In the defense of Canada

I was very surprised that the Liberal policy convention this weekend was so light on defense issues.  It is obvious, at least to me, that the lack of any conversation in that area was a sign of Liberals-on-the-run.  Liberals are so scared of being called traitors by the Cons that they run away from issues that matter to Canadians.

I was not at the convention for reasons known to, but ignored by, the Liberal brass.  But this is not sour grapes... it is common sense.

Over the next week or so, I want to put forward some ideas that will protect Canada, both militarily and fiscally.  After all, you can have both at the same time, if you give it some thought and produce a plan to speaks for Canada and Canadians - instead of the egos of some of our leaders.

Health Care System Rocks!

We constantly hear from critics about excessive wait times, overcrowding and the rising cost of the Canadian health care system.  That is not what I want to talk about today.

I met a truly nice bunch of professionals yesterday at the Ottawa Heart Institute.  From the bubbly ward clerk to the helpful and funny nurses; to the young enthusiastic volunteers and the cardiac plumber who talks fast, works hard and cracks really quick jokes, I could not have felt more relaxed or confident as a catheter was threaded from my wrist to my heart!

The prognosis is that I will live to enjoy another day, have more opportunities to talk with my wife, our kids and grandkids and blog a bit more from my basement study.

My thanks go out to all those at the Heart Institute, including the "B" and "C"-team blood takers who capitulated to the "A" team to put in my IV (I warned you!).

Say what you will about the warts of our system, but I left in good shape, with a positive experience and my house doesn't need to be remortgaged.

Unintended consequences

The Harper government has recently made two forees into the labour world at Air Canada to squash the rights of employees.  By arguing that potential strikes at Air Canada would be bad for the economy, they have set themselves up to a declaration that Air Canada is an essential service.  They are saying that under no circumstances can Air Canada stop flying cause it will hurt the economy of Canada.

I do not agree with that assertion but, hey, they are a majority government and can do whatever they want.

But there is a serious downside to this declaration of essential service status and it reared its head in the recent declaration at Transport Canada to threaten the license at Porter Airlines for contravention to the Safety Management System, which "regulated" safety of airlines in Canada.  The SMS, to which it is referred, was the Harper government stab at deregulation of airlines by making safety solely the airlines' responsibility.  As long as the airline filed the right papers on time, the government was happy.  Miss a reporting deadline and, poof, Porter Airline.  Under the SMS, the actual safety "inspections" were the responsibility of the airlines.

But what would happen if Air Canada contravened the SMS to the point that Transport Canada threatened to pull their license?  Would the Government of Canada have to jump in to stop the Government of Canada?  Does this give Air Canada carte blanche to run an airline rife with safety violations?  Think it can't happen?  Remember the Gimli Glider?

Maybe someone should ask PM Harper or Minster Raitt that question?