But there’s always some issue to write about. < Never a dull moment in the Capital >
I’m going to be alone tonight so I’m going to take a few hours and post my pictures and Artist work in one blog.
All the highlights of the year.
There’s one issue that I wanted to write about but never did.
The issue is about the security staff at the Legislature.
A couple of weeks ago, I walked in and was told immediately to give out my camera.
I couldn’t understand the reason Andre Ouellette demanded my camera?
I took pictures of MLA’S being interviewed by the media.
I believe the Sergeant At Arms didn’t like me taking these pictures from the television in the Cafeteria.
These Quebecers even drop my camera on one occasion.
Are they trying to destroy my camera?
I asked – Hey? I’m a blogger. I should be allowed to take pictures?
Andre Ouellette told me only paid employees are allowed to take pictures!
In the past, he called me a bum but that’s ok.
Poor people should be allowed to take pictures of our MLA’S.
I might lobby the people in this blog for $100.00.
It cost this much to pay for the application fee.
But it’s the Irvings who decides who gets in there. I refuse to dedicate my life and soul to the Irving Empire!
I might give it a shot.
Andre Ouellette got so bad that he denied Abel LeBlanc < MLA > the right to have his picture taken with me in front of the Christmas tree in the Legislature.
Can you imagine that one???
A person from Quebec denying an MLA right to have his picture taken in the People’s House?
This is not right but what can we do?
These Quebecers have labeled me as a security risk therefore ordering the contractor to fire me.
Yesterday, I walked into the Human Rights office to find out the latest of my complaint? I was told that the Government asked for an extension because the
House was in session.
They knew of the complaint months ago on my blog site.
It sure takes a long time to reply.
It’s going to be very interesting to find out the reason that I’m considered a security risk?
This letter was printed in the Irving newspaper a few weeks ago.
Daily Gleaner | Editorials
As published on page D9 on December 17, 2005
Using metal detectors makes a lot of sense
It's our view: Some prevention could prevent an
incident
In this day and age of unpredictable behaviour, it is
not unrealistic to think that someone might try to
bring a weapon of some sort into the provincial
legislature.
Politicians have a way of bringing out the worst in
people and nothing should be taken for granted.
With that in mind, the New Brunswick's legislature is
currently studying the possibility of installing metal
detectors to tighten security.
We think that is a good idea.
The issue of security is discussed by the
legislature's administration committee but MLAs on the
committee hold in-camera meetings.
Liberal leader Shawn Graham said improving security on
the legislature grounds has been under discussion, but
a final decision about installing metal detectors
hasn't been made.
"It is my understanding there is a review being
undertaken to make sure the Legislative Assembly is
secure, but it is only at a discussion stage," Graham
said.
Dan Bussieres, the legislature's Sergeant at Arms,
earlier refused to confirm or deny that metal
detectors are on their way in the capital building.
That is silly.
If they are being considered, they should be discussed
openly - especially since taxpayers money will be used
to pay for them.
Metal detectors have been in use at the House of
Commons since 1996, when fluoroscope scanners and
walk-through metal detectors were installed to boost
security. Similar devices are used in other provincial
legislatures.
The Nova Scotia legislature considered the idea last
year after a man walked into the public gallery with a
knife.
Visitors at the New Brunswick legislature have to sign
in at the front desk and receive an identification
badge before they watch proceedings in the public
gallery, but they are not searched by commissionaires.
The New Brunswick legislature has tightened security
in other ways over the past few years.
Photo identification cards have been issued to
legislature staff, accredited media outlets and
political assistants to gain entry into the building,
while some entrances and corridors have been closed to
general visitors.
One thing we now for sure is that paranoia feeds
paranoia, and is the perfect recipe for continued
suspicion mistrust and apprehension.
The last thing we want is a bunker mentality where
people, wishing to view the historic structure or
listen and watch what is happening inside, are
subjected to uncalled for intrusions.
Metal detectors are fine but let's keep in mind that
this is Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, and
not Grozny, the capital of Chechnya.
I’m going to find out who’s on this committee that will decide that New Brunswickers must be search before entering the people’s House.
Security is getting totally out of control at the Legislature.
It was proven in the Spring once Tim Smith came and protest.
The Sergeant At Arms ordered a police officer to search Tim’s bag.
It was ridiculous and I approached Dan Bussieres asking him if he flipped his lid???
