The final session for September and the last one before our elected officials and administration staff head off for the UBCM conclave, where they will share their thoughts and ideas on civic governance with any number of fellow municipal and provincial government representatives. Presentations from Northern Health and the World Wildlife Fund and the discussion of tax exemptions and stratification plans for a local housing development were among their topics of discussion.
September 21, 2009
Regular council meeting Agenda for September 21, 2009
Committee of the Whole meeting Agenda for September 21, 2009
Notice of Closed Meeting for September 21, 2009
City council session for September 21, 2009
In attendance:
Mayor Jack Mussallem
Councillor Anna Ashley
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne
Councillor Nelson Kinney
Councillor Kathy Bedard
Councillor Gina Garon
Absent:
Councillor Joy Thorkelson
Regular City council minutes for September 21, 2009
Daily News voting summary
Wednesday, September 22, 2009 edition
Attendance at City Hall to date archives
Upcoming events-- City council meeting Monday, October 13, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
A call for discussion and co-operation
One of the interesting aspects of Tuesday's public meeting over the potential Canpotex development at Ridley Island was the introduction of relations between the First Nations of the region and other residents of the North Coast.
An underlying theme regarding all development of late, whether it be the fishery, the expansion of the Port of Prince Rupert, oil and gas development and pipelines, or as we learned on Tuesday with the plans from Canpotex to consider developing a potash terminal in the region.
There apparently is a perception in some segments of Prince Rupert society that the First Nations are determined to block all industrial development, a perception that representatives of the Allied Tribes of Coast Tsimshian touched on briefly during their welcoming remarks to the Canpotex officials on Tuesday.
Now in what seems to be a move to seek out further dialogue with their neighbours, the Coast Tsimshian have called for a public meeting to take place to encourage further discussion between both First Nations and other residents.
The thinking behind the latest request for a dialogue seems to be to provide the Coast Tsimshian the opportunity to use the public forum to outline their thoughts on future development on the north coast and how it may impact on their territorial lands and the lives of their people.
It was the kind of fence mending that former Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond would occasionally engage in, holding meetings with the local representatives of the First Nations of the region, though few if any, were in such a public open forum setting. During his time as Mayor, more than few residents have suggested that he had accomplished mixed results from those discussions. Though the relationships that were built at least must have helped in his post political employment options, considering his most recent appointment in Lax Kw'alaams.
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There hasn't been much in the way of feedback yet from the current officials of the City of Prince Rupert, elected or administrative staff, nor has Regional District had much to say about the Coast Tsimshian initiative yet, though one would think that it would be a positive step, if for no other reason than to clear the air over any misconceptions that could fester into larger issues as other projects and development plans may come along.
There hasn't been much in the way of feedback yet from the current officials of the City of Prince Rupert, elected or administrative staff, nor has Regional District had much to say about the Coast Tsimshian initiative yet, though one would think that it would be a positive step, if for no other reason than to clear the air over any misconceptions that could fester into larger issues as other projects and development plans may come along.
The public meeting could provide some background information and help to reassure those residents that fear that all development plans would automatically come to a halt in the air of the uncertainty that sometimes seems to exist. It could be a welcome move that could go a long way in providing the facts on the issue as opposed to the emotions that sometimes tend to get in the way of constructive dialogue.
The Daily News touched on the issue briefly in their Wednesday paper, while the Northern View provided an extended look at the public meeting request and what issues the Coast Tsimshian are looking to share thoughts on.
It's the economy (September 24, 2009)
While the rest of the world talks of recovery, Spain closes in on a Depression, The G8 will fade as the G20 is on the rise and a warning on ending stimulus plans early, some of the items of note for Thursday.
Globe and Mail-- As banking regulation nears, G20 to take over from G8
Globe and Mail-- Credit card debt balloons
Globe and Mail-- Germany makes push for global financial tax
National Post-- Harper warns on ending stimulus measures early
National Post-- U.S. housing market could stall recovery
National Post-- Recession, inflation, US dollar optimism
New York Times-- A Tiny Tax Could Do a World of Good
New York Times-- For Pittsburgh, G-20 Meeting Is a Mixed Blessing
Times online UK-- Turmoil eases for bank mortgage lending
Times online UK-- PM calls for bank charges settlement
Times online UK-- World leaders - and Pittsburgh - steeled for G20 whirlwind
Telegraph online UK-- It will take more than a cheap currency to make Britain business-friendly Telegraph online UK-- Spain tips into depression
Telegraph online UK-- 'Debt levels risk another crisis'
Guardian UK-- Financial meltdown tops agenda as G20 summit convenes in Pittsburgh
Guardian UK-- G20: Passing the buck in Pittsburgh
The Scotsman-- Minutes show Bank is wary but positive on economic revival
The Scotsman-- Braveheart rhetoric fails to rouse Scots entrepreneurs
Sydney Morning Herald-- New house sales soar
Sydney Morning Herald-- Diamonds aren't forever, the pipes are running dry
Sydney Morning Herald-- Australian banks resilient, well-placed: RBA
Sydney Morning Herald-- Ten sees signs of recovery as Canwest sells out
People's Daily on line-- PBOC governor: monetary policy should be in line with economic development
People's Daily on line-- China ministry welcomes U.S. court's ruling in favor of Hebei tire maker
The Times of India--
The Times of India--
Globe and Mail-- As banking regulation nears, G20 to take over from G8
Globe and Mail-- Credit card debt balloons
Globe and Mail-- Germany makes push for global financial tax
National Post-- Harper warns on ending stimulus measures early
National Post-- U.S. housing market could stall recovery
National Post-- Recession, inflation, US dollar optimism
New York Times-- A Tiny Tax Could Do a World of Good
New York Times-- For Pittsburgh, G-20 Meeting Is a Mixed Blessing
Times online UK-- Turmoil eases for bank mortgage lending
Times online UK-- PM calls for bank charges settlement
Times online UK-- World leaders - and Pittsburgh - steeled for G20 whirlwind
Telegraph online UK-- It will take more than a cheap currency to make Britain business-friendly Telegraph online UK-- Spain tips into depression
Telegraph online UK-- 'Debt levels risk another crisis'
Guardian UK-- Financial meltdown tops agenda as G20 summit convenes in Pittsburgh
Guardian UK-- G20: Passing the buck in Pittsburgh
The Scotsman-- Minutes show Bank is wary but positive on economic revival
The Scotsman-- Braveheart rhetoric fails to rouse Scots entrepreneurs
Sydney Morning Herald-- New house sales soar
Sydney Morning Herald-- Diamonds aren't forever, the pipes are running dry
Sydney Morning Herald-- Australian banks resilient, well-placed: RBA
Sydney Morning Herald-- Ten sees signs of recovery as Canwest sells out
People's Daily on line-- PBOC governor: monetary policy should be in line with economic development
People's Daily on line-- China ministry welcomes U.S. court's ruling in favor of Hebei tire maker
The Times of India--
The Times of India--
Canpotex finds a welcoming ear from Rupertites
Tuesday night’s information session hosted by Canpotex at the Lester Center of the Arts provided the kind of feedback that would surely warm the heart of any calculating capitalist industrialists.
With signs of welcome on the outside and the inside of the Lester Centre almost completely full, the overwhelming message sent to Canpotex officials is that Rupert would like to be the home of their expansion plans.
Canpotex hosted the event to try and gauge the interest from the community in their plans, which in effect seem to come down to expanding their existing operation in Vancouver or constructing a brand new, state of the art terminal on the shores of Ridley Island.
The development if it takes place would consist of storage facilities and the construction of an all weather ship loading machinery, a key element of the project considering Rupert’s legendary rainfall and wind conditions. The all weather loader is an added expense for the Rupert option, as Canpotex officials said that such a process would not be needed if they were to expand the Vancouver terminal.
Part of the night’s discussions also revolved around consultation with First Nations of the area, with members of Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla seeking out cooperation from Canpotex, the larger issue of the perceptions of First Nations involvement in the process was also discussed, particularly the impression that the Allied Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla were trying to block any new industry from setting up on the north coast, a charge that they rejected as divisive.
The evening featured a question and answer session which allowed locals to seek out further information on the project. Councillor Kathy Bedard offered up her thoughts that she believed that Canpotex would in the end choose Prince Rupert and offered the support of the community to be prepared for that decision.
Should they prove Mrs. Bedard to be correct, there would be 300 construction jobs created during the construction phase, with close to 100 jobs created when the Terminal comes on line perhaps as early as 2011.
That decision should come before the end of the year, however, Canpotex officials were cautious to point out that they were at the mercy of the current economic climate of the world, which could see delays in construction and operation.
CFTK TV had provided a background piece on the Canpotex plans previous to Tuesday night’s meeting.
The Northern View had the first reviews of the community meeting posted to their website by Tuesday evening.
With signs of welcome on the outside and the inside of the Lester Centre almost completely full, the overwhelming message sent to Canpotex officials is that Rupert would like to be the home of their expansion plans.
Canpotex hosted the event to try and gauge the interest from the community in their plans, which in effect seem to come down to expanding their existing operation in Vancouver or constructing a brand new, state of the art terminal on the shores of Ridley Island.
The development if it takes place would consist of storage facilities and the construction of an all weather ship loading machinery, a key element of the project considering Rupert’s legendary rainfall and wind conditions. The all weather loader is an added expense for the Rupert option, as Canpotex officials said that such a process would not be needed if they were to expand the Vancouver terminal.
Part of the night’s discussions also revolved around consultation with First Nations of the area, with members of Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla seeking out cooperation from Canpotex, the larger issue of the perceptions of First Nations involvement in the process was also discussed, particularly the impression that the Allied Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla were trying to block any new industry from setting up on the north coast, a charge that they rejected as divisive.
