This is a word for word cut and paste of an email sent to me by Canadian Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews in response to my concerns regarding Bill C-30: The Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act. I will let you draw your own conclusions.
I will say this, though. While I still have my concerns regarding C-30, I am impressed that it only took the Minister a day to respond to my email.
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Thank you for contacting my office regarding Bill C-30, the Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act.
Canada's laws currently do not adequately protect Canadians from online exploitation and we think there is widespread agreement that this is a problem.
We want to update our laws while striking the right balance between combating crime and protecting privacy.
Let me be very clear: the police will not be able to read emails or view web activity unless they obtain a warrant issued by a judge and we have constructed safeguards to protect the privacy of Canadians, including audits by privacy commissioners.
What's needed most is an open discussion about how to better protect Canadians from online crime. We will therefore send this legislation directly to Parliamentary Committee for a full examination of the best ways to protect Canadians while respecting their privacy.
For your information, I have included some myths and facts below regarding Bill C-30 in its current state.
Sincerely,
Vic Toews
Member of Parliament for Provencher
Myth: Lawful Access legislation infringes on the privacy of Canadians.
Fact:Our Government puts a high priority on protecting the privacy of law-abiding Canadians. Current practices of accessing the actual content of communications with a legal authorization will not change.
Myth: Having access to basic subscriber information means that authorities can monitor personal communications and activities.
Fact: This has nothing to do with monitoring emails or web browsing. Basic subscriber information would be limited to a customer’s name, address, telephone number, email address, Internet Protocol (IP) address, and the name of the telecommunications service provider. It absolutely does not include the content of emails, phones calls or online activities.
Myth: This legislation does not benefit average Canadians and only gives authorities more power.
Fact: As a result of technological innovations, criminals and terrorists have found ways to hide their illegal activities. This legislation will keep Canadians safer by putting police on the same footing as those who seek to harm us.
Myth: Basic subscriber information is way beyond “phone book information”.
Fact: The basic subscriber information described in the proposed legislation is the modern day equivalent of information that is in the phone book. Individuals frequently freely share this information online and in many cases it is searchable and quite public.
Myth: Police and telecommunications service providers will now be required to maintain databases with information collected on Canadians.
Fact:This proposed legislation will not require either police or telecommunications service providers to create databases with information collected on Canadians.
Myth: “Warrantless access” to customer information will give police and government unregulated access to our personal information.
Fact: Federal legislation already allows telecommunications service providers to voluntarily release basic subscriber information to authorities without a warrant. This Bill acts as a counterbalance by adding a number of checks and balances which do not exist today, and clearly lists which basic subscriber identifiers authorities can access.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Friday, 17 February 2012
Breaking down the TDSB By-Elections
If you are unaware that there have been two ongoing Toronto District School Board (TDSB) by-elections in this city, you could hardly be blamed. You aren’t the only one. The by-elections in TDSB Ward 17 (Don Valley East) and TDSB Ward 20 (Scarborough-Agincourt) have largely managed to fly under the radar in a city that has so recently faced three general elections, a federal by-election, and constant political strife at City Hall between the Mayor and his political adversaries.
The two seats became vacant when Liberals Michael Coteau and Soo Wong were elected during the previous October’s Ontario general election in Don Valley East and Scarborough-Agincourt, respectively. While both have become key members of Premier McGuinty’s Toronto team of MPPs, their old seats at the TDSB have become the focal points of two of the most hotly contested by-elections in the school board's history. Boasting an impressive thirty-one candidates between the two wards; it would be needlessly complicated to break down the platform for each and every single candidate. That said; there are a few who have managed to break ahead of the pack.
In Ward 17, Sam Ghose, who finished third to Michael Coteau in October 2010, is running again. He’s basing his campaign on his experience as a businessman and resident who has raised two children in the ward. Running on a fiscally conservative platform, Ghose is promising to utilize public funds with the express purpose of helping children succeed.
Also running is Ken Lister. His website immediately identifies him as a Liberal partisan who will find common ground with the current trustees in an attempt to deliver the best education for students in Ward 17. Boasting years of experience in government and a long list of endorsements, he has chosen to centre his campaign on special and physical education. He appears to be the ‘one to beat’ here.
Just a little southwest, Ward 20 has managed to mimic the formula put forth by Ward 17; that of a small number of candidates managing to stand up above the crowd. Chief among them is Monica Batac. Attracting far more media attention than any other candidate in either race, Batac is running on her experience as a teacher with the TDSB and a researcher with the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education. She has built her campaign around prioritizing English as a second language education. However, the most interesting piece of her platform may be her commitment to study the feasibility of opening a trilingual school in Toronto.
