meeting we Canucks...

Bob thought the people who hosted and attended the screening were among the most passionate that he'd met after attending 10 screenings.

Wow what a compliment! Thanks Bob!! We are so happy to have met you and a warm thank you to you for helping out and supporting "the cause"!

7th Annual SOAR Christmas Party

2011-11-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

7th Annual SOAR Christmas Party

Where:

St. Judes Anglican Church
1000 Central Park Drive
Brampton, ON

Driving Directions

When:
Saturday November 26, 2011 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST
Add to my calendar

Tons of fun for everyone!

New this year:

Doggie Kissing Booth! Donate a Twoonie & get a kiss from one of our amazing doggie volunteers!

Pictures with Santa Paws!

Amazing Raffle Table!

Great Food & Refreshments!

Home made Baked Goods, including some great vegan items!

and much, MUCH more!

ALL Breeds Welcome! This is a muzzle-free event!
All dogs must be dog-friendly, leashed & up to date on vaccines
NO FLEXI-LEADS, PLEASE

Click on the link below to register or RSVP.

Get more information

Register Now!

I can't make it

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Southern Ontario Animal Rescue

info@soardogrescue.ca

(905) 450-5992

Beyond the Myth coming to Toronto November 5, 6th

2011-10-08T13:55:00.000-04:00

We, the Dog Legislation Council of Canada, along with Cover Y'All Productions are pleased to announce the Premiere screening of Beyond the Myth November 5, 6th at Fox Theatre in Toronto.

Fox Theatre

2236 Queen Street East

Screenings

November 5, 2011 7:00 pm

November 6, 2011 4:00 pm

Tickets are $10.00

Purchase tickets here

Beyond the Myth is a film about 'pitbulls' and those who love and defend them. It explores the contributing factors behind the public's generalized fear of 'pitbulls' and examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). It also investigates the myths associated with the breed and asks the question, what exactly is a 'pitbull'?

Viewers are taken on a journey to four U.S. cities where Breed Specific Legislation focusing on "pit bulls" has profoundly
impacted people and animals: Denver, Miami, Cincinnati, and San Francisco.

Beyond the Myth Canada Premiere is Sponsored by Soft-Pull Leashes and the Dog Legislation Council of Canada (DLCC).

The documentary intelligently explores the contributing factors behind the public's generalized fear of "pit bulls", and examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of breed discriminatory laws, commonly referred to as breed bans. It investigates the myths associated with these breeds, challenges the idea that they are inherently vicious, presents eye-opening research regarding the media's role in influencing people's opinion on dog attacks.

Both before and after the film you may mingle in the lobby with members from both organizations, purchase merchandise and pick up informational materials. Please plan to arrive early (doors open at 6pm Saturday and 3pm on Sunday) as we are expecting a large, possibly sold out crowd.

Reason # 43 McGuinty MUST GO!

2011-10-05T15:47:00.001-04:00

Honestly if any person even considers voting for the low life, dishonest Liberals, you seriously need your head read!

Christina Blizzard (love her) revealed another unbelievable tidbit.

Return to Sender
Voters are opening up their mail this week to find “Accounting summaries” that set out payments made to them for the HST transition payment and the Ontario Energy and Property Tax credit paid to seniors.
One person who contacted me had received an “accounting” for more than $200: $100 for the third part of the HST rebate — sent out in June — and $139 for the Energy and Property Tax credit.
Another person, west-end Toronto resident Ala Gettlich discovered the letter when she picked up the mail for her elderly mother.
Dated Sept. 27, the notice included a partisan political message from Premier Dalton McGuinty — just days before the provincial vote.
It’s on Government of Ontario letterhead and gives the return address as Sudbury.
“Ontario’s tax changes will help create almost 600,000 new jobs by making our province more attractive for new business investments and provide tax relief with personal income tax cuts. As part of that plan, the federal and provincial sales taxes were merged into a single sales tax — the HST,” says the note.
“To help you through this transition, you are receiving the third payment of the Sales Tax Transition Benefit. This is in addition to personal income tax cuts that started in 2010.”
The letter lists the provincial Ministry of Revenue website and is signed, “Sincerely, Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario.
“Your payment of $100 has been direct deposited into your bank account,” it goes on.
Except the credit was made in June and these notices were sent out just a couple of days ago.
Read on..

Reason # 42 McGuinty MUST GO!

2011-10-05T15:45:00.004-04:00

An article from the National Post today.

The 4 K Power Bill

While attending an Energy Probe board of directors meeting almost a year ago (we are both directors), several of us around the table - as might be expected - discussed the Ontario government's Green Energy Act and wondered aloud about the hidden costs associated with the act. Some speculated that the act might lead to a doubling of Ontario's power rates. Could that possibly be true?

Read on...

Bryant; No repentance but close!

2011-10-04T22:12:00.001-04:00

So is Bryant dating Nikki Holland?

Bryant's pit bull legislation bites back

Finally, some proof of canine karma.
As attorney general in 2005, Michael Bryant banned pit bulls in Ontario. But now he’s separated from his wife and dating a woman who told him she “doesn’t know if she can get past it.”
“She’s a dog lover,” said Bryant, insisting he is, too.
While Bryant says he wouldn’t change his decision to ban pit bulls, he regrets the fallout at the time.
“I think some people got demonized by their own neighbours by virtue of owning a pit bull,” he said. “And that was never the intention.”

Read on

Durham couple spend $15,000 in court over dog bite

2011-10-03T19:28:00.000-04:00

A woman in Durham spent $15,000 fighting in court for her dog's life. The owner of a lab was charged under DOLA after a bite incident at her home.

Whitby woman spent $15,000 fighting dog's death penalty

The party was winding down when it happened. The young woman had shown up at Lindsay Olender's Brooklin home at about 3 a.m. as a guest of someone else. Visibly drunk, she'd been lying on the living room floor playing with Ms. Olender's nine-year-old dog, a yellow lab named Symba.

Then something happened. The dog bit the young woman, and all of a sudden there was blood pouring from a wound on her face. A friend rushed her to the hospital for treatment. Ms. Olender was assured in a phone call the young woman would be OK.

YASIR NAQVI, OTTAWA CENTRE 'RESPONDS' TO OUR SURVEY

2011-10-03T13:54:00.000-04:00

Guest author Caveat wrote this educational and informative response to Liberal candidate Yasir Naqvi Ottawa Centre.

Mr Naqvi sent along the canned reponse prepared for all candidates by Big Daddy Dalton. Heaven forbid a candidate should actually voice their own opinion! I decided to respond to Mr Naqvi because that's the kind of person I am.

Yasir and Bella!

Dear Mr Naqvi,

Thank you very much for responding to the Dog Legislation Council of Canada's survey on a topic important to informed dog owners with a form letter prepared for all candidates by Dalton McGuinty. For your information, he did the same thing last time and it was just as risible.

While I understand that Mr McGuinty runs a tight ship (a ship from which the largest of the rats have already exited), I would expect a more thoughtful response, especially from a fellow dog owner such as yourself. I fully realize this is difficult, since Mr McGuinty has a policy which forbids boat-rocking of any kind. This includes speaking on behalf of constituents rather than supporting Mr McGuinty's interests. Ah, the hollow shell we call democracy these days is but a shadow of its former self.

But I digress.

Thanks for sending along a picture of you with your dog, Bella. It always pleases me when we receive these pictures because it gives me a chance to educate. Education is what I'm all about, and I'm not even a member of a union. I do it for nothing. Go figure.

Anyway, I note that you seem to own a 'husky' type of dog, either purebred or of mixed, and therefore unknowable, ancestry. You must be unaware of the fact that the number one dog in Canada for fatalities, including fatalities involving children, is the 'husky' type. It was 24 dead at last count, dating back to 1983 only. In comparison, there has been one fatality reliably attributed to a 'pit bull' type, occurring in 1995 in Toronto.

Now, obviously, packs of slavering 'huskies' aren't running through the streets bent on mayhem, randomly attacking passers-by.

No, these fatalities, like all dog bite-related fatalities and in fact all dog attacks, can be traced to human error. It's the conditions under which dogs are kept and how they are managed that leads to bites and attacks.

There's no such thing as a 'husky'. It's a slang term for a shape of randomly bred dog - a mutt, if you will - a dog of mixed, and therefore unknowable, ancestry.

Much like a 'pit bull'.

Now, stop me if you already know this: There's no such thing as a 'pit bull'. It's a slang term for a shape of randomly bred dog - a mutt, if you will - a dog of mixed, and therefore unknowable, ancestry.

You look like an intelligent person, if a bit keen for my liking, considering what you are representing.

Tell me how a mixed breed dog of who-knows-what ancestry can possibly exhibit 'breed' characteristics.

Tell me how a mixed breed dog can be identified by someone who has been bitten and is likely not a dog person, by a newsie, by an animal services person, by anybody, anywhere, when all dogs are alike genetically, be they the most highly prized purebreds or the lowliest pariahs in the street.

Tell me why three purebred dogs have been banned in Ontario when 1) they are so rare that most people will never see one and b) there has never been a reported bite by a member of any of those three breeds.

It is interesting the way Mr McGuinty and his minions like to cherry-pick. He's managed to scrape up two supposed 'pit bull' attacks over the past four years. Bravo! This just goes to prove to those of us who think rationally that per usual, so-called 'pit bulls' are as safe as all other dogs, mainly because they ARE just dogs: Short-haired mutts that people love just as much as I love my Griffons or you love your 'husky', Bella.

Contrary to the mythology promulgated on both sides of the issue, one cannot breed dogs to be aggressive, to like humans and not like dogs, to be a good 'family' dog or any of the rest of it. Dogs can only be conditioned to be so. You cannot breed for behaviour, you can only transer physiological characteristics that might make certain behaviours easier to shape. That is what the science says and trust me, I've been delving into it deeply since the summer of 2004 when this disgusting witch hunt began. As my esteemed colleague says: "If we can breed dogs for behaviour, then why aren't we breeding them to heel?".

It would be interesting to read through a list of all the dog-on-dog attacks that have taken place over the past seven years but I know full well that information will remain closeted, just like the information we requested regarding how much money the government has wasted on its useless, discriminatory "pit bull" ban. I know how much we spent going through the courts so I expect they blew at least ten times that amount, based on past behaviour by this government. You know, 'the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour' and all that jazz.

Here's a fact for you: 99.9% of all dogs will never bite anybody.

My objections to the legislation have little to do with dogs, much as I care for them, and a lot to do with dog owners' rights.

Here are a couple of cases for you to consider:

- A middled-aged accountant in Brampton had his front door kicked in and his unoffending dog abducted because Animal Services were on a vendetta against perceived 'pit bulls' in that city. The same thing happened to a woman in her 70s up the street. Both dogs were at the pound for three months, were identified by AS's own vet as not 'pit bulls' and were released back to the owner in not such great shape. Guess who won't be voting Liberal in this election?

- A young Vietnamese man in Mississauga took his dog to be neutered at a new clinic and was ratted out to Animal Services for owning a "pit bull" that was too young to be in Ontario. Two years of pain and thousands of dollars later, the court found his dog was NOT a "pit bull" but a Boxer cross as he had stated from the beginning. Guess who won't be voting Liberal this time?

I could go on and on, I am contacted daily by people, usually young men from visible minorities or those who have low incomes, to help them save their beloved dogs from this horrendous situation in Ontario.

Mr McGuinty, in the face of overwhelming opposition by experts, dog owners and members of the general public, went ahead with this legislation which has failed (and largely been repealed), everywhere it has been tried. The Committee process was perverted and turned into an Inquisition - go figure. He whipped the vote, as he likes to do, because even members of his own caucus were uncomfortable with the idea of legislated discriminatinon, a two-tiered justice system.

In Ontario, we now have warrantless entry into a residence on a pretext, warrantless search and seizure in public, restrictions on mobility, reverse onus - in this case a defendant must prove an impossible negative, that their dog is NOT a 'breed' that doesn't exisit - discrimination based on the physical appearance of otherwise universally legal property, overbreadth and vagueness to the point of creating a reign of terror among dog owners in this province.