I’m predicting that these Quebecers are working very hard to have me ban from the Legislature and once this happens?
It’s going to be very interesting because I am ready to go to jail for my freedom.
The security staff are giving certain individuals letters banning them from the House and they don’t say a word.
Well? I will never remain silent on this issue because it’s very important for New Brunswickers to have access to the People’s House.
If these people at the House succeeds in banning me?
I will quickly join this bigot with a bullhorn in front of the House.
We teamed up once in the past < 2003 >and it was very noisy in front of the Legislature for a few hours. We protested that they fix the Union Jack!
Once the security staff denies MLA’S from taking pictures in front of our Christmas tree? Then you have a serious problem.
Sure looks like these Quebecers are pushing New Brunswickers to the limit.
As to say- Go ahead? Make my day!!!! Cause trouble???
Time will tell….
So this is my last blog for the year 2005 and stay tuned for a good photo op tonight.
Bonne Heureuse Annee.
19 comments:
First of all, I think that this Province has enough people who can be security officers for the Legislature-People's House. We don't need to know or, have any of these seperatists from Quebec telling New Brunswickers what to do in our own Home Province. In other words, read my words you don't come into our province. I think that it is time that our Premier stop snuggling up to quebec and run this province. We are not Quebec and don't want to be. they are still in the dark ages when it comes to the languege issue. I think that the next Party elected should either mandate National Biolingualism across Canada, or Scrap the Legislation of it altogether. One province should not have to pay to apese a province when all they want to do is seperate. Let them go but make sure that they are removed from Canadian soil altogether.
Let's not get distracted, although bilingualism IS national policy, it just isn't in every province (and the feds have no jurisdiction over that).
That's completely crazy that I can't walk into the legislature and take pictures. One can even argue that because the floor isn't televised (meaning people can't see what is going on) then the people of the province should damn well be able to go in with a video camera and record it!
The next time they try to take your camera Charles, ask them under which piece of legislation and which article of that legislation they are taking it from you. This sounds like an issue where you should be chatting with your liberal friends! We all know there is no 'free' media in New Brunswick, but now they even want to make sure the people cannot find out what's going on. You let me know Charles, because if you can register for $100 bucks and bring your camera with no problems then I'll get you the money.
The ONLY good thing about this is that the security guys in there have been overstepping their bounds, so if we can get a new government in there they can fired 'with cause' meaning they can't sue.
Charlie:
Are they saying you have to pay to take pictures or are they saying that only PAID as in paid reporters etc. are allowed to take pictures.
Because if the $100.00 makes you a PAID as in employee, then they can report you to social services and have your benefits cut off.
Be careful my friend!
Have a Happy New Year All!
Remember! IF YOU DRINK, DON'T DRIVE!
Wishing you all the best in the new year Charles.
I am saying that the Province of New Brunswick is not financially able to afford the Legislated Bilingualism because it is coming at the expense of other things that are much more needed in this Province. We need to get all of our people who are willing to work regardless if the speak fluent french or not to work this french language issue has allowed many employers to deny employment to qualified workers because the only reason is that they don't speak fluent french. Anyone who knows history knows that it is not quebec but the acadian french who are the original decentants from France. If it is federal policy why isn't it universal. this crap about the feds not having jurisdiction is crap. this is the Dominion of Canada, not the individual United States. The Feds are pushing every other form of Letislative crap on the Provinces, and getting away with it, it is just an excuse that McKenna used to go wining and sniviling to the feds to entrench it into the constitution after he swore up and down that he would not have Bill-88 entrenched into the constitution So only the federal party can have Amendments to that already existing Bill.
Remember that the Conservatives were were the Federal government in Ottawa and the Liberals were in New Brunswick at the time all of this began with McKenna.I am saying that if were are going to make Bi-lingualism law, then it should be compelled across Canada and Quebec should be forced to comply, and if not then overturn the bill altogether. Either we are all legislated two languages or, non of us are. That is the way it should be. everyone shares in the expense or no one does.
