I feel that I must write a long winded blog on my little experience with CBC this morning.
It all began yesterday when a producer Peter Anawati sent me an email asking me if I wanted to appear on the program The Current?
At first, I proudly accepted the offer but later on that evening, I believe that I was way over my head.
I heard that it was taped so I should be ok.
Hey? A program that goes all across Canada? Anyway to spread the word of my blog here in New Brunswick.
That evening, I decided the style I would use to begin my little interview.
The next morning, CBC paid for my taxi to their studio. I don’t mind walking down the hill but going up there? Sorry!
Once at the CBC building, I was greeted by a female commissionaire.
I turned my back and I was to see Daniel McHardie.
He’s the President of the Press Gallery at the New Brunswick legislature.
Daniel McHardie accepted the offer to be interviewed also. My God, an Irving employee and Charles in the same studio?...lol...
Could be interesting?
Daniel is one reporter who doesn’t say much. I know 95% of them but don’t really know this guy.
I noticed that he was taking this interview very seriously.
He wasn’t talking much and was going through his notes and writing some new ones.
I said - That’s a good idea!!! I should also takes notes!!!
I asked the female commissionaire if she had a notepad?
I said to myself - I don’t really know this Daniel guy but I’m going to have a little fun with his mind.
I said - Ohhhh by the way Daniel???? I say this to all the media people that I deal with.
If you happen to badmouth me in there?
Well? I’m going to blog ya for a whole year!!!!
I know that all the media knows that if I say that I’ll do something? I do it!!!
Poor Daniel!!! He must have taught - What am I suppose to do here???? Blast the blogger to all the listeners across Canada for a few minutes or received bad blogs about me for a whole year???
Decision...decision....decision!!..lol
The producer told me that I was the first to be on the air.
There I was in a booth alone. I noticed that Daniel was still looking in his notepad.
I was a little nervous.
Being the blogger that I am? I began to take pictures from the studio.
I receive a test from Toronto and it was at that moment that I realize that I was going to be interviewed across Canada!
Nervous??? You bet cha!!!
Minutes before the interview began I made a little prayer and kiss the cross.
The interview went well. Power above? Sure there is!!!!
Daniel went on the air and I quickly found out that the host from Vancouver was confronting the Irving reporter on the issue of Bloggers in the Legislator head on.
Daniel could have spoken out against bloggers but he didn’t.
He supported my cause and I might add that he spoke very highly of me.
After he was all done, I quickly stood from my chair and shook his hand to congratulate the Irving employee.
Hey? I’ll give credit where it’s due.
We stayed around to listen to the other guests and one of them Antonia Zerbisiassupported my blog 100%!
Yes, this morning, I had everyone on my side and it give me a good feeling.
CBC told me that they would drive me home but I declined. I wanted to take everything in with a nice long walk.
Now? I believe that I did ok but the outside world are saying?
I made it home and the hits on the blog site was coming in fast and furious.
In one hour? I had 150 visitors.
I was told by a friend to post a blog of me being a security risk at the Legislature.
The day went by and it was interesting to watch the stats from across Canada.
With different time zone came different hits from different province.
It was very interesting to watch the stats.
It’s 11:30pm and here’s the stats-
VISITS
Total 83,246
Average Per Day 265
Average Visit Length 4:02
Last Hour 18
Today 702
This Week 1,855
700 visitors in one day? That’s a record!!
So? Everything went well and everyone is happy!
I had a good experience and I believe I showed that I can do an interview with an open mind.
So? What’s next for the blog???
Who truly knows????
Saturday, May 13, 2006
IRVING EMPLOYEE AND CHARLES LEBLANC IN THE SAME STUDIO???? IT TURNED OUT PRETTY GOOD!!!!
Friday, May 12, 2006
QUESTION PERIOD AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE < Vendredi >
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Energy Policy
Mr. S. Graham: On my recent trip to Massachusetts and the state of Washington to meet with
policy leaders in the area of energy, they said it was refreshing to meet a leader of a political party.
It was the first time they had sat down at the table since the Frank McKenna era. In Washington, I
met with energy policy experts, and they brought me up to date on the Energy Policy Act of 2005,
which was signed into law by President Bush, creating a national standard for renewable fuels in the
United States. Part of this plan includes the blending of ethanol into traditional forms of fuel.
015 11:00
In Canada, Manitoba has passed the Biofuels Act to encourage the development of ethanol
production and its use, blended with gasoline, in the provincial market. As well, Ontario has passed
regulations that will come into effect on January 1, 2007 and which will see 5% usage of ethanol,
with a target of 10% for 2010. A similar initiative in our province might have a significant positive
economic and environmental impact. With our agriculture and forestry sectors, a biofuels initiative
would be applicable and profitable in our province.
Has the Minister of Energy considered legislation to support ethanol production and use in our
province?
Hon. Ms. Fowlie: We do support a reduction in our dependency on traditional energy use in our
province. I know that at this point, other departments that have access to land and so forth are
beginning to look at some of these different things. When it becomes available in the province, it
is certainly something we will support.
Mr. S. Graham: Today’s ethanol industry is unrecognizable compared to the industry of just five
years ago, ant it will be unrecognizable five years from now, because of the technological
advancements. The minister has given a nonanswer today, saying that other jurisdictions are doing
it, but we are not ready here in New Brunswick.
The opportunity to invest in ethanol blending is one that New Brunswick needs to consider sooner
rather than later. Large international investment firms such as Bear Stearns and JPMorgan have
released comprehensive documents that demonstrate the investment potential of ethanol and its
applications in reducing fossil fuel dependence. We need to look at the feasibility of phasing in a
blending program in New Brunswick. It is an opportunity for increased research and development.
It provides a cleaner and local source of alternative fuel, and it might provide us with an opportunity
to reduce some of our wood waste and agricultural byproducts.
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Since the minister did not give an answer to the last question, will she at least give a commitment
today to initiate a feasibility study on the potential of ethanol and cellulose ethanol in New
Brunswick?
Hon. Ms. Fowlie: The Department of Energy is always discussing, with other departments, these
types of concepts. Whether it is a paper feasibility study, I cannot say, because we want to have the
production in place in order to move down that road. We do work with other departments. These are
things that are looked at in other departments that have access to land and so forth.
We are always able and anxious to look at things that reduce people’s dependency. As well, we are
encouraging people to drive more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Mr. S. Graham: Maybe the minister does not understand the scope of the question. We are not
asking her to look at other jurisdictions, we are asking her to act. This is where this government is
failing to act. Ontario has brought forward regulation changes to blend fuel. Manitoba has brought
forward legislation to look at ethanol production being utilized in that province, as well. Minnesota,
Hawaii, and a number of other U.S. states are moving in this direction.
We are saying today that the time has come. Madam Minister, you have refused to say that you are
willing to look at a feasibility study. You refused to answer the first question that I put forward to
see if looking at an ethanol blend was even on the government radar screen. We do have sectors in
the province that will benefit, whether it is potato waste or, in the forestry sector, wood waste. The
question I am asking the minister today is this: Will she at least commit to a feasibility analysis of
ethanol production in New Brunswick? If she will not, a Liberal government will.
Hon. Mr. Alward: Obviously, the Leader of the Opposition is asleep at the wheel. The reality is
that in New Brunswick, there is a lot of work that is already going on. There is work that is going
on between the department on the development of a life science strategy. There is actually work that
is taking place within the community college and at the biotechnology centre in Grand Falls as we
speak.
Mr. S. Graham: It seems interesting today that the Minister of Agriculture has to respond for the
Minister of Energy because she is asleep at the switch on her file.
A recent news report claims that Brazil has a plan to be free of imported oil by the end of this year.
It also claims that the price of Brazilian ethanol is about 30% lower than gasoline. These are
impressive statistics. Imagine a New Brunswick that could reduce its dependence on expensive
foreign oil, provide a less expensive product for your car, and, at the same time, be environmentally
friendly. This is something that needs to be examined more closely.
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016 11:05
New Brunswickers need to have more control over their energy costs and to provide a made-in-New
Brunswick solution, which is a step in the right direction. We are aware of the research and
development that is undertaken. What is required, though, are the legislative changes to make it
feasible for New Brunswick consumers to move in that direction. That is why I am asking the
minister: Is she willing to commit to regulation changes for blending a fuel in New Brunswick? Yes
or no?
