The following is a note from Diana Whalen, Deputy Leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, on the NDP Government’s response to the overpayment of seniors enrolled in the Nova Scotia Pharmacare Program…

Recently, the NDP announced they would not return $25.00 owed to each of the 101,078 Nova Scotia seniors enrolled in the Seniors’ Pharmacare Program. In making this decision, the health minister decided her government needed the $2.5 million more than vulnerable seniors in our province. This decision was wrong.
When in Opposition, the NDP talked about seniors being forced to reach further into their pockets to pay for health care. They spoke of fairness for all Nova Scotians during the election. If they truly practiced what they preached, they would return this overpayment to seniors, either directly or through reduced premiums and co-pay costs. That would be the fair thing to do. That would be the right thing to do.
This government decision, however, is just one in a series of NDP money grabs from the pockets of seniors.

On November 1, 2009, seniors living in nursing homes received a bill requesting an additional $250.00 per month for accommodation charges. Annually, this represents a $3000 increase over last year. For seniors living in the community who support a spouse in a nursing home, this is a life-altering increase and will result in great financial hardship.

As our coldest months grip us, Nova Scotians turn their attention to the Heating Assistance Rebate Program. It is anticipated that half of the rebates issued this year will be to seniors. Thanks to the NDP government, seniors and indeed all others who apply and qualify for heating assistance will be receiving $250.00 less than they did last year. To add to this financial squeeze, recent musings by this government of a possible 2% HST increase will hurt those on fixed incomes the most. Seniors once again will be a target of this NDP government’s money grab.
For seniors, the past nine months have been difficult as they have borne the brunt of government decisions that have impacted them financially. This NDP government has let our seniors down by failing to protect them as promised. Seniors in our province deserve better.

Diana Whalen,
MLA, Halifax-Clayton Park
Deputy Leader, Nova Scotia Liberal Party

Are you passionate about making our city a better place to live, work, play and stay?  Are you ready to make a difference?

FUSION Halifax is seeking submissions for its 2009-2010 Board of Directors and for other specific roles in the organization.

Applications are currently being accepted for the following Board positions:
• Vice Chair
• Treasurer
• Corporate Secretary and Legal Council
• Director of Communications
• Director of Partnerships/Sponsorships
• Director of Events
• Director of Membership
• Director of Arts Scene
• Director of Diversity
• Director of Health and Wellness
• Director of “People Factor”
• Director of Sustainability
• Director of Urban Development

Applications are also being accepted from individuals interested in assuming roles in the following areas:
• Strategy
• Policy
• Online communications and web design
• Marketing

How to apply:
PLEASE NOTE: If you are applying for more than one position, please submit separate applications for each.
Please submit your application, complete with answers to the below three questions, by email to alyson.queen@ns.sympatico.ca

The deadline for applications is October 26, 5pm.

1) Why do you want be on (or work with) the FUSION Board of Directors and in particular, why are you interested in this specific role?
2) What strengths, experience and knowledge can you bring to this role – and to FUSION Halifax?
3) If you are appointed to this role, what types of things would you like to accomplish during the year?

FURTHER DETAIL ON ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To give a bit more detail about the specific roles open for application, we have pulled together some highlights.
In general, Directors will be required to attend one meeting per month; attend at least one monthly networking event per quarter; respond quickly to issues and questions between meetings and generally be skilled at networking and leading volunteers.

Please contact alyson.queen@ns.sympatico.ca with any further questions regarding the roles or the responsibilities.

Vice Chair
• Back-up to Chair
• Other duties/specific areas within executive as decided by Chair

Corporate Secretary & Legal Counsel
•Executes contracts
•Maintains corporate records
•Ensures legal compliance
•Ensures compliance with by-laws
•Manages directors insurance
•Manages AGM process
•Provides general counsel to board and
•Other duties as determined by the Chair

Treasurer
•Managing FUSION bank account
•Preparing financial statements
•Overseeing accounts payable and receivable
•Other duties as determined by the Chair

Director, Communications
•Manages member communications, ie: e-newsletter, Metro column, corporate website
•Prepares and disseminates FUSION news releases
•Acts as official spokesperson
•Provides speech support as needed
•Provides communications support to action teams
•Maintains brand integrity