That is what you support when you parrot Mr McGuinty's campfire tales for the weak of mind.

As a Canadian, I believe that legislation should govern behaviour, not physical appearance.

Here's a tip for you: If you have to have your dog in a strangle-hold in order to have her picture taken, she needs much more exercise and some good obedience training. A 'husky' type is built to be an endurance breed so a walk around the block isn't going to be enough. You might consider a treadmil, although the animal rights/liberation crew that lobbied Mr Zimmer so successfully might brand you a dog-fighter if you own one, so be careful. Bring it in at night.

I hope I have given you something to think about and I thank you again for your response to our survey. It made my day.

Regards,

Selma Mulvey

Somebody else who won't be voting 'Liberal'

Maggie Q spoke at our Anti BSL Rally Oct 1, 2011

2011-10-02T15:31:00.001-04:00

Response from candidates Sharon Clarke and Trevor Westerhoff NDP

2011-09-30T17:41:00.002-04:00

1. If the amended Dog Owners' Liability Act (2005) came up today for a free rather than a whipped vote as happened in 2005, would you vote in favour of banning breeds as an effective way to protect people from dog bites? Please explain.

ANSWER: No.

2. Please tell our readers why you think the 'pit bull' ban enacted by the McGuinty government has or has not been successful in protecting the public from dog bites.

ANSWER: It has not been successful—breed specific legislation simply does not work. See explanation below.

3. Would you be willing, if elected, to work to rescind the breed-specific regulations in Ontario's amended Dog Owners' Liability Act (2005) andreplace them with an existing, easily implemented Canadian system that has been effective in the control of negligent pet owners, that is supported by all responsible pet owners and that once established is fully funded by dog and cat owners rather than through general revenue taxation? Please briefly explain your response.

ANSWER: Yes we would rescind the breed-specific legislation. New Democrats support responsible dog ownership. Breed-specific legislation does nothing for public safety but it unfairly targets many innocent dogs and their responsible owners.

4. Is there anything you'd like to add?

Ontario’s New Democrats voted against the Dog Owner’s Liability Act in 2005 and NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo has introduced legislation, multiple times, that would have repealed the flawed and ineffective breed-specific regulations. We continue to stand behind our record on this issue.

Trevor Westerhoff NDP candidate Ancaster-Dundas

Sharon Clarke NDP candidate Algoma Manitoulin

Thank you for your response Trevor and Sharon. Good luck on October 6th!

DLCC

Response from Dufferin-Caledon candidate Karen Gventer NDP

2011-09-30T17:40:00.003-04:00

I apologize for my tardy reply. We have a very small campaign team in my riding, so I answer all of my own surveys, while carrying out the other duties of a candidate and also continuing to work full time.

This issue is one I have spoken about for many years whenever the issue came up with friends and acquaintances. Some of the nicest dogs I've met were pit bulls, doberman pinschers, rotweillers, or german shepherds.

I have attached my answers to your survey.

Sincerely,

Karen Gventer

NDP Candidate, Dufferin-Caledon

Thank you for your response Karen. Good luck on October 6th!

DLCC

Response from Halton candidate Nikolas Spohr NDP

2011-09-30T17:40:00.000-04:00

Thank you for your response Nikolas. Good luck on October 6th!

DLCC

Reason # 41 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-30T14:43:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Dalton McGuinty: Ontario Up Yours for the ad above

Today's news is Dalton McGuinty blaming Tim Hudak for placing cigarettes in Ontario children's mouths.. while his Lieberal staffer was the one bribing voters at the shelter with cartons of cigarettes.

Lest we forget David Caplan was a smoker while Minister of Health.. huge faux pas for Ontario's least favorite - worst - premier "DAD".

Smokes-for-votes comment 'completely unacceptable': McGuinty
Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty says the smokes-for-votes comment made by one of his campaign officials was "completely unacceptable."
”Completely unacceptable comment on the part of my worker. It was a bad joke in poor taste. She apologized for it,” McGuinty said in Brampton, where he was touring a Chrysler plant.
Nikki Holland, operational vice-president for Ontario’s Liberals, was taped making comments about bribing the homeless with smokes during a campaign training session on July 16.

Joke? I doubt it.. she got caught. Holland also tried to say the other parties use this tactic as well. Those are some strong allegations when bribing for votes is illegal!
On October 6th vote for the candidate most likely to toss the Lieberal to the curb!

Bryant's former employee caught giving cigg's to people in shelter for votes

2011-09-29T22:26:00.000-04:00

According to the Toronto Sun, Nikki Holland, Michael Bryant's former communication director, was caught saying in an audio recording...

"I have done crazy things," Holland says. "Like ... and if anyone repeats this I'll deny it (until) the cows come home ... I have gone to a shelter in the riding of St. Paul's with a carton of smokes and said, 'I'll give you them after you vote.' I have done that ... but they were already smokers."

Holland was apparently on Bryant's "speed dial" after he ran over Darcy Sheppard August 29, 2009. The Star printed a story about the identity of the woman who brought a suit and shirt and tie down to Metro Toronto Police so Bryant could spruce up before his media conference.

The act of handing out smokes in exchange for votes is otherwise known as electoral fraud.

Shame on you.. How low will you go?

Hey Ontario Liberal's.. don't bother answering that question. We already know the answer!

Reason # 40 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-29T20:38:00.001-04:00

Four days before Christmas 2006, McGuinty gave Ontario MPP's a 25% pay raise. The base salary for an MPP went up by $22,000, giving each elected representative $110,000 annually. Cabinet ministers got an extra $31,000 to earn $157,633 a year and the premier got a $39,000 raise, making McGuinty's annual pay cheques $198,620.

In a time that we were going into a recession, which Ontarian's have still not recovered. People were out of work, took pay cuts but yet the cost of living has gone up considerably.

The disregard for taxpayer's money is discusting.

Read on..

On October 6th vote for the best candidate to beat the Liberal in your riding!

Reason # 39 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-29T16:22:00.004-04:00

A company that planned to build a series of huge wind farms in Lake Ontario is suing the provincial government for $2.25-billion, claiming it unfairly cancelled all offshore wind projects earlier this year.

Trillium Power Wind Corp. spent millions of dollars over many years planning its projects, and had dutifully followed the government’s application processes, the suit claims, but the rug was pulled from under its feet when the province said it would not consider any offshore development until more scientific studies were done.

Read on..

Reason # 38 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-29T16:22:00.001-04:00

The Liberals' promise of $10,000 tax credit for employers offering training and a first job to new Canadian professionals who have been in the country for under five years has been a bone of contention from the start of the election.

Initially, the Liberals were forced to admit it would only apply to very few people given that it is almost impossible to become a Canadian citizen in much less than five years.

McGuinty brushed off the suggestion that his government would in fact be discriminating against permanent residents with the proposed program however all aspects of this promise are discriminatory and will be sure to open up yet another court case against the McGuinty Liberals on human rights grounds.

The court system is certainly benefiting from McGuinty's stint as the worst premier in Ontario's history. The cases keep mounting up.

To read more..

Response from Oshawa NDP candidate Mike Shields

2011-09-29T15:50:00.002-04:00

ANSWER: No.

2. Please tell our readers why you think the 'pit bull' ban enacted by the McGuinty government has or has not been successful in protecting the public from dog bites.

ANSWER: It has not been successful—breed specific legislation simply does not work. See explanation below.

4. Is there anything you'd like to add?

Mike Shields Campaign

Ontario's New Democrats

Dalton McGuinty's response to election survey

2011-09-28T23:17:00.002-04:00

September 26, 2011

Dog Legislation Council of Canada

Dear Ms. Prothro and Colleagues:

Thank you very much for your letter and survey on behalf of the Dog Legislation Council of Canada. I am pleased to have the opportunity to respond. To answer your questions, I enlisted the help of our number one policy expert: our family dog, Mikki. Unfortunately, a squirrel got her attention and I am forced to answer on my own.

I am a firm believer in the rewards of pet ownership. Having Mikki in our lives ensures that Terri and I get out for regular walks and exercise. Her companionship helps us relax at the end of a stressful day. Simply put — our family adores her and we don’t know what we’d do without her.

As a pet owner, I also know that dog ownership is, first and foremost, a responsibility.

A few years ago, Ontario Liberals made the decision to restrict pit bulls. After a series of horrific accidents around the province, we decided that the interests of public safety would be best-served by restricting that particular breed.

At the same time, we also toughened the penalties for the owners of any dog that poses a danger to the public.

• Fines for offences under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act were increased to a maximum of $10,000 and allow for jail sentences of up to six months for people who allow any kind of dog to bite, attack or pose a menace to the safety of a person or domestic animal.

• Fines were increased up to a maximum of $60,000 for corporations owning such dogs.

• Also, judges can now order restitution to be paid in relation to an offence under the act.

Because of the new legislation, today there are fewer opportunities for serious pit bull attacks — ensuring that the people who are most vulnerable to these attacks are out of harm's way.

I believe we need to maintain our efforts, because the remaining restricted pit bulls continue to pose safety issues. For instance:

• April 13, 2011 — Ottawa — An un-muzzled pit bull tore out the throat of a threeyear-old Shih Tzu that was being walked by his teenaged owner.

• April 27, 2011 — Orillia — a pit bull attacked and killed a small dog outside an Orillia apartment building. The pit bull was wearing a muzzle that came off during the attack.

Our position is that repealing this legislation would be a step backwards. We understand these changes may have presented challenges for some dog owners, but we are confident that all Ontarians want what is in the best interests of public safety.

I want to thank you for taking the opportunity to write to me and appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions. Please accept my best wishes.

Yours truly,

Dalton McGuinty

Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party

Premier of Ontario

Reason # 37 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-27T14:39:00.003-04:00

Dalton McGuinty's tuition fee hikes push fees to record highs for the third year in a row TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2011 /CNW/ - Statistics Canada released its annual tuition fee report today which shows that under Dalton McGuinty's watch, tuition fees are the highest in Canada for the third year in a row. Undergraduate students pay an average of $6,640 and graduate students pay an average of $7,578. According to the report, graduate student fees increased by 5.5 per cent, exceeding the provincial government's regulations."It is unacceptable that the current government has forced Ontario students to pay the highest fees in Canada. As other provinces freeze and reduce tuition fees, the gap between Ontario and the second most expensive province widens," said Sandy Hudson, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. "Students and their families are preparing to vote in the provincial election and they want to know which of the parties they can trust to reduce the cost of education."
Read more

Reason # 36 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-27T13:49:00.001-04:00

Dalton McGuinty's vocabulary is shrinking. His lies are compounding and he has reverted to a simple mantra.

"It is a subject of continuing conversation."

Dalton wants your dog dead

2011-09-26T16:19:00.003-04:00

And the survey response proves it!

Ontario Liberal form response to our election survey

2011-09-26T16:11:00.003-04:00

So far today we have received numerous responses from Liberal MPP's and candidates. All responses have been the same form letter. I am happy to report that we have needled enough to warrant a form response as opposed to each individual thoughtfully answering the questions from their own point of view.

I usually wish each candidate good luck on October 6th however I am not going to extend regards to a form response. I would respect a personal opinion or a genuine response on behalf of ones riding but towing the party line sickens me and shows the disregard the McGuinty Liberals have for the tax paying citizens that put them in office!

Dog ownership and companionship is an incredibly rewarding, and enriching responsibility. Dogs help us connect with nature, increase our levels of physical activity, and reduce our stress.  I also know that dog ownership is, first and foremost, a responsibility.

A few years ago, Ontario Liberals made the decision to restrict pit bulls.  After a series of horrific accidents around the province, we decided that the interests of public safety would be best-served by restricting that particular breed.