The evening featured a question and answer session which allowed locals to seek out further information on the project. Councillor Kathy Bedard offered up her thoughts that she believed that Canpotex would in the end choose Prince Rupert and offered the support of the community to be prepared for that decision.
Should they prove Mrs. Bedard to be correct, there would be 300 construction jobs created during the construction phase, with close to 100 jobs created when the Terminal comes on line perhaps as early as 2011.
That decision should come before the end of the year, however, Canpotex officials were cautious to point out that they were at the mercy of the current economic climate of the world, which could see delays in construction and operation.
CFTK TV had provided a background piece on the Canpotex plans previous to Tuesday night’s meeting.
The Northern View had the first reviews of the community meeting posted to their website by Tuesday evening.
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Update: September 25
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CFTK provided the following report on TV7 outlining the developments of Tuesday night's meeting.
Podunk Below the Masthead, Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Prince Rupert stakes a claim for some potash, a voice in favour of the HST and Encana's safety record is under the microscope, some of the items of note for Wednesday.
DAILY NEWS, HEADLINE STORY
RUPERT ROLLED OUT THE WELCOME MAT FOR CANPOTEX-- Tuesday night's meeting at the Lester Centre should have left no doubts in the minds of Canpotex officials that Prince Rupert for the most part is onboard for any plans to develop a potash terminal at Ridley Island (Daily News Archives )
He's probably not the most well received guy in the province, but John Winter of the B. C. Chamber is going from town to town to sell the merits of the HST, trying to highlight the advantages to business of the combined tax plan that would replace the current provincial sales tax system (Daily News Archives )
Port Edward residents have to boil their water for the next three weeks as Port Edward begins the process of switching their waterlines over to a new system. The boil water order will be in effect while that transition takes place, which involves flushing and draining of the districts lines. (Daily News Archives )
The Sports section featured a review of the efforts of our participants in the BC Seniors Games as well as a look at the graduation rate of the Prince Rupert Minor Hockey Association, which this year sees eight former PRMHA players off to various junior hockey programs across the province.
CBC Radio, DAYBREAK NORTH
Encana Violations-- With Encana's profile growing in the Northwest, the CBC took a look at some of the background of the company's safety record following the release of a report from a Conservation board (listen to audio report here)
Front Page headline story
Rupert rolled out the welcome mat for Canpotex
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Prince Rupert Daily News
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Canpotex came to town Tuesday to see if the community supports its proposed Potash Export Terminal on Ridley Island - and the community came out in droves.
Even a sign staked on the grass across the road from the Lester Centre of the Arts boasted "Prince Rupert is Potashville".
The 700-seat theatre was almost filled to capacity and those who attended heard from the company's Vice President of Planning and Development John Somers and a panel representing CN, BC Construction, Hatch Mott MacDonald, Prince Rupert Port Authority and the environmental assessment company Stantec Consulting.
Moderator Patti Schom-Moffat told the audience she had never seen a turnout out like it before. "This is a great showing. Prince Rupert's the right place to be."
Somers echoed Schom-Moffat's words saying he was very impressed to see such a showing of support.
"This touches what we're trying to achieve. I appreciate the time and effort that you've shown.
We're here to ask if we should go ahead with Prince Rupert?"
Simultaneously, the company has been looking at expanding existing facilities in Vancouver or building a new terminal on Ridley Island.
The company has built a business plan that's very similar for both places with capital costs, investments and terminal running costs, very much the same and business-wise they stack up very close. The decision may be based on support from the community.
"By the end of the year Canpotex will make a decision. We are one hundred percent committed to the consultation process. It's all about building relationship and trust. If people have patience things can happen and if we come to Prince Rupert we want to be a proper member of the community," Somers said.
Cultural Advisor for the Nine Allied Tribes of Lax Kw'Alaams and Metlakatla James Bryant said he welcomed Canpotex to traditional territory, and business opportunities that they have, with proper consultation, reminding the company that his people are the ones that should be consulted.
"In 1906 when the Grand Trunk Pacific came in there was no such thing as proper consultation. Today things have changed and proper accommodation must be made," Bryant added.
After the information session Somers said Canpotex wants to do things right the first time.
"We don't want to build this thing and then end up with a bunch of court cases. We've been coming up here for the last two years meeting with First Nations."
Eugene Bryant, representing the Lax Kw'Alaams council sent greetings from his chief councillor and said seeing the theatre so full was a reminder that the communities need to get together and talk more often.
"We're not anti-business or against development," Eugene said. "We went to Saskatchewan and toured their facility. There's a rumour out there that the Nine Allied Tribes are trying to keep business out of here and that's not true. It never was. Someone's spreading propaganda."
Looking out into the audience Eugene assured that his community cares about the people of Prince Rupert.
"You are all here because you love Prince Rupert. Citizens have the same love and affection as we do and we take you into consideration."
The logistics of building a terminal on Ridley Island were also part of the discussion and if the terminal were to come to Prince Rupert, the potash would be loaded with a revoluntionary 'travelling all-weather shiploader'.
"Potash has to be kept dry, put in the terminal dry and put into the ship dry. We are on track to unveil a 360-day all-weather loader if we come to Prince Rupert, but it's not something that would be required in Vancouver."
When asked when the project would start, Somers explained that the timeline would be determined by the market place.
"It's not 'if' but 'when'. If we decided on Prince Rupert, it could be 2011 or the end of 2010, depending on environmental work."
Local business owner Jamie Storey asked if there were any stumbling blocks for Prince Rupert being chosen and Somers' answer suggested there were not.
"Rupert has immediate freight ways and with CN as a partner we would have better communication service. We would have a stronger relationship with the community. It would be long term. All the bands and the history here is tremendous. It's a very nice fit," Somers said.
Lonny Kubas, Senior Manager of CN, responding to rail concerns confirmed there will be an assessment on traffic flows - both rail and vehicular.
The railway has capacity because the lines are underutilized but additional sidings or double tracking would be added, if needed, in the future, Kubas said.
High school teacher Larry Hope asked if the company had a relationship with the federal government and if there were a change in government would that have an affect.
"We're a private company and our business is not contingent on federal or provincial funding," Somers said.
When asked about job opportunities, Dave van Rensburg, engineer with Hatch Mott MacDonald who was here in the 1980s when Ridley Terminals was being built, noted there would be 250 to 300 direct construction jobs for a two to three year period.
"We would source as many jobs as possible locally. We're not looking at putting up a labour camp," he said.
Other spin-offs would be through transport and housing with permanent positions down the road of 80 to 100, he added.
There would also be an increased number of tugboats, rail and surveillance agency jobs, said Somers.
"With three to five loaded trains and three to five empty trains each week, there'd be crews and mechanical staff needed as well," commented Kubas.
The last person to speak from the audience was City Councillor Kathy Bedard.
"I do truly believe you're going to come here. We have the people that you want here. Once you say 'yes' we will do everything we can to get our young people ready."
Somers closed, saying the enthusiasm from Prince Rupert was obvious but warned there could be delays even if Prince Rupert is chosen because of the world's economic situation.
"Right now," he added, "we're coming to the point where we're making a decision. And if we choose Prince Rupert it may not be immediate that we break ground."
DAILY NEWS, HEADLINE STORY
RUPERT ROLLED OUT THE WELCOME MAT FOR CANPOTEX-- Tuesday night's meeting at the Lester Centre should have left no doubts in the minds of Canpotex officials that Prince Rupert for the most part is onboard for any plans to develop a potash terminal at Ridley Island (Daily News Archives )
He's probably not the most well received guy in the province, but John Winter of the B. C. Chamber is going from town to town to sell the merits of the HST, trying to highlight the advantages to business of the combined tax plan that would replace the current provincial sales tax system (Daily News Archives )
Port Edward residents have to boil their water for the next three weeks as Port Edward begins the process of switching their waterlines over to a new system. The boil water order will be in effect while that transition takes place, which involves flushing and draining of the districts lines. (Daily News Archives )
The Sports section featured a review of the efforts of our participants in the BC Seniors Games as well as a look at the graduation rate of the Prince Rupert Minor Hockey Association, which this year sees eight former PRMHA players off to various junior hockey programs across the province.
CBC Radio, DAYBREAK NORTH
Encana Violations-- With Encana's profile growing in the Northwest, the CBC took a look at some of the background of the company's safety record following the release of a report from a Conservation board (listen to audio report here)
Front Page headline story
Rupert rolled out the welcome mat for Canpotex
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Prince Rupert Daily News
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Canpotex came to town Tuesday to see if the community supports its proposed Potash Export Terminal on Ridley Island - and the community came out in droves.
Even a sign staked on the grass across the road from the Lester Centre of the Arts boasted "Prince Rupert is Potashville".
The 700-seat theatre was almost filled to capacity and those who attended heard from the company's Vice President of Planning and Development John Somers and a panel representing CN, BC Construction, Hatch Mott MacDonald, Prince Rupert Port Authority and the environmental assessment company Stantec Consulting.
Moderator Patti Schom-Moffat told the audience she had never seen a turnout out like it before. "This is a great showing. Prince Rupert's the right place to be."
Somers echoed Schom-Moffat's words saying he was very impressed to see such a showing of support.
"This touches what we're trying to achieve. I appreciate the time and effort that you've shown.
We're here to ask if we should go ahead with Prince Rupert?"
Simultaneously, the company has been looking at expanding existing facilities in Vancouver or building a new terminal on Ridley Island.
The company has built a business plan that's very similar for both places with capital costs, investments and terminal running costs, very much the same and business-wise they stack up very close. The decision may be based on support from the community.
"By the end of the year Canpotex will make a decision. We are one hundred percent committed to the consultation process. It's all about building relationship and trust. If people have patience things can happen and if we come to Prince Rupert we want to be a proper member of the community," Somers said.