Batac’s primary competition is Sam Sotiropoulos. He is a former teacher and since 2004 an aide to Jim Karigiannis, the Liberal MP for the corresponding riding. After finishing second to Soo Wong, he is hoping for things to be different this time around. Billing himself as the “technology trustee,” Sotiropoulos is pledging to incorporate further ‘electronic education’ into the TDSB. Achieving this at the school board level may or may not be possible, as curriculums are set by the provincial Ministry of Education.
Whomever you choose to vote for come election day, be sure to vote. Coming off a municipal election in which only 43.65% of eligible voters voted, it is now more important than ever that Torontonians elect the kind of representation that they want to make decisions for them and their children at the school board level. The By-elections have been called for 27 February 2012. To locate your voting facility please visit the following website: http://www.toronto.ca/elections/by-election-2012/tdsb-17-20/index.htm.
[Originally posted at WomensPost.ca]
The two seats became vacant when Liberals Michael Coteau and Soo Wong were elected during the previous October’s Ontario general election in Don Valley East and Scarborough-Agincourt, respectively. While both have become key members of Premier McGuinty’s Toronto team of MPPs, their old seats at the TDSB have become the focal points of two of the most hotly contested by-elections in the school board's history. Boasting an impressive thirty-one candidates between the two wards; it would be needlessly complicated to break down the platform for each and every single candidate. That said; there are a few who have managed to break ahead of the pack.
In Ward 17, Sam Ghose, who finished third to Michael Coteau in October 2010, is running again. He’s basing his campaign on his experience as a businessman and resident who has raised two children in the ward. Running on a fiscally conservative platform, Ghose is promising to utilize public funds with the express purpose of helping children succeed.
Also running is Ken Lister. His website immediately identifies him as a Liberal partisan who will find common ground with the current trustees in an attempt to deliver the best education for students in Ward 17. Boasting years of experience in government and a long list of endorsements, he has chosen to centre his campaign on special and physical education. He appears to be the ‘one to beat’ here.
Just a little southwest, Ward 20 has managed to mimic the formula put forth by Ward 17; that of a small number of candidates managing to stand up above the crowd. Chief among them is Monica Batac. Attracting far more media attention than any other candidate in either race, Batac is running on her experience as a teacher with the TDSB and a researcher with the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education. She has built her campaign around prioritizing English as a second language education. However, the most interesting piece of her platform may be her commitment to study the feasibility of opening a trilingual school in Toronto.
Batac’s primary competition is Sam Sotiropoulos. He is a former teacher and since 2004 an aide to Jim Karigiannis, the Liberal MP for the corresponding riding. After finishing second to Soo Wong, he is hoping for things to be different this time around. Billing himself as the “technology trustee,” Sotiropoulos is pledging to incorporate further ‘electronic education’ into the TDSB. Achieving this at the school board level may or may not be possible, as curriculums are set by the provincial Ministry of Education.
Whomever you choose to vote for come election day, be sure to vote. Coming off a municipal election in which only 43.65% of eligible voters voted, it is now more important than ever that Torontonians elect the kind of representation that they want to make decisions for them and their children at the school board level. The By-elections have been called for 27 February 2012. To locate your voting facility please visit the following website: http://www.toronto.ca/elections/by-election-2012/tdsb-17-20/index.htm.
[Originally posted at WomensPost.ca]
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Liberals go with Gordon in Toronto-Danforth
The emotion was palpable in the room at Riverdale Collegiate last night. Federal Liberals in the riding of Toronto-Danforth were excited to decide who would represent them in their upcoming by-election. Met with two options in Grant Gordon, an advertising executive, and Trifton Haitas, a filmmaker; members of the Toronto-Danforth Liberal riding association chose the former. However, both nominees put in some spirited campaigning first.
The less than charismatic Trifton Haitas had a shaky start, first with some confusion on the part of the gentleman nominating him and then having his phone ring while he address the crowd. But Haitas spoke passionately of the Liberal vision and his goal to stand up for this vision in Ottawa. Sources tell me that the vote was fairly close. But, this would not be Haitas's night.