At the same time, we also toughened the penalties for the owners of any dog that poses a danger to the public.
·         Fines for offences under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act were increased to a maximum of $10,000 and allow for jail sentences of up to six months for people who allow any kind of dog to bite, attack or pose a menace to the safety of a person or domestic animal.
·         Fines were increased up to a maximum of $60,000 for corporations owning such dogs.
·         Also, judges can now order restitution to be paid in relation to an offence under the Act.

Because of the new legislation, today there are fewer opportunities for serious pit bull attacks — ensuring that the people who are most vulnerable to these attacks are out of harm's way.
I believe we need to maintain our efforts, because the remaining restricted pit bulls continue to pose safety issues. For instance:

·         April 13, 2011 – Ottawa – An un-muzzled pit bull tore out the throat of a 3-year old Shih Tzu that was being walked by his teenaged owner.
·         April 27, 2011 – Orillia – a pit bull attacked and killed a small dog outside an Orillia apartment building. The pit bull was wearing a muzzle that came off during the attack.

Our position is that repealing this legislation would be a step backwards. We understand these changes may have presented challenges for some dog owners, but we are confident that all Ontarians want what is in the best interests of public safety.

I want to thank you for taking the opportunity to write to me and appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions.

Monte Kwinter Lib MPP York Centre

Tony Ryma candidate Nickle Belt

Eric Hoskins Lib MPP St. Paul's

Paul Watson Lib candidate Chatham-Kent-Essex

Jim Bradley Lib MPP St. Catharines

Maria VanBommel Lib MPP Lambton-Kent-Middlesex

Dave Levac Lib MPP Brant

Karl Walsh Lib candidate Barrie

Tracy MacCharles Lib candidate Pickering/Scarborough East

Indira Naidoo-Harris Lib candidate Halton

Laurel Broten Lib MPP Etobicoke-Lakeshore

Greg Crone Lib candidate Haldimand-Norfolk

Glenn Murray Lib MPP Toronto Center

Mike Cole Lib MPP Eglinton-Lawrence

Mark Cripps Lib Hamilton East - Stoney Creek

Reza Moridi Lib Richmond Hill

Christina Bisanz Lib Newmarket-Aurora

Yasir Naqvi Lib Ottawa Centre

Lou Rinaldi Lib Northunberland-Quinte West

Lori Baldwin-Sands Lib candidate Elgin-Middlesex-London

NDP Party response to our election survey

2011-09-26T16:10:00.004-04:00

On behalf of Ontario dog owners I wish to thank the Ontario NDP party for your ongoing support and common sense approach, to the breed discriminatory amendments that were made by the McGuinty Liberal's to the Dog Owners Liability Act.

Special thanks to Cheri DiNovo for making Hershey's Bill heard at Queen's Park.

Wishing you all the best of luck October 6th.

Dog Legislation Council of Canada

Liberal policies on Animal Welfare

2011-09-26T12:54:00.002-04:00

Response from candidate Jeffrey Buchanan London West NDP

2011-09-26T12:43:00.002-04:00

1. If the amended Dog Owners' Liability Act (2005) came up today for a free rather than a whipped vote as happened in 2005, would you vote in favour of banning breeds as an effective way to protect people from dog bites? Please explain.

No, I would not vote in favour of banning breeds. I do not feel this is responsible legislation and I was pleased that the NDP actively opposed this legislation when it was originally proposed.

2. Please tell our readers why you think the 'pit bull' ban enacted by the McGuinty government has or has not been successful in protecting the public from dog bites.

Dogs of all breeds can bite if they are mistreated, threatened or under hostile circumstances. This legislation was simply a public relations exercise developed under the pressure of media sensationalism. The better way to protect the public is by dealing with cruel and negligent dog owners, not by targeting specific breeds.

3. Would you be willing, if elected, to work to rescind the breed-specific regulations in Ontario's amended Dog Owners' Liability Act (2005) and replace them with an existing, easily implemented Canadian system that has been effective in the control of negligent pet owners, that is supported by all responsible pet owners and that once established is fully funded by dog and cat owners rather than through general revenue taxation? Please briefly explain your response.

Yes. While I would not consider this an urgent priority, it is certainly something that I would be willing to support, provided it is self-funding and not onerously unfair to pet owners.

4. Is there anything you'd like to add?

I love animals and want to strengthen laws and especially their enforcement to protect domestic animals and pets from cruelty, abuse and neglect. My pet is an important part of our family and I am confident she is an NDP supporter. However, since animals can't vote, it's important for humans to show courage, compassion and leadership to stand up for animals.

I trust this fully answers your questions, but if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch again.

best wishes

Jeff

Jeff Buchanan

London West provincial NDP candidate

Good Luck on October 6th!

Dog Legislation Council of Canada

Response from candidate Adam DeVita Richmond Hill NDP

2011-09-26T12:42:00.001-04:00

Before voting I would want to see any research or study reviewing the effectiveness of this act over the last 6 years, as well as the general trends. From what I have learned so far, some pet owners need training, and education in their choice of pet. I have seen vast improvements in behavior with proper training and care.

2. Please tell our readers why you think the 'pit bull' ban enacted by the McGuinty government has or has not been successful in protecting the public from dog bites.

I think that politicians shouldn’t be legislating without doing thorough research and consultation. There were other requirements in that legislation, so separating out the effects of the breed ban versus the other things will represent a challenge.

3. Would you be willing, if elected, to work to rescind the breed-specific regulations in Ontario's amended Dog Owners' Liability Act Act (2005) and replace them with an existing, easily implemented Canadian system that has been effective in the control of negligent pet owners, that is supported by all responsible pet owners and that once established is fully funded by dog and cat owners rather than through general revenue taxation? Please briefly explain your response.

I am open to learning how quality of life can be improved and public safety can be protected at the same time. If there is a better way to achieve this for our country, I look forward learning about it.

4.　 Is there anything you'd like to add?

My family inherited a dog named Max from my late father-in law. He was the type of dog that was good with kids and knew that I would rescue him from the affections of my toddler. My neighbors recognized me as the guy with the baby and very old dog. Max passed away from us this past summer. I'm sorry but I don't have a nice picture for you publication.

Regards,

Adam

Good Luck on October 6th!

Dog Legislation Council of Canada

David Zimmer's Open House

2011-09-25T22:35:00.002-04:00

David Zimmer (Liberal MPP Willowdale) was one of the major participants in pushing the breed ban here in Ontario. He said at a town hall meeting recently that the breed ban here in Ontario was "old news".

Well a few of my friends had a quite different message for him at his open house for the campaign this weekend.

Weird, he didn't have much to say... it is rare to see him speechless.

I can't live like this in Ontario and I'm NOT leaving!

2011-09-25T19:52:00.002-04:00

In 8 years we have witnessed the erosion of civil rights, the decline of the economic engine of Canada to "have not" status, the most enormous debt load in history, and lobbyists and the Liberal "connected" move forward with agendas without rational or fact.

There have been an unprecedented number of constitutional cases against the McGuinty government. Knowing this from launching our own case against the McGuinty Liberals we quickly found we were certainly not alone! However that brought not comfort but concern to our plight against this incompetent McGuinty government.

This campaign has been strange to say the least, however I hope people show up in record numbers to vote even if it is to spoil the ballot if they do not like the choices. Exercise your right to vote because we owe it to ourselves and those who have gone before us allowing us the right to have our say.

Remember,

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Response from candidate Teresa Armstrong London/Fanshawe NDP

2011-09-23T18:30:00.001-04:00

September 21, 2011

Dear Candidate

The Ontario provincial election is fast approaching!

Canada's national organization for responsible dog owners, The Dog Legislation Council of Canada has launched its "Ontario Votes" project to inform hundreds of thousands of dog owners across the province about the issues that matter to them. Even though an estimated 44% of Ontario households own at least one dog, these issues do not appear in party platforms, are not discussed in the mainstream media and are not featured in candidate debates. We get daily inquiries about where politicians stand on what is important to dog owners.

We realize that, as a candidate, you are extremely busy so we have kept our questions short and to the point. Your answers will be featured on our blog, Wag the Dog! on a riding-by-riding basis. Should you decline to respond, that will be indicated as well. We will not edit your answers unless there are typographical errors which need to be corrected.

Here are the survey questions:

Unfortunately, certain breeds seem to have been the "dog of choice" for owners who wanted an "aggressive" animal. It is my view that the owner/dog relationship is a far bigger factor than the breed in terms of behaviour. If this issue were to come up today in a free vote scenario I would do what I think all MPPs should do on issues like this, consult my constituents. I would canvass and phone through, and solicit online feedback to see what my constituents wanted me to do.

2. Please tell our readers why you think the 'pit bull' ban enacted by the McGuinty government has or has not been successful in protecting the public from dog bites.

There are still "dog attack" stories in the news, so obviously the ban has had a relatively minimal impact on public safety.

3. Would you be willing, if elected, to work to rescind the breed-specific regulations in Ontario's amended Dog Owners' Liability Act (2005) and replace them with an existing, easily implemented Canadian system that has been effective in the control of negligent pet owners, that is supported by all responsible pet owners and that once established is fully funded by dog and cat owners rather than through general revenue taxation? Please briefly explain your response.

I believe honesty is the best policy, so I want to be honest, this is not an issue that I consider to be a "top priority" for my constituents. I am certain there are people in my riding who want this ban rescinded, but my priorities are to help make life more affordable, starting to address the healthcare crisis, and getting people in my community back to work. When I have seniors cutting their pills in have to stretch their prescriptions out longer, over 4000 people on a wait list for affordable housing, 20,000 people without a family doctor, and 15,000 jobs having disappeared in the past 5 years, my priority must be addressing these big problems.

4. Is there anything you'd like to add?

I'm a dog owner myself, and Sofie is a loved member of our family. Both my husband Bill, who is a City Councillor, and I have been supporters of initiatives like "off-leash" dog parks, to allow people and their dogs to enjoy exercise together and socialize with others in our community. I understand the attachment and love people have toward their cats and dogs because it is an attachment I share with Sofie.

More important to me than the breed ban issue, in terms of animal rights, is the large numbers of animals abandoned to shelters (something which is certainly in part a by-product of the poor economic realities people are struggling with), and euthanized every year in Ontario. Our animal companions deserve better than to be treated like disposable property instead of as fellow living creatures.

Good luck on October 6!

Dog Legislation Council of Canada

Reason # 35 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-23T18:22:00.001-04:00

McGuinty chose not to attend the debate being held in Northern Ontario. Today Tim Hudak and Andrea Horwath packed a Thunder Bay conference center. The leaders were asked questions by representatives of local business groups, and each were given three minutes for opening statements. The questions were largely centred around the cost of electricity and jobs.

McGuinty obviously didn't find this debate to be important enough to attend which shows his lack of priority for Northern Ontario issues. This is odd since several of the current Liberal Northern ridings are undecided..

It doesn't take a Harvard graduate to figure out the volume of votes are in Toronto and the GTA however I would love to see McGuinty get his butt kicked on October 6th! His disregard is appalling for anyone who isn't in a Union or Ontarian's who have drank the Lieberal Kool-Aid.

Both the PC's and NDP have said they would repeal the Far North Act.

Also see Why Northern Ontario is important to both leaders and the economy

and Leaders take aim at absent McGuinty in Northern Ontario debate

On October 6th vote anyone but Liberal.

Reason # 34 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-18T15:29:00.001-04:00

I ran across an interesting article on the dangerous tactics of McGuinty, with respect to Ontario's energy plan.

Former CEO of Ontario Power Authority Denounces McGuinty’s Dangerous Energy Policy
Ontario needs to return to rational decision-making when it comes to ensuring that current strategies meet future power generation needs. Current policies, such as the promotion of wind power, reflect public concerns about global warming at the expense of securing a stable and economic energy future. If such publicly popular but economically unsound policies continue, the province’s prosperity will be seriously jeopardized.

Now this goes directly against what Dr. David Suzuki is saying. In fact Dr. David Suzuki has been publicly endorsing McGuinty's energy plan, which the Lieberal'shave been making sure YOU know. I guess they don't have too many endorsements so the one they have they are latching on to like a 'dog with a bone'.

