The Death of 2006:An Unbalanced Rebalancing

The Power to see Beauty where there is Ugliness...

LEAF VAPIDS CANCELS ANNUAL CHILDREN"S CHRISTMAS PARTY & DINNER

FACT: Xmas day party for children of Leaf Vapids cancelled.

FACT: At the 08Nov06 Laugh Vapids council meeting, the very first meeting of the new council, the very first order of business, the matter of the annual Xmas party came up on the agenda. A presentation was made by Dale Seddon, CEDO & organizer of many previous Xmas dinners. Seddon outlined what work had been done to date and the financial position of the xmas organization. The financials were solid, with thousands in the account, more coming in and all $ related matters had been taken care of. As Seddon stated, the weight of the organizing had just become too much, it was time for some new blood and Seddon thought this would be good timing for the "new wave" council to step in and save the annual xmas party.

FACT: Although the 4 councillors and the mayor had just been supported by the community in the form of votes at the municipal election about 10 days prior, in a good, old fashioned "screw the people" manner, the elected officials turned their collective backs on their community. Not one of the elected individuals did or said a thing. The only individual to comment was our CAO, who stated, "We have lots of time...right?" and then piped in "I'm just saying...".

RESULT: NO XMAS PARTY for our children...

ANALYSIS: Our LeaderShit hard at work. Very few councils have this type of opportunity handed to them, on a platter(pun intended) at the first meeting. A chance to thank the entire community in one fell swoop, not to mention pick up everyone's spirit and put a smile on the face of our children. The platter crashed to the ground. Turkey, mashed potatos, cranberry sauce, gravy, et al all over the place, inedible. Inevitable?


THE TALLY: Batting zero on: 1) Dental 2)XMAS Dinner 3)Hockey, Figure Skating & Curling (still no ice????) 4) Daycare
5) Bank Machine 6) Special Project Coordinator 7) CMHC Housing 8) $'s for Sustainable Development 9) An Actual Recreation Director who knows RECREATION

...yet again, the list goes on.

FINAL SAY: The LeaderShit of Laugh Vapids is hollow. The popularity contest was over and Laugh Vapids instantly discovered what it had really done. Yup, through the stupor of the election hangover, Laugh Vapids had elected individuals devoid of leadership, individuals intimidated by the Municipal Administrator. Politicall newbies in way over their heads. And it showed... and the children suffered. Unfortunately and invoking the Peter Principle, the children of Laugh Vapids continue to take the brunt of the collective incompetence of our elected zombies. The Positive? It can't get any worse... can it?

Manitoba's Spirited Energy PR Campaign, Talking the Talk

Where's the Walk?

Watching the Spirited Energy campaign unfold remind me of the PR smoke & mirrors show the public is pummelled with by the oil companies. Our oil company is soooo concerned with the environment, we love mother nature, mother nature's gas station... but you just know the bastards are clobbering the planet with toxic concoctions.

The same applies to Manitoba. You don't launch multi million dollar PR campaigns when things are good. Smacks of the coach going into the dressing room before the third period, down 7-0, attempting to lift the spirits of his charges with a plea to hold their heads high, finish strong and c'mon, we can still win this one.

Manitoba has great people and it has an amazing future, but it is going to take a helluva lot more than some quasi slick PR campaign to achieve those elusive objectives. It requires real change. Time we stopped worshipping the status quo and work toward accountability, transparency, professionalism, caring & development.

What can you see?
What do you want to see?
What do you want to believe?
What can you believe?

Do you believe it when you see it...?

Not that we needed more proof that the deterioration of laugh rapids continues. The jury is in and the Peter Principle is in full force here north of 56...

We have lived for years without DAYCARE, DENTAL SERVICE, a BANK MACHINE, ACCESS to Government... the list goes on & on. Our children do not have access to basics other communities ACROSS Canada enjoy.

After almost 6 months of requesting information on Rec & Culture in laugh rapids from the local govt body, a public body that HAS to disclose this information, i finally rcvd a REV & EXPENSE list dating back 5 years. The numbers are both shocking and indictable, a confirmation that our community is in the throws of deep, massive and systemic bureaucratic incompetence. We have been cursed with poor leadership and an attitude that allows almost everything to slide. And for those who are willing to speak up? The local mafia will attempt to shut them down through slander, libel, slur, intimidation, defamation, smearing, vilification, all the good BOSS HOGG tricks that brainless, dim-witted, myopic bureaucrats use to dissuade.

Bottomline? Our children are the victims in our community and there is no shame amongst those who call themselves our leaders. Leadership? Try leaderSHIT.

Now do you believe?

The scary thing? This is only the tip of the iceberg. How low can we go?

Wow! One of the Person's of the Year!

The winners this year were anyone using or creating content on the World Wide Web.