Hon. Ms. Fowlie: When the fuel is available, if legislative changes need to be made, then we will
do it. If it is just regulatory or if it is just policy, we will do it. The Leader of the Opposition is
standing up, bragging about what is going on in Brazil. In many countries around the world that
have a rain forest, they are losing their rain forest because they have gone to the production of
ethanol and fuel additives. We are not having all of New Brunswick turned into a province that is
only there to grow feedstock for ethanol plants. We will work with what we have, looking at all of
our other natural resources in the province.
Mr. S. Graham: We have a minister who is more interested in protecting the rain forests of Brazil
and more interested in protecting her parking spot than she is in protecting New Brunswickers from
the rising cost of fuel. If this government is taking a few hesitant steps forward on ethanol and
biofuel, more action needs to be taken if we are to move ahead of other jurisdictions. The Liberal
Party’s comprehensive platform on energy contains a commitment to develop alternative energy
sources for New Brunswick, including ethanol blends. Can the Minister of Energy tell us whether
her government has any plans at all to encourage the development of ethanol production, something
that would benefit farmers and consumers alike, or is it just business as usual? Are we going to sit
and look at other jurisdictions and fail to act?
Hon. Ms. Fowlie: There is an energy policy in place in the province. We are updating it. Many
things have been accomplished. We will be coming out with a new energy policy. These things are
all addressed. I know that the Leader of the Opposition is standing up just trying to make points,
saying that I am trying to defend Brazil or protect other countries.
(Interjection.)
Hon. Ms. Fowlie: Yes, he defends Venezuela. We have to look at what is going on in other
countries to see what works right and what does not. We do study these things. We are not out to
destroy any of our landmass in the province. I was not about to start talking about biofuels. The
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture has that program under his portfolio. It is not up
to me to make his announcements for him. Am I aware of them? Absolutely. Is it my duty to tell the
opposition? No. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture has the right and the
privilege to stand up and brag about what is going on in his department.
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Immigration
M. Ouellette : Ma question s’adresse au député et ministre de Madawaska-la-Vallée au sujet du
dossier de l’immigration. Le ministre Mesheau, ancien responsable du dossier de l’immigration,
avait promis aux citoyens et citoyennes du Nouveau-Brunswick une stratégie provinciale à
l’automne 2005. Le ministre responsable de l’immigration peut-il nous confirmer une date où nous
pourrions prendre connaissance d’une stratégie provinciale afin de contrer le déclin de la population
néo-brunswickoise?
L’hon. M. Mockler : Je suis excessivement content ce matin que le député de Région de Grand-
Sault me pose cette question. Je l’attendais depuis plusieurs semaines et plusieurs mois. C’est
probablement une des premières questions qui me sont posées sur une de mes responsabilités qu’est
l’immigration. Lorsque je regarde la piètre performance du Parti libéral de M. McKenna et
compagnie, je n’ai pas de leçon à recevoir du député de Région de Grand-Sault, du Parti libéral ou
de son chef.
M. Ouellette : Le Conseil des premiers ministres de l’Atlantique s’est réuni à Corner Brook en
février 2004 a produit un document qu’ils ont déposé. Des recommandations ont été acheminées au
Conseil des ministres en février 2005 provenant de Rendez-Vous Immigration 2004, réuni les 24
et 25 juin 2004 à Saint Andrews.
017 11:10
Un rapport d’étape du Carrefour d’immigration rurale présenté au ministère de la Formation et du
Développement de l’emploi affirme qu’entre 700 et 800 personnes immigrent au Nouveau-
Brunswick annuellement. Toutefois, de 40 % à 70 % de ces personnes quittent la province dans les
trois années suivant leur arrivée. C’est pourquoi il est pressant d’avoir une stratégie provinciale avec
des dates butoirs d’implantation. Le temps des études est terminé. Il est temps de passer aux actions
concrètes. Pouvons-nous compter sur le gouvernement pour faire quelque chose de concret pour une
fois et pour prendre un rôle de leadership en matière d’immigration?
L’hon. M. Mockler : Il y a plusieurs commentaires dans les propos du député de Région de Grand-
Sault. Premièrement, à sa question à savoir s’il peut compter sur le gouvernement, je peux lui
répondre qu’il peut compter sur notre gouvernement en ce qui concerne la politique de l’immigration
au Nouveau-Brunswick.
Deuxièmement, je veux dire que, lorsqu’on m’a demandé de prendre la responsabilité du dossier de
l’immigration, du rapatriement et de la rétention, il y a deux choses qui se sont produites
immédiatement. Il y a eu des forums au Nouveau-Brunswick avec nos partenaires afin de discuter
d’une stratégie et d’une politique sur l’immigration qui nous permettraient d’ouvrir les portes du
Nouveau-Brunswick. C’est exactement ce qui est en train d’être implanté avec les employés du
Secrétariat de l’immigration et du rapatriement. En plus, j’ai eu l’occasion d’avoir une conversation
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avec le nouveau ministre fédéral de la Citoyenneté et de l’Immigration, M. Solberg. Quelle belle
occasion nous avons eue pour discuter d’une politique d’immigration qui reflétera les…
Éducation
M C. Robichaud me : Mes questions sont destinées au ministre de l’Éducation. Le gouvernement
prétend vouloir promouvoir l’éducation de nos jeunes afin qu’ils puissent atteindre les objectifs du
Plan d’apprentissage de qualité. Je me demande comment les élèves peuvent atteindre ces objectifs
quand le gouvernement met des bâtons dans les roues en réduisant les fonds attribués à des camps
d’été pour les élèves en immersion ou en français régulier.
Le Nouveau-Brunswick a une réputation unique comme chef de file en terme d’immersion française.
Récemment, j’ai pris conscience des inquiétudes des parents. Des fonds sont transférés du
programme d’immersion au programme régulier. Par exemple, les parents du district 2 sont inquiets
de voir que le camp Bois-Joli pour les élèves en immersion au secondaire premier cycle, a été
abandonné. Le ministre peut-il nous dire si c’est bel et bien le cas?
L’hon. M. Williams : Contrairement à ce que dit la députée de Baie-de-Miramichi, nous
investissons davantage d’argent en éducation cette année. Encore une fois, nous investirons une
somme additionnelle de 37,5 millions dans le budget de cette année. Il y a des initiatives en place.
Si la députée a des cas spécifiques, elle peut les porter à mon attention. Je ne suis aucunement au
courant des choses qu’elle apporte. Je pense que chaque district a des responsabilités et ils les
assument très bien. En tant que ministre, je continuerai à travailler avec les districts. J’invite la
députée à appuyer nos initiatives. Jusqu’à maintenant, elle a toujours voté en faveur des
investissements additionnels qu’on veut faire en éducation. J’invite la députée à appuyer nos
initiatives.
Mme C. Robichaud : On parle beaucoup de millions de dollars, mais je ne vois pas s’ils sont
attribués aux camps en question. Le ministre a reçu la lettre dont je parle, celle du 9 mai 2006. Dans
le district 2, 60 % des élèves sont en immersion. Il y a deux excellents programmes en place. Le
ministre peut-il nous dire pourquoi des fonds ont été transférés d’un endroit à l’autre. Le ministre
s’engage-t-il à assurer que des investissements faits dans le programme régulier ne seront pas faits
au détriment du programme d’immersion? Voilà la question.
L’hon. M. Williams : Pour ce qui est de la lettre du 9 mai 2006, à laquelle la députée fait référence,
j’invite ma collègue à me faire parvenir l’information. Je donnerai certainement suite à ses propos
sur le sujet.
018 11:15
Cependant, je dois réassurer que nous investissons des sommes additionnelles dans les districts
scolaires, nous travaillons étroitement avec les districts et les directions d’école. C’est ce que nous
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avons fait et c’est ce que nous continuerons à faire. Nous avons des enseignants supplémentaires
dans les écoles. Encore une fois, au lieu d’être négative vis-à-vis des investissements qu’on fait, la
députée devrait appuyer le budget qui a été présenté.
Trucking Industry
Mr. Foran: I rise once again today to advocate on behalf of the small independent truckers in my
riding as well as in other ridings in New Brunswick. My question is for the Minister of
Transportation. Twice in the past couple of weeks, I have asked this question of the Minister of
Transportation. Basically, his answer was that he was willing to work with me. Well, I am calling
on the minister to work with the truckers of New Brunswick.
The concern is regarding lift axles. The deadline has gone by, and the truckers will very soon be
facing the opening of the roads in New Brunswick. I have worked with this department, but it has
to come from the top. Simply, what I would like to know—yes or no—is if the minister is going to
extend the moratorium on the use of lift axles for the truckers of New Brunswick.