In an exclusive interview with The Star, Suzuki warned it is “absolute insanity” for Tim Hudak to want to scrap wind and solar power initiatives that the Tories claim are too expensive.
“I don’t get it, because it’s a job creator — I would have thought that the Conservatives would be banging away at the need to create jobs,” the host of CBC’s The Nature of Things said during a stroll withMcGuinty in Stanley Park on Wednesday.

In the tone of typical bias you would expect The Star to use when talking about Liberal polices, the paper goes out of its way to only tell the side Suzuki, McGuintyand The Star want you to hear – solar energy is good. Always. No matter the cost.

What they don’t tell you is that Hudak is promising to dump the idea of paying 80 cents a kilowatt hour, that’s 8 to 13 times what the going rate is.

Now maybe if you are Dalton McGuinty or David Suzuki you can afford to pay 8 to 13 times the going rate just to feel good about yourself. I mean after all McGuintyhas a good job that pays well and has his house paid for by the public purse. Suzuki has become wealthy enough over the years.

Maybe for them, paying a lot more for energy is no big deal. For the rest of us it’s a big deal!

McGuinty claims that the green plan has vaulted Ontario to the forefront of action against climate change.

At the time of the Suzuki/McGuinty stroll in Stanley Park, McGuinty was attending a first minister's meeting in Vancouver of which he was "thrown out"... Guess he's not so popular with the other premier's either..

In case you missed it, despite having the second-highest average wages in Canada, Ontario is now officially a have-not province. This year – its third on the dole – it will get $2.2 billion, more than any other province except Quebec, which pockets more than half of the $14.7 billion handed out in equalization payments from the Federal Government. The program designed to allow each province to offer roughly the same services, regardless of relative wealth.

Three years ago, before Ontario moved into the receiving end of equalization,McGuinty argued that the equalization program should be scrapped.

He still doesn’t like the term, but he has come to like the way equalization works, threatening to “flex our elbows and assert ourselves” if anyone tries to mess with Ontario’s entitlement.

Going into the first ministers’ meeting this week, McGuinty took the same narrow view of the energy policy, arguing that Ontario taxpayers have been subsidizing the oil industry for years so it’s only fair that the rest of Canada, through the taxes we send to Ottawa, should now be subsidizing the green energy business in Ontario.

That claim is so astounding it deserves to be broken down.

First, it’s true that the oil and gas industry is subsidized through various tax and royalty incentives. McGuinty’s complaint is based on the notion that if the petroleum industry paid higher taxes, Ontario residents could pay less. The point of the subsidies, however, is to encourage investments that wouldn’t otherwise be made. In spite of the subsidies, the oil and gas business generates billions of dollars in revenues that reduce the amount of taxes that all Canadians, including those who live in Ontario, have to pay.

McGuinty should be familiar with that principle, since his province has paid billions in subsidies to the auto industry over the past few decades to maintain that business with the jobs and the tax revenue it generates for Queen’s Park.

Ontario’s green plan is set up on the same principle. The government is offering lavish subsidies in the form of a premium price for the electricity they generate from renewable sources to companies that are willing to invest in the province.

The Liberals say the strategy is working, creating thousands of jobs and allowing Ontario to move toward shutting down the coal plants that still produce a significant portion of electricity consumed in the province. The opposition says it’s an expensive failure that is burdening consumers now without ensuring sufficient generating capacity for the future.

The largest source of electricity is still nuclear energy, an industry that a study from nine years ago estimated had already been given the equivalent of $17 billion in subsidies from the federal government.

On a per-capita basis, Ontario is already getting more in total transfers from Ottawa than the provinces with an oil and gas industry, 12 per cent more than British Columbia and Saskatchewan, and 45 per cent more than Alberta.

So is it possible that the "Green Energy Plan" in Ontario is a proverbial money pit that is not producing its worth? That the sustainability is just not there butMcGuinty is giving it mouth to mouth in hopes it will somehow magically revive. All facts point to failures based on too expensive to maintain in relation to energy production. So called "green jobs" are drying up. This past week the plant inNewmarket producing solar panels ceased production yet McGuinty threatened the workers that if they voted for Hudak the plant would close.

Is it possible that McGuinty is lying to David Suzuki? Now there is a possibilityconsidering his track record..

Is it possible that David Suzuki has received some coin from the Liberal government for the David Suzuki foundation? hmmm there are a lot of organizations on the dole could the Suzuki Foundation be one of them?

All questions that deserve an honest answer however you may have to use your best judgement to decide.

On October 6th vote for the candidate most likely to beat the Liberal. McGuinty is incompetent but don't take my word for it!

Reason # 33 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-18T14:10:00.001-04:00

A special thanks to Social Mange for posting this in the comments. This information deserves a post all to itself!

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Killing Habitats

Peaceful Parks Coalition

For Immediate Release

Ontario Election - Honesty Press Release

McGuinty issues carte blanche exemptions to the ‘Endangered Species Act 2007’.

September 8, 2011 Toronto, Ontario: Since Dalton McGuinty plopped Linda Jeffrey into the chair of Minister of Natural Resources in 2010, there have been two hundred and fifty five (255) permits issued to contravene the ‘Endangered Species Act 2007’. An unprecedented number compared to her predecessor who issued twelve (12) in two years.

On April 8, 2010, the McGuinty govt. issued two carte blanche exemptions – 1) to eighty-three (83) municipalities in south and central Ontario for infrastructure work, and 2) one hundred and three (103) aggregate companies. (EBR # 010-9526 and EBR # 010-9527)

Typical individual exemptions include Metrus Development who in March 2010 received a permit to destroy the habitat of the Redside Dace , an endangered fish, to build a school and park as part of a subdivision inBrampton. (EBR # 010-9085)

“I wonder how those children would feel if they knew their park destroyed the habitat of a species struggling to survive on this planet,” muses AnnaMaria Valastro of Peaceful Parks Coalition.

In April, 2011, the McGuinty government issued a permit to the City of Guelph to destroy a nesting site (an old chimney) of the threatened Chimney Swift for the purpose of establishing a temporary parking lot and a new library. (EBR # 010-3168)

“I guess Minister Jeffrey couldn’t figure out how to incorporate an old chimney stack currently being used by Chimney Swifts into the overall design of the temporary parking lot,” speculates Ms Valastro.

The number of species affected from all the exemptions is vast, including species on the brink of extinction such as Jefferson Salamander (endangered), American Ginseng (endangered), Butler’s Gartersnake (endangered), Mudpuppy Mussel (endangered), Redside Dace (endangered), Round Pigtoe (endangered), Eastern Flowering Dogwood (endangered), and so many more.

“This government is reckless with Section 17 (2)(c), a loophole which allows the minister to issue exemption permits,” concludes Valastro.

“What’s worse, is that on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry, these exemption notices are listed as an ‘overall benefit’ permit to a species. So unless a person actually opens and reads the notice, one could conclude that McGuinty is protecting hundreds of species at risk,” says Valastro.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

The McGuinty government is also considering a proposal to exempt the forestry industry, the hydro electric industry and the mining industry from the ‘Endangered Species Act 2007’ as it relates to the protection of Woodland Caribou – a species reliant on ancient forests to survive and whose population is rapidly declining in Ontario.

Another reason to turf McGuinty and Minions, swiped from the Animal Alliance blog.

On October 6th please vote for the candidate most likely to beat the Liberal. McGuinty is incompetent and MUST GO!

Reason #32 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-17T21:17:00.001-04:00

McGuinty's Green Energy Plan is a failure due to the fact that the McGuinty Liberals are incompetent and do not think things through. Running on theory is not good enough. At some point in time one must figure out that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is and if the government must throw copious amounts of money at companies and ideas for sustainability, there might be a problem!

In an article from the National Post;
David Frum: McGuinty doubles down on the green-jobs money pit
On Friday, the Ontario premier delivered a stinging partisan speech at the Flextronics solar panel factory in Newmarket, Ont. There he warned that if his government is defeated, the factory will close.
But if that claim is true, think what it means for the 13.2-million Ontarians who do not work for Flextronics. If true, McGuinty’s claim reveals that the only reason those Flextronics jobs exists is that his government has given the factory a deal that would be acceptable to no other buyer on planet earth. This is supposed to be an argument in favor of McGuinty’s re-election?

Also see;

John Ivison: McGuinty’s clean energy poster child starving for work

Jesse Kline: Are green jobs worth the cost?

On October 6th vote for the candidate most likely to beat the Liberal. The McGuinty Government is incompetent.

Reason # 31 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-16T14:40:00.002-04:00

McGuinty's refusal to fund intensive behaviour intervention (IBI) treatment for autistic children over 6 years old.

McGuinty initially made an election promise to extend government-funded treatment as an election promise in 2003 but reneged on that promise once elected.

There was a lawsuit, brought forward by 29 families with autistic children, which challenged the McGuinty Liberals in court on grounds of discrimination based on age and disability.

It costs parents on average $60,000 to treat a child, which for a lot of parents is not possible. The case was initially won by the parents ordering the government to pay for treatment of children with autism over 6 yrs old but the McGuinty Liberals appealed the ruling and won the appeal which struck down the original ruling.

After the initial ruling, McGuinty said "he was concerned by a court ruling that requires a government to spend money it might not have". But it is ok to dole out taxpayers money to unions essentially paying them to advertise and back he and the provincial Liberals in their campaign! Or flush billions of dollars down the toilet on E Health, OLG and CAS while not keeping an eye on agencies burning through money like kindling.

In true discriminatory fashion McGuinty justified the government's decision to appeal the April 2005 ruling, saying " children with autism represent only a minority of youngsters with special needs".

Divisive and discriminatory is the McGuinty way.

Speaking from experience, we dog owners know first hand the McGuinty Liberals will spend any amount of taxpayers money to fight those of us discriminated against, in court. We too took the McGuinty Liberals to court on constitutional grounds. We too won the first round in court and had major portions of the breed ban struck but the McGuinty Liberals appealed and the ban was reinstated to its original form.

We appealed to Supreme Court of Canada, but the SSC refused to hear out case. They only agree to hear approximately 10% of all cases filed, however that whole adventure cost we dog owners 3/4 of a million dollars of hard earned fund-raising.

The McGuinty Liberals, on the other hand used our taxpayers dollars to fight us in court just as they did with the autistic children's parents! There have been numerous constitutional challenges against the McGuinty Liberals. Too many to count. There is also currently a constitutional challenge in court over the Special Purpose Charge I explained in a previous blog post.

How happy does that make you to know how your tax payer dollars are being spent?

On October 6th vote for the candidate most likely to beat the Liberal!

Reason # 30 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-15T21:59:00.001-04:00

The McGuinty Children's Aid Society (CAS) Scandal
Under the McGuinty Government's watch, Ontario tax dollars that were supposed to go towards vulnerable children in Ontario, were instead squandered on Luxury Vehicles, All-Inclusive Luxury Resort Vacations to the Caribbean and other vacation destinations, Gym Memberships and Executive Allowances for CAS Management.

Also see McGuinty to rein in spending

Reason # 29 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-14T21:31:00.001-04:00

The McGuinty Municipal Property Assessment Corp. (MPAC) Scandal

Where under the McGuinty Government's watch, Ontario Families had their homes either significantly undervalued or significantly overvalued by the MPAC, resulting in either a huge loss of their home's value, or them being significantly overcharged for property taxes. When provided with the auditor's report, the MPAC rejected investigating into the issue.

In addition to their failures in providing the basic service for which they are employed, they also were caught in yet another E Health-type expense scandal.

See Property Taxes a Crapshoot, Auditor Finds...

Ontarians need not apply...

2011-09-13T20:01:00.001-04:00

Reason # 28 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-13T17:15:00.000-04:00

The Ontario Health Premium, the highest tax increase ever, implemented months after McGuinty was elected in 2003. He signed a contract with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation to not increase taxes yet in true Dalton McGuinty form went ahead anyway.