Cultural Advisor for the Nine Allied Tribes of Lax Kw'Alaams and Metlakatla James Bryant said he welcomed Canpotex to traditional territory, and business opportunities that they have, with proper consultation, reminding the company that his people are the ones that should be consulted.
"In 1906 when the Grand Trunk Pacific came in there was no such thing as proper consultation. Today things have changed and proper accommodation must be made," Bryant added.
After the information session Somers said Canpotex wants to do things right the first time.
"We don't want to build this thing and then end up with a bunch of court cases. We've been coming up here for the last two years meeting with First Nations."
Eugene Bryant, representing the Lax Kw'Alaams council sent greetings from his chief councillor and said seeing the theatre so full was a reminder that the communities need to get together and talk more often.
"We're not anti-business or against development," Eugene said. "We went to Saskatchewan and toured their facility. There's a rumour out there that the Nine Allied Tribes are trying to keep business out of here and that's not true. It never was. Someone's spreading propaganda."
Looking out into the audience Eugene assured that his community cares about the people of Prince Rupert.
"You are all here because you love Prince Rupert. Citizens have the same love and affection as we do and we take you into consideration."
The logistics of building a terminal on Ridley Island were also part of the discussion and if the terminal were to come to Prince Rupert, the potash would be loaded with a revoluntionary 'travelling all-weather shiploader'.
"Potash has to be kept dry, put in the terminal dry and put into the ship dry. We are on track to unveil a 360-day all-weather loader if we come to Prince Rupert, but it's not something that would be required in Vancouver."
When asked when the project would start, Somers explained that the timeline would be determined by the market place.
"It's not 'if' but 'when'. If we decided on Prince Rupert, it could be 2011 or the end of 2010, depending on environmental work."
Local business owner Jamie Storey asked if there were any stumbling blocks for Prince Rupert being chosen and Somers' answer suggested there were not.
"Rupert has immediate freight ways and with CN as a partner we would have better communication service. We would have a stronger relationship with the community. It would be long term. All the bands and the history here is tremendous. It's a very nice fit," Somers said.
Lonny Kubas, Senior Manager of CN, responding to rail concerns confirmed there will be an assessment on traffic flows - both rail and vehicular.
The railway has capacity because the lines are underutilized but additional sidings or double tracking would be added, if needed, in the future, Kubas said.
High school teacher Larry Hope asked if the company had a relationship with the federal government and if there were a change in government would that have an affect.
"We're a private company and our business is not contingent on federal or provincial funding," Somers said.
When asked about job opportunities, Dave van Rensburg, engineer with Hatch Mott MacDonald who was here in the 1980s when Ridley Terminals was being built, noted there would be 250 to 300 direct construction jobs for a two to three year period.
"We would source as many jobs as possible locally. We're not looking at putting up a labour camp," he said.
Other spin-offs would be through transport and housing with permanent positions down the road of 80 to 100, he added.
There would also be an increased number of tugboats, rail and surveillance agency jobs, said Somers.
"With three to five loaded trains and three to five empty trains each week, there'd be crews and mechanical staff needed as well," commented Kubas.
The last person to speak from the audience was City Councillor Kathy Bedard.
"I do truly believe you're going to come here. We have the people that you want here. Once you say 'yes' we will do everything we can to get our young people ready."
Somers closed, saying the enthusiasm from Prince Rupert was obvious but warned there could be delays even if Prince Rupert is chosen because of the world's economic situation.
"Right now," he added, "we're coming to the point where we're making a decision. And if we choose Prince Rupert it may not be immediate that we break ground."
Improv night at the UN
No, it’s not the latest offering of the Comedy Network (though the potential for satire is ripe) but rather, the opening day of the annual sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, a chance for the world’s leaders to share their wisdom, world view and er, oh shall we say, unorthodox theories with the wider world. An event that somehow must be what the seven circles of hell of public speaking must look like.
It’s not often that a public speaking appearance by Barack Obama would get dumped to the lower end of the news agenda, but on Wednesday he was but an afterthought after the wide ranging rants and rhetoric of Moe and Mahmoud, the two speakers on the day who did the most to bring on the negativity vibes when it comes to everyone singing kumbaya.
The day began with the appearance of Muammar Gaddafi, who has never appeared at the UN public speaking sessions before. His arrival in New York is the first time he has addressed the world body since his grasp of power in a coup forty years ago, and it appeared that he wanted to make up for all of that lost time.
It’s not often that a public speaking appearance by Barack Obama would get dumped to the lower end of the news agenda, but on Wednesday he was but an afterthought after the wide ranging rants and rhetoric of Moe and Mahmoud, the two speakers on the day who did the most to bring on the negativity vibes when it comes to everyone singing kumbaya.
The day began with the appearance of Muammar Gaddafi, who has never appeared at the UN public speaking sessions before. His arrival in New York is the first time he has addressed the world body since his grasp of power in a coup forty years ago, and it appeared that he wanted to make up for all of that lost time.
In what could politely be described as a wandering dissertation, the Libyan leader travelled back in time, calling for answers to the assassinations of John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King, interpreting the last forty years or so of modern history with his spin and no doubt causing a cringe or two back in the Obama White House with his frequent references to Obama as his son, and the son of Africa.
The latter while perhaps correct according to genealogy and creative writing, most likely wasn’t greeted with joy by the staffers at the White House, providing more fuel for those that have already expressed their distrust of the Presidents agenda and those he is believed to associate with.
And while Gadaffi’s hour and half review of modern history and his place in it was tedious enough, the prime time appearance of Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who used his annual appearance to revisit on his preoccupation with all things Israel provided the final act of the day’s theatre of the absurd.
For those that remained(as a large portion of the delegates joined Canada in walking out on his racist and Anti Semitic drivel, though one wonders about the optics of a foreign policy statement issued out of a Tim Horton's, -- Canada may have the right cause, but perhaps the wrong launching pad there Mr. Prime Minister) Iran’s leader once again hectored the assembly about who he perceives are the real evil doers and Great Satans of the world, thoughts interspersed with observations of a religious re-awakening apparently due to come for all of us, though some apparently are following the wrong path.
He also touched on his recent electoral “success” in the Iranian election campaign, neglecting to mention the questions over voter fraud that have dogged the beginning of his second term, nor taking note of the many opposition party members that suddenly found themselves in jail over protests against his election.
Lost in the Gadaffi shuffle and the Ahmandinejad rants was President Obama’s speech to the General Assembly, a keynote address that outlined a new vision for American foreign policy, one of inclusion and cooperation after the last eight years of quasi isolationism.
A clear indication that there is new leadership in Washington looking to find solutions within a larger collective such as the UN, though you have to wonder just how many feel that such a body can work with the likes of Gadaffi and Ahmandinejad offering up their rather troubling concepts for our modern society (we offer up easy odds that President Obama kept his distance at lunch, after all if he thinks that Kanye West is a jackass....).
Perhaps the delegates can read about the more reasoned points of the Obama option in the New York Times later in the day today, once they wade through the bizarre ramblings of Moe and the vitriolic outbursts of Mahmoud…
Globe and Mail-- Canadian delegation leads walkout as Ahmadinejad speaks
Globe and Mail-- Obama breaks with Bush doctrine of unilateral action
Globe and Mail-- Israeli 'hypocrisy' the target of Iranian leader
Globe and Mail-- From walking out to speaking out
National Post-- Diplomats walk out as Iran slams Israel at UN
National Post-- Ahmadinejad address ‘low point’ at UN: Harper
National Post-- World must act together, Obama tells UN
National Post-- Gaddafi blasts big powers in first UN speech
National Post-- Muammar Gaddafi turns his United Nations General Assembly debut into a very long rant
CBC-- Canada walks out on Ahmadinejad's UN speech
CBC-- Obama tells UN new era demands global unity
Toronto Sun-- Mass UN walkout over Iran
Los Angeles Times-- Iran's president extols himself and denounces Israel
New York Times-- Obama Makes Gains at U.N. on Iran and Proliferation
New York Times-- Obama Makes Gains at U.N. on Iran and Proliferation
New York Times-- A More Conciliatory Ahmadinejad at the U.N
New York Times-- Is Ahmadinejad Trying to Change the Subject?
BBC News-- Ahmadinejad speech angers delegates
Vancouver schools starting to feel the impact of the flu
Could it be that the H1N1 flu virus is gaining a foothold in the Vancouver area? That is something on the minds of parents, as three Vancouver area schools report higher than normal absentee rates, with one school advising that over one third of its population has stayed home with flu like symptoms.
The arrival of flu season so early this year, seems to have proven correct earlier fears that once students returned to the classrooms from their summer breaks the number of reported cases would rise with such close contact as can be found in the schools serving as an incubator for the transmission of the flu.
So far Elsie Roy elementary, Notre Dame Regional Secondary School and St. Patrick's Regional Secondary, all in Vancouver have seen spikes in absent students, though its thought that some of that number could be attributed to students (and parents) not wishing to contract the virus.
One Vancouver Island school also has reported cases of H1N1, Shawnigan Lake School a boarding school on the Island has also been keeping a close watch on its cases.
While the number of absentee students does increase, there has not been any official confirmation that the outbreak is attributable to the H1N1 virus, or is just part of the regular seasonal flu arrival.
The outbreak comes well before any vaccines have been made ready or before any form of vaccination program has been announced by the Province or various school districts. It's not expected that the vaccine would be made available before mid-November and in some parts of Canada there is some question as to whether the regular seasonal flu vaccines will be given or if a mass flu shot program for H1N1 will take it's place.
There are some studies currently being examined which suggest that the seasonal flu shot may actually increase the risk of H1N1, a confusing bit of debate that won't particularly help alleviate the fears of Canadians wondering how best to approach any potential outbreaks.