Director, Partnerships/Sponsorships
•Makes recommendations to executive re: funding partners (or program-delivery partners)
•Provides fundraising support for events (including action team events)
•Identifies opportunities for sponsorship in line with Fusion mandate
•With chair/vice chair, negotiates specifics of agreements (ie: what is the benefit to FUSION and its members?)
•Works with legal counsel to draft sponsorship agreements
•Main point of contact between corporate sponsor and FUSION board on logistical issues

Director, Membership
•Develops and oversees member recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies (with board and action teams)
•Develops and maintains orientation package for new members (role of board, members of board, action team areas of focus, how to join an action team, how to get involved, benefits to membership, regular/upcoming events, etc.)
•Maintains membership records (list of members, member interests etc)
• Acts as ‘advocate’ for members at the board table

Director of Events
•Plans and promotes monthly ‘Second Thursday’ networking evenings and regular professional development events
•Plans and manages special events (ie: FUSION signature event)
•Works closely with action teams to provide guidance, support, contacts, etc.

Director of Action Teams
•Primary spokesperson for team (subject matter expert)
•Oversees strategy for team, including identifying which projects to pursue
•Oversees recruitment, retention and engagement (management) of team members
•Manages succession planning for team
•Acts as advocate for team at board table

Responsibilities of Action Teams
•Development of yearly “action plan”
•External communications to community and members (via website, e-blast, community newsletters, etc.)
•Community and member engagement (through lunch-and-learn sessions, open events, etc.)
•Internal communications to other action teams
•Research and policy
•Minutes and administration

Public Service Announcement

Natural Gas Pipeline Installation:

MARKET STREET (Prince to Carmichael)

Further to our previous notice the following clarification is provided:
Work is tentatively scheduled to start on Market Street on Thursday October 15. Work on each project listed above will last for approximately 2-3 days with restoration to follow. The projects are anticipated to be constructed in the order listed above but schedule will be confirmed as work progresses.

The entire scope of work may span over up to four weeks due to downtime between projects, but work will not be continuous during that period.

All work will be completed by our contractor, Sackville Trenching Limited, who will deliver notices for each individual project prior to commencing work.

Heritage Gas and HRM apologize for any inconvenience.

Contact:
Derek Flaherty Dan Yeomans Marty MacKay
Sackville Trenching HRM Inspector Heritage Gas Inspector
877-0537 490-6822 240-0848

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ::

Mon at 10:58pm

Turbine has scheduled the 9th annual Atlantic Showcase of fall fashion, jewellery, and leather handbags, all designed by Canadian fashion designer, Lisa Drader-Murphy, for 7:00 pm, Friday November 6th at the World Trade Convention Centre, Halifax Nova Scotia.

CTV’s Liz Rigney will host the evening presenting a live performance by Mary Stewart and her band, canapés, silent auction, a shopping party, and of course the unveiling of 300+ new pieces from Turbine’s Fall Collections.

Additional highlights include a look at the recent works of special guest, Louanna Murphy, the winner of “Off The Cuff”, Argyle Fine Art’s fashion design competition for which Lisa served as a judge. As well, celebrity guest models including award winning journalist, Eleanor Beaton and Barb Stegemann, author of 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, will grace our runway.

The net proceeds from ticket sales and all proceeds from a silent Auction of Regional fine art and craft at this annual event are donated to various women’s charities via The Turbine Fund and this year we are pleased to benefit SHYM; Supportive Housing for Young Mothers.

Tickets are $50 each and a limited number of tables seating 8 are available. Ask us about corporate incentives and advertising opportunities.

Tickets may be purchased in person at the Turbine Boutique at 1475 Lower Water Street at Bishop’s Landing, by calling 902.429.0986, or by emailing Julie at julie@turbine.ca. To request a MEDIA PASS, please email office@turbine.ca. Last year we sold out early so don’t hesitate to purchase or reserve your tickets today!
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www.shym.ca
www.marystewartmusic.com
www.youtube.com/user/TurbineDesign
www.turbine.ca
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Today at 2:58pm

(Thursday, October 1, 2009) – The Province and Halifax Regional Municipality have invited the Rank Group to submit a detailed proposal to develop a new convention centre in Halifax.

"Development of a new convention centre is a major undertaking for both HRM and Province," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "We are taking a measured approach to ensure this is the right project and one that Nova Scotians can afford.

"This is an important step forward in that process and will provide the proposed project details we need to make an informed decision."