He justified his health care tax by blaming an unknown deficit from the previous Government, yet under McGuinty's watch the deficit has more than doubled since 2003.The sliding scale is disproportionate based on income and contrary to Liberal spew health care spending is up and care is not.

Here is the kicker.. most people don't mind paying a bit more or their fair share if the dollars are being spent wisely. Wisely is not in the Liberal vocabulary. Giving ridiculous amounts of money to unions such as the auto union and teacher's union, setting up bureaucratic agencies and placing Liberal's in high paying jobs and letting agencies such as E Health run rampant with spending and not producing are more McGuinty's style.

This is where your hard earned money that you pay in your Ontario Health Premium are going.

On October 6th, vote for the candidate most likely to beat the Liberal.

We can't afford another 4 years of Dalton McGuinty!

Reason # 27 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-12T21:05:00.002-04:00

McGuinty is NOT called Pinocchio for no reason!

He lies and lies and lies..

At the committee hearings prior to the "pitbull" ban being put in place there were 102 presentations. 86 were AGAINST the ban from experts worldwide. Of the few that were in favor of the ban, most were victims of alleged "pitbull" attacks, however we know that mis-identification is the main problem with banning a non-existent or fictitious breed.

McGuinty knew as plain as the longggggggggg nose on his face that the word "pitbull" is a slang term for a shape of dog of unknown lineage. He also knew the purebreds are very rare, less than 1000 dogs all 3 breeds combined in the whole province. He was also informed you cannot breed dogs for aggression. Aggression is a behavior. He also knew that scientifically what he based the ban on was urban myth and propaganda. He had all the facts, and we can prove it, yet steamrolled ahead.

The tragedy of thousands of good dogs, many of them just puppies, being killed for how they look in this province is blood on his hands. The hundreds of dog owners that have had to give up their pet to be shipped out of province or killed is heartbreaking. The McGuinty Liberals send an intervenor to nearly all individual cases, using our tax dollars and Attorney General resources, to try to kill dogs for how they look. Most of these cases the owner and dog are innocent of any wrong doing but were identified as the dog being a "pitbull".

Here is an intereview that is worth reposting. It speaks volumes to the absolute rubbish that McGuinty would have you, the voter, believe. If you care about discrimination you must think about who you want to vote for. If you care about the discrimination of dog owners, for owning a dog that "looks" a certain way please think before voting. If you care about McGuinty's divisive policies and legislation that has caused REAL heartache, pain and suffering to Ontario's citizens..

Please vote for the candidate most likely to beat the Liberal on October 6th!

Reason # 26 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-12T17:29:00.002-04:00

His incomprehension of fair and equal treatment.

It cracks me up that McGuinty is calling on Hudak to apologize for calling McGuinty's tax cuts for immigrants an "affirmative action for foreign workers". What is wrong with the word "foreign" now? If people are new to Canada, they came from some where.

Quick dictionary meaning; "One who is from a foreign country or place".

McIdiot says there is no us and them. Well there wasn't until he turned it into an election promise!

McGuinty is known for his divisive politicking. His deadbeat dad-like ways have created an "us and them" divisiveness between kids who are overweight and those who are not. Dog owners who own dogs that "look" a certain way and those that do not....

Those who love to be told what to do by the government and those who do not... er no.. that is the difference between Ontario Liberal supporters and the rest of us.

What a douchebag!

On October 6th please vote for the candidate most likely to beat the Liberal!

Reason # 25 McGuinty Must GO!

2011-09-12T17:24:00.000-04:00

The propaganda commercials that run every 10 minutes have given me and other good law abiding, common sense thinking, tax paying Ontarian's;

A headache, sick to stomach, ringing in ears, blurred vision, scratchy feeling at the back of throat from having things rammed down it, and general feeling of fed up/ insane feeling. The insane feeling comes from wondering if the province has something in the water that there is a remote possibility McGuinty may get in again!

Here is a video of McGuinty showing his compassionate side during a photo op at a Hospital.

Reason # 24 McGuinty must go!

2011-09-08T21:44:00.001-04:00

There was a good episode of The Agenda tonight on TVO. The subject was The Liberal record on Health Care. There was a panel discussion and the short answer to the question of whether health care is better in Ontario, under the McGuinty Liberals. A resounding NO! The Liberals have spent more but the level of care has not improved.

Watch it for yourself.

Could it be that McGuinty is lying when he says Health Care has improved since the Liberal's have been in power?

You decide.

Reason # 23 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-07T20:26:00.002-04:00

At a High School in Markham, McGuinty was there to do a photo op. The class was told by the teacher that students who did not support McGuinty and the Liberal's could leave. Six students left the room. The students were then labeled "anarchists" and the photo op continued. This was confirmed by TVO "The Agenda's" Steve Paiken who was in attendance.

This begs the question, where there only 6 students in attendance?

Here is the article;

Students removed from High School at Dalton McGuinty Photo Op
We were saddened today to learn that at Dalton McGuinty’s campaign event this morning, students who do not support Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario Liberal Party were advised to leave the classroom. The six students who left the room were then labeled as “anarchists”.

Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are the cornerstones of our democratic system and those values should be promoted in our schools and other public institutions most of all.
Dalton McGuinty must answer for whether his campaign tour team pressured the teacher to take this action as part of his tightly scripted campaign event.”
BACKGROUND
TVO reporter Steve Paikin who attended Dalton McGuinty’s campaign event at Markville Secondary School this morning tweeted on the matter below:
spaikin Steve Paikin awaiting @Dalton_McGuinty at markham secondary sch. the teacher just said to studs “if you’re anti-lib, you can leave.” 6 kids did. #onpoli
spaikin Steve Paikin the teacher continues: “ok, now that the anarchists have left…” @Dalton_McGuintyvisiting a robotics class. #onpoli

Reason # 21 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-05T15:40:00.001-04:00

The McGuinty Liberals amended the OSPCA Act and not for the better! The OSPCAOntario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a private charity accountable to no one and has extraordinary police powers including the right towarrant-less entry under the Act. The OSPCA is not subject to Freedom Of Information.

MPP Jim Bradley says "The government has no authority over the OSPCA under the Act". None is needed, he says! OSPCA “experts” are capable and have everything under control.

An excerpt from Carl Noble, a former OSPCA Director's testimony;

Some people are not able to defend themselves because they do not have the money to hire a lawyer, and the draft legislation makes it even more difficult, such that a person must have a lawyer or represent themselves when they appear before the Animal Care Review Board. What chance do you think the person feels that they have when they walk into an Animal Care Review Board hearing and the OSPCA and the representative of the Animal Care Review Board are sitting chatting to each other? Or are they deciding how guilty the person is before he has had a chance to defend himself? How would you feel if it was you? Then they walk over and hand you the disclosure of the OSPCA for the case which is going to get underway immediately. You have no time to prepare and you feel you don’t have a chance in hell of defending yourself in a kangaroo court.
Why do you give millions of dollars to a private charity, pay them to take people to court on charges they have deemed animal abuse, pay for all of theOSPCA court costs in an indirect manner and yet refuse any legal assistance to the accused, even though they are trying to defend themselves in a criminal case which, if convicted, could lead to jail time, fines and all of the restrictions which apply after being convicted of a criminal charge? One conviction I am aware of was for having the person plead guilty to having a dirty budgie cage.
All of this type of information could be false, but in the investigators’ minds—and their minds alone, as there are no straightforward regulations other than what the investigator wants to interpret from what vagueness already exists in the OSPCA Act. The danger lies in the zealousness, the uncontrolled discretion and the potential for serious misinterpretations leading to serious, disproportionate consequences.
We have seen cases defended in court against the OSPCA, but we have seen many more where people have been wrongly convicted because of juggling the truth. We have seen cases that did not get to court because a deal was struck between the OSPCA and the animal owner, where the OSPCA would let the owner pay them money and would drop the charges but it all had to be kept confidential. It sure wasn’t confidential when they released all their information and accusations to the media and destroyed the person’s name before they had a chance to defend themselves. What they wanted was the media exposure to increase their donations, and if they got what they wanted, then a deal could be made, especially if they also got the animals, the money from the sale of the animals, and the money they got from the deal they struck with the charged person.
We need accountability. For example, we need to be able to stop OSPCAinvestigators from waiting for someone to tether their dog outside and leave to deliver a child to school, and when they arrive home, the dog is gone. In this real-life example, the OSPCA took the dog, left an order to have a doghouse built, and then after two or three days, offered the return of the dog if they were willing to pay the boarding and expenses of $200. This particular lady was one who went out of her way to pick up and deliver her neighbour’s challenged child to school, all of which took 20 to 25 minutes, and then had the added cost if she wanted her dog back. This happened more than once, and it is not right that the person should be at the whim of an OSPCAinspector, who in turn sells the animal back to the owner.

Here is a link to the OSPCA Act as amended and passed by the McGuinty Liberals.

Another example of how the McGuinty Liberals have overstepped their bounds and created another vague, discriminatory and oppressive law designed to have people guilty until proved innocent.

We need strong laws against people who abuse and neglect animals but this must be done without taking away the right for people to properly defend themselves. Laws should also NOT empower people who are under trained. Police have extensive training with which to uphold the law. Taking people with little more than high school education and training them for a couple days only to turn them loose with police powers is illogical and downright dangerous.

To read the Hansard transcripts for the committee hearing for the OSPCA Act link here.

Reason # 20 McGuinty must go!

2011-09-04T13:17:00.001-04:00

Did you know that on top of the debt retirement charge you also are paying a "Special Purpose Charge" on your hydro bill?

McGuinty passed a regulation to the Ontario Energy Board Act charging all energy distributors a set charge of nearly $54 Million which then permits the distributors to charge it back to the ratepayer (that would be you!). There is a constitutional challenge against the McGuinty government that this is an indirect tax which is unconstitutional.

The controversy, with respect to the Regulation, lies not in the principal, to fund the province's green energy initiatives, but rather it arises from the fact that the Regulation permits distributors to recoup the amount of the SPC assessment from their customers – Ontario ratepayers.

The province of Ontario derives its taxation power from section 92(2) of the Constitution Act, 1867. The province does not have the constitutional jurisdiction to enact an indirect tax, unless it can properly be qualified as a regulatory charge imposed under one of the province's heads of power under the Constitution Act, 1867. If the SPC is found to have the attributes of a tax, is indirect, and is not found to be connected to any form of regulatory scheme, it is unconstitutional, and of no force or effect.

It is argued that the SPC has the attributes of a tax: (i) it is compulsory and enforceable by law; (ii) it is imposed under the authority of the legislature; (iii) it is levied by the OEB, which is a public body; (iv) it is intended for a public purpose, namely energy conservation programs in Ontario; and (v) it is unconnected to any form of regulatory scheme, as the broad and all-encompassing purposes set out in section 26.2 of the OEB Act make clear. Because the assessment is issued against the distributors but ultimately paid by ratepayers, it amounts to an indirect tax, and will be deemed unconstitutional, unless the government can discharge its burden and establish that the SPC is in fact a regulatory charge.

The implications of motion are significant: if section 26.1 of the OEB Act is found to be constitutionally valid, it is expected that the OEB will next issue an assessment against gas distributors, an assessment which could exceed $100 million. The costs of this assessment would also be recouped from ratepayers, thereby increasing the cost of energy to Ontario ratepayers by more than $150 million over a short period of time, above and beyond the increases already planned, and authorised by the OEB.

In a nutshell, if this SPC is not found unconsititutional, expect your gas rates to also jump!

For more information;

Legislative Update

FAQ SPC Erie Power

Ontario Energy Board statement

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 19 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-03T17:14:00.002-04:00

McGuinty bailed out the auto industry but left the Northren Ontario mining industry out in the cold.

High energy prices forced Vale Inco to shut down its copper smelter refinery in Sudbury four years ago. Xstrata is moving its smelter and processing plant from Timmins to Quebec.

“These companies look at the industrial hydro rate in Ontario and they look at the industrial hydro rate in Quebec and realize they can save a lot of money by moving to Quebec.