Some might know Gordon as the brain behind for the tremendously successful “FLICK OFF” campaign, an initiative aimed at encouraging Canadians to use less energy. Nominated by Dennis Mills, former Member of Parliament for the riding, Gordon injected a dose of humour into the campaign by stating, "My last name, Gordon - G O R D O N; it’s actually pronounced 'Compomposis.'" It didn’t take long, however; for Gordon to get serious with his declaration. "I do not need to be a woman to fight for women's rights; including the right to make their own choices with their bodies,” he explained, as a nod to the underlying issue following his opponents' endorsement from a pro-life group.
Fully aware this will not be an easy ride, Gordon issued a rallying call during HIS nomination speech, “Let’s make this a referendum,” he said, “on the Liberal vision for Canada of a strong central government and on the NDP vision based on fuzzy economics.” Gordon will spend the next five weeks telling his neighbours, "Liberals can beat Goliath."
The coming electioneering will prove interesting. NDP challenger, Craig Scott, a professor with Osgoode Hall Law School, has begun a campaign that paints Toronto-Danforth as “Jack’s riding.” It will be up to Gordon to prove that his vision of a Liberal Canada and a Liberal Toronto-Danforth is the best option for the people of his community. His background as a community activist and environmentalist should assist him in this venture.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose Conservative Party has already admitted defeat, has called the by-election for MARCH 19, 2012. Running for the Conservatives is Andrew Keyes, a communications consultant.
If you wish to volunteer on Grant Gordon's campaign, you may visit the following website:
http://www.tdfla.ca/volunteer-signup.
[Originally posted at WomensPost.ca.]
The less than charismatic Trifton Haitas had a shaky start, first with some confusion on the part of the gentleman nominating him and then having his phone ring while he address the crowd. But Haitas spoke passionately of the Liberal vision and his goal to stand up for this vision in Ottawa. Sources tell me that the vote was fairly close. But, this would not be Haitas's night.
Some might know Gordon as the brain behind for the tremendously successful “FLICK OFF” campaign, an initiative aimed at encouraging Canadians to use less energy. Nominated by Dennis Mills, former Member of Parliament for the riding, Gordon injected a dose of humour into the campaign by stating, "My last name, Gordon - G O R D O N; it’s actually pronounced 'Compomposis.'" It didn’t take long, however; for Gordon to get serious with his declaration. "I do not need to be a woman to fight for women's rights; including the right to make their own choices with their bodies,” he explained, as a nod to the underlying issue following his opponents' endorsement from a pro-life group.
The coming electioneering will prove interesting. NDP challenger, Craig Scott, a professor with Osgoode Hall Law School, has begun a campaign that paints Toronto-Danforth as “Jack’s riding.” It will be up to Gordon to prove that his vision of a Liberal Canada and a Liberal Toronto-Danforth is the best option for the people of his community. His background as a community activist and environmentalist should assist him in this venture.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose Conservative Party has already admitted defeat, has called the by-election for MARCH 19, 2012. Running for the Conservatives is Andrew Keyes, a communications consultant.
If you wish to volunteer on Grant Gordon's campaign, you may visit the following website:
http://www.tdfla.ca/volunteer-signup.
[Originally posted at WomensPost.ca.]
Monday, 6 February 2012
MPs want tax deductions on ‘valid business expense’: golfing
Consider this my reaction to this story from the National Post.
In a time of economic trouble; in a time when a government is promoting austerity; in a time when the Prime Minister is musing of cuts to old age security; why would any MP - let alone an all-party caucus - promote the notion that golf should be a tax-deductible expense? I usually am a fan of Peter Stoffer. He and Sean Casey have been leading the charge against cuts to an already bone dry Department of Veterans Affairs. But this is just rediculous.
I don't have a lot to say on the issue. Perhaps, because I find it so furiating as a taxpayer - especially when I have very little confidence in the current administration's management of the money I give them. But I would very much like a list of every single MP that is a member of this 'golf caucus'. It is time that an Canadian that has ever uttered the phrase "tax dollars" withdraw their support.
In a time of economic trouble; in a time when a government is promoting austerity; in a time when the Prime Minister is musing of cuts to old age security; why would any MP - let alone an all-party caucus - promote the notion that golf should be a tax-deductible expense? I usually am a fan of Peter Stoffer. He and Sean Casey have been leading the charge against cuts to an already bone dry Department of Veterans Affairs. But this is just rediculous.
I don't have a lot to say on the issue. Perhaps, because I find it so furiating as a taxpayer - especially when I have very little confidence in the current administration's management of the money I give them. But I would very much like a list of every single MP that is a member of this 'golf caucus'. It is time that an Canadian that has ever uttered the phrase "tax dollars" withdraw their support.