Globe and Mail-- Hundreds stay home as flu hits schools before vaccine is ready
Canadian Press-- Flu keeping B.C. kids home from school as virus season gets early start
CBC-- Swine flu hits Vancouver and island schools
Vancouver Sun-- Flu-like symptoms keep students away from B.C. schools
.
Northern Health flu website
The arrival of flu season so early this year, seems to have proven correct earlier fears that once students returned to the classrooms from their summer breaks the number of reported cases would rise with such close contact as can be found in the schools serving as an incubator for the transmission of the flu.
So far Elsie Roy elementary, Notre Dame Regional Secondary School and St. Patrick's Regional Secondary, all in Vancouver have seen spikes in absent students, though its thought that some of that number could be attributed to students (and parents) not wishing to contract the virus.
One Vancouver Island school also has reported cases of H1N1, Shawnigan Lake School a boarding school on the Island has also been keeping a close watch on its cases.
While the number of absentee students does increase, there has not been any official confirmation that the outbreak is attributable to the H1N1 virus, or is just part of the regular seasonal flu arrival.
The outbreak comes well before any vaccines have been made ready or before any form of vaccination program has been announced by the Province or various school districts. It's not expected that the vaccine would be made available before mid-November and in some parts of Canada there is some question as to whether the regular seasonal flu vaccines will be given or if a mass flu shot program for H1N1 will take it's place.
There are some studies currently being examined which suggest that the seasonal flu shot may actually increase the risk of H1N1, a confusing bit of debate that won't particularly help alleviate the fears of Canadians wondering how best to approach any potential outbreaks.
Globe and Mail-- Hundreds stay home as flu hits schools before vaccine is ready
Canadian Press-- Flu keeping B.C. kids home from school as virus season gets early start
CBC-- Swine flu hits Vancouver and island schools
Vancouver Sun-- Flu-like symptoms keep students away from B.C. schools
.
Northern Health flu website
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Chinese business officials wrap up their tour of Northern BC
Eighteen officials from China have spent the last few days learning more about what Northern British Columbia has to offer, discovering more about Prince George's recently upgraded airport and getting a first hand look at what Prince Rupert's Fairview Terminal has been up to over the last year.
The eighteen are part of a group taking part in the Northern Pacific Gateway Trade and Investment Forum held in Prince George this week, a session designed to increase awareness of transportation initiatives in the Northern Corridor.
Monday was a day trip to Rupert, learning more about the current operations of the Fairview Container Terminal and what the future may hold with Phase Two and beyond.
The Chinese visitors are representing a number of logistics, freight forwarders and air cargo carriers, their travels to the logistics forum is more or less a fact finding mission to develop links and seek out further information about opportunities available in the two cities.
The four day event came to an end today, providing a whirlwind overview of potential transportation benefits to their industries should they utilize the Northern Gateway.
The conference and touring sessions haven't made much news in the western half of that Northern Gateway, but in Prince George it seems that every move of the visiting delegation has been chronicled in that city's media.
The four day event came to an end today, providing
Some of their observations and reports can be found below.
Opinion 250-- There will be cargo planes landing in PG
Opinion 250-- Delegates to Tour Prince Rupert Today
Opinion 250-- Logistics...Key to Turning Dreams into Reality
PG Citizen-- Trade delegates from China 'wowed' by P.G.
PG Free Press-- Chinese trade delegation visit P.G. and Prince Rupert
The eighteen are part of a group taking part in the Northern Pacific Gateway Trade and Investment Forum held in Prince George this week, a session designed to increase awareness of transportation initiatives in the Northern Corridor.
Monday was a day trip to Rupert, learning more about the current operations of the Fairview Container Terminal and what the future may hold with Phase Two and beyond.
The Chinese visitors are representing a number of logistics, freight forwarders and air cargo carriers, their travels to the logistics forum is more or less a fact finding mission to develop links and seek out further information about opportunities available in the two cities.
The four day event came to an end today, providing a whirlwind overview of potential transportation benefits to their industries should they utilize the Northern Gateway.
The conference and touring sessions haven't made much news in the western half of that Northern Gateway, but in Prince George it seems that every move of the visiting delegation has been chronicled in that city's media.
The four day event came to an end today, providing
Some of their observations and reports can be found below.
Opinion 250-- There will be cargo planes landing in PG
Opinion 250-- Delegates to Tour Prince Rupert Today
Opinion 250-- Logistics...Key to Turning Dreams into Reality
PG Citizen-- Trade delegates from China 'wowed' by P.G.
PG Free Press-- Chinese trade delegation visit P.G. and Prince Rupert
It's the economy (September 23, 2009)
Will a Canadian icon return to Canadian hands?, China's coal industry isn't all that effective and Gordon Brown wants us all to pull together, some of the items of note for a Wednesday.
Globe and Mail-- Hudson's Bay may go public again
Globe and Mail-- Strong dollar threatens growth: BoC
Globe and Mail-- BMO to incorporate in China
National Post-- Fed says recovery underway, but slows withdrawal
National Post-- Canada's message to G20: stay the course
National Post-- Ford asks CAW employees to back funding relief plan
New York Times-- All Together Now
New York Times-- G.M. to Call Back 2,400 Factory Workers
Times online UK-- Fed holds rates and says economy is recovering
Times online UK-- Independent closes in on €200 million debt deal
Times online UK-- King keeps door open to 'money printing' scheme
Times online UK-- China's coal-fired power stations 'among the least efficient in the world'
Telegraph online UK-- Bank calls 'crisis' meeting for experts
Telegraph online UK-- We are entering a new age of protectionism
Telegraph online UK-- Germany declares economic war
Guardian UK-- Too many UK firms in foreign hands, says Myners
Guardian UK-- Rising market prompts dash for cash
The Scotsman-- King tipped for major role on pan-European watchdog
The Scotsman-- End of recession in sight but future 'fragile'
Sydney Morning Herald-- Property tycoon tops young rich list
Sydney Morning Herald-- Defence blocks Chinese bid
Sydney Morning Herald-- New Zealand emerges from recession
People's Daily on line-- New policy to shore up SMEs
People's Daily on line-- Brilliant feats obtained through arduous exploration
The Times of India-- Gold edges higher as dollar falls
The Times of India-- Climate Change: India can learn lessons from China, says Jairam Ramesh
Globe and Mail-- Hudson's Bay may go public again
Globe and Mail-- Strong dollar threatens growth: BoC
Globe and Mail-- BMO to incorporate in China
National Post-- Fed says recovery underway, but slows withdrawal
National Post-- Canada's message to G20: stay the course
National Post-- Ford asks CAW employees to back funding relief plan
New York Times-- All Together Now
New York Times-- G.M. to Call Back 2,400 Factory Workers
Times online UK-- Fed holds rates and says economy is recovering
Times online UK-- Independent closes in on €200 million debt deal
Times online UK-- King keeps door open to 'money printing' scheme
Times online UK-- China's coal-fired power stations 'among the least efficient in the world'
Telegraph online UK-- Bank calls 'crisis' meeting for experts
Telegraph online UK-- We are entering a new age of protectionism
Telegraph online UK-- Germany declares economic war
Guardian UK-- Too many UK firms in foreign hands, says Myners
Guardian UK-- Rising market prompts dash for cash
The Scotsman-- King tipped for major role on pan-European watchdog
The Scotsman-- End of recession in sight but future 'fragile'
Sydney Morning Herald-- Property tycoon tops young rich list
Sydney Morning Herald-- Defence blocks Chinese bid
Sydney Morning Herald-- New Zealand emerges from recession
People's Daily on line-- New policy to shore up SMEs
People's Daily on line-- Brilliant feats obtained through arduous exploration
The Times of India-- Gold edges higher as dollar falls
The Times of India-- Climate Change: India can learn lessons from China, says Jairam Ramesh
Podunk Below the Masthead, Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A good turnout for the Canpotex meeting, the stirrings of the HST backlash, tragedy on a hunting trip and Northern Health is coming to town to listen to local concerns, some of the items of the Tuesday news cycle...
FRONT PAGE, Headline Story
POLITICIANS ARE JOINING FORCES TO RALLY AGAINST HST-- Tuesday's Daily News features a review of the weekend protest over the impending arrival of the HST, a Vancouver event which attracted around 4,000 participants and offered up a string of political speeches from various corners of the political spectrum (Daily News Archive)
A preview of sorts of the upcoming Northern Health public forum on October 1, when local residents can share their concerns and worries about health care in the region. The session is planned for the Crest Hotel and is one of thirteen stops that Northern Health is making in the region this fall. (No Daily News Archive story posted)
Tragedy and survival highlight the details of a story of two Prince Rupert men on their annual hunting trip. A much anticipated ritual for Marc Desautels and Cam Culver, that this time left Mr. Desautels tragically dead of a heart attack and Mr. Culver suffering serious injuries requiring that he be flown to Vancouver for further treatment. (Daily news Archive )
Haida Gwaii gets a one time opportunity to dispose of all their old electronic items not allowed in the usual recycling program on the Islands, that as Encorp arrives on September 26 for a free of charge recycling collection (Daily News Archive)
Conrad School took time to recognize the International Day of Peace, students at the east side school took joined billions of other world residents to observe the day (Daily News Archive).
The CBC featured further details on the incident, including some background on the problems faced by the family of the suriving hunter, as they tried to have him placed in a Vancouver hospital.
.
The Sports section featured a review of the Weekend Cannery road Race as well as details on the Centennial tournament at the golf course.