Hey Anonymous Yes I mean you, It would seem that you like to twist the words of those who comment here on this site, well I am not falling into your personal problems. If you are accusing me of hating then you had bloody well better tell me your name. I have stated time and time again for the record that I hate absolutely no one. but I have rights as well as the next person in this country and Province has rights. the Universal language in this World is still english, these accomadations need to be made so that every person whether they speak english, french or anyother language has full access to the service. However, when it comes to working in this Province, employers have used that to deny People who have applied themselves to obtain the much needed skills so that they might be able to make a living for themselves and their families. The Letgislation of Bi-lingualism is not working the way it was meant to work. It was meant so that we all could have services in our mother Tongue or native Language. However, it was not meant to overlook or, to deny Otherwise qualified People in our Society, Soley on the basis of not being able to speak French.
This has nothing to do with hating anyone, it is a matter of the rights of every Human Person's rights being respected regardless of what language they speak. this comment/response is only within the French/English language issue.
Um, where do you think Quebecers are descendants from? Belgium? For your information the first french settlement WASN"T St.Croix island, it was in Quebec. Look it up.
As for federal provincial relations the feds can no more force provinces to accept bilingualism than they can force them accept federal decisions on liquor licensing or tenants acts.
But back on topic, let us know what you find out Charles.
Firstly Michael g. Your request for Mr.Bernard Lord to stop snuggling up to Quebecers will NEVER happen.
This will be a life long duty for this particular individual as he IS A QUEBECER! but he has forgotten that the Province of New Brunswick's population is but a meer fraction of Quebec which is by the way a 3rd of ALL Canada's population and Mr.Lord simply cannot expect to run this Province as if it were indeed Quebec .
Now on that note back to the comment to the blog before us.
This is no different than any other thing in this Province.
Make it up, as we go along seems to be the order of the day.
I agree with the above Charlie, ask from what list are they finding these things they are telling you are wrong and put that list on your blog for all to see.
Ask for the WHOLE list instead of one infringement at a time.
As far as I can see we've done all of this to ourselves for first of all being tricked into putting a Quebecer in office and then allowing it to go even further by not speaking out when we should have stood loud and proud on insisting that ALL STAFF MUST BE FROM New Brunswick to best look after New Brunswickers concerns.
Surely we can pick a handful of responsible citizens from over 675,000 New Brunswickers.
And for those of you who want to cry foul on this just think about provincial job trade and give just ONE good example of the province of Quebec letting New Brunswick trades people or woodsmen for that matter into their province to work.
Also if anyone can name just one individual on or in Quebec's Governing body and or one Security member that was born outside of the Province of Quebec be it New Brunswick or elseware Please post that information here in this blog.
There have been many news pieces in the past on that very subject where Quebec has cried foul every time they found N.B.ers, N.S.ers or Islanders were working there and taking jobs as well as on the other side of their borders.(Ont)etc..
They even manipulated the biggest hydro deal for themselves this Country has ever seen back in the sixties through Joey Smallwood and the Newfoundland Government that they will continue to enjoy for many many years to come.
Yep their a different bunch alright, They want everything they can get their hands on for nothing and piece will remain, but once you try pulling back a little on these enormous specialty package deals outrage and uproar seem to be once again the order of the day.
Quebecers keep going on about how they are unique and different and how they don't see themselves having the same dreams as the rest of Canada on a united strong and free Country with a great vision toward a secure bright future.
Yet Quebec seems compelled to want to dictate how this big beautiful country should be run, go figure.
To the people of Quebec who are presently running the New Brunswick Government I say;;
This is NOT nor will it ever be, Little Quebec.
If your NOT happy with how we the people of New Brunswick would like to Govern and run OUR Province then get yourselves together and go back to YOUR Home and leave us to OURS
No hard or ill feelings and ce'la vie!
great story, but all these anonymous blogs on here are starting to tick me off.
It seems the only ones that put our names down here are Michael McKay and myself.
Everyone else making comments and hiding behind a private name. It's not right. Or they'll leave a phony name with no address.
Mr. McKay, I love your comments. You should start a blog site of your own.
Mark Huestis
Hillside Motel
Manawagonish Road,
Saint John, NB
Charles you need someone like Jim Webb to come in there and help you out.
Jim Webb is always against French. But no one really knows this: Jim Webb's son is married to a woman that is about as French as you can get- the former Janine Bourgoin. So the next time Jim Webb is downing the French people, someone should bring that up to him, that racist pig.