Friday, 3 February 2012
Ontario's Clean Energy Workforce Continues to Grow
A big thanks goes out to those that laid the groundwork here - including Premier McGuinty and my former boss Minister Brad Duguid. Ontario's sustainable energy technology programs are helping build a skilled workforce to meet the demand for clean energy jobs and strengthen the province's position as a clean energy leader in North America.
Yesterday, Ontario Energy Minister Chris Bentley visited Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie to speak to students in the Renewable Energy and Green Construction Techniques program, where they are training to be the next generation of highly-skilled workers in the provinces growing clean-energy industry. Ontario has introduced new postsecondary and apprenticeship programs focused on sustainable energy technology. Sault College is one of 13 colleges and three universities that offer programs related to clean energy. Program graduates will be in a position to assist with feasibility assessments, renewable energy system installations, and green construction and renovation.
Supporting the next generation of clean-energy workers, while building a clean energy system is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create and support jobs for Ontario families while ensuring we have the electricity we need to power our homes, schools, hospitals and our economy.
President of Sault College was quoted as saying, "Environmental education is more than a program at Sault College - it is part of the college's strategic focus. Helping to conserve our environment for future learners is no longer a choice; it's an obligation that we strive to fulfil. The rising demand for environmentally-friendly approaches is inspiring the creation of a growing number of green jobs in Ontario and the training we deliver at Sault College prepares our graduates to be successful in this emerging sector."
But this program isn't limited to the Soo. In Ontario, there are 120,000 apprentices learning a trade today -- which is nearly 60,000 more than in 2002-03 - which will help Ontario meet its target for clean, renewable energy from wind, solar and bioenergy of 10,700 MW by 2018 - the equivalent of taking up to 2.9 million homes off the grid. So far, Ontario has brought more than 9,000 megawatts of new and refurbished clean energy online - enough to power cities the size of Ottawa and Toronto.
And the best part? In an attempt to encourage attendees to the program by keeping the cost of postsecondary tuition within everyone's reach, the McGuinty Government is providing a grant to reduce undergraduate college and university tuition by an average of 30 per cent for families earning less than $160,000 per year.
Yesterday, Ontario Energy Minister Chris Bentley visited Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie to speak to students in the Renewable Energy and Green Construction Techniques program, where they are training to be the next generation of highly-skilled workers in the provinces growing clean-energy industry. Ontario has introduced new postsecondary and apprenticeship programs focused on sustainable energy technology. Sault College is one of 13 colleges and three universities that offer programs related to clean energy. Program graduates will be in a position to assist with feasibility assessments, renewable energy system installations, and green construction and renovation.
Supporting the next generation of clean-energy workers, while building a clean energy system is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create and support jobs for Ontario families while ensuring we have the electricity we need to power our homes, schools, hospitals and our economy.
President of Sault College was quoted as saying, "Environmental education is more than a program at Sault College - it is part of the college's strategic focus. Helping to conserve our environment for future learners is no longer a choice; it's an obligation that we strive to fulfil. The rising demand for environmentally-friendly approaches is inspiring the creation of a growing number of green jobs in Ontario and the training we deliver at Sault College prepares our graduates to be successful in this emerging sector."
But this program isn't limited to the Soo. In Ontario, there are 120,000 apprentices learning a trade today -- which is nearly 60,000 more than in 2002-03 - which will help Ontario meet its target for clean, renewable energy from wind, solar and bioenergy of 10,700 MW by 2018 - the equivalent of taking up to 2.9 million homes off the grid. So far, Ontario has brought more than 9,000 megawatts of new and refurbished clean energy online - enough to power cities the size of Ottawa and Toronto.
And the best part? In an attempt to encourage attendees to the program by keeping the cost of postsecondary tuition within everyone's reach, the McGuinty Government is providing a grant to reduce undergraduate college and university tuition by an average of 30 per cent for families earning less than $160,000 per year.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Time for a National Energy Strategy
Don't worry, folks. There's no need to raise the spectre of the National Energy Program on this one. What I am calling for is a made in Canada strategy to encourage the proliferation of alternative or green energy sources without forces the shutdown of Alberta's oil sands.
Let's face it folks, the is a growing industry and Canada has the geological diversity to be a leader on the world stage. And with the current government's recent rejection of the Kyoto Protocol there is space in Canada's body politic for such a strategy. Imagine that! A made in Canada answer to Kyoto.