NORTHERN VIEW, Web Extra
Hundreds pack Prince Rupert's Lester Centre for Canpotex meeting-- The much anticipated public meeting outlining details of a potential potash terminal for Ridley Island took place on Tuesday night and the Northern View had the first details of the well attended meeting (see article here)
CBC Northern British Columbia, Daybreak
Funding Cuts-- A look at the cutbacks affecting the funding of programming for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. (listen to audio report here)
Front page headline story
Politicians are joining forces to Rally Against HST
By George T. Baker
The Prince Rupert Daily News
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Citizens across the province came out to voice their displeasure with
the HST.
The North Coast's top representative in Victoria, Gary Coons, was in Vancouver Saturday to lend a show of support to his leader, NDP boss Carole James.
"We need to stop the HST, which is simply a regressive tax," said Coons. Adding that the Liberals were elected under the false pretence that they would not introduce the very unpopular tax.
Coons was certainly not alone in Vancouver in his opinion. Real estate agents have adorned "Stop-HST" appendixes to the For Sale signs. Restaurants have no-HST signs in their front windows. Vancouverites are vocal about their displeasure.
About 4,000 people showed up to an anti-HST rally on the pavilion of the brand new Vancouver Convention Centre. They were there to voice their displeasure with the way the HST was not only accepted by the provincial government, but also the way the BC Liberals handled the issue with the public during last May's election.
The feeling across the province right now is very dour when it comes to the tax that would combine the GST and PST while eliminating some of the previous PST-exempt services under the old tax regime.
And now it appears that the provincial political left and right are coming together over the one unifying force that has historically created great public unity - taxes.
There were 19 rallies held across the province on Saturday, none bigger than Vancouver's. The vocal, but peaceful, two hours were coloured with venomous tones directed at Premier Gordon Campbell.
"Gordon Campbell wouldn't know the truth if it sat beside him on a ferry ride to Victoria," joked BC Conservative party deputy leader, Chris Delaney.
"HST is a cruel tax… that taxes the people who can least afford to pay the tax," said rally leader and former Social Credit Premier, Bill Vander Zalm.
Vander Zalm was joined by James, making up one of the oddest set of teammates. Most of the day's speakers acknowledged the differences in political beliefs in an effort to hammer home the point that they were united in only one cause.
"The public is angry at being betrayed by this government and I have to tell you it shows how angry people are when you can get political opponents together," James said, adding she and Vander Zalm have been on opposite sides on many issues over the years.
Critics say the merged tax will hurt families because they'll be paying tax on things that are currently not taxed, including haircuts, real estate and restaurant meals.
FRONT PAGE, Headline Story
POLITICIANS ARE JOINING FORCES TO RALLY AGAINST HST-- Tuesday's Daily News features a review of the weekend protest over the impending arrival of the HST, a Vancouver event which attracted around 4,000 participants and offered up a string of political speeches from various corners of the political spectrum (Daily News Archive)
A preview of sorts of the upcoming Northern Health public forum on October 1, when local residents can share their concerns and worries about health care in the region. The session is planned for the Crest Hotel and is one of thirteen stops that Northern Health is making in the region this fall. (No Daily News Archive story posted)
Tragedy and survival highlight the details of a story of two Prince Rupert men on their annual hunting trip. A much anticipated ritual for Marc Desautels and Cam Culver, that this time left Mr. Desautels tragically dead of a heart attack and Mr. Culver suffering serious injuries requiring that he be flown to Vancouver for further treatment. (Daily news Archive )
Haida Gwaii gets a one time opportunity to dispose of all their old electronic items not allowed in the usual recycling program on the Islands, that as Encorp arrives on September 26 for a free of charge recycling collection (Daily News Archive)
Conrad School took time to recognize the International Day of Peace, students at the east side school took joined billions of other world residents to observe the day (Daily News Archive).
The CBC featured further details on the incident, including some background on the problems faced by the family of the suriving hunter, as they tried to have him placed in a Vancouver hospital.
.
The Sports section featured a review of the Weekend Cannery road Race as well as details on the Centennial tournament at the golf course.
NORTHERN VIEW, Web Extra
Hundreds pack Prince Rupert's Lester Centre for Canpotex meeting-- The much anticipated public meeting outlining details of a potential potash terminal for Ridley Island took place on Tuesday night and the Northern View had the first details of the well attended meeting (see article here)
CBC Northern British Columbia, Daybreak
Funding Cuts-- A look at the cutbacks affecting the funding of programming for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. (listen to audio report here)
Front page headline story
Politicians are joining forces to Rally Against HST
By George T. Baker
The Prince Rupert Daily News
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Citizens across the province came out to voice their displeasure with
the HST.
The North Coast's top representative in Victoria, Gary Coons, was in Vancouver Saturday to lend a show of support to his leader, NDP boss Carole James.
"We need to stop the HST, which is simply a regressive tax," said Coons. Adding that the Liberals were elected under the false pretence that they would not introduce the very unpopular tax.
Coons was certainly not alone in Vancouver in his opinion. Real estate agents have adorned "Stop-HST" appendixes to the For Sale signs. Restaurants have no-HST signs in their front windows. Vancouverites are vocal about their displeasure.
About 4,000 people showed up to an anti-HST rally on the pavilion of the brand new Vancouver Convention Centre. They were there to voice their displeasure with the way the HST was not only accepted by the provincial government, but also the way the BC Liberals handled the issue with the public during last May's election.
The feeling across the province right now is very dour when it comes to the tax that would combine the GST and PST while eliminating some of the previous PST-exempt services under the old tax regime.
And now it appears that the provincial political left and right are coming together over the one unifying force that has historically created great public unity - taxes.
There were 19 rallies held across the province on Saturday, none bigger than Vancouver's. The vocal, but peaceful, two hours were coloured with venomous tones directed at Premier Gordon Campbell.
"Gordon Campbell wouldn't know the truth if it sat beside him on a ferry ride to Victoria," joked BC Conservative party deputy leader, Chris Delaney.
"HST is a cruel tax… that taxes the people who can least afford to pay the tax," said rally leader and former Social Credit Premier, Bill Vander Zalm.
Vander Zalm was joined by James, making up one of the oddest set of teammates. Most of the day's speakers acknowledged the differences in political beliefs in an effort to hammer home the point that they were united in only one cause.
"The public is angry at being betrayed by this government and I have to tell you it shows how angry people are when you can get political opponents together," James said, adding she and Vander Zalm have been on opposite sides on many issues over the years.
Critics say the merged tax will hurt families because they'll be paying tax on things that are currently not taxed, including haircuts, real estate and restaurant meals.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
It's the economy (September 22, 2009)
Toronto is not as important as it thinks it is, the British Pound takes a pounding and the icon of the action film slips into bankruptcy, some of the items of note for Tuesday.
Globe and Mail-- Toronto slips in financial ranking
Globe and Mail-- New Asia forecast boosts markets
Globe and Mail-- Kalashnikov faces bankruptcy
National Post-- Canadian retail sales slip unexpectedly
National Post-- China expected to resist Obama's G20 reforms
National Post-- Battle over 'Buy American' overblown
New York Times-- F.D.I.C. May Borrow Funds From Banks
New York Times-- Asia Rebounding Rapidly, Bank Reports
New York Times-- G-20 Is Urged to Raise Bank Reserves
Times online UK-- New Vauxhall owner 'to axe 1,400 British jobs'
Times online UK-- Panic buttons kept at the ready ... just in case
Times online UK-- We can’t afford the moral high ground
Times online UK-- G20 to give regulators power to curb bank bonuses
Telegraph online UK-- Gordon Brown says global Tobin tax to curb banks' risky behaviour is 'worth a look'
Telegraph online UK-- Pound slides again as markets enter Bank of England-fuelled 'bubble' stage
Telegraph online UK-- Vauxhall may lose up to 1,800 jobs in 'political stitch up'
Guardian UK-- Phony bid war for Cadbury could get real
Guardian UK-- Executive pay still rising despite recession
The Scotsman-- Crisis of confidence sends pound plunging
The Scotsman-- Alliance Trust defensive over failure to spot market rally
Sydney Morning Herald-- Strong dollar won't kill the boom
Sydney Morning Herald-- Crisis, what crisis? India sails on through
Sydney Morning Herald-- Australia well placed to defy weak global outlook
People's Daily on line-- China's economy to grow by 8.2% in 2009: ADB
People's Daily on line-- Shanghai establishes agriculture equity exchange
The Times of India-- Will China drag global and Indian markets down?
The Times of India-- Indian economy is a balanced economy: Stephan Roach
Globe and Mail-- Toronto slips in financial ranking
Globe and Mail-- New Asia forecast boosts markets
Globe and Mail-- Kalashnikov faces bankruptcy
National Post-- Canadian retail sales slip unexpectedly
National Post-- China expected to resist Obama's G20 reforms
National Post-- Battle over 'Buy American' overblown
New York Times-- F.D.I.C. May Borrow Funds From Banks
New York Times-- Asia Rebounding Rapidly, Bank Reports
New York Times-- G-20 Is Urged to Raise Bank Reserves
Times online UK-- New Vauxhall owner 'to axe 1,400 British jobs'
Times online UK-- Panic buttons kept at the ready ... just in case
Times online UK-- We can’t afford the moral high ground
Times online UK-- G20 to give regulators power to curb bank bonuses
Telegraph online UK-- Gordon Brown says global Tobin tax to curb banks' risky behaviour is 'worth a look'
Telegraph online UK-- Pound slides again as markets enter Bank of England-fuelled 'bubble' stage
Telegraph online UK-- Vauxhall may lose up to 1,800 jobs in 'political stitch up'
Guardian UK-- Phony bid war for Cadbury could get real
Guardian UK-- Executive pay still rising despite recession
The Scotsman-- Crisis of confidence sends pound plunging
The Scotsman-- Alliance Trust defensive over failure to spot market rally
Sydney Morning Herald-- Strong dollar won't kill the boom
Sydney Morning Herald-- Crisis, what crisis? India sails on through
Sydney Morning Herald-- Australia well placed to defy weak global outlook
People's Daily on line-- China's economy to grow by 8.2% in 2009: ADB
People's Daily on line-- Shanghai establishes agriculture equity exchange
The Times of India-- Will China drag global and Indian markets down?