I don't know who is scarier-the racists or the ones who seem to hate the racists. It's a slippery slope, but you don't have to be 'anti Quebec' to think that New Brunswickers should be employed as security officers. It isn't 'anti Quebec' to state that we should bar workers from that province if they are doing the same from ours. So there's no need to get nasty about it, because as soon as you do the inevitable 'racist' comments come up, and often they are justified-but not in the two examples above.
I think the above lengthy post disproved their own point though, clearly Quebec HAS proved they are 'distinct' by enacting all this legislation which other provinces refuse to, for whatever reason. They actually stand up for themselves and TAKE what they want, whereas in places like NB you can't even make things like this an issue.
I think that's one of the reasons why a lot of people dislike Quebec-they are the one government which DOES what others wish their own provincial governments would do, which is take advantage of every loophole and opportunity out there and not sit back worry about the other guy.
Yet don't look for help in this issue from the liberal party-all THEIR staff is from Ontario.
to 8:43 PM??? I just wish to add that Jimmy Webb is a good friend of mine and he has a heart of gold. You should have been around when we both got drunk in his house????
must admit that New Brunswickers should be in charge of the People's House!!!!
It was me who offended Mr. MacKay yesterday. I'm writing to apologize. I strongly disagree with his views on many issues, and I especially find offputting the very harsh manner in which he expresses his opinions -- it strikes me as very uncharitable and un-Christian and even hateful -- but still, I very much regret attacking the man rather than the opinions. I don't know what he has in his heart. He says it's not hatred, and I should take him at his word. So, my apologies to Mr. MacKay for saying he hates those he attacks.
At the same time, I'll say this about the ideas he expresses in response to this blog of Charles': I strongly believe the Canadian and New Brunswick language laws are just and fair. And I don't believe they have anything to do with people being denied jobs unfairly. For what it's worth, I'll add that I say this as a unilingual English-speaking NBer and Canadian.
It's unfortunate that we can't even discuss sensative topics without berating each other. I saw nothing from Michael's posts and never have in which he says he hates anybody. He's expressed his opinion and by all means disagree with him if you wish but there is validity in his arguments and I don't seen any hatred in them at all. There are some questions that should be asked and we shouldn't be afraid to ask them just because someone wants to throw a bigot label at someone just for asking a question.
Michael McKay really knows what he's talking about and not afraid to sign his name.
That's more than I can say for the rest of you gutless wonders on here.
As for Jim Webb, well Charles you know damn right well that he's down on the French people, so I don't know why you're trying to deny it.
Instead of Bernard Lord's picture on here, Charles you should post yours on here and call it LIAR LIAR
Mark Huestis
Hillside Motel
This is the last time that I will say anything on this subject, I would like those who have found my recent posts on this hot topic harsh and somewhat extreme. I would like to apologize if my comments have sent the wrong message. That was not the intent. I have tried the calm or, so-called soft approach and have found that there are times when a strong rebuke needs to be sounded against the policies or legislation that seems to pay only lip service to the rights of not only New Brunswickers, but all Canadian Citizens.
I appreciate those who have understood where I what I am trying to address, and would like to sincerely apologize if my harsh aim has caused undue stress to anyone It is not aimed at any person or culture, however, it is aimed at the Policies and Legislation That the system has implamented to cause problems.
Thanks for the opportunity to Address this issue.
Michael G. McKay.
Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Getting back on topic, Charles, there does seem some precedence in other provinces for such acts as removing your camera. I think this is a case where you simply can't win, so you should looking into the procedure for being registered for the press, which is essentially what you are.
Other provinces are even more draconian than NB. Ontario is the worst, where we even see courts take away people's charter rights of association and movement. They are barred from even ENTERING some cities or talking to one another if they have ever demonstrated together.
Most then need the time consuming and expensive supreme court challenges, and most affected by this simply can't afford it. So much for the idea of a 'free' Canada. In most cases this is done by the Speaker, with no law cited whatsoever.
A camera taking pictures of the interior of a government building could easily be defended in today's 'security first' world. So I think that's a waste of time, even though the guards know you.
So find out how to get press credentials, we'd be far better off pressuring for press credentials. Of course you'd have to remember your 'rules of restraint', they aren't going to give press credentials to an activist, especially if the fear is that at every press conference you are going to start yelling about ADD!
In this you'd have to learn from the Irving Press, it's not what you DO talk about that makes it subjective, it's what you DON"T talk about.
Talk to some of your liberal buddies and get some help from them, then you'll quickly find out what kind of friends they are.
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