L’hon. P. Robichaud : J’apprécie énormément la question du député de Miramichi-Centre. Je pense
qu’il y a peut-être une petite confusion dans l’industrie du camionnage dans la région de Miramichi.
Je pense qu’on mélange deux dossiers complètement séparés, soit celui de l’essieu relevable, comme
le député l’a mentionné, et celui de la réglementation qui est en place depuis le 1er janvier 2006,
c’est-à-dire les camions à quatre essieux. Je sais que mon personnel a rencontré les gens de
l’industrie du camionnage dans la région de Miramichi. Si on veut parler du dossier de l’essieu
relevable sur les camions, il n’y a pas de moratoire qui a été mis en place à partir du 1er janvier. C’est
pour l’industrie du camionnage à quatre essieux et plus.
Je peux assurer au député de Miramichi-Centre qu’il est possible d’avoir un permis spécial pour les
camions qui sont munis d’un essieu relevable. Donc, ils n’ont qu’à faire la demande au ministère
des Transports, et nous vérifierons si leur camion est conforme à la réglementation sécuritaire du
ministère des Transports. Nous sommes prêts à travailler et à collaborer avec le député. S’ils le
jugent nécessaire, oui, nous sommes prêts à rencontrer encore une fois les camionneurs de la région
de Miramichi pour expliquer exactement la différence entre les deux dossiers et pour dénouer
l’impasse. Je suis convaincu que nous pouvons trouver une solution au problème que le député porte
à mon attention ce matin.
Water Supply
Mr. Jamieson: To the Minister of Environment, yesterday, my colleague from Kings East raised
a serious concern about the water supply to the village of Penobsquis. There comes a time when a
minister has to take on the task of directing his department to solve a problem that affects the health
and well-being of the people whom he is elected to represent.
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More than 20 homes in Penobsquis have been without water for nearly two years. The reality is that
this department has taken entirely too long to find the solution to the problem in Penobsquis. This
minister needs to step up to the plate, take on his responsibilities, become directly and personally
involved with this situation, and get this water supply problem solved.
Will the minister commit today to meeting personally with the residents who are affected and get
this problem resolved? That is what his job is about. The time has come to work and solve this
problem, and he has to step up to the plate.
Hon. Mr. Holder: I will personally commit today to meet with anybody in the Sussex-Penobsquis
area who wants to sit down and talk about this issue.
I have been dealing with my staff and keeping up to speed on this file, right from the beginning. I
have met with the member for Kings East on numerous occasions. He has brought concerns to me,
and I have always done my best to deal with those issues. I think that we have dealt effectively with
some of those issues.
However, I definitely will meet with anybody in the Sussex-Penobsquis region who wants to sit
down regarding this file. We are working as hard as we can to get a water supply that is safe and
reliable.
Mr. Jamieson: The people of Penobsquis have asked repeatedly to meet with the minister, and he
has not afforded them the effort to meet with them.
019 11:10
It is unfortunate that he is following in the same footsteps as the previous Minister of the
Environment and that the public is no better served now than it was before. The minister needs to
get out of his ivory tower, get to Penobsquis, and try to solve that problem. He has not done that.
That is what sometimes needs to be done by a minister.
When will the minister meet with the people of Penobsquis to solve this problem? You need to do
your job or do the honourable thing and resign, because people need you to be there.
Hon. Mr. Holder: I have no intention of resigning. I am working on this file. I will meet with these
people. I will sit down with anybody who wants to talk about this issue, or any other safe water issue
around this province. We are all here in the House. I will certainly commit to meeting with these
people as soon as possible. I know that a request came in last week from some residents down there.
I am certainly making an effort right now to find the time to meet with the people of Penobsquis.
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Plan provincial de la santé
M. V. Boudreau : Mes questions sont pour le ministre de la Santé et touchent les soins de santé
dans la Péninsule acadienne.
J’aimerais faire suite à mon collègue de Caraquet, parce que, hier, celui-ci n’a reçu que du « spin »
de la part de ce gouvernement.
Le ministre a énuméré les services qui étaient déjà à l’hôpital de Caraquet avant la mise en place du
plan de santé et ceux… ou que ce sont des services qui ne sont pas encore en place. Le
gouvernement a enlevé les services d’obstétrique dans la Péninsule acadienne. Il s’agit d’une
population de 50 000 habitants. Les femmes de cette région ne peuvent plus accoucher d’un bébé
dans leur région. Le ministre maintient que les services des soins de santé de la Péninsule acadienne
ne sont pas pires qu’ailleurs dans la province.
Le ministre peut-il me confirmer si, depuis l’implantation du plan de santé de son gouvernement,
il y a des régions autres que la Péninsule acadienne où des mamans ont accouché d’un bébé dans des
ambulances?
Hon. Mr. Green: I think it is probably safe to say that, in any given year, babies are delivered in
ambulances throughout this province. That is certainly not the ideal place for a child to be delivered,
but the care provided by paramedics in this province is exceptional. We are very well served by the
dedicated professionals who provide ambulance services in this province. We are taking steps to
give them the tools and the training to make that service even better.
M. V. Boudreau : En 2003, l’ancien vice-recteur de l’Université de Moncton, Léandre Desjardins,
a écrit un rapport intitulé La santé des francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick qui ne vantait pas les
services spécialisés dans le nord de la province. Il y a quelques mois, dans un communiqué de la
régie de la santé Acadie-Beauséjour, M. Desjardins maintenait sa position en ajoutant que le sud de
la province était clairement favorisé. Il est temps que le ministre de la Santé réalise que son plan de
santé ne fonctionne pas dans la Péninsule acadienne. Récemment, nous avons vu et entendu des
reportages qui expliquent comment une quinzaine de patients ont passé une nuit blanche dans la
salle d’attente de l’urgence à l’Hôpital de Tracadie qui est débordée et où il y a un manque de
ressources humaines depuis la mise en place de ce plan de santé.
Le ministre peut-il me confirmer si, depuis l’implantation du plan de santé de ce gouvernement, il
y a des régions autres que la Péninsule acadienne où des patients ont passé des nuits blanches dans
des salles d’attente à l’urgence?
Hon. Mr. Green: I can confirm that since the introduction of the provincial health plan, tens of
millions of dollars of new and enhanced services are being delivered in each and every region of this
province. I can confirm that this year, on the Acadian Peninsula, we are investing $800 000 to
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upgrade the emergency room facilities at the Tracadie hospital. I can confirm that under the
provincial health plan, there is, today, an enhanced community health centre in Caraquet which is
open seven days per week, 24 hours per day.
M. V. Boudreau : Nous savons déjà tous que le gouvernement Lord a reçu le rapport Dubinsky qui
traite de l’incident de Robert Thomas qui s’est vu chambarder d’un hôpital à l’autre dans le Nord
pour ensuite se retrouver dans un hôpital du Sud pour avoir les services dont il avait besoin.
020 11:25
Le ministre a ce rapport depuis maintenant trois mois et a choisi de ne rien faire jusqu’à maintenant.
La preuve de cela est que nous avons encore vu et entendu d’autres reportages récemment
concernant un autre patient de Tracadie-Sheila qui a dû attendre deux heures dans la salle d’attente
avec des douleurs qui signalaient une crise cardiaque potentielle. Après s’être fait chambarder, il
s’est, lui aussi, retrouvé dans un hôpital du Sud pour recevoir les soins dont il avait besoin. Le
ministre peut-il me confirmer que, depuis l’implantation du plan de santé, qui ne travaille
évidemment pas pour la Péninsule acadienne, il y a eu des régions autres que la Péninsule acadienne
où les patients se font chambarder d’un hôpital à l’autre de façon désorganisée pour recevoir les
services dont ils ont sérieusement besoin?
Hon. Mr. Green: Each and every day, patients in this province are transferred from one hospital
to another. The reality is that, in a province of this size, in order to provide a first-quality health care
system, we have to have specialized centres of excellence.
The member opposite should know that, for critical trauma cases, there are a number of specialities
that are required in order for a hospital to provide that level of care. In New Brunswick, there are
two hospitals that have that capability: one in Saint John and one in Moncton. For critically injured
trauma-case patients, that is precisely where they have to go, to one of those two provincial centres.
Homeless Youth
Mr. Doherty: I have questions to be directed to the Minister of Family and Community Services.
Under Family and Community Services, homeless youth are provided with shelter. It is my
understanding that there is no facility in Saint John this summer that has been allocated for homeless
youth, and I would like the minister to comment on this.