The Times of India-- Indian economy is a balanced economy: Stephan Roach
Judge Baum to reconvene
Before he puts pen to paper, Judge Redfield T. Baum has ordered the two sides of the acrimonious Phoenix Coyotes case to return to his chambers on Wednesday morning for more of that court room drama that has made bankruptcy law a participation sport across Canada.
The Judge issued his call to court on Monday, that after yet a new development in the case which saw Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk give the NHL one of those oh, oh damage control time moments.
Mr. Melnyk, while appearing last week on the Bob McCown program Prime Time Sports on The Fan 590 and Rogers Sportsnet, offered up his interpretation of NHL affairs that he as an owner had the right to block any move into his territory, in effect he claims a veto, and by that declaration he appears to have pulled the NHL itself back into the debate of whether they hold a veto right over home territories, something they denied in court.
Bill Daly the Deputy Commissioner of the NHL stuck to that talking point with his appearance on the McCown program on Monday, suggesting that there is no veto in effect in the NHL, while providing his interpretation, (or is that spin?) of what Mr Melnyk meant to say.
It's thought that the legal representatives of the NHL may get a chance to explain that whole veto thing again with the Judge on Wednesday, with Judge Baum anxious we are sure to hear more about what can and can't be done with an NHL franchise.
The Balsillie camp is hoping to introduce that bit of radio drama into the discussion, hopeful that the veto issue, may provide some impact on the deliberations of the judge as he weighs which offer, the Balsille group or the NHL should gain custody of the unwanted collection of hockey waifs known as the Coyotes.
While that drama plays out in court, the waifs are busy on the ice having recently hosted a home exhibition game against the Los Angeles Kings. That game perhaps providing the most damning evidence of the NHL's struggles in Phoenix, with all the talk of bankruptcy, potential relocation and dysfunction of the desert, attendance was hovering around 2,000 fans, most of whom apparently couldn't find anything else to do and took in the pre season game.
To put that number into perspective, that's slightly more than the Hockeyville crowd of Terrace BC, last week, which featured a game between the Islanders and Canucks.
.
For those without a handy almanac at the moment, the Metropolitan area population of Phoenix is 4,281,899, of which 4,279,899 apparently aren't much in the way of hockey fans.
Terrace's metropolitan population is a little less than 18,000 and that on a good day when the U haul rentals are slow, but judging by the turnout there last week, pro rated to population, Terrace is by far a more worthy candidate for a professional hockey team than Phoenix appears to be.
Hmmm, maybe when all is said and done, the judge will send the team north, but to the Northwest and not the northeast...
.
Globe and Mail-- Judge orders hearing on Coyotes
Globe and Mail-- Balsillie tries to strengthen case
National Post-- Judge orders emergency hearing on Coyotes
Toronto Star-- Coyotes judge to hear case for mediation
Hamilton Spectator/CP-- Judge Baum orders another hearing in Coyotes bankruptcy case
Arizona Republic-- Judge to weigh Coyotes mediation
The Judge issued his call to court on Monday, that after yet a new development in the case which saw Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk give the NHL one of those oh, oh damage control time moments.
Mr. Melnyk, while appearing last week on the Bob McCown program Prime Time Sports on The Fan 590 and Rogers Sportsnet, offered up his interpretation of NHL affairs that he as an owner had the right to block any move into his territory, in effect he claims a veto, and by that declaration he appears to have pulled the NHL itself back into the debate of whether they hold a veto right over home territories, something they denied in court.
Bill Daly the Deputy Commissioner of the NHL stuck to that talking point with his appearance on the McCown program on Monday, suggesting that there is no veto in effect in the NHL, while providing his interpretation, (or is that spin?) of what Mr Melnyk meant to say.
It's thought that the legal representatives of the NHL may get a chance to explain that whole veto thing again with the Judge on Wednesday, with Judge Baum anxious we are sure to hear more about what can and can't be done with an NHL franchise.
The Balsillie camp is hoping to introduce that bit of radio drama into the discussion, hopeful that the veto issue, may provide some impact on the deliberations of the judge as he weighs which offer, the Balsille group or the NHL should gain custody of the unwanted collection of hockey waifs known as the Coyotes.
While that drama plays out in court, the waifs are busy on the ice having recently hosted a home exhibition game against the Los Angeles Kings. That game perhaps providing the most damning evidence of the NHL's struggles in Phoenix, with all the talk of bankruptcy, potential relocation and dysfunction of the desert, attendance was hovering around 2,000 fans, most of whom apparently couldn't find anything else to do and took in the pre season game.
To put that number into perspective, that's slightly more than the Hockeyville crowd of Terrace BC, last week, which featured a game between the Islanders and Canucks.
.
For those without a handy almanac at the moment, the Metropolitan area population of Phoenix is 4,281,899, of which 4,279,899 apparently aren't much in the way of hockey fans.
Terrace's metropolitan population is a little less than 18,000 and that on a good day when the U haul rentals are slow, but judging by the turnout there last week, pro rated to population, Terrace is by far a more worthy candidate for a professional hockey team than Phoenix appears to be.
Hmmm, maybe when all is said and done, the judge will send the team north, but to the Northwest and not the northeast...
.
Globe and Mail-- Judge orders hearing on Coyotes
Globe and Mail-- Balsillie tries to strengthen case
National Post-- Judge orders emergency hearing on Coyotes
Toronto Star-- Coyotes judge to hear case for mediation
Hamilton Spectator/CP-- Judge Baum orders another hearing in Coyotes bankruptcy case
Arizona Republic-- Judge to weigh Coyotes mediation
.
Cross posted from HockeyNation
Podunk Below the Masthead, Monday, September 21, 2009
An exercise in environmental awareness, building a better Northwest through the Port and resource issues dominate the news for a Monday.
FRONT PAGE, HEADLINE STORY
A SPILL DRILL IN PRINCE RUPERT HARBOUR-- A training exercise and simulation of an upcoming salvage operation will be featured in Prince Rupert harbour at the end of September, as The Western Canada Marine Response Corporation showcases its abilities and readiness to handle any environmental emergencies (Daily News Archives )
The Port of Prince Rupert is being portrayed as a potential catalyst for turning around the economy of the northwest when the recovery from the recession takes hold, a senior representative of the Bank of Canada outlined some of the positive possibilities last week (Daily News Archives)
The Cops for Cancer ride came to its conclusion last week with a wet but welcome arrival ceremony at Mariners Park, participants in this years ride, raised over 160,000 dollars for their cause (Daily News Archives)
Prince Rupert's centennial year breaks out in song as some local musicians and vocalists contribute their talents for a centennial CD set to be produced in October (Daily News Archives)
The Sports section featured a review of the weekend's Flag football action as well as a preview of the upcoming season for the Rupert Rapids swim team.
CBC Northern BC, Daybreak North
A Mighty Wind
The Highs and Lows of Natural Gas
A pair of resource oriented issues highlighted the CBC Radio News cycle on Monday, a look at how the electrification of the Highway 37 corridor could provide for wind power development for the Tahltan (listen to the audio report here), Daybreak North also featured a discussion on what the future of Natural gas in Northern BC may be (listen to the audio report here)
.
Front page, headline story
A Spill Drill in Prince Rupert Harbour
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Prince Rupert Daily News
Monday, September 21, 2009
Prince Rupert Harbour will be the focus of an oil spill drill on September 30 and October 1.
Western Canada Marine Response Corporation/Burrard Clean Operations will coordinate equipment and resources to handle a 10,000 tonne clean up, using both Canadian and American resources.
The exercise, said WCMRC manager Robert Stromdahl, will demonstrate the company's ability to respond to a large oil spill and will simulate an actual salvage operation of the U.S. Army transport vessel, Brigadier General M.G. Zalinkski, scheduled for spring 2010.
The Zalinski was used during both world wars and sank during a storm in 1946 in Grenville Channel in the Inside Passage. The Canadian Coast Guard will lead the salvage operation.
Holding the simulation exercise eight months in advance of the actual salvage will give WCMRC, CCG, community stakeholders and all other Canadian Government agencies a chance to evaluate and, if necessary, enhance their contingency plan.
"We will be the response organization on standby when they do the salvage should there be an oil release," said Stromdahl of the Zalinski salvage. Along with a cargo of munitions, army trucks and lumber that sunk with the ship, it is estimated 700 to 800 tonnes of Bunker C (fuel oil) is still inside the vessel.
WCMRC is required by Transport Canada to demonstrate that it is capable of handling oil spills within its Geographic Area of Response and must renew its certification every three years.
Stromdahl participated in a 10,000 tonne exercise 12 years ago and several small exercises, when he was in the oil handling business, but this will be the first time that he will be on the coordination side of the exercise.
The "10,000 tonne table-top exercise" will run for 36 hours and, while participating personnel have been notified, it won't be until the actual day of the exercise that operational assignments and details will be announced.
Part of the exercise's design is meant to help determine the company's readiness to respond to an oil spill in a remote area and assess its ability to mobilize from Vancouver and establish a command post in Prince Rupert.
"It is an expensive endeavour and picking Prince Rupert as the location is more costly - but Transport Canada realizes that oil could spill anywhere. Oil doesn't know territorial boundaries. A spill could come over the 54th parallel no problem," said Stromdahl, Stromdahl seems to be taking it all in stride and said he's excited that the exercise is taking place in Prince Rupert Harbour.