In an article Killing the north's golden goose, Christina Blizzard explains how the McGuinty Liberal policies are killing the northren mining industry.

The Far North Act will take 42% of northern Ontario out of production. They're also wary of changes to the Mining Act.
Northerners say the government has shut them out of consultations.
As well, high electricity prices here are killing businesses that rely on cheap power. Xstrata's annual hydro bill for the smelter is $70 million. In Quebec, the price is 40-50% lower.
Worse, Laughren says the Green Energy Act will force up the price of electricity, making it even harder to compete. What's so frustrating is that northern Ontario is rich in hydro-electric power potential that could develop cheap, clean energy.
Yet the government recently signed a controversial $7-billion deal with Korean giant Samsung that will force electricity prices even higher.

With gold at an all time high and resources in high demand our mining industry is vital to the economy of Ontario. McGuinty is not only out of touch but destroying the industries chances for survival.

Another great article by Christina Blizzard talks about the threat of the "Far North Act" on Northren Ontario's mining and forestry industries.

The battle in Northern Ontario for the hearts and minds of voters in the Oct. 6 election is being waged on many fronts here.
It’s about forestry and wood allocations. About mining and resources.
And the Far North Act, which critics say will strangle development and turn economically-productive forestry and mining areas into parkland.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 18 McGuinty Must Go!

2011-09-02T13:58:00.001-04:00

The Ontario Power Authority OPG was set up as a temporary agency, but in less than six years it has become a bloated bureaucracy ballooning from 15 to more than 300 employees, spending $80 million a year, contributing to skyrocketing energy bills paid by Ontario families, and has been a driving force behind Premier McGuinty’s expensive energy experiments.

Of those employees, 75 are on the sunshine list. A full 25% of the OPA’s payroll is making more than $100,000 a year. No wonder this bloated bureaucracy is now costing Ontario families more than $80 million each and every year.

The OPA is the brainchild of Premier McGuinty and is complete with Liberal family ties going back three generations: the Premier’s former spokesman and, until recently, OPA vice-president of communications, Ben Chin; former Liberal leader and OPA vice-chair, Lyn McLeod; and former adviser to Liberal Premier David Peterson and OPA board member, Patrick Monahan.

The Ontario Energy Association is an organization that represents people from every possible part of the energy sector. Here’s what they had to say about the OPA and the political interference that it is constantly subjected to. In a survey of their members, “85% of respondents felt that the current structure with a number of agencies assigned to specific tasks either needs better implementation ... or needs to be changed altogether”—85%.

“For example, the OPA was established to provide planning and procurement in the expectation that the market would eventually respond to that information and make investments without OPA procurement contracts. However, these functions are no longer transitional.” That’s the Ontario Energy Association, which has serious concerns about the OPA, the way it has grown and the fact that it has become a governmental shield, but one that is subject to continuous ministerial interference and directives.

The McGuinty Liberals are out of touch with reality. Hydro rates have already gone up 75% under the McGuinty government’s watch; 100% if the OPA has already imposed a smart meter and time-of-use pricing on you. And do you know what? The OPA tells us they’re going to be going up another 46%.

To read more from Hansard..

And another article..

The McGuinty Liberal government is incompetent.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 17 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-09-01T21:33:00.000-04:00

Corrupt ad campaigns such as the "Working Families" ads. The term "Working Families" is deceiving. The group would have you believe working families are behind the ads; however the truth is that senior provincial Liberals, trade unions and teachers unions are the dollars and voices behind WFC. The WFC aims to raise and spend more than $5 million in third party advertising in the upcoming election an unprecedented third party intervention all in the support of the Liberals.

The attack ads are unethical and an insult to the intelligence of the taxpayers of Ontario. Third party advertising should be outlawed. Dalton McGuinty is the master of back door deals and robbing the taxpayer to pay his supporters. True modern day anti Robin Hood even though he would like you to believe he is "working in your best interest". I guess that may be true if you were on some self abuse or self destruct plan.

While Ontario's real "Working Families" have been struggling to survive under this scandal-plagued tax-and-waste McGuinty Liberal Government, the Ontario Unions have been reaping the benefits of his constant hand outs that has been doled out since he took office 8 years ago. Never has Ontario seen so many scandals after scandals after scandals after scandals, all the while increasing taxes at a record rate. The McGuinty Government along with their Union buddies have effectively turned Ontario into a have-not province, and have left real Ontario Working Families working harder to keep up with the vastly increased cost of living.

If you would like to learn more about what is behind the "Working Families" ads you see constantly on tv...

Using Oscar for Special Attack

What Jim Wilson has to say

Working Families Watch

Prior to the 2007 election, the following gives some examples of "Working Families" donations and involvment with the McGuinty Liberals.

Coalition chair Gary O'Neill, who is also president of International Union Of Operating Engineers Local 793, which held a Liberal fundraiser at the union hall attended by McGuinty on June 22, 2006. Local 793 has donated $66,389 to the Liberals between 2003 and 2006. The government gave Local 793 a $1.98 million grant for its training centre.
Guy is president and chief executive of Pollara, a polling firm that worked with the coalition in the 2003 election and did $293,549 in polling for the Liberals in that campaign. In addition, Pollara was paid $1.07 million for work by several provincial government ministries, including health, since 2003, along with $541,147 for support to Liberal MPPs and $1.05 million in services for the Liberal caucus. Guy evaded repeated requests for a telephone interview.
Wieder's firm, Arrow Communications Group, the coalition's ad agency in 2003 and this year, received $28,395 for ad services to the Liberals in the last election. Through his other company, Policomm, Wieder was paid $165,500 by the Liberals for printing and communications work in the 2003 campaign. In addition, Policomm was paid $56,570 for helping 12 Liberal candidates in 2003. Since the Liberals took office, Arrow has been paid $1.15 million in various contracts for "caucus support" and other services.

The McGuinty Liberal government is incompetent.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

An Interview with Dr. Karen Overall

2011-08-31T15:00:00.000-04:00

Excellent video. Thanks Dr. Karen Overall.

Reason # 16 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-31T14:33:00.001-04:00

The Dalton McGuinty Green Energy Strategy for Solar Power in Rural Ontario Scandal - Where Dalton McGuinty offered Ontario Working Families in Rural Ontario 80 cents per kWh if they implemented small solar power installations on their properties, only to renege on that deal and chop that rate to 58.8 cents, after many Ontarians already invested in the technology.

In addition to the rate slashing, many Rural Ontarians are now being told that their contracts can no longer be fulfilled, after they've invested their retirement incomes into these Solar Power Systems. This is how Dalton McGuinty protects Ontarian's.

To read more..

The McGuinty Liberal government is incompetent.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Criteria for the CGN Canine Good Neighbor Testing

2011-08-30T16:48:00.000-04:00

Canine Good Neighbour Program

The Canadian Kennel Club, Canine Good Neighbour program identifies and rewards responsible and caring owners and their canine partners.

The purpose of the Canine Good Neighbour Program test is to ensure that one of our most favoured companions, the dog, is accepted as a valued member of the community. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places and In the presence of other dogs. The program embraces both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and has been created to assist canine owner’s combat anti-dog sentiments which often target dogs as a whole. Additionally, the program enhances community awareness of responsible dog ownership and the benefits associated with dog ownership.

Canine Good Neighbour training is fun, rewarding, and useful. It can enable owners to achieve a better relationship with their dogs.

The test is not a competition calling for precision performance by the handler and dog. Rather, it assesses the handler and dog's relationship together with the handler's ability to control the dog.

Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations.

The Canadian Kennel Club encourages all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby ensuring that our beloved canines are welcomed and respected members of our communities.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL

The handler is required to bring the following equipment to the test

Proof of vaccination certificate
Dog license
Test fee
A leash not less than .75 metres (2’) nor longer than 2 meters (6’) in length is required (acceptable collars include a well-fitting slip, buckle or martingale collar, made of fabric, leather or chain. All other types of collars are unacceptable.
A grooming tool – either brush or comb
A plastic bag for picking up after the dog
For the registration form you need

o Owner’s name

o Full address

o Phone number

o Email address

o Dog’s registered name

o CKC registration number (if registered)

o Breed

EXERCISE DESCRIPTION

Demonstrating confidence and control, you and your dog must complete theses 12 steps.

TEST I - Accepting A Friendly Stranger

This test demonstrates the dog's ability to allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday manner.

The evaluator will walk toward the handler and dog and greet the handler by shaking hands and briefly chatting. The dog should remain under control with only gentle verbal or leash assistance, if necessary. The dog should not go to nor jump on the evaluator. It must not exhibit any signs of shyness by hiding behind the handler or by attempting to avoid the evaluator, and must not exhibit any signs of resentment.

TEST 2 - Politely Accepts Petting

This test demonstrates the dog's ability to allow a friendly stranger to pet it while out with its handler. The evaluator will pet the dog on the head and shoulders. The dog may sit or stand quietly beside the handler and may change position, but must not exhibit any signs of resentment or shyness.

TEST 3 - Appearance and Grooming

This practical test demonstrates that the dog will accept being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger to do so. The evaluator inspects the dog, brushes the dog briefly on the back and sides, and lightly examines its ears and front feet. The evaluator then quietly walks behind the handler and dog, returning to face the dog. The dog does not have to hold position, but should not have to be restrained: minor movement is allowed. The handler may assist the evaluator and talk quietly to the dog.

TEST 4-Out For A Walk

This test demonstrates the ability of the dog to walk politely on a loose leash as well as the handler's ability to control the dog. The evaluator will have the handler and dog walk a course, which will include at least one right and left turn and a 180º-degree turn. It is not necessary for the dog to be exactly aligned with the handler or sit when the handler stops. The handler may talk to the dog.

TEST 5 - Walking Through a Crowd

This test demonstrates the dog's ability to walk politely beside the handler in pedestrian traffic while remaining under control at all times. The dog and handler walk through and close to several [at least five] people. Throughout this test the handler may talk to the dog, giving praise and encouragement. The dog must maintain a position close to the handler without becoming unduly stressed or unruly. The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should not go to them.

TEST 6 - Sit/Down On Command and Stay In Place (Long Line)

This test demonstrates the dog's ability to respond to the handler's commands. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to sit and down the dog. If required, the handler may touch the dog gently to assist it.

Once the dog has responded to both a sit and down command, the handler will decide in which position the dog is going to be left. The handler will then tell the dog to stay, and walk forward & meters (20 ft), before turning around to face the dog, then will return to the dog.

TEST 7 - Come When Called (Long Line)

This test demonstrates the dog's ability to come when called by the handler. The evaluator will stand near the dog, and instruct the handler to position the dog in either a sit, down or stand position. The handler will then leave the dog and go to a distance of 3 meters (8 - 10 ft) before turning and calling the dog. The dog may change position, but must remain in place. The dog should come readily to the handler; the handler may encourage the dog.

TEST 8 - Praise/Interaction

This test demonstrates that the dog can be easily calmed following a play session or praise. After playing with the dog for approximately 10 seconds, the handler then calms the dog. More than one command may be used, but the dog must display controlled behaviour when told to settle by the handler. The evaluator is looking for evidence of a good relationship between the dog and handler.

TEST 9 — Reaction to Passing Dog

This test demonstrates the dog's polite behaviour while in the presence of other dogs and handlers. Two handlers, with their dogs, approach one another from approximately 6 meters (20 ft). They stop, shake hands, briefly chat, and then continue walking for approximately 2 meters (6 ft). The dog should exhibit no more than mild interest in the other dog, and should not cross over to it.

TEST 10 - Reaction To Distractions

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common visual and auditory distractions such as the sudden opening or closing of a door, crutches, wheelchairs, baby strollers, joggers, etc.

The dog may express natural interest and curiosity at the distraction, or may startle temporarily, but should not panic or show aggression or fear. One or two barks are permitted but the dog must not continue to bark at the distraction. The handler may encourage and talk to the dog throughout this test.