That would be the creators of this site... and millions, maybe more, who do the same. We all deserve a good cup of java and a nice back rub. Way to go to the people who don't bow and pray to the neon gods, whatever the hell that means.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061217/ap_on_re_us/time_person_of_year




http://spaceweather.com/aurora/gallery_01dec06.htm

those out there who follow the meanderings of omar sharriff rapids via the elist and laugh rapids ejournal will be happy to know that we have identified a possible collaborator for the reality show project. this since the pitch went out through contacts from the banff tv festival & the indie spirit awards last month.
MAC:Manitoba Action Center will be up shortly and pix will be posted...
-12 today and lots of snow.

still no hockey as of 10dec06.
no dental.
no daycare.
no after school programs.
no bank machine.
no access to child nutrition
diabetes rates now at 50%
BUT, there's talk of the bar opening. now that's leadership...

the list goes on & on for the basics. they've cancelled the xmas dinner now, even though town council had an opportunity to save it, gonzo lyin' encouraged the council to pass 'cuz they had lots of time. what a twit. council immediately proceeded to spend 1000's on themselves and neglect the hearts of the children in the community.

these postings will become increasingly frequent as we pull laugh rapids into the 21st century and the age of discovery...

NVRRT: Northern Visions Regional Round Table Meeting in Leaf Rapids, 20Oct06
The NVRRT met on Friday for the first time in eons. Although the group could not achieve quorum, issues were discussed. Lets hope this intergovernmental group can make some headway over the winter by accepting/submitting proposals, opening the process to the citizens and creating awareness with all levels of gov't of the unique and near insurmountable odds northerners face daily in the pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic development.

VOTE VOTE VOTE Leaf Rapids Election 2006

Further to our conversation , and your request for information, following are the requirements to vote as a Resident Voter for the upcoming October 25, 2006 Leaf Rapids election:

Resident Voters

In order to be eligible to vote, a person must be:
· a Canadian citizen;
· at least 18 years of age on election day; and
· a resident of the local authority for at least six months on Election Day.

The following rules apply to determine the residency of a person:
1. A person is a resident of the place where he/she has his/her ordinary residence, and to which he/she intends to return when away from it.
2. A person may be a resident of only one place at a time.
3. A person does not change residence until he/she has a new residence.

If an individual's name is not on the Leaf Rapids Voter List they will be required to sign Form 22 - Oath Of The Voter and produce identification as below:

· 1 piece if it is an official federal, provincial or municipal document showing person’s photograph, name & address (examples: Driver’s license, Firearm Registration Card)
OR
· 2 pieces of other documents (examples: medical card, tax statement, assessment statement, stamped envelope received by individual showing name and address)

As I indicated an Election Information Station should be set up at the voting station. The Oath can be taken there to avoid waiting in line at the Voting Station. The Voting Stations are divided alphabetically by Voter surnames.

Leaf Rapids Candidates Forum, 22Oct06

Further to the comments made at the forum from the 5 candidates, here is a brief synopsis:

1. Economic & Social Development: defined as jobs, business creation, business planning, recreation, youth recreation & health, includes talk about daycare, hockey, bowling, outdoor recreation
2. CMHC: empty homes, suggestions ranged from immediate meeting with CMHC to Class Action Lawsuit vs CMHC by TofLR.
3. Communication: LACK OF!! all candidates lamented the fact we have poor comms in the community and that simple language is required to get the message out.
4. Taxation: Max Tax concept, No Tax for a year, working with those in arrears to come up with payment plan, assistance with tax prep for Revenue Canada, budget workshop. All candidates said they would never evict someone behind on taxes.
5. Community Input: Openness, transparency, open door, approachable, represent on citizens behalf, input from citizens, equality, what do you want to do? Strategic Process...These comments and many more like them were made many, many times.
6. Global Warming, Road to Nunavut, Agriculture, Regionalism: Diverse comments throughout the forum, theme would be "Heads Up! for Leaf Rapids" on these subjects

There were opening statements and 7 questions. I have 15 pages of notes if you require more info...

Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba at 1-800-203-2343.

Changing Needs of Rural, Northern & Remote Women in Manitoba
October 19, 2006
Juniper Centre
Thompson, Manitoba

Plan to join the Rural Team Manitoba’s Standing Committee on Women’s Issues for a one-day symposium focusing on the changing needs of women in rural, northern and remote communities in Manitoba.

Symposium Goals:

§ To inform participants about “The Changing Needs of Rural, Northern and Remote Women
in Manitoba Report” that was developed in 2005 by the Standing Committee (www.rural.gc.ca)

§ To provide an opportunity for facilitated discussion about the issues identified in the report.

§ To encourage communities to engage in identifying what could be done to address
the issues.

Keynote Speaker:
Crystal Laborero, Chair,
Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council

Participation is free, lunch is included. Space is limited.

Register now by completing the attached form.