"There are going to be U.S. vessels and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Canadian Coast Guard is bringing the Provo Willis and our own oil response vehicle Eagle Bay will be involved," he added.
Standing inside the company's 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse on Drydock Road, Stromdahl indicated the trailers in the compound outside contain an absorbent boom, a 24 Absorbent GP boom and a larger boom for stormy weather called a Kepner Boom.
And while there won't be any real oil spilled into the water on October 1 some groups in the past have used things like puffed rice and little plastic balls. This time around though, personnel participating in the exercise will have to imagine that there's oil there.
Dave Zroback and Don Piche have been working with Stromdahl since September 2008 and have several years experience being on the Fishermen's Oil Spill Emergency Team, prior to working for WCMRC.
Both men worked on the Queen of the North spill in March 2006 and an oil spill in Squamish in August 2006 when a freighter hit pilings and dumped fuel into the water.
Zroback also attended a 700,000 litre oil spill in Lake Wabamum, Ab. caused when a train derailed in August 2005.
When he travelled to the derailment spill, he took along an 18 ft. aluminum workboat built in Prince Rupert by Broadwater for use in the clean up.
"It's a good job," Zroback said. "You're meeting lots of people and helping the environment, obviously, but also staying in touch with fishermen. I like being outside, travelling up and down the coast. It's coast-wide - we can be called out at anytime."
"There are 20,000 km of B.C. west coastline mapped out by the Ministry of Environment and 22,300 of that is our responsibility, but we have a large contingency behind us and other contracts.
Washington State and Alaska can come and work with us," Stromdahl noted.
The staff has visited the Haida Gwaii, Shearwater and First Nations communities to do exercises and will be doing additional training October 5 and 6 in Massett. In June they finished certifying 21 new people in Oil Spill Response.
FRONT PAGE, HEADLINE STORY
A SPILL DRILL IN PRINCE RUPERT HARBOUR-- A training exercise and simulation of an upcoming salvage operation will be featured in Prince Rupert harbour at the end of September, as The Western Canada Marine Response Corporation showcases its abilities and readiness to handle any environmental emergencies (Daily News Archives )
The Port of Prince Rupert is being portrayed as a potential catalyst for turning around the economy of the northwest when the recovery from the recession takes hold, a senior representative of the Bank of Canada outlined some of the positive possibilities last week (Daily News Archives)
The Cops for Cancer ride came to its conclusion last week with a wet but welcome arrival ceremony at Mariners Park, participants in this years ride, raised over 160,000 dollars for their cause (Daily News Archives)
Prince Rupert's centennial year breaks out in song as some local musicians and vocalists contribute their talents for a centennial CD set to be produced in October (Daily News Archives)
The Sports section featured a review of the weekend's Flag football action as well as a preview of the upcoming season for the Rupert Rapids swim team.
CBC Northern BC, Daybreak North
A Mighty Wind
The Highs and Lows of Natural Gas
A pair of resource oriented issues highlighted the CBC Radio News cycle on Monday, a look at how the electrification of the Highway 37 corridor could provide for wind power development for the Tahltan (listen to the audio report here), Daybreak North also featured a discussion on what the future of Natural gas in Northern BC may be (listen to the audio report here)
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Front page, headline story
A Spill Drill in Prince Rupert Harbour
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Prince Rupert Daily News
Monday, September 21, 2009
Prince Rupert Harbour will be the focus of an oil spill drill on September 30 and October 1.
Western Canada Marine Response Corporation/Burrard Clean Operations will coordinate equipment and resources to handle a 10,000 tonne clean up, using both Canadian and American resources.
The exercise, said WCMRC manager Robert Stromdahl, will demonstrate the company's ability to respond to a large oil spill and will simulate an actual salvage operation of the U.S. Army transport vessel, Brigadier General M.G. Zalinkski, scheduled for spring 2010.
The Zalinski was used during both world wars and sank during a storm in 1946 in Grenville Channel in the Inside Passage. The Canadian Coast Guard will lead the salvage operation.
Holding the simulation exercise eight months in advance of the actual salvage will give WCMRC, CCG, community stakeholders and all other Canadian Government agencies a chance to evaluate and, if necessary, enhance their contingency plan.
"We will be the response organization on standby when they do the salvage should there be an oil release," said Stromdahl of the Zalinski salvage. Along with a cargo of munitions, army trucks and lumber that sunk with the ship, it is estimated 700 to 800 tonnes of Bunker C (fuel oil) is still inside the vessel.
WCMRC is required by Transport Canada to demonstrate that it is capable of handling oil spills within its Geographic Area of Response and must renew its certification every three years.
Stromdahl participated in a 10,000 tonne exercise 12 years ago and several small exercises, when he was in the oil handling business, but this will be the first time that he will be on the coordination side of the exercise.
The "10,000 tonne table-top exercise" will run for 36 hours and, while participating personnel have been notified, it won't be until the actual day of the exercise that operational assignments and details will be announced.
Part of the exercise's design is meant to help determine the company's readiness to respond to an oil spill in a remote area and assess its ability to mobilize from Vancouver and establish a command post in Prince Rupert.
"It is an expensive endeavour and picking Prince Rupert as the location is more costly - but Transport Canada realizes that oil could spill anywhere. Oil doesn't know territorial boundaries. A spill could come over the 54th parallel no problem," said Stromdahl, Stromdahl seems to be taking it all in stride and said he's excited that the exercise is taking place in Prince Rupert Harbour.
"There are going to be U.S. vessels and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Canadian Coast Guard is bringing the Provo Willis and our own oil response vehicle Eagle Bay will be involved," he added.
Standing inside the company's 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse on Drydock Road, Stromdahl indicated the trailers in the compound outside contain an absorbent boom, a 24 Absorbent GP boom and a larger boom for stormy weather called a Kepner Boom.
And while there won't be any real oil spilled into the water on October 1 some groups in the past have used things like puffed rice and little plastic balls. This time around though, personnel participating in the exercise will have to imagine that there's oil there.
Dave Zroback and Don Piche have been working with Stromdahl since September 2008 and have several years experience being on the Fishermen's Oil Spill Emergency Team, prior to working for WCMRC.
Both men worked on the Queen of the North spill in March 2006 and an oil spill in Squamish in August 2006 when a freighter hit pilings and dumped fuel into the water.
Zroback also attended a 700,000 litre oil spill in Lake Wabamum, Ab. caused when a train derailed in August 2005.
When he travelled to the derailment spill, he took along an 18 ft. aluminum workboat built in Prince Rupert by Broadwater for use in the clean up.
"It's a good job," Zroback said. "You're meeting lots of people and helping the environment, obviously, but also staying in touch with fishermen. I like being outside, travelling up and down the coast. It's coast-wide - we can be called out at anytime."
"There are 20,000 km of B.C. west coastline mapped out by the Ministry of Environment and 22,300 of that is our responsibility, but we have a large contingency behind us and other contracts.
Washington State and Alaska can come and work with us," Stromdahl noted.
The staff has visited the Haida Gwaii, Shearwater and First Nations communities to do exercises and will be doing additional training October 5 and 6 in Massett. In June they finished certifying 21 new people in Oil Spill Response.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Consultation before consummation, another seat at the table at Watson Island?
"We could make it pretty miserable for them, but it's not in our best interests to do that. What we want is economic development there that will benefit the whole region," -- John Helin, Chief Counsellor with the Lax Kw'alaams band offering up a few words of caution over the upcoming deadline for Watson Island.
Having watched the pulp mill and industrial lands of Watson Island decay and the value of the infrastructure there decline, The Allied Tsimshian Tribes 0f Lax Kw'alaams and Metlakatla have weighed in on the debate over the future of Prince Rupert's most talked about parcel of industrial land.
Having watched the pulp mill and industrial lands of Watson Island decay and the value of the infrastructure there decline, The Allied Tsimshian Tribes 0f Lax Kw'alaams and Metlakatla have weighed in on the debate over the future of Prince Rupert's most talked about parcel of industrial land.
With the mill set to be returned to the City of Prince Rupert on September 29th unless a new buyer pops up this week, the First Nations group has issued an advisory that any potential new investors should be prepared to consult with them, perhaps a file that Herb Pond, the former Prince Rupert Mayor and current administrative officer at Lax Kw'alaams might have some knowledge and input for.
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The request for consultation is an item of interest for the City of Prince Rupert which is hopeful of turning the site into a financial asset as opposed to it's current status of a liability and perhaps, fingers crossed and all of that, somehow recouping on some of those lost taxes over the years. One imagines that this request for consultation is something that they have built into their contingency plans, now that it seems that all that remains between them and a return of the keys is but seven days.
The Allied Tsimshian Tribes have capsulized quite succinctly some points that many in the region have on their minds over the site, the state of the land and buildings both from a structural and a environmental point of view, no doubt with an eye on how the current condition of the land and surrounding water may impact on traditional activities.
The other point that they have brought up is one that will resonate with all citizens of the region, that being what surprises may come our way if yet another foreign interest should make a successful bid on the operation of the mill site.
Interestingly enough, Monday's developments come on the heels of last week's announcement that Lax Kw'alaams was preparing their own bid with a mystery partner to take over the property at Watson Island, a move that the City suggested was more in the discussion phase than an actual moving document.
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The most recent shot across the bow, may be part of that process or part of a larger move to make sure that their interests are protected in any future developments.
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In effect, the Allied Tribes of the Tsimshian are asking for some consultation, before any consummation of a finished deal to sell the site to yet another investor.
The Chief Counsellor outlined his thoughts on the ongoing developments at Watson Island as part of an article in the Monday edition of the Vancouver Sun.
While other ports falter, Fairview keeps the Freight moving along and increasing it's numbers…
The Port of Prince Rupert’s container port at Fairview has just recorded a fairly successful jump in throughput over the course of the last year. And that success has caught the eye of an influential transportation publication, the Cunningham Report.