TEST 11 - Supervised Isolation

This test demonstrates the dog's ability to be left alone with a trusted person other than its handler, while maintaining a calm acceptance of the situation. The handler asks another person to hold the dog, and tells the dog to stay or wait. The handler will leave the area and go to a pro-designated location, out of sight of the dog. The handler will wait 3 minutes until called to return by the assistant evaluator. The dog is not required to stay in a particular position, but should not show excessive stress or nervousness by pulling on the lead or trying to get away. Excessive panting, barking, whining, or seeking attention from the evaluator is not acceptable.

TEST 12 - Walking Through A Door/Gate

This test demonstrates the dog's response to the handler's commands as well as the handler's ability to control the dog in a restricted area while moving ahead of the dog and through a door/gate. The handler may speak quietly to the dog as they approach the door/gate. The handler commands the dog to sit/wait and walks through the door/gate, while instructing the dog to follow calmly and join him. Alternatively, the dog and handler may proceed through the door/gate together, with the dog accompanying the handler on a loose leash. The dog must not go through the door/gate before the handler instructs him to do so.

Reason # 15 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-30T13:54:00.002-04:00

Reason #15 McGuinty must go! While McGuinty has been in power the number of Ontario Public Sector workers making $100,000+ has skyrocketed from just over 12,000 members in 2003, to a whopping 63,371 in 2009, or in total, an over 500% increase while Dalton McGuinty has been Premier. We, the Ont taxpayers picks up the bill!

Read on...

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 14 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-29T20:11:00.001-04:00

Post Secondary tuition has skyrocketed under McGuinty's watch. The Canadian Federation of Students Ontario says the province's undergraduate fees have increased by 5.4 per cent, while graduate fees have spiked 10 per cent. The percentage is higher than the maximum allowable fee increase percentage set out by the Liberals. This makes it harder for Ontario parents to pay for their kids education.

Students struggle to meet the highest tuition costs in Canada.

To read on...

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 13 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-28T16:09:00.002-04:00

In a word... Caledonia.

How did it come to this? Canada, a nation whose name is held as an international byword for law and order, is now home to natives who are openly running a commercial protection racket in a wide swathe of Ontario land. History shows that such illegal protection rackets typically operate in ghettos, unpoliced immigrant enclaves and lawless frontier regions -- that is to say, places where the official forces of government either cannot or will not enforce the law. So it is in Canada, where the Ontario government has become so terrified of confronting militant natives that it has effectively permitted them to operate outside the laws that bind the rest of us.

McGuinty endangered Ontarians, and undermined the rule of law. He should have had the gonads to step in but he did not. The rule of law must take precedence over the PR needs of a gutless government. McGutless must go!

The McGuinty Liberal government is incompetent.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 12 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-27T16:18:00.002-04:00

The Cancer Care Ontario scandal.

Cancer Care Ontario shows the provincial agency handed out consultant contracts in some of the same questionable ways as eHealth.

It gave a consulting firm $18.7 million in deals over two years, some in the form of so-called "follow-on" agreements, a practice that allowed them to be added on to current contracts without being opened to bids. The audit found the number of follow-ons "excessive" — with at least 26 recorded.

In the two years examined by the audit, about 60 per cent of some $30-million in contracts examined were doled out to three big vendors.

The audit noted that Cancer Care Ontario had no policy for buying radiation therapy equipment for hospitals, resulting in $3.5 million in orders that didn't follow proper tender procedures and in six-figure price jumps.
Contracts for a number of radiation treatment machines rose above the original ceiling price by $300,000 to $500,000. In one instance, a contract price rose by $1 million, because the machine had to be customized to fit into a room.
Another time, extra equipment plus user fees were tacked on, causing a $861,000 increase above the original agreement.
The agency also appeared to have a recurring problem with documenting consultant expenses, with only six per cent of $136,000 in out-of-expense claims accompanied by the necessary receipts.
Other revelations in the documents included:
Details of some contracts were ironed out after the deal was done.

One contract ballooned to almost six times its original maximum worth of $3.5 million — to $20.2 million — in a process that lacked proper approvals from the CEO.

Contracts without tender accounted for 49 per cent of examined contracts for non-capital goods and non-consulting expenses, such as computer equipment, software and equipment rental.

About $1.6-million worth was paid out over 14 invoices to a company with no written contract.

At one point, the director of finance had the authority to create, approve and review purchase orders.

Several employees recruited were offered between $17,000-23,000 over the maximum salary range.

CCO employee files were kept in an unlocked cabinet accessible to unauthorized employees.

Even though policy forbade paying for parties, Cancer Care paid for two staff picnics, a farewell function and gifts for staff, one holiday party and a baby shower.

To read more click this link.

For this reason McGuinty must go! The McGuinty Liberal government is incompetent.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 11 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

The McGuinty Delisting of OHIP Covered Necessary Health Services. McGuinty promised not to decrease any health services covered by OHIP, and also not to raise taxes, he did both on the same day by implementing the Ontario Health Premium and delisting coverage of Optometry (Eye), Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Services for Ontarian's.

The Liberals delisted the services the same day they introduced the annual health tax of up to $900.

For this reason McGuinty must go! The McGuinty Liberal government is incompetent.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 10 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-25T12:07:00.002-04:00

In May 2011 McGuinty was asked if he’d hike taxes if he’s re-elected in a historic three-peat Oct. 6, Premier Dalton McGuinty had a cryptic response.

“I’m going to promise to keep doing what we have been doing,” McGuinty told reporters.

McGuinty: Clearly what you have been doing for the last 8 years has messed up Ontario beyond our wildest imaginations. Pack your bags!

Christina Blizzard had a great article back in May of this year.

For this reason McGuinty must go! The McGuinty Liberal government is incompetent.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 9 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-24T13:07:00.002-04:00

The debt retirement charge on hydro bills was paid down and all collected by 2010 yet the McGuinty Liberals are keeping the charge intact until at least 2018! As if having the debt retirement fund on our hydro bill wasn't enough to piss us off, McGuinty is keeping it as a money grab for another 8 years!

The Tories have promised to remove the debt retirement charge from hydro bills if they're elected this fall. They also promised to remove the HST portion from our hydro bills which Hudak says will save a typical household $275 a year.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 8 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-23T11:25:00.001-04:00

The McGuinty Liberals have nearly doubled our now enormous provincial debt. Ontario's debt was $138.8 billion in 2003-04, the Liberal's first full year in office. The provincial debt is now in excess of $236 Billion dollars!

Yup that's $236,300,000,000.00

Try and get your head wrapped around that!

Check out this article from CBC.

Reason # 7 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-22T11:01:00.002-04:00

In September, 2010 McGuinty made changes to Ontario Auto Insurance. These changes resulted in less coverage for the same costs :

- A 50 % cut in medical and rehabilitation benefits

- A drop in attendant-care benefits

- Income replacement coverage fell to 70% of gross income from 80%

That's right, Ontario drivers now pay the same amount for standard premiums but get a lot less. Insurance companies make more money but Ontario drivers get ripped off.

The McGuinty government has the audacity to issue a press release in October 2010 advising that Auto Insurance rates have dropped by a whopping 0.1% after a 12% increase in the first 3 months of 2010. You do the math.

For more information click this link.

For this reason McGuinty must go! The McGuinty Liberal government is incompetent.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 6 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-21T21:36:00.002-04:00

Another one of Dalton McGuinty’s tax grabs:

Eco-Fees under Stewardship Ontario

On July 1st, 2010, this agency introduced environmental fees on a multitude of consumer products under the guise of funding of recycling programs.

They imposed the fees on such products as bleach, soap, dishwater soap, toilet bowl cleaners, laundry detergents, fertilizers for domestic use, etc.

For complete details of this outrageous list of products, check this link.

McGuinty will stoop to any level to grind the dollars out of your pocket. He has been on an 8 year spend-a-thon so he must find the money to pay for his large scale spending somewhere.

The huge backlash against the fees sent the Liberals into panic mode and they scrapped the fees on July 20, 2010. More on this issue at this link.

For this reason McGuinty must go! The McGuinty Liberal government is incompetent.

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason # 5 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-20T10:41:00.002-04:00

On July 1st, 2010, The McGuinty Government introduced the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) which adds an additional 8% tax on many consumer items such as; gas, utilities, and my favorite hairstyling. The HST is carving a gouge into the economy deeply hurting the middle class and poor. Just for fun, add up the HST component on your utility bills from the inception last July to July of this year.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain our standard of living in Ontario. Disposable income is shrinking which in turn are dollars not spent on the Ontarioeconomy. McGuinty's insulting HST rebate cheques brought very little relief to already overextended budgets.
For this reason McGuinty must go!
October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason #4 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-19T21:51:00.002-04:00

On June 2, 2010, the McGuinty Liberal government passed a secret law that temporarily expanded the Public Works Protection Act and granted police powers to stop and detain people during the G20.

This was a disregard of process that resulted in giving the police a half baked law to do their job.

The Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin conducted an investigation into the law. His report was made public and slammed McGuinty for passing the secret regulation and characterized it as “illegal and likely unconstitutional”.

McGuinty had 20 days before the summit to advise the public about the new law but choose not to.

Dalton McGuinty would not explain nor apologize for his actions.

More about the G20 fiasco can be found here.

To read the full Ombudsman report click this link.

For this reason Dalton McGinty MUST GO!

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

Reason #2 and 3 why Dalton McGuinty must go!

2011-08-18T21:26:00.000-04:00

Reason #2

E-Health Scandal

The Ontario Auditor General reported the mismanagement and incompetence of the McGuinty Government.

Between 2003 and 2009 , this agency wasted 1 Billion dollars of taxpayers money without accomplishing anything. This occured under McGuinty's watch.

Despite the waste and incompetence of this agency, McGuinty rewarded its employees with 1.9% merit raises and bonuses of 7.8% in 2011.

After a public outcry, the McGuinty government scrambled to have the raises and bonuses rescinded.

More Info on this scandal can be found here.

The full Auditor General’s report can be found here.

Reason #3

OLG Scandal

This crown corporation was rocked with scandals ranging from expense abuse to insider wins.

It has been the subject of damning reviews by the Ontario Ombudsman and the Ontario Auditor General pointing out everything dysfunctional with this organization. Again under McGuinty’s watch.

During 2008-2009 year, OLG’s employees spent $1 Million of taxpayer money on meetings and hospitality expenses alone.

Ontario Auditor General Jim McCarter released his report on the OLG scandal, which clearly implicated the McGuinty government.

Millions of dollars, originally intended to stimulate Ontario’s economy were wasted on gym memberships, liquor tabs and car detailing. Many OLG executives, earning salaries in excess of $200,000, used taxpayer dollars to buy clothes, golf club memberships, and expensive dinners.

More info on this scandal can be found here.

The full Ontario Auditor General’s report can be found here and here.

For these reasons Dalton McGinty MUST GO!

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

And the countdown is on... 50 more days to the election!

2011-08-17T14:11:00.000-04:00

It has been a looooooooong 8 years under Dalton McGuinty's never ending punishment he has bestowed on this province.

The countdown is on and as of today there are 50 days until the election which takes place October 6, 2011. McGuinty set election dates during his far too lengthy stay as the worst premier Ontario has ever witnessed therefore we have known for a while the date of the next election. Gave those of us, who have anticipated it like a holiday after a burnout, a date to hold on to as a possible turning point of taking our province back from Nanny State and the highest debt in the history of Ontario.

I have decided to do a daily countdown of reasons why McGuinty must go. I have chosen today as my starting point although I anticipate running out of days with plenty of reasons left so forgive me if I double up.

I have chosen to begin with my #1 reason that McGuinty must go.