Liberal MP and potential leadership candidate David McGuinty recently commented on the possibility of a national strategy, saying, "I don't know how you could talk about energy without talking about greenhouse gases unless you're in massive denial collectively and don't want to deal with the elephant in the room... Harper doesn't want to talk about it because he's desperately afraid of putting a price on carbon emissions."
Now, that is the problem my friends. I've long endorsed a 'carbon tax' that is balanced by large reductions is income taxes. But there is a problem here - a lack of political will. The Prime Minister recently stating that Canada is pulling out of Kyoto because other states aren't pulling their weight. Fair enough. But how about Canada go out on its own? How about Canada become a world leader? Does this Prime Minister have the political will?
Let's face it folks, the is a growing industry and Canada has the geological diversity to be a leader on the world stage. And with the current government's recent rejection of the Kyoto Protocol there is space in Canada's body politic for such a strategy. Imagine that! A made in Canada answer to Kyoto.
Liberal MP and potential leadership candidate David McGuinty recently commented on the possibility of a national strategy, saying, "I don't know how you could talk about energy without talking about greenhouse gases unless you're in massive denial collectively and don't want to deal with the elephant in the room... Harper doesn't want to talk about it because he's desperately afraid of putting a price on carbon emissions."
Now, that is the problem my friends. I've long endorsed a 'carbon tax' that is balanced by large reductions is income taxes. But there is a problem here - a lack of political will. The Prime Minister recently stating that Canada is pulling out of Kyoto because other states aren't pulling their weight. Fair enough. But how about Canada go out on its own? How about Canada become a world leader? Does this Prime Minister have the political will?
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Ontario Liberals' New 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant making postsecondary education more affordable
I know not all will agree with me, but I for one, I am pleased to see Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty ia standing up for Ontario students and putting them first.
The government's new 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant will make a real, measurable difference in the affordability of college and university. In fact, it already is, this semester university and college degree students are receiving $800 and college diploma and certificate programs students are receiving $365.
There are groups in Ontario, claiming to represent students, who would like this grant to apply to students whose family earn over $160,000 per year. However, the tuition grant is meant to assist students from lower- and middle-income families to ensure that the cost of postsecondary education stays within their reach. The grant is meant to help high school students have a smooth transition to postsecondary education, since 7 out of 10 jobs now will require education beyond high school. More than 300,000 students are eligible to receive 30% off tuition this year and 5 out of 6 families could benefit.
The new 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant is a huge step in the right direction to making postsecondary education affordable and accessible for all Ontarians. The Premier should be applauded for his continued commitment to students. We should all be calling on the NDP and Conservatives to step up and support students by supporting 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant.
For those that still question the neccessity of this grant I will remind you that more than 300,000 students are eligible to receive 30% off tuition this year and so far, over 60,000 students have applied for the Ontario Tuition Grant. If students are too wealthy to qualify for this grant there are many others available to Ontario students found here. I will also remind everyone that under the Ontario NDP government of the early 1990s and Conservative government of Harris-Eves that tuition skyrocketed at rates of 50% and 66% respectively, while Premier McGuinty has managed to maintain a modest increase of 35% over the previous nine years.
The government's new 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant will make a real, measurable difference in the affordability of college and university. In fact, it already is, this semester university and college degree students are receiving $800 and college diploma and certificate programs students are receiving $365.
There are groups in Ontario, claiming to represent students, who would like this grant to apply to students whose family earn over $160,000 per year. However, the tuition grant is meant to assist students from lower- and middle-income families to ensure that the cost of postsecondary education stays within their reach. The grant is meant to help high school students have a smooth transition to postsecondary education, since 7 out of 10 jobs now will require education beyond high school. More than 300,000 students are eligible to receive 30% off tuition this year and 5 out of 6 families could benefit.
The new 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant is a huge step in the right direction to making postsecondary education affordable and accessible for all Ontarians. The Premier should be applauded for his continued commitment to students. We should all be calling on the NDP and Conservatives to step up and support students by supporting 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant.
For those that still question the neccessity of this grant I will remind you that more than 300,000 students are eligible to receive 30% off tuition this year and so far, over 60,000 students have applied for the Ontario Tuition Grant. If students are too wealthy to qualify for this grant there are many others available to Ontario students found here. I will also remind everyone that under the Ontario NDP government of the early 1990s and Conservative government of Harris-Eves that tuition skyrocketed at rates of 50% and 66% respectively, while Premier McGuinty has managed to maintain a modest increase of 35% over the previous nine years.
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