In an article posted today to its website, the publication relays the positive numbers coming out of Fairview, comparing the July 2008 to July 2009 movements which show that movements through the Port of Prince Rupert are up by 26.7 per cent, while the August numbers have moved upwards even more, with a jump of 39.2 percent.
It has provided for the first year to year comparison since the economic retraction of last year, a seismic event in the world of transportation that has seen double digit decline in many of the gateways of North America.
The fact that the Rupert port has remained in positive territory during the course of the economic malaise, certainly indicates that what they have to offer is finding willing participants.
And that footprint that the port now has, should bode well for the recovery phase of the economy once the economic uncertainty of our current time frame has passed.
The full story from the Cunningham report is available online (click here)
In an article posted today to its website, the publication relays the positive numbers coming out of Fairview, comparing the July 2008 to July 2009 movements which show that movements through the Port of Prince Rupert are up by 26.7 per cent, while the August numbers have moved upwards even more, with a jump of 39.2 percent.
It has provided for the first year to year comparison since the economic retraction of last year, a seismic event in the world of transportation that has seen double digit decline in many of the gateways of North America.
The fact that the Rupert port has remained in positive territory during the course of the economic malaise, certainly indicates that what they have to offer is finding willing participants.
And that footprint that the port now has, should bode well for the recovery phase of the economy once the economic uncertainty of our current time frame has passed.
The full story from the Cunningham report is available online (click here)
It's the economy (September 21, 2009)
Mr. Ignatieff's financial plan, Elton says piracy is bad and there's always the risk of another stock market surprise, some of the items of interest for a Monday.
Globe and Mail-- New life blows into wind sector
Globe and Mail-- Dell strikes deal for Perot Systems
Globe and Mail-- Buy GICs. Only GICs
National Post-- Canada banks seen with massive pot for buys
National Post-- Workers at GM, Suzuki joint venture accept contract
National Post-- Ignatieff's economic policy revealed. Feelin' lucky?
New York Times-- Reform or Bust
New York Times-- Dell Expands Services in $3.9 Billion Perot Deal
New York Times-- Congressional Report Says A.I.G. Has Stabilized
Times online UK-- Pound slips on Bank of England warning
Times online UK-- OECD calls for Europe-wide financial supervision
Times online UK-- Economic policymakers should sit tight until 2011
Times online UK-- Time to stop being chicken and talk about China
Telegraph online UK-- BoE's Andrew Sentance warns Britain's recovery at risk from rising energy prices
Telegraph online UK-- Sterling falls against dollar and euro after BoE report highlights UK's economic imbalances
Telegraph online UK--
Guardian UK-- Siberians sell coal to the Welsh
Guardian UK-- Sir Elton John backs measures to crackdown on music piracy
Guardian UK-- Land Securities beefs up cash reserves by selling £210m Bullring stake
The Scotsman-- G20 leaders at sea in the Wonderland of bonuses
The Scotsman-- RBS sounds out backers on further cash call
Sydney Morning Herald-- Qantas ex-boss paid $11m
Sydney Morning Herald-- Talisman turns on the charm for PNG LNG
Sydney Morning Herald-- No country for young men
People's Daily on line-- Party demands full asset disclosure to curb graft
People's Daily on line-- 15 firms named, shamed for poor sense of social responsibility
The Times of India-- Pranab reviews Air India makeover plan
The Times of India-- Risk of another Lehman Brothers still looms: Moody's
Globe and Mail-- New life blows into wind sector
Globe and Mail-- Dell strikes deal for Perot Systems
Globe and Mail-- Buy GICs. Only GICs
National Post-- Canada banks seen with massive pot for buys
National Post-- Workers at GM, Suzuki joint venture accept contract
National Post-- Ignatieff's economic policy revealed. Feelin' lucky?
New York Times-- Reform or Bust
New York Times-- Dell Expands Services in $3.9 Billion Perot Deal
New York Times-- Congressional Report Says A.I.G. Has Stabilized
Times online UK-- Pound slips on Bank of England warning
Times online UK-- OECD calls for Europe-wide financial supervision
Times online UK-- Economic policymakers should sit tight until 2011
Times online UK-- Time to stop being chicken and talk about China
Telegraph online UK-- BoE's Andrew Sentance warns Britain's recovery at risk from rising energy prices
Telegraph online UK-- Sterling falls against dollar and euro after BoE report highlights UK's economic imbalances
Telegraph online UK--
Guardian UK-- Siberians sell coal to the Welsh
Guardian UK-- Sir Elton John backs measures to crackdown on music piracy
Guardian UK-- Land Securities beefs up cash reserves by selling £210m Bullring stake
The Scotsman-- G20 leaders at sea in the Wonderland of bonuses
The Scotsman-- RBS sounds out backers on further cash call
Sydney Morning Herald-- Qantas ex-boss paid $11m
Sydney Morning Herald-- Talisman turns on the charm for PNG LNG
Sydney Morning Herald-- No country for young men
People's Daily on line-- Party demands full asset disclosure to curb graft
People's Daily on line-- 15 firms named, shamed for poor sense of social responsibility
The Times of India-- Pranab reviews Air India makeover plan
The Times of India-- Risk of another Lehman Brothers still looms: Moody's
Sidney sends out some signals
“As for where it goes, I have no idea, but I really like the way that some players are starting to speak up, a guy like Sidney.”-- NHLPA and Calgary Flame player representative Robyn Regehr, expressing his reaction to some comments from Sidney Crosby over recent NHLPA events.
As one of the more high profile players of the game today, Sidney Crosby is starting to find his way as one of the leaders of this era. Like Gretzky and Lemieux and others before, he doesn't seem to come across as controversial, in fact he's of that same mould it seems, aloof on the issues, but certainly not dis-interested.
So it was of some importance to note his entrance to the discussion over the fate of Paul Kelly the most recent President of the NHLPA who was dismissed from his job August 31st, following an all night session of what came across as some kind of NHLPA midnight Star Chamber.
Taking a cue from his agent Pat Brisson, Crosby outlined what he and no doubt many other NHL players are thinking of this entire episode, the need for more information to flow to the players as to why such drastic steps were deemed necessary in the middle of the night.
Crosby and the rest of the players in the NHLPA not on the executive boards and such have good cause to be asking a few questions of their labour leaders. It wasn't all that long ago that the praise was being heaped upon Mr. Kelly over his past experiences with hockey and his thoughts on where the association should be going.
With little in the way of mis-steps made public since he took on the job, many of the players may be wondering how things went so wrong, so fast.
Late last week there was some talk making the rounds that there were moves taking place to reinstate Kelly to his position, but those rumours were refuted pretty quickly as the weekend arrived.
Still, there does seem to be the need for a more comprehensive accounting to the players as to why the steps that were taken were required and exactly where their association is going, especially considering the collective agreement will be up for renegotiation in the coming years.
Crosby may not have been heavily involved in the union politics in the past and it's likely he won't be hands on in the future, but he has waded into the debate it seems and is showing a bit of leadership about a key event for the association.
It will be interesting to see if anyone else comes over the boards as well and whether any of it will have any impact on what seems to be a growing sense of dysfunction at the NHLPA.
Globe and Mail-- Crosby wants answers about Kelly
Toronto Star-- Agents, Sidney Crosby call for answers over Paul Kelly firing
TSN-- Crosby, Blake seek information on Kelly's firing
National Post-- Crosby latest to question Kelly’s dismissal from NHLPA
CBC.ca-- NHLPA turmoil continues after Kelly's firing
ESPN-- Concerns raised about players' union
As one of the more high profile players of the game today, Sidney Crosby is starting to find his way as one of the leaders of this era. Like Gretzky and Lemieux and others before, he doesn't seem to come across as controversial, in fact he's of that same mould it seems, aloof on the issues, but certainly not dis-interested.
So it was of some importance to note his entrance to the discussion over the fate of Paul Kelly the most recent President of the NHLPA who was dismissed from his job August 31st, following an all night session of what came across as some kind of NHLPA midnight Star Chamber.
Taking a cue from his agent Pat Brisson, Crosby outlined what he and no doubt many other NHL players are thinking of this entire episode, the need for more information to flow to the players as to why such drastic steps were deemed necessary in the middle of the night.
Crosby and the rest of the players in the NHLPA not on the executive boards and such have good cause to be asking a few questions of their labour leaders. It wasn't all that long ago that the praise was being heaped upon Mr. Kelly over his past experiences with hockey and his thoughts on where the association should be going.
With little in the way of mis-steps made public since he took on the job, many of the players may be wondering how things went so wrong, so fast.
Late last week there was some talk making the rounds that there were moves taking place to reinstate Kelly to his position, but those rumours were refuted pretty quickly as the weekend arrived.
Still, there does seem to be the need for a more comprehensive accounting to the players as to why the steps that were taken were required and exactly where their association is going, especially considering the collective agreement will be up for renegotiation in the coming years.
Crosby may not have been heavily involved in the union politics in the past and it's likely he won't be hands on in the future, but he has waded into the debate it seems and is showing a bit of leadership about a key event for the association.
It will be interesting to see if anyone else comes over the boards as well and whether any of it will have any impact on what seems to be a growing sense of dysfunction at the NHLPA.
Globe and Mail-- Crosby wants answers about Kelly
Toronto Star-- Agents, Sidney Crosby call for answers over Paul Kelly firing
TSN-- Crosby, Blake seek information on Kelly's firing
National Post-- Crosby latest to question Kelly’s dismissal from NHLPA
CBC.ca-- NHLPA turmoil continues after Kelly's firing
ESPN-- Concerns raised about players' union
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Cross posted from the HockeyNation blog
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