The Rank Group was selected as the preferred proponent earlier this year through an expression of interest process. A joint team from the Province and HRM has developed detailed project requirements for the new convention centre for the request for proposal. In its proposal, Rank will be required to outline a design and facility management plan, financing plan, and price.

"I am pleased that we are taking this positive step together toward the development of a new convention centre that will assist in driving the economy of this region, and indeed, the Province," said Peter Kelly, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality. "We have shared interest in ensuring we have a solid proposal that balances affordability with the ability to attract larger conferences to the region."

The proposal is due in February. The Province and HRM have hired a consultant to prepare an independent detailed cost estimate to compare with the Rank proposal. The information gathered through both proposals will be used to make a final decision on whether the project will proceed.

The convention centre project, as proposed, fully conforms with the view planes and Citadel ramparts view protection under HRM planning regulations as they have existed for more than 30 years, and does not violate any other existing municipal polices or regulations regarding view planes.

"We will not be part of any project that impinges on protected view planes," said Mr. Estabrooks.

As the proposals are being developed, detailed estimates of economic benefits will be prepared and discussions will continue among all three levels of government about cost sharing for the project. Similar projects in other parts of the country have cost between $100 million and $200 million.

A final decision on whether a new convention centre will be constructed in Halifax is not expected until after March.

Contacts:
Cathy MacIsaac
Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
902-424-8978
E-mail: maciscl@gov.ns.ca
Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-4010

Today’s Sunday Herald ran a Front page lead story that started

Premier Rodney MacDonald is promising an immediate, independent review of HRM amalgamation if his Tories return to power.

The premier said some people are concerned their communities’ interests are being lost in the shuffle, while others are unhappy with the services they get for the taxes they pay. He said part of the review will be community consultation.

“Whether you are from Ecum Secum or you are from Hubbards or you are from the peninsula of Halifax, I believe that people deserve the opportunity to have input into that process,” he said Saturday morning at the headquarters of George Jordan, the Tory candidate for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley. ….. Read the full story!!!

In my opinion this is nothing but cheep politics by a government desperate to hold on to power … clutching at straws, costly, emotional, but totally useless straws.

When Dr. John (Savage) forced the amalgamation on the two large municipalities of Halifax-Dartmouth and what is now the Cape Breton Regional Municipality his rationalization was that the merged units would be able to deliver services to their constituents more efficiently and at less cost. Cut back on duplication of administration services and things would work better.

Dr. John (Savage) enjoyed a majority government and chose to ‘force’ the merger by rewriting the Municipalities Act of Nova Scotia without consulting the municipalities. His actions were quick, decisive and permanent. If he had gone the consultation rout we’d still be studying the issue.

From where I sit this grand experiment has worked, for the most part, in Halifax, any dissention that exists comes from those few but vocal critics who are still upset over loosing their separate identities.

About every three months someone writes a letter to the editor bemoaning the situation and the media asks the question of those elected officials and round and round it goes… there has been plenty of opportunity for navel gazing by municipal and provincial governments and none have felt the need to address the situation. The trampoline jumping, fiddle playing premier himself has had the opportunity to facilitate such a review over the past three years but he waited till an election to give the situation any credence.

Mr. MacDonald said the study, which would take about a year, would be put out to tender. He would not estimate how much it would cost, except to say it would probably be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

“It won’t be an overly expensive initiative,” the premier said.….. Read the full story!!!

I’m sorry but I need another break …. If and I repeat IF this type of study was to be commissioned with all the focus groups, public consultation, and input from special interest groups a year long commitment by any consultancy worth its weight would not be cheap. It’s my humble opinion that a report of this nature would cost in the Hundreds of thousands and be a waste of money.

Yes there are things that could be improved in how HRM functions but those changes can be done through adjusting the organizational structure of the administration and service delivery systems. The Municipality of Halifax recently received its own charter and therefore can make whatever changes it needs with out input or permission from the Provincial Government.

Mayor Peter (is he a conservative?)Kelly in a statement in the same article gave half hearted support to the idea of a study but did point at the reality of what it has cost to get where we are and that together is better. Now remember this is a Mayor who has a reputation for using ‘studies’ and ‘public consultations’ to hide behind and has been able to sit on the fence on just about every key issue that has faced the HRM during his tenure as our leaderless mayor.

Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly said he welcomes the review, saying he hopes it will encourage all party leaders to share their ideas on how to make the municipality stronger and more competitive.