L’hon. Mme Dubé : Nous avons une panoplie de services pour les gens dans le besoin, ce qui
comprend aussi nos enfants et nos adolescents. Au niveau des refuges, on sait qu’il y a des
organismes communautaires un peu partout dans la province. Ils font aussi beaucoup de collectes
de fonds pour s’assurer de donner des services. On parle aussi des services précisément adressés aux
adolescents lorsqu’ils sont dans le besoin. Des évaluations sont faites de façon individuelle, soit cas
par cas. Bien entendu, il y a des familles d’accueil.
ORAL QUESTIONS 29 QUESTIONS ORALES
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Aujourd’hui, je tiens à souligner la présence de cette belle dame qui a eu beaucoup d’enfants, de
petits-enfants et d’arrière-petits-enfants et qui, malgré sa charge de travail, a accueilli des enfants
dans le besoin dans sa propre maison et dans sa propre famille. Je tiens à la féliciter. C’est un
exemple, justement, de la collaboration qui existe dans toute la province pour livrer un service
d’excellence aux enfants.
Mr. Doherty: I was wondering if you could possibly provide me with a list of facilities in the Saint
John area to which clients of Family and Community Services who are identified as homeless youth
are referred.
L’hon. Mme Dubé : Comme je viens de le dire au député d’en face, il y a des bureaux régionaux du
ministère des Services familiaux et communautaires. Nous avons des professionnels dans chaque
bureau qui travaillent avec les différents organismes communautaires dans chaque localité.
Lorsqu’ils ont des besoins précis, spécifiquement au niveau des enfants ou des adolescents, comme
tout autre âge, une évaluation des besoins est faite. À partir de ce moment, un plan d’intervention
est mis en marche avec les organismes en place. Des ressources sont présentes pour s’assurer, bien
entendu, de livrer les meilleurs services possible. Je dois vous avouer que nous savons que la famille
est extrêmement importante. Un des premiers rôles, une des premières tâches, c’est toujours
d’essayer d’aider l’adolescent à rester dans son milieu familial et naturel ou de le réintégrer. S’il
nécessite une sortie temporaire en raison de la nature des interventions qui devraient être faites, c’est
fait. L’adolescent a un encadrement pour poursuivre le plan d’intervention, la thérapie familiale ou
autres.
Mr. Speaker: Introduction of bills. Before we go to introduction of bills, the Minister of Finance
has an answer to a question from yesterday. Agreed?
Hon. Members: Agreed.
021 11:30
Pari vidéo
L’hon. M. Volpé : Hier, le député de Moncton-Nord a demandé si la politique de la Société des
loteries de l’Atlantique permettait d’avoir des guichets automatiques sur le site. Les guichets ne sont
pas la responsabilité de la Société des loteries de l’Atlantique. C’est le propriétaire du site qui peut
placer ces machines. Elles ne sont pas à la disposition des joueurs, elles sont à la disposition des
clients. La machine est là pour servir d’autres clients. Si quelqu’un veut jouer, il peut quand même
se servir du guichet, mais ce dernier n’est pas là pour servir le joueur compulsif ou le joueur
régulier. Cette machine est là pour servir les clients dans le magasin, qui achèteront d’autres
produits.
ORAL QUESTIONS 29 QUESTIONS ORALES
May 12, 2006 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 12 mai 2006
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Mr. Murphy: I am asking the minister whether, within the gambling strategy study that should be
out very soon, it is on the table that one of the things they will consider prior to granting licenses for
VLTs in the future is that there are to be no ATMs within the same establishment. Would the
minister confirm that is something that is under study and that the status quo with regard to ATMs
next to VLTs is not acceptable.
L’hon. M. Volpé : À la question du député de Moncton-Nord, c’est certainement quelque chose
qu’on peut étudier. Cependant, à première vue, si on demande à ceux qui ont des appareils de loterie
vidéo de ne pas avoir un guichet automatique, je pense que c’est quand même une grosse décision.
Si on a un édifice commercial qui a des appareils de loterie vidéo à l’intérieur et qu’on dit au
propriétaire qu’il ne devrait pas y avoir des guichets automatiques sur le site, je pense que les clients
des autres magasins ou des autres sites à l’intérieur de l’édifice commercial auront certainement des
réactions. C’est quand même un outil important pour que les gens aient accès à de l’argent
rapidement. La distance des appareils de loterie vidéo est quelque chose que nous sommes prêts à
étudier, mais ce n’est pas la responsabilité de la Société des loteries de l’Atlantique de décider si
l’entrepreneur ou le propriétaire de l’installation ou du bâtiment peut mettre en place des guichets
automatiques. Ce sont quand même des choses qu’on peut étudier dans la politique.
MY INTERVIEW WITH CBC!!!!
target="_blank">Charles
Blog
The Current: Part 2
New Brunswick Blogger
Membership in the New Brunswick press gallery is pretty much a given for most reporters covering the provincial legislature. There's the Canadian Press, some provincial newspapers, CTV, and -- of course -- The CBC.
But a new breed of journalist is finding it a lot harder to get the credentials and the access other media take for granted. Charles Leblanc is a blogger, activist and point-of-view journalist in Fredericton. Armed with a digital camera and an encyclopedic knowledge of provincial politics, he spends more time covering the provincial capital than many full-time reporters. But, his efforts to become a real member of the press gallery are going nowhere. Charles Leblanc was in Fredericton.
Charles Leblanc covers New Brunswick Politics on his blog at: http://oldmaison.blogspot.com.
NB Blogger – Press Gallery
Dan McHardie is the President of the Press Gallery at the New Brunswick legislature and he was in our Fredericton studio.
NB Blogger Discussion
So are bloggers journalists? And how do journalists fit into the blogosphere? To discuss this, we were joined by two people who do both.
Antonia Zerbisias is a columnist and blogger with the Toronto Star. She was in Toronto. And Garrett Graff is the founding editor of "Fishbowl D.C.," a gossip blog covering the Washington media. He's also a columnist with the "Washingtonian Magazine" and last year he became the first blogger admitted to a White House press briefing. He was in Washington.
WHY IS CHARLES IS LABEL AS A SECURITY RISK AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE???
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHERE THE HOMELESS GO ONCE IT RAINS???
Please asks yourself that question? I'll leave the rest to you. Have a good day!!!
ARE TANKER MALLEY DAYS AS SPEAKER NUMBERED?????
NB Telegraph-Journal | Politics
As published on page A1/A8 on May 12, 2006
Liberals, Tories call temporary truce in legislature
Two government House leaders agree to continue negotiations next week
By Carl Davies
Telegraph-Journal
FREDERICTON - A truce of sorts has been reached between the Tories and the Liberals in the ongoing battle over how the legislature should operate.
After discussions late Wednesday, the two government House leaders agreed to back off, at least temporarily. Negotiations on breaking the deadlock that has left the provincial budget in limbo will continue next week.
Both sides say everything is on the table in the negotiations, calling into question the future of Speaker Michael (Tanker) Malley and raising the possibility of a change in the premier's planned Oct. 15, 2007, election date.
The Tories have agreed to put off, at least for now, controversial rule changes that would move budget debate into smaller committees and limit hours of debate on certain items of House business.
The procedures committee was scheduled to vote on the rule changes Thursday but the meeting was cancelled.
The Opposition agreed to postpone its non-confidence motion against Mr. Malley until the legislature returns from a scheduled 10-day break, which begins when the House adjourns today.
The motion against Mr. Malley was to be debated Thursday.
The Liberals have questioned Mr. Malley's neutrality as speaker after he announced that he was returning to the Tories after quitting the party in February. His sudden resignation threw the government into a minority position.
In March, he was elected speaker as an Independent MLA.
Tory House leader Bev Harrison said Thursday that Mr. Malley's status will very much be part of the discussions in the coming week.
"There is a moratorium on (today's) debate and we will have further discussions," he said Thursday.
When it was pointed out the premier has voiced support for Mr. Malley, Mr. Harrison replied, "We're not talking about the premier. This is (Liberal House leader) Kelly Lamrock and I having a discussion."
Asked if he supported Mr. Malley as speaker, Mr. Harrison, who held the position from 1999 until he was named to cabinet this February, replied, "I support the office of the speaker and I support the status quo and if we can make that situation work, that's ideal for the House."
Mr. Harrison said if there was a discussion to have the speaker step down, Mr. Malley would have to be involved in the talks, but he has not yet been approached.
Mr. Malley, who has not spoken to the media in Fredericton since returning to the Tory fold, refused comment Thursday.
Other than the delay on the non-confidence motion and the rule changes, Mr. Lamrock was vague about what might be part of the negotiations over the next week.