As of August 29th 2005 the Dog Owners Liability Act included an amendment to ban 3 purebred breeds of dogs and anything substantially similar. This draconian legislation has punished responsible dog owners and resulted in the death of thousands of good dogs based on looks not behaviour. The law is based on mythology and urban legend not fact. The facts were presented to the McGuinty government at a committee hearing where 86 of the 102 presentations were against the ban. The 86 presentations were a compilation of experts worldwide where the presentations for the ban were mostly victims bitten by so called "pitbulls" which isn't a breed but a slang term for a short haired, mix breed dog. In other words a "pitbull" is an unidentifiable or misidentified label. McGuinty had and has full access to all the facts but he treated the facts with disregard and decided to go ahead anyway. This law set a precedence of reverse onus, warrant-less entry, restrictions on mobility among other unconstitutional aspects that they have since used for laws applied to other issues. In other words we dog owners were thrown under the bus while people were spinning over the red herring of the fictitious "pitbull"! While that was happening McGuinty hit a home run in taking away YOUR rights as a citizen of Ontario and nobody paid any attention, least of all the main stream media.

For this reason Dalton McGinty MUST GO!

October 6th please vote and please vote for the candidate most likely to unseat the Liberal!

CGN Testing July 31, 2011 Barrie Kennel & Obedience Club Show

2011-06-27T22:31:00.001-04:00

CGN TESTING AT BARRIE KENNEL & OBEDIENCE CLUB SHOW

The Dog Legislation Council of Canada is offering Canine Good Neighbor Days at the Barrie Kennel & Obedience Club Inc. Show July 31 2011.

Canadian Kennel Club certificate test - conducted by a CKC CGN Evaluator.

Fee for CGN is $35.00 per dog.

July 31st 2011 - testing will be held during and in conjunction with the Barrie Kennel Club Show and the Rottweiler Club of Canada Specialty.

This test is available to purebred and non-pure bred dogs. The CGN test will be held outside the show perimeter but remaining on show grounds. Visitors welcome, however visiting dogs must stay 30 feet back from show rings. Dogs are not allowed in designated show areas for either agility or confirmation unless they are entered exhibition only. Purebred dogs may be entered “exhibition only” by calling the entry line by the show deadline. Ask to enter exhibition for the Barrie Kennel Club show.

The Entry Line Ltd. 1-800-293-2935

Directions to Odas Park show grounds:

Fairgrounds Rd Severn, ON (near Orillia)

Take Hwy 400 north to Hwy 11 north to Orillia.

Take exit 133 for Hwy 12 West/Coldwater Rd. toward Midland

Turn left at Hwy 12 Coldwater Rd

Turn Right at Fairgrounds Rd

Pre-book CGN testing by contacting:

dlccevents @ gmail.com (no spaces)

Dogs must be 6 months of age or older

Montreal boroughs are considering a breed ban

2011-05-26T22:06:00.000-04:00

The Montreal boroughs of Riviere-des-Prairies/Pointe-aux-Trembles and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve are considering a breed ban.

I wrote a letter to the Mayor, Real Menard, of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.

Dear Mayor Menard

First, I would like to say I want to give you the benefit of the doubt that you have been exposed to some facts. There is plenty of information debunking the age old myths surrounding support for breed bans. I am not going to waste my time or yours going into a long winded tirade. The facts support that;1. "pitbulls" do not exist. It is a slang term for a generic shape of dog. 2. The purebreds American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier are extremely rare in Canada. There are CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) breed registry numbers to support this. There are on average only 4 litters of American Staffordshire Terriers across Canada yearly. In Ontario there are less than 1000 dogs (purebreds) combining the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terriers together. 3. Breed bans do nothing to prevent dog attacks. This has been proven countless times which has resulted in repealing of breed bans in many countries, cities and jurisdictions globally.Propaganda is the only support for breed bans. Dangerous dogs exist in all breeds and cross breeds of dogs. It is not a breed or dog issue it is an owner issue.Calgary has had much success for 20+ years with its Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw. It targets irresponsible owners, has a 95% plus compliance of dog licensing and state of the art facility that hosts the Pound, Humane Society and Animal Control working simultaneously to protect the community. They reward responsible pet ownership and deal with those who are not. The program is revenue neutral and the best part is the citizens of Calgary are onside and support the bylaw because it allows pet owners and non pet owners to live peacefully. We have been living a nightmare of the dog ban here in Ontario for the past 6 yrs. Family pets have been taken from good homes based on how their dog looks. Innocent people have been stripped of their family pet and life savings trying to save their dog's life. The heartache is vast and the results are grim. People continue to be bitten and sometimes severely injured by all breeds of dogs. Breed bans have nothing to do with behavior and everything to do with how a dog looks. Breed bans are a draconian, barbaric legislation that target innocent people and innocent dogs. Real criminals don't care one bit about whether they are breaking the law much less what breed they own. Are there dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners? Yes of course there are and there are ways to deal with owners who pose a threat to the community. Trying to define a cross bred dog (which is impossible) or target 3 very rare breeds does nothing to deal with that threat. 95% of all dog bites occur at home with the family pet or an adjacent property. Most bites happen because of lack of training and socialization of the family pet. Encouraging people to train/contain and socialize their dog goes a long way. Providing an environment that encourages people to be responsible works wonders.It is possible you just haven't been exposed to the facts but somehow I doubt that. The facts are as easy to find as the myths. Do the right thing. Using common sense and fair and equal treatment under the law gets you many more brownie points as a politician than following the propaganda. Do the right thing for Yarmouth and invite Bill Bruce from Calgary to speak to your council. He speaks globally about the Calgary model and how to implement it in your city. Breed bans are purely based on how your dog looks not the behavior. This is the fatal flaw behind such legislation. Thanks for your consideration,

LG

Here is the response from Mayor Menard;

Montréal, le 25 mai 2011

Madame, Monsieur,
J’ai bien reçu votre courriel et je vous remercie de prendre le temps de m’écrire afin de me partager vos commentaires concernant les chiens mordants.
Nous partageons votre souci d’agir afin de protéger les citoyens, en particulier nos enfants, des morsures que peuvent causer des chiens laissés sans surveillance ou ayant un comportement violent et agressif. Trop souvent, nous voyons dans nos journaux un enfant ou un adulte qui a été mordu, parfois défiguré, par la morsure d’un chien. Cette situation est intolérable. Aujourd’hui ce sont les pitbulls qui sont visé, hier c’étaient les boxers. Il y a de plus des maîtres qui élèvent expressément leurs animaux à devenir violents et agressifs.
Selon le groupe Citoyens Responsables de leurs Animaux de Compagnie (CRAC), 84% des chiens mordants sont maltraités, négligés ou victimes de cruauté; 82% ne sont pas en laisse, 78% ne sont pas des animaux de compagnie et 2,6 fois plus de chiens non-stérilisés sont susceptibles de mordre. L’Ombudsman de Montréal a d’ailleurs effectué une enquête approfondie à ce sujet en 2008 et conclu que les chiens de toutes races sont susceptibles d’avoir un comportement répréhensible.
Selon ces enquêtes, je ne suis pas convaincu que notre arrondissement doive interdire une race précise de chiens puisque certains s’empresseront alors de dresser à l’attaque d’autres races de chiens.
Le Règlement de l’arrondissement qui s’applique dans ce cas est le C-10 sur le contrôle des chiens et autres animaux que vous trouverez sur le site internet de l’arrondissement. Il n'y a pas de dispositions particulières visant les pitbulls. Lorsqu'un chien est considéré comme une nuisance, il y a des recours possibles qui peuvent aller jusqu'à retirer l'animal s'il représente un danger public. Le Règlement spécifie ce qu'on entend par "nuisance" et qui peut intervenir en pareille situation. Les chiens doivent avoir une licence; donc s'il y a un problème avec un animal malfaisant, c’est le propriétaire qui est avisé. Les mêmes droits s'appliquent pour tout le monde.
Vous pouvez compter sur moi et mes collègues afin de suivre la situation de près. Si notre règlement nécessite des modifications, nous prendrons nos responsabilités pour protéger nos citoyens.
Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées.

Réal Ménard
Maire Mercier—Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

I had a friend translate since I am not fluent in French anymore.

Madam,

I received your email and I thank you for taking the time to write to me to share your comments about dogs biting.
Too often we see in our newspapers a child or adult who has been bitten, sometimes disfigured by a dog bite. This situation is intolerable. Today it's the pit bulls that are the concern, yesterday was the boxers. There are many masters who raise their animals specifically to become violent and aggressive. We share your desire to act to protect citizens, especially our children, against bites caused by dogs left unattended or with violent, aggressive behavior.
(CARC), 84% of dogs who bite are abused, neglected or victims of cruelty, 82% are not leashed, 78% are not pets and non-neutered dogs are 2.6 times more likely to bite. The Montreal Ombudsman moreover carried out a thorough investigation on this subject in 2008 and found dogs of all breeds are likely to have bad behavior. Not just one group.
According to these investigations, I am not convinced that our district should ban a particular breed of dogs since then others will rush to attack other dog breeds.
The Rules of the district that applies in this case is C-10 Control of dogs and other animals found on the website of the Borough. There are no special provisions for pit bulls. When a dog is considered a nuisance, there are remedies that can go up to remove the animal if it represents a public danger. The regulations specify what is meant by "nuisance" and can intervene in such situations. Dogs must be licensed, so if there is a problem with a mischievous animal, the owner is notified. The same rights apply to everyone.
You can count on me and my colleagues to monitor the situation closely. If our policy requires changes, we take our responsibility to protect our citizens.

Madam, Yours faithfully.

Here's hoping the Boroughs take the high road and do the right thing. Fair and equal treatment under the law is the right way. I think Mayor Menard for his response.

Montreal SPCA takes firm stand against breed bans

2011-05-26T21:42:00.000-04:00

Hats off to the Montreal SPCA for taking a strong stand against banning breeds in Montreal.

Pit bull restrictions a deal breaker for new SPCA contracts
MONTREAL - Stray and abandoned animals in three Montreal boroughs risk being sent to the controversial Berger Blanc pound instead of the SPCA if those communities don’t ditch their anti-pit bull bylaws, the SPCA is warning.

Outremont, Lachine and St. Laurent have pound contracts with Montreal’s SPCA, where homeless pets are reclaimed, adopted or euthanized.
But the SPCA is making pit bull bans or other restrictions on the breed in those boroughs a deal-breaker in talks to renew contracts for its services.
The ultimatum comes with Montreal at a turning point on the issue of animal control.

Read more:

One of Micheal Vick's former dogs gets keys to Dallas

2011-05-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

A while back Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway gave Falcon's quarterback and (dog fighter/brutal abuser) the keys to the city of Dallas. Mayor Tom Leppert quickly responded that he did not approve nor did he condone the decision to give Vick the keys to the city.

The tables turned this week when Mel, an American Pitbull Terrier that was seized and rescued from Bad Newz Kennels (Micheal Vick's kennel), was given an edible key to the city. Mel was adopted by Dallas radio personality Richard Hunter.

Read the whole story here.

Another touchdown for the good guys!

Words of encouragement from Parkdale/Highpark MPP Cheri DiNovo

2011-05-11T14:48:00.000-04:00

NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo posted a nice note of encouragement today on facebook that I thought I would share with everyone.

From Cheri DiNovo:

Dog lovers: Thank you for your thousands of emails calling for the overturning of Breed Specific Legislation. I feel confidant there's enough support at QP we can win this after October the 6th. Keep up your activism!

Thank you Cheri for your words of encouragement. This has been a long, difficult and winding road. It is difficult for me (I'll speak for myself) to recall what it was like when we dog owners actually had protection under the law in this province. Feels like a distant memory of what it felt like to not have to look over your shoulder hoping you could fly under the radar of ignorance for another day.. Hoping you won't be that person who gets targeted today...

Yarmouth put good common sense to work

2011-05-10T22:33:00.000-04:00

Kudos to Yarmouth!

No breed specific legislation, council told

The letters, the emails and the public presentations all carried a similar theme and it is one that the Town of Yarmouth says it has heard loud and clear – do not include breed specific legislation (BSL) in any new town dog bylaw.

At a May 9 public meeting held to solicit input on a draft dog bylaw, Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney said on this point everyone seems to be in agreement.

You may view the numerous letters on the city website.