The mayor said the debate should be about more than just the notion of de-amalgamation.

"We need to look at the big picture, the big reason for being, and not just the time or the flavour of the day," he said Friday evening.

The mayor believes in a united HRM.

"I believe in our future and to piecemeal it apart, to potentially piecemeal it apart, would be harmful to many. And the cost implications, it cost us tens of millions to get here and we’re still paying some of those price elements," Mr. Kelly said. ….. Read the full story!!!

It’s my opinion that you don’t go backwards… de-amalgamation is NOT an option, all that’s needed is to identify the components of the current model that require adjustment, devise a plan that cures those issues, have the balls [leadership] to make the changes and get on with life. There is that reoccurring theme… Political Will & Leadership … does it exist in Nova Scotia!!!!

So this piece of Political Election News is nothing but rhetoric… an easy promise to make by a premier who’s unlikely to regain power and if what I’m hearing from my cousins in his home riding is accurate a Premier who might actually loose his own seat.

Today at 8:51am            Stephen McNeil’s Notes

More than six months ago, legislation that would have enabled HRM by Design was on the order paper at Province House. Rodney MacDonald and his government prevented this legislation from coming to debate. HRM by Design is, however, exactly the kind of solution required by everyone in this debate. It provides clear and certain guidelines for developers and it offers a balanced approach to achieve widely shared goals for a livable, beautiful city centre.

Far from helping, Mr. MacDonald’s impromptu launch into the debate over the Waterside Centre proposal has only served to make approval more difficult. The premier’s ill-considered actions have also steered the debate to a political tit-for-tat and away from the pressing need for more new development in the downtown core.

The premier has angered council by threatening to veto its previous decision. This makes it difficult for those councillors who supported the development to continue supporting it. To do so now, they will be seen to support the premier’s decision to overrule their power to make decisions.

The premier has alienated the mayor. While Peter Kelly indicated he would not have voted in favour of the development, the fact remains he is the mayor and has committed himself to demonstrate leadership to council and the municipality. If the premier is truly interested in fostering development in HRM he should be building a constructive and positive relationship with Mr. Kelly rather than a combative one. The premier should also remember that with a recently renewed mandate, the mayor is, arguably, in a stronger political position than the premier himself.

Those in the community who may have supported, or been open to supporting, the project must now choose between which level of government they support. This is a distraction from the more pressing issue of the need for downtown development and reflects Rodney MacDonald’s inability to see the big picture.

HRM by Design was developed by HRM over a two-year period with input from everyone concerned: the public, heritage advocates, developers, the business community and urban planning professionals. If the premier truly wants to show leadership and to make downtown — and everywhere else in HRM — a desirable place for investors to spend their money, he should be championing consistent and transparent guidelines for everyone.

As premier, that’s what my Liberal government would do.

Les Muise Consulting

Monday, October 27, 2008

Posted to MyHalifaxCa Panhandlers

The following is the Introduction to an opinion piece developed by request for MacKay Fashions of Halifax to be used to begin a discussion within the business and civic concerns with the objective of finding a better way to deal with the panhandlers of Downtown Halifax.

It’s time to deal with the issue….

Panhandling is a challenging issue faced by cities of all sizes, and one that affects Halifax as well. The experience of numerous professionals and service agencies finds that money given to panhandlers often only enables self-destructive behaviors like alcoholism and drug addiction.

One former panhandler and addict has even stated, “Giving money to a panhandler is like giving a gun to someone who is suicidal.

I think it was mid November of 1997 and I was sitting in the Great Taste Coffee Shop on Spring Garden Road enjoying a brew and writing in my journal. I was not aware of where he came from or when he arrived but suddenly, there was a little man sitting at my table. He was in rough shape having fallen and broke an arm, he had not shaved in a couple of days, he had no teeth, his fingers were deeply stained by nicotine, and he was cold, hungry and the smell… God the smell, it just about turned my stomach.

The conversation began with his statement that it had been a hard day and he was considering walking out to the middle of the Angus L Mc Donald Bridge and jumping.

My instant response was ‘I don’t know you from a hole in the ground but I figure if you’ve made it this far in life…. You’re too stubborn to do that.”