He said preliminary discussions "touched on all the concerns for both parties, and I don't want to get into talking about details of the negotiations and what's where.
"Everything is on the table."
A Liberal offer to end the deadlock in the House earlier this session included replacing Mr. Malley with a Liberal speaker in return for a provincial election this September.
Mr. Harrison agreed with Mr. Lamrock that everything was open for discussion, but an Oct. 15, 2007, election is "still the aim and goal" for his party.
The budget will also likely be on the agenda. The Liberals have suggested amendments to it to address some of their priorities.
Mr. Harrison said changing the budget would be difficult but there could be room for some compromise.
"Figures can't be altered in a budget easily without putting in a supplementary budget," Mr. Harrison said.
But he said agreements could be reached to accelerate some programs the Liberals are pushing, such as decreasing surgical wait times and addressing problems in the education system.
Mr. Harrison said he's willing to "discuss ways of moving that in some direction."
Mr. Lamrock would not say what was his top priority. "I'm not an obsessive list-maker. They are all important."
Neither side would say what sparked the sudden co-operation.
"Deep down we're really reasonable people," Premier Bernard Lord said with a smile. "Sometimes it takes a while to get there."
The premier stressed that there was still work to be done.
"Hopefully next week we can resolve this in a way that will enable us to work for the people of New Brunswick, get our budget through and keep working toward an election on Oct. 15, 2007.
"We're willing to find a compromise, to find a middle ground, as long as it doesn't compromise our budget, it doesn't compromise our majority. We're willing to find ways to make the House work and respect the will of the opposition."
Liberal MLA Eric Allaby, one of the elder statesmen of the legislature whose name has been put forward by his party as a replacement for Mr. Malley, has steered clear of most of the name-calling this session.
He was pleased to see a change in tone among his co-workers Thursday. "Whenever you can restore some civility to the House it's always welcome."
GOD'S MINUTE FROM SAINT JOHN!!!!
A MAN HAS JOY BY THE ANSWER OF HIS MOUTH, AND
A WORD SPOKEN IN DUE SEASON, HOW GOOD IT IS!
( PROVERBS 15:23 *NKJV )
Dear Charles,
Words are very powerful for they can either build up, or
tear down others. Also foolish words can bring about our
own destruction, for it is written; IN THE MOUTH OF A
FOOL IS A ROD OF PRIDE, BUT THE LIPS OF THE
WISE WILL PRESERVE THEM. ( PROVERBS 14:3 )
We are also warned about gossiping for it is written;
IN ALL LABOR THERE IS PROFIT, BUT IDLE CHATTER
LEADS ONLY TO POVERTY. ( PROVERBS 14:23 )
For after all; A WHOLESOME TONGUE IS A TREE OF
LIFE, BUT PERVERSENESS IN IT BREAKS THE
SPIRIT. ( PROVERBS 15:4 )
Further Charles, God has instructed us to encourage one
another, for it is written; LET US CONSIDER ONE
ANOTHER IN ORDER TO STIR UP LOVE, AND GOOD
WORKS, NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING OF
OURSELVES TOGETHER, AS IS THE MANNER OF
SOME, BUT EXHORTING ONE ANOTHER, AND SO
MUCH THE MORE. ( HEBREWS 10:24-25 )
So Charles, remember to keep the words you speak soft
and sweet. For you never know from day to day which words
you'll have to eat! Amen.
NOTE: We run the latest Virus Scan Protection, however one
can not be to careful. So let me advise you that we NEVER
send our messages with an attachment, neither will we open
a message with an attachment! Therefore if you ever receive
God's Minute with an attachment DO NOT OPEN IT! Instead,
delete it as soon as possible, and notify us you have received
it. Thank You very much!
With My Love & Prayers,
your servant Allen
[ Prayer Requests---Contact Us---Bible Study---*Donations* ]
[ Audio---Subscribe---Change of Address---Unsubscribe ]
at: http://www.godsminute.org
Apostle Paul Ministries, P O Box 55996, Hayward, CA 94545
(c) Copyright 2006 by Apostle Paul Ministries
Thursday, May 11, 2006
THIS IS THE ISSUE THE CBC PROGRAM - THE CURRENT WISHES TO TALK ABOUT!!!
now I'm starting to be nervous,,,,,,,
The Current
The Current regularly airs on*:
CBC Radio One
Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
* - Ottawa Schedule
[view cross-country schedule for this program]
THE CURRENT is a meeting place of perspectives, ideas and voices, with a fresh take on issues that affect Canadians today. Hosted by veteran journalist Anna Maria Tremonti, it provides insight, context and meaning to the unfolding events of the day.
With an emphasis on thoughtful, rigorous journalism, and contributions from producers and journalists from coast to coast to coast, THE CURRENT will provide listeners with a unique and powerful blend of news and information.
Want to know more? Visit the The Current website:
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/
Friday, May 12, 2006, 8:30 a.m.
12/05/2006
Friday host Rafe Mair returns to The Current this morning with a look at why Britain’s Defence Ministry spent four years conducting a thorough, scientific study of UFOs. Also, a dock worker-turned-blogger’s fight for the right to cover the New Brunswick Legislature. And American writer David Horowitz launches an "Academic Bill of Rights" to expose University professors he says are indoctrinating students with radical, left-wing propaganda.
ANTI - ABORTION PROTEST AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE!!!!!
This was the first protest this year. Myself, I'm against abortion.
The only instance an abortion should happen if the woman is in danger of losing her life.
Of course, the issue of rape would also be a concern.
It's a very touchy issue.
Ok....let the vultures lose on this one.....
QUESTIONS PERIOD AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE!!! < Jeudi >
ORAL QUESTIONS 28 QUESTIONS ORALES
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Disabled Persons
Mr. S. Graham: My question today is for the Minister of Transportation. As we have just heard,
a citizen of this province was applying for mobility assistance under a program for disabled people
which is run by the Department of Transportation. This person was not getting a response to his
application, so he sought help, as many people do, from the local MLA, to make sure that this
application would not be further delayed.
It turns out that the delay in receiving assistance from the minister’s department is not due to the
time needed to process an application for mobility assistance. It is because of a purely political act
of spite. The minister’s executive assistant, a former member of this House, wrote a handwritten
note to the member for Grand Lake, telling him that this constituent would not receive any
assistance at all until the department’s estimates were passed by the Liberal members of this House.
Can the minister tell us whether this policy to deny assistance to disabled people through this
program is being applied provincewide, or is it just restricted to New Brunswickers who live in
Liberal-held ridings?
L’hon. P. Robichaud : Le chef de l’opposition est complètement dans l’erreur cet après-midi. Mon
chef de cabinet n’a pas envoyé une lettre disant que cette personne n’aura pas d’aide sous le
programme. Au contraire, lorsque le député a porté ceci à mon attention, je me suis assuré que la
personne en question reçoive de l’aide du gouvernement. Selon moi, la personne va recevoir de
l’aide du gouvernement selon le programme en question.
Mr. S. Graham: The minister is wrong in his statement today. I will allow one of the pages to give
him a handwritten note, with David Jordan’s signature, which clearly states that assistance will not
be given until the budget is passed, which contradicts the minister’s statement totally. My question
to the minister is this: Did he instruct his executive assistant and former caucus colleague to write
this note to the member for Grand Lake? Can the minister tell us how many other applications for
mobility assistance are currently being put on hold because of this act of political spite on the part
of the minister’s office?
014 13:55
L’hon. P. Robichaud : Le chef de l’opposition veut faire de la petite politique cet après-midi parce
que la députée de Baie-de-Miramichi se retrouve dans une situation critique. C’est ce que le chef
de l’opposition veut faire cet après-midi.
Lorsque le député de Grand Lake a porté à mon attention la situation d’un de ses commettants qui
avait fait une demande sous notre programme qui vise à aider les gens ayant des difficultés de
mobilité, je me suis empressé de vérifier le dossier et j’ai dit au député, la journée même, que la
personne en question recevrait l’aide du ministère des Transports. C’est ce que j’ai fait et c’est ce
ORAL QUESTIONS 28 QUESTIONS ORALES
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que je continuerai à faire. Ce n’est pas parce que l’opposition a une députée qui se retrouve dans
l’embarras aujourd’hui que vous devez faire la chasse aux sorcières en accusant tout le monde pour
des erreurs que vous commettez vous-mêmes.
Mr. S. Graham: I just sent the minister a copy of the handwritten note that his executive assistant
sent to the member for Grand Lake concerning this case. The minister will note that I have taken
care to exclude any information that would identify the constituent who is applying for assistance.