Program

8:30 Registration

9:00 Introduction and overview of report

9:30 Session 1: Childcare

10:40 Break

11:00 Session 2: Family Issues: Safety, Security & Health

12:00 Lunch & Keynote:
Crystal Laborero, Chair, Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council on Rural & Northern Decision Making Capacity

1:30 Session 3: Employment, Income & Entrepreneurship

2:40 Break

3:00 Session 4: Education & Training

4:00 Closing Remarks

4:30 Adjournment


Registration Form

Name (first and last as it would appear on a name tag)

Organization (if applicable)

Position

Mailing Address

Phone

Fax

E-mail

Seminar Details :

Of the following five seminars, please identify your main area of interest. If you have more than one area of interest, please number 1 to 5 with 1 being your first choice, etc:

Childcare
Family Issues: Safety, Security & Health
Rural and Northern Decision Making Capacity
Employment, Income & Entrepreneurship
Education & Training

Please indicate if you would require travel or accommodation assistance in order to attend. Yes No

Luncheon & Keynote Presentation
Will you be taking part in the luncheon and keynote presentation? Yes No

Registration Deadline: October 12, 2006
Registration & Information

Send registration forms to maren_gnall@phac-aspc.gc.ca or fax to: 204-983-8674

For more information, contact the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba at 1-800-203-2343.

The Rural Team’s Standing Committee on Women’s Issues was formed in 2004 to identify opportunities and mechanisms for Rural Team Manitoba to work together to increase the awareness of women's issues related to the social and economic well-being of rural, remote and northern Manitoba women. The members of the committee are committed to be a resource and to network with other team members and community organizations to facilitate the participation of rural, remote and northern women in the social, economic and political life of Canada.

Attached is a brochure about the event which being held to discuss women's issues including childcare, family, safety, security, health, income, employment, entrepreneurship, education, training and decision-making capacity. It is both an invitation to participate as well as a request to pass it along to people in the Thompson community.

We anticipate that travel, accommodation and childcare may be a concern for some participants. In light of this, funds may be available to assist with travel, accommodation and childcare for participants. Requests for assistance will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

The event is being hosted by the Rural Team Standing Committee on Women's Issues.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.


Mary Jane Loustel
CEO
Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
100-207 Donald Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1M5

AWARDS AVAILABLE

MANITOBA HYDRO EDUCATIONAL
FUNDING PROGRAM BURSARY

DEADLINE DATE:
October 1, 2006

CHECK FOR ELIGIBILITY!

AWARD BOOKS LOCATED AT STUDENT SERVICES AND/OR ON UCN WEBSITE: www.ucn.ca “Information for Students”

Local produce from local gardens. Plant it and it will grow.

Leaf Rapids 2006 Municipal Elections: 25Oct06: Vote: Go Democracy Go

Candidates for Leaf Rapids Mayor

Walter Halcrow
Michelle Trudeau
Ed Charrier
Spencer Sprowl

Candidates for Councillor:

Herb Nelson
Susan Horodecki
Keith Anderson
Freeman Heath
Gary Trewin
Craig Butler
Viola Cook
Alvin Linklater
Caroline Anderson
Leonard Linklater

Ask these candidates questions, find out where they stand on the issues important to you.

Get out and vote. Contact the Leaf Rapids town office @ 204.473.2436 to be registered on the voters list. Show up to the polling booth with 2 pieces of ID on voting day. Once every 4 years we can go over the boards, get on the ice and play the beautiful game: local democracy!

Hey Leaf Rapids!
This week is RIGHT TO KNOW Week!
You have a right to know what your local government is doing. You can ask questions of the municipality and they have to answer almost all of them, within 30 days! Wow, access to information. Involvement in the democratic process, does it get any better? Well, only if you participate in the process...
You may want to sit down for this part, but you can also ask questions of your provincial government and check this out, the feds too. Yup, the federal government, the Canadian Federal Government, any question related to governing the people of Canada (you & me).
You can submit your question in many ways. By email, by snail mail, by fax or even a phone call. If the civil servant asks for the question in writing, then write it down and submit it. Make sure you have it stamped 'RECEIVED' and get a copy stamped as well. Write down the time & date and who you submitted the question(s) to. Now the clock starts ticking...
The local government office should provide an answer promptly, but some questions may require more research, so be patient. If you have any questions about the process, contact the Manitoba Ombudsman toll free @ 800.665.0531.

More on Right To Know Week:

Hungry for the truth
Manitoba can be a place of secrets. In this era of increased government accountability and transparency, Manitoba is a laggard compared to the steps the federal government and other provinces have taken to show their citizens the inner workings of how they operate. This week is Right To Know week, an initiative of the Canadian Association of Journalists, the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation, the Manitoba Ombudsman, the Provincial Council of Women and the Manitoba Bar Association. These groups want to point out to Manitobans that our government — the one that spends more than $8 billion of our tax dollars every year — has one of the most inadequate and outdated Access to Information laws in the country.

The Manitoba government pledged two years ago to overhaul its Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) so that it would place a greater emphasis on the information part and less on the privacy bit. A non-partisan committee reviewed the act and provided several recommendations to improve access to information, including adding an appeal process when access is denied and putting an arm’s-length body in charge of FIPPA requests.