That was the day that I met ‘Terry M’ a paranoid schizophrenic who had lived with his parents on Cunard St till they died and had a room of his own [these days at Turning Point] in a know flop house. Terry had never traveled past the Halifax Commons, had memorized every word in three dictionaries and would give you the correct spelling, pronunciation, and use it in conversation…. several times in one sitting. He had a memory for detail as good as anyone I know but could never keep a job.

Tommy Boutilier, left, an on-street support worker, chats with a panhandler named Liam, while walking along Spring Garden Road in Halifax. – Halifax Herald

At the time Terry was one of a handful of regular panhandlers that you would see around town. Over the years I’ve watched, tried to help and got frustrated seeing my little friend loose ground in his life. He survives on $385.00 per month from Community Services and every check day his property owner drives him to Sobey’s on Queen and waits while Tarry cashes his check, takes $350.00 for rent and leaves Terry with $35.00 for a months worth of food.

No wonder he panhandles.

Anyone who spends time on Spring Garden Road, Argyle Street, Barrington Street or on the Waterfront [as I do] and is slightly aware of his/her surroundings should see the whole picture. You cannot help but have a certain amount of compassion for the street people like Terry M who for one reason or another have fallen through our so-called social safety net. As a community, we are failing to provide a safe, healthy and caring life for these individuals and that has to change.

Every situation has two sides and though I have a soft spot for the position in which people like Terry M find themselves I have also had to deal with the constant harassment, insults, threats and potential violence of navigating the downtown core of Halifax. As you read this document, you will read several personal accounts of both the good & bad side of our streets. In addition, remember … Big changes come as a result of many small steps.

Read More…….

We are quickly coming to the decision point, you know Voting Day for the Halifax Regional Municipality. I thought I would give you some insight into my decision process on who I will vote for in the race to be the next Mayor of Halifax.

Firstly, for those of you who have lost track of who is running in which election the contenders for the job of Mayor are; the incumbent Peter Kelly and his challengers Sheila Fougere & Dave Boyd.

Right off the bat I can reduce the selection by one – Dave Boyd doesn’t have a chance. I knew Dave years ago in Clayton Park, long before his mail order bride “flue the coop” [I wonder why] & I have to admit that my prior knowledge pretty well eliminates Dave from serious consideration. There is a guy in a white lab coat with a large butterfly net running around Halifax trying to catch Dave… wait a minute if my memory serves me I seem to recall that he was caught twice and locked up but he escaped. I’ll give him credit for having the guts to run and propose some rather interesting but unrealistic ideas. I hope he gets more support than in his first attempt at being elected [three votes] but I really cannot see anyone taking his bid seriously.

That leaves Peter and Sheila. Each has solid support in their own turf; Peter in Bedford and Sheila in peninsular Halifax.

Peter has history on his side, as incumbent it is his race to loose, and this time that might be easier than he or his supporters might think. History is history … there is not much you can do to rewrite things that happened in the recent memory. In Peter’s case history is not his best friend and has some telling stories.

There is a reason that organizations like Citizens for Halifax and Build it Right have grown out of the frustration of dealing with the Mayor’s Office. Need I mention the way HRM handled the widening of Chebucto Road or the Mainland Common Recreation Center or the Cat bylaw or the dissension in the council?

They are the tip of the ice burg, for Peter to campaign on a platform of strong leadership, vision and a history of success in furthering Halifax’s image is almost laughable. Find me one proven case where a leopard has actually changed his spots & I might accept that Peter will change his attitude and practice. Realistically history will repeat it’s self if he’s reelected; the lack of decisive decision making, lack luster leadership and internal clashes in council will continue for another four years.

Then there is Sheila. I will tell you up front that I have known and respected her husband for more than 25 years, watched Sheila grow as a councilor, supported her in her run in the last federal election and have been impressed with her growth and consistently solid approach to this campaign. She has solid support from her constituents and is well respected within council.

From what I have seen, Sheila’s history would suggest that a council headed by Mayor Sheila Fougere would be significantly different from that headed by Peter for the past eight years. Much more productive, more proactive and more of what this city needs at this time.

So are you getting the hint? When I mark the X on my ballot for the position for Mayor my choice is going to be Sheila Fougere. Halifax needs a change in direction, attitude, and in political will.

Sometimes change isn’t easy but as in any situation where teamwork is required for success and if the team is not working the quickest way to fix the team is to change the leader.

On a related side point, I will be one of those brave soles casting my vote this weekend electronically… because it is neat!