The minister will clearly see that his executive assistant is clearly and deliberately telling the
member for Grand Lake that his constituent will not receive any assistance until the Liberal caucus
passes the departmental estimates. The trade-off is clear. Vote for the estimates or else your
constituents will be cut off. Call it intimidation, or call it blackmail. Does this minister feel that this
is the best way to serve the people of New Brunswick?
L’hon. P. Robichaud : Encore une fois, on voit la stratégie du Parti libéral. Lorsque le député de
Grand Lake a porté la situation à mon attention, je me suis empressé de régler le problème le jour
même. Je l’ai porté à l’attention du député en question.
Ce que nous voyons aujourd’hui, c’est que le Parti libéral se retrouve dans l’eau chaude avec une
députée qui a commis non seulement une erreur mais au moins trois erreurs dans un manque flagrant
de jugement. L’opposition essaie de faire porter le blâme et l’odieux à des gens du gouvernement.
C’est ce que les Libéraux tentent de faire. On n’a rien à se reprocher dans le dossier. Au contraire,
nous avons réglé le dossier à la demande du député. Je trouve très déplorable la stratégie du député
de Grand Lake et du chef de l’opposition dans le dossier en question.
Mr. S. Graham: We believe that the minister needs to listen more to the information provided by
his Premier and his Government House Leader. According to them, the government, including the
Department of Transportation, had the authority to proceed with program payments until the budget
passed on April 7. However, he does not have to trust what his Cabinet colleagues have to say,
because section 35 of the Financial Administration Act states clearly that the government may make
any payments necessary to provide any services for which appropriations were made for the
previous fiscal year. Section 35 of the Financial Administration Act clearly states that your
government can spend any amount of money without the estimates being passed up until July 31.
Can the minister tell this House on what basis, other than for personal spite, he delayed this
application for assistance from the Department of Transportation? Make no mistake about it. The
information in a handwritten note from your executive assistant to this member clearly states that
until the departmental estimates are passed, an individual suffering from multiple sclerosis, during
MS Week, when we are out here trying to bring forward more services and more benefits . . . Your
government is saying no, because you want to play political games with the health and welfare of
a New Brunswick citizen.
ORAL QUESTIONS 28 QUESTIONS ORALES
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L’hon. P. Robichaud : La situation est tout à fait contraire à ce que le chef de l’opposition vient
d’affirmer. Lorsque la situation a été portée à mon attention, j’ai réglé le problème. Je l’ai réglé la
première journée que le député de Grand Lake l’a porté à mon attention. Que voulez-vous de plus?
Je me souviens de la réaction du député de Grand Lake. Je me souviens à quel point il était satisfait
de la réponse qu’on lui avait donnée la même journée. Il m’a demandé s’il pouvait appeler la
personne en question pour lui dire que le dossier était réglé. Je lui ai dit de le faire.
Ce que nous voyons présentement, c’est une tactique d’un parti en manque de direction qui se
retrouve dans l’eau chaude aujourd’hui parce que l’une de ses parlementaires a commis non
seulement une erreur mais trois erreurs au cours des dernières semaines.
L’opposition tente par tous les moyens de sauver la face, mais les gens du Nouveau-Brunswick
verront très clair dans le jeu de l’opposition. Le dossier en question a été réglé à la satisfaction du
député de Grand Lake et du récipiendaire.
015 14:00
Mr. Lamrock: My question is also for the Minister of Transportation. The note that has been
provided to him, which is from his executive assistant to the member for Grand Lake, says very
clearly: To Eugene McGinley. The letter will be processed when the budget passes.
I cannot reconcile that note with an intention to process the letter. It says very clearly that it will be
processed. Once the budget is approved, the letters will be processed. This minister, before, had a
letter grow legs and magically appear in the hands of a press secretary that violated privacy law.
When we asked him, he said: It was all the staff person. I had nothing to do with it.
Could the Minister of Transportation indicate if his staff person again did something without the
minister’s knowledge? If so, when is he going to start taking responsibility for the help he surrounds
himself with?
L’hon. P. Robichaud : On voit très bien aujourd’hui que les grands responsables du fiasco du
« lettergate » sont à la rescousse de la députée de Baie-de-Miramichi, autant le chef de l’opposition
que le leader de l’opposition officielle à la Chambre : deux personnes qui avaient été avisées de la
situation des fameuses lettres de Mme Robichaud, mais qui n’ont pas jugé bon de la réprimander et
de corriger la situation. On voit très bien ce que le Parti libéral pense des gens qui sont reconnus
coupables de conduite en état d’ébriété. C’est quelque chose d’acceptable pour le Parti libéral et
c’est quelque chose qu’il appuie. On a encore vu cela aujourd’hui par une autre ovation que les
parlementaires de l’opposition ont offerte à la députée de Baie-de-Miramichi et au chef de
l’opposition officielle.
Je n’ai pas terminé avec vous. Dans le dossier en question, celui-ci a été réglé à la demande et à la
satisfaction du député de Grand Lake et il a été réglé à la demande et à la satisfaction du
ORAL QUESTIONS 28 QUESTIONS ORALES
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récipiendaire, soit le demandeur ; que voulez-vous plus que cela? Nous avons réglé le dossier à votre
demande.
Mr. Lamrock: I know there has to be one minister over there who can, at some point, take
responsibility for their actions without blaming other people or changing the subject.
Two years ago, when the budget was being considered, there was an objection from this side when
the government began making cuts that were scheduled in the budget before the estimates process
was done. At that time, section 35 of the Financial Administration Act was quoted back to us,
saying: “Notwithstanding the provisions of this or any other Act, the Comptroller may make such
payments out of the Consolidated Fund as are required to provide . . . public services.”
The Speaker at the time, the member for Hampton-Belleisle, said: “Although the government’s
budgetary policy is put before the House for approval, its ongoing consideration in no way precludes
the government from continuing to administer the day-to-day affairs of the province.” That would
mean that if anybody is being told the government cannot do something because the budget has not
been passed, it is either a horrible mistake or a damnable lie. I know that one person will be
honourable enough to set the record straight. I ask the Government House Leader: Were you wrong
in your ruling?
Hon. Mr. Harrison: The honourable member is asking a question in my role as Speaker. I cannot
comment on that. That is something out of the past, in another job situation.
Water Supply
Mr. Armstrong: My question is for the Minister of Environment. I wrote a letter to the former
minister dated November 22, 2004, requesting a supply of water for the residents in the Penobsquis
Loop Road area. The minister of the day responded quite positively by arranging for fresh water for
household purposes. The minister also suggested that the department would act immediately for a
long-term supply of water. It is now 18 months later, and we are still trying to obtain a long-term
supply of water. Could the minister inform the House today what steps he has taken to arrange for
the long-term supply of water?
Hon. Mr. Holder: The Department of Environment has continued to work on this file. I have had
many conversations with the member opposite. He has come to me on cases where other wells have
gone dry and an expedient solution was needed to try to get services to those people. Our department
and I have continued to work with the member opposite on that. We will continue to do that. With
respect to the water supply, that is ongoing. We are trying to secure that water supply. We have a
source now, and we are continuing to work with the department and the local community. We will
continue to do that.
ORAL QUESTIONS 28 QUESTIONS ORALES
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016 14:05
Mr. Armstrong: We can always sit back and say that we are working, we are working, we are
working, but 18 months . . . Can you imagine? After 18 months of continuous work, we do not see
anything yet. There is not a stake in the ground, not a hole drilled, and not a piece of pipe
laid—nothing. I suggest to the minister that all his action has resulted in absolutely nothing up until
this point—18 months later.
I have taken the opportunity to speak to the minister, as he suggested, over the past several months.
He has indicated that they have identified a source of water that is located on a parcel of land that
is leased by the Department of National Defence from the Department of Natural Resources in the
province of New Brunswick. Keeping in mind that it is my understanding that this parcel of land had
been used for military purposes, what steps has this minister taken to ensure that this parcel of land
is not contaminated by substances that would have, or could have, been used by the military?
Hon. Mr. Holder: The member has raised this question with me before, and I have told him that
I have my department looking into it. I do not have any information at this point. We are continuing
to look into it. We do not want to jump to any conclusions and scare the residents that this water
supply may be contaminated when it is not.
Having said that, I take the member’s comments very seriously. We will continue to look into the
matter, and when I have something to report to him, I will. Thank you.
Mr. Armstrong: My third question is to the Minister of Environment. There is a major concern
throughout the community over a source of water that has, over the years, been used for household
purposes as well as for drinking water. It was tested by the Department of Health, and it showed
contamination. The Department of Health has identified this and has displayed signs that suggest
that it is unfit for human consumption.
It has been brought to my attention that this supply of water is still being used in some situations.
I do not want to appear to be an alarmist, but we have to recognize what happened in Walkerton,
Ontario. We certainly do not want a repetition of that. I urge this minister not to play politics any
longer and to ensure that, over the next several months, we see some signs that we are moving
toward a long-term supply of water.
Have the necessary funds been arranged to move this project forward, if and when it has been
identified as a safe source of water, for all intents and purposes? If not, how much delay will we
experience before this funding is in place?
Hon. Mr. Holder: The member opposite is talking out of both sides of his mouth. On one hand, he
is telling me to hurry up and get moving with this project. On the other hand, he is telling me that
there may be a concern.
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Quite frankly, the first time I ever heard of this concern was from the member opposite. I have raised
it with my officials, and we will continue to look into this issue. This is the very reason why we need
to proceed in terms of making sure we have a supply that is safe and that will deliver for the people
in that region.
On one hand, he cannot tell me that he wants us to hurry and then, on the other hand, tell me that
he wants us to be careful. Which is it? I can tell you that we are going to continue to work with the
people in the Sussex-Penobsquis region, and we are going to deliver a water supply that is safe and
reliable.
Médicaments sur ordonnance
M. V. Boudreau : Mes questions sont destinées au ministre de la Santé. L’Institut canadien
d’information sur la santé a rendu public hier un rapport intitulé Dépenses en médicaments au
Canada 1985 à 2005. Ce rapport démontre que les médicaments prescrits continuent à représenter,
de loin, la plus grande proportion des dépenses en médicaments au Canada. De 1985 à 2005, la part
des dépenses en médicaments prescrits assumée par le secteur public, c’est-à-dire le gouvernement,
a augmenté dans chaque province et territoire à l’exception, entre autres, du Nouveau-Brunswick.
Les dépenses en médicaments prescrits par habitant assumées par le secteur privé, c’est-à-dire de
la poche de la population, ont augmenté. Elles varient de 280 $ par personne, au Manitoba, à 475 $
par personne au Nouveau-Brunswick. C’est le plus haut taux au pays. Le ministre continue de nous
dire à la Chambre qu’il investit des montants records, et que le gouvernement fait toutes sortes de
belles choses. Toutefois, en réalité, ce sont les Néo-Brunswickois qui paient de plus en plus cher
pour leurs médicaments. Le ministre peut-il nous expliquer le pourquoi des statistiques dévoilées
hier.
Hon. Mr. Green: I keep talking about the wonderful things that this government is doing in health
care, because that is exactly what is happening. It does not matter what region of the province one
visits—you can see very tangible, positive results of our government’s health care plan in action.
017 14:10
The member opposite neglects to elaborate on the information that came from CIHI yesterday. It
also points out that New Brunswick is, I believe, second in the country in terms of the percentage
of our health care spending that is going to prescription drugs. I also know that, since this
government took office, we have added about 230 new drugs to the provincial formulary under our
Prescription Drug Program, and that is another commitment that continues to grow.
M. V. Boudreau : Le ministre essaie de nous faire croire que ce gouvernement fait des choses en
santé. Nous avons les pires listes d’attente au pays. Cela prend le plus de temps au pays pour
accepter de nouveaux médicaments. Nous avons les taux les plus élevés d’hospitalisations pour les
conditions chroniques au pays. Nous avons les dépenses les plus élevées pour les médicaments sur
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ordonnance. En 2001, nous étions 12 sur 13 compétences a e u Canada. Ce n’est pas quelque chose
dont on peut se vanter, mais toujours pas les derniers. D’après les chiffres les plus récents de 2005,
nous sommes en toute dernière place. La moyenne nationale se chiffre à 640 $, et le Nouveau-
Brunswick est à $702 ; la dernière position au pays. En termes des dépenses privées qu’un Néo-
Brunswickois doit payer de sa poche pour des médicaments prescrits, nous en sommes à 475 $, le
montant le plus élevé au pays.
Le rapport du vérificateur général de cette année a clairement indiqué que nous devons avoir un
programme de surveillance pour ce qui est du Programme de médicaments sur ordonnance.
Mr. Speaker: Ask the question, please.
M. V. Boudreau : Le ministre peut-il nous dire quand ce programme sera en place?
Hon. Mr. Green: On the last point raised by the member opposite, we are definitely moving
forward on the prescription drug monitoring program for New Brunswick. I have spoken of that in
the House before. The program will be in place in either 11 months at the nearest date or, at the
most, 23 months. We are working very well with the pharmacists’ association of the province,
making good progress, we feel. That is another initiative of the provincial health plan, another
positive enhancement of health care in this province. That is why 90% of New Brunswickers said
that they are happy with the health care system in this province compared to a national average of
only 85.5%.
M. V. Boudreau : Le ministre refuse d’accepter que les Néo-Brunswickois paient le plus au Canada
pour leurs prescriptions. Le gouvernement semble être content de ces statistiques. Le rapport du
vérificateur général a spécifié que les bénéficiaires du Programme de médicaments sur ordonnance
comptent parmi les citoyens les plus vulnérables de la province. Il s’agit de personnes à faible
revenus, de pensionnaires des foyers de soins, d’enfants pris à charge et d’adultes handicapés qui
vivent dans des établissements résidentiels et de personnes ayant de graves problèmes de santé. Ce
gouvernement est au pouvoir depuis sept ans, et il a reçu des dizaines de millions de dollars
additionnels du gouvernement fédéral. J’aimerais que le ministre puisse nous donner un plan concret
avec des échéances concrètes à savoir quand nous aurons un programme de surveillance en ce qui
touche les médicaments sur ordonnance au Nouveau-Brunswick.
Hon. Mr. Green: I have been very clear on this point and said just a moment ago that the
prescription drug monitoring program is under development. We are working with stakeholders in
the province, particularly the pharmacists. That process is going well. If the members opposite want
to look at a concrete plan not only for this, but also for every aspect of health care in New
Brunswick, I suggest that they read, once again, this government’s provincial health care plan that
was introduced by my predecessor, the member for Tracadie-Sheila. Throughout this province, in
region after region, there are positive results from a very positive plan.
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Plan provincial de la santé
M. Albert : Mes questions sont pour le ministre de la Santé. Les temps d’attente à l’urgence et les
temps d’attente pour recevoir des soins peuvent causer des séquelles graves et même conduire à un
décès. Le ministre de la Santé nous dit que tout baigne dans l’huile et affirme qu’il est satisfait des
services d’urgence. Pourtant, la semaine dernière, nous avons été mis au courant de deux cas graves
à l’urgence de l’Hôpital de Tracadie, mais il y en a de nombreux autres. Depuis la mise en oeuvre
du plan de santé, des histoires d’horreur s’accumulent, et la population est de plus en plus inquiète.
On met la vie des gens en danger. L’urgence de Tracadie-Sheila ne peut suffire aux besoins de la
population acadienne. Quelles mesures le ministre a-t-il mises en place pour corriger et régler ce
problème?
018 14:15
Hon. Mr. Green: As a matter of fact, in this fiscal year, we are investing $800 000 to upgrade the
emergency room at the Tracadie hospital.
It is very true that, in recent days, we have been hearing about two specific cases at the emergency
room in the hospital at Tracadie-Sheila, so let’s put that in context. How many emergency visits
were there last year at the Tracadie-Sheila hospital? The answer is 31 675.
M. Albert : Le problème n’est pas réglé. Il y a encore de plus en plus de personnes qui ne sont pas
soignées et dont la vie est en danger. Le plan de santé ne fonctionne tout simplement pas, et le
ministre devrait l’avouer. Il ne répond pas aux besoins de soins de santé d’une population de 50 000
personnes. Ce plan a fragilisé — et il le sait — grandement les soins de santé des régions éloignées
et rurales du Nouveau-Brunswick, spécialement dans la Péninsule acadienne. Les temps d’attentes
sont désastreux, et les listes d’attentes pour les chirurgies sont très longues et s’allongent
constamment. Les femmes accouchent dans les ambulances. On nous avait promis un plan de santé
qui permettrait d’améliorer les prestations de services de santé dans la Péninsule acadienne. La
réalité quotidienne confirme le contraire. Le ministre a-t-il l’intention de modifier le plan de santé
et l’adapter afin qu’il réponde adéquatement aux besoins d’une population de 50 000 personnes?
Hon. Mr. Green: I am never going to agree with outrageous statements that are designed to do
nothing more than incite fear and that have absolutely no basis in fact.
The Provincial Health Plan in this province, Healthy Futures, is a very positive, forward-looking
plan that is having tangible results on the Acadian Peninsula and in that whole health region. It is
not only the investment that we are making in the upgrades to the emergency room at Tracadie but
also, for that whole region, the significant upgrades, over $11 million, for the hospital in Bathurst
and the very comprehensive set of services being offered at the community health centre in Caraquet
that was not there before.
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M. Albert : Le ministre n’a rien écouté. Il ne le sait pas et il ne s’informe pas. Un annonce de
L’Écho de Bas-Caraquet informe la population que, à partir du 6 avril, des soins additionnels sont
offerts à Caraquet. Je vous en énumère quelques-uns : réactions allergiques, lacérations et éraflures,
hameçons insérés dans les tissus mous, accumulation de cire dans les oreilles, corps étrangers dans
une narine ou dans une oreille, piqûres de moustiques, administration de Tylenol, contraception
d’urgence, soigner les poux, douleurs et démangeaisons de la région anale, saignements du nez et
évacuation du sang sous l’ongle. On essaie de nous faire accroire qu’on n’offrait pas ces services
avant le plan de santé. C’est ça la réalité. C’est un manque de respect pour l’intelligence des gens.
On veut rire de la population. La Péninsule acadienne paie très cher pour satisfaire aux caprices de
ce gouvernement. Ce plan de santé doit être changé et modifié et ça presse. Le ministre va-t-il le
faire? Si oui, quand?
Hon. Mr. Green: Let’s look at what has happened just within the last month in Caraquet at that
community health centre: an expansion of services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as of the first
week of April. What else is happening at the community health centre in Caraquet? The following
services, among others: lab, medical imaging, electrocardiography, occupational therapy, speech
language pathology, physiotherapy, and an expansion into new areas—oncology, chemotherapy,
pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, geriatric day care, pain
management, obstetrics, and feeding clinics.
Video Gambling
Mr. Murphy: I congratulate the Minister of Health on his Percy Mockler imitation.
My question is to the Minister of Public Safety. Forty-two percent of VLT revenue is acquired from
problem gamblers. Since the government took over VLTs through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation,
they have gone from slow-moving, loonie-driven machines to those that now take $5, $10, and $20
bills. Therefore, in the view of some, the definition of “VLT” has changed in the last several years.
019 14:20
Has the minister looked at the existing law to see if the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is acting
outside the spirit of the law by providing these machines?
L’hon. M. Volpé : C’est une bonne question, mais je veux la retourner à l’expéditeur. Le député de
Moncton-Nord est-il pour ou contre les machines à sous? Il y a deux semaines, il nous a demandé,
à la Chambre, de faire en sorte qu’il puisse utiliser ses chevaux sur les pistes de course. Il veut un
casino situé dans un hippodrome chez lui, avec des machines à sous. Aujourd’hui, il nous dit que
ces machines ne sont pas légales. On aimerait connaître sa position sur le sujet.
Mr. Murphy: His comments are not confirmed by the record and, in fact, are not correct. I am
asking about the enforcement of the existing law, and my question to the Minister of Public Safety
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is with regard to whether it is correct, under the existing law, that banking machines are next to these
VLTs.
L’hon. M. Volpé : Je ferai certainement un suivi avec la Societe des Loteries de L’Atlantique.
Celle-ci respecte les règlements et les lois. Je ferai certainement un suivi et je prends les arguments
du député de Moncton-Nord en délibération. J’irai chercher des informations supplémentaires.
Mr. Murphy: I appreciate that the minister believes that ALC is following the law, but what I have
asked is whether he has sought to follow the spirit and intent of the law as it was passed a number
of years ago. There could be certain enforcement measures, such as taking the banking machines
out and taking out these VLTs that strip people of their livelihood by using these $5, $10, and $20
bills. Also, we now have many casinos in New Brunswick where the liquor license allows a certain
number of VLTS in place. They have these additional rooms that are connected; in fact, sometimes,
they have 15, 20, or 30 VLTs under one roof.
I will ask the Minister of Public Safety: Has his department looked into somehow shutting these
operations down?
L’hon. M. Volpé : Comme je l’ai mentionné tout à l’heure, je vais considérer les arguments du
député de Moncton-Nord et faire un suivi. J’aimerais faire quelques commentaires supplémentaires.
Premièrement, je pense que le député de Moncton-Nord devrait se rappeler qui a apporté les
machines à sous au Nouveau-Brunswick. Il était président du Parti libéral du Nouveau-Brunswick
à l’époque, alors peut-être qu’il devrait s’en rappeler. L’autre commentaire que je veux faire est le
suivant : comme je l’ai dit tout à l’heure, le député de Moncton-Nord nous a demandé, il y a deux
semaines… Si ces machines sont vraiment néfastes pour la santé des gens, pourquoi le député de
Moncton-Nord veut-il un casino situé dans un hippodrome à Moncton pour les gens de cette région?
Je ne peux pas comprendre pourquoi le député de Moncton-Nord passe une journée à défendre les
gens qui veulent des casinos situés dans des hippodromes, alors qu’il passe le lendemain à défendre
ceux qui utilisent les casinos situés dans des hippodromes. J’aimerais connaître sa position. Je ferai
certainement un suivi, mais j’aimerais rappeler au député de Moncton-Nord que c’est le
gouvernement du parti qu’il représente aujourd’hui qui a apporté les machines à sous au Nouveau-
Brunswick.
CHARLES TO BE IN THE NATIONAL MEDIA IN THE MORNING!!!
I received an email today and they invited me to be a guest on a program call - The Current.
It's on CBC and suppose to be on the air after 8:30am!
The main issue is to allow bloggers in the press gallery in the New Brunswick Legislature.
Little by little the word is spreading.....
Wish me luck....I'll be ok....just have to explain the issue in hand.
No Anti-Irving and Anit-Bernard Lord rant!!!!
THE ISSUE OF TANKER MALLEY WON'T BE DEBATED IN THE HOUSE!!!
GOD'S MINUTE!!!!
MY LITTLE CHILDREN, THESE THINGS I WRITE TO YOU, SO
THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN. AND IF ANYONE SINS, WE HAVE
AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE
RIGHTEOUS.
( 1 JOHN 2:1 *NKJV )
Dear Charles,
Now if you are feeling low because of something that
you have done wrong, or a sin that you have committed in
the past, know that you have forgiveness through our Savior
Jesus Christ. For when you repent it is written; "COME NOW,
AND LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAYS THE LORD,
THOUGH YOUR SINS ARE LIKE SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE
WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY ARE RED LIKE CRIMSON,
THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL." ( ISAIAH 1:18 )
Our sins then are not only forgiven, but they are also forgotten
by our Heavenly Father as well! For it is written; "FOR I WILL BE
MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS
AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE."
( HEBREWS 8:12 )
So don't beat yourself up, or hold those things back when you
talk with God. Instead, always speak to Him as you would a
loving, caring, understanding Father. After all Charles, that's
what He is! Also remember that; BLESSED IS HE WHOSE
TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN, WHOSE SIN IS COVERED.
BLESSED IS THE MAN TO WHOM THE LORD DOES NOT
IMPUTE INIQUITY. ( PSALM 32:1-2 ) For Then; WHEN YOU LIE
DOWN, YOU WILL NOT BE AFRAID; WHEN YOU LIE DOWN
YOUR SLEEP WILL BE SWEET! ( PROVERBS 3:24 )
Now have a Wonderful Day Charles, and tonight may your
dreams be sweet indeed! Amen.
With My Love & Prayers,
your servant Allen
[ Prayer Requests---Contact Us---Bible Study---*Donations* ]
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at: http://www.godsminute.org
Apostle Paul Ministries, P O Box 55996, Hayward, CA 94545
(c) Copyright 2006 by Apostle Paul Ministries
WILL ABEL LEBLANC BE THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE???? TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!
The show should be around 3:00pm!!!!! Channel 70.....The issue will be about Tanker!!!!
PRESIDENT BUSH WASN'T AMUSED I GUESS!!!!
Most of us saw this picture on the news.
Myself? I didn't know that Stephen Colbert was present that funny evening.
I guess the President was amused....
I pasted the sites in this blog...check it out!!! It's funny!!!!
You can see the President and his side kick by clicking here -
target="_blank">Charles
Blog
The Stephen Colbert one is right here. Just click here-
target="_blank">Charles
Blog
