PLIGHT OF PUBLIC SERVICE PENSIONERS

PUBLISHED IN THE SOUTHERN GAZETTE NEWSPAPER 8 JUNE 2010 AS: THE PLIGHT OF PUBLIC SERVICE PENSIONERS

To: Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance

Mr. Marshall,

My Father, Robert Brentnall, was a Public Servant with the Department of Highways until he retired.

Due to an unannounced government decision that would cease the automatic Cost of Living indexing for pensions, their union did not stipulate it within the Bargaining Agreement due to it being thought of as “automatic”. If our government had stated at that time that they intended to cease the indexing, the contract would have been renegotiated to include cost of living increases. Unfortunately, no one understood the consequences, so nothing was done.

When my father passed away in 2002, my mother continued on receiving his pension and has been trying to survive on $1300 per month. It has caused great hardship and the family has helped her out so she can maintain her home and vehicle that is needed for daily living.

Over the past year, I have seen people who did not work for the Provincial Government receive Severance Pay when the Mill in Grand Falls-Windsor closed and that money was provided utilizing Public Funds, funds that could have been used to update and index the pensions of our retired Public Servants. Public funds were also used to help Kruger Pulp and Paper maintain it's mill, again, nothing to do with Public Service. Hundreds of millions more public funds are being lost on the AbitibiBowater expropriation at the Grand Falls-Windsor mill and still more millions to clean up other sites. Billion's are being spent on the Lower Churchill Project which is in danger of being just another dam on a river if a negotiation cannot be settled to allow the power to flow to buyers.

Yet, the people who spent a lifetime providing safe highways, snowplows, fixing potholes, and keeping our province moving, are being denied a simple cost of living increase in order to allow them to live out the rest of their natural lives knowing they were appreciated by the government they worked for.

Is your government going to take affirmative action on behalf of our Public Service Pensioners who were mislead in 1989, and apply cost of living indexing to the pensions for those affected by the government’s decision at that time?


//signed//
Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT

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RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT

Many politicians make reference to being a part of Responsible Government, a term used to represent a governing party doing what is right for the people it represents.

Premier Danny Williams, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, currently is responsible for providing Responsible Government in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Yet, the Premier has performed, participated in, or allowed the following irresponsible actions to occur on his watch:

- He has pulled the Canadian Flag from the Confederation Building (comparable with burning our National Ensign);

- He has made religiously based, derogatory comments towards a former Nun of the Roman Catholic Church in the House of Assembly;

- He has expropriated property, costing NL nearly $1 Billion;

- He has utilized a foreign healthcare system for an operation that was available in Canada and openly lied to the people of NL during a news interview stating that the operation was not offered in Canada;

- He has caused Hydro Electric projects in Labrador to fail due to being aggressive in his negotiations with another Province of Canada and then blaming it on a partial, bias Justice System in that Province and not on the technical failures in the law suit itself;

- He was outspoken when dealing with the NL Healthcare System and stated in the news that Laboratory Technicians “Should be Shot” for a mix up in testing;

- He has lost respect with the Province’s Nurses during contract negotiation;

- He has lost respect with the Province’s Doctors during contract negotiations;

- He did not remove the Minister of Health and Community Services from that portfolio when he stated that he was not confident in the healthcare system that his government provides but refused to fix the same problems that he perceived being wrong; and

- He did not discipline a Member of the PC Caucus who stated in the House of Assembly that it was not a government’s responsibility to provide a Healthy and Nurturing Society. He went on to say that “It is not a share and share alike” system of government.

All of these things, with the exception of the first listed, happened in the past year while still maintaining a very high confidence rating in the polls.

Is Premier Williams still effective and providing Responsible Government? You be the judge.

Bob Ridgley's Idea Of Government

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Recently, MHA Bob Ridgley, who represents St. John’s North, gave a startling speech in the House of Assembly regarding the “communal” statement of Lorraine Michael, Leader of the NDP.

In his statement, Ridgley said “She went on to say, Mr. Speaker, 'It is the job of elected government to make sure that the communal pot is shared so everyone is living in a healthy and nurturing society.' An ideal, Mr. Speaker, worthy, I suppose, of us pursuing, that everyone would share equally from the communal pot. We remember the days of communism, Mr. Speaker, and I suppose, if you want to pursue that, it may be a worthwhile ideal that we are all equal, but I do not think, in reality, it is a realistic philosophy for the society in which we live. It is not a share and share alike. There is no element, I suppose, of Robin Hood in it: rob the rich and give to the poor.”

Bob my boy, why do you think we have a government made up of elected officials and not made up of only the rich and powerful? We elect government to do exactly what Lorraine Michael stated: To make sure that the communal pot is shared so everyone is living in a healthy and nurturing society. Otherwise we would live in a country comparable to Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, to name but a few.

In your biography, I noted that you were an Educator of children, a School Principal, and had extensive public involvement. A person with your outlook on life and what you believe a politician and government should do is not only deplorable, but damaging to those who hear your opinions! Your statement is within the realm of a Dictator and I cannot believe you were actually being given a Cheer and not a Jeer for your comments by our lead newspaper in the province, the Telegram.

We are being lead down the garden path by those who try to relate Responsible Government with Communism. The fact of the matter is our government is singing the praises of Democracy yet following the ideals of a Capitalist Dictatorship and this is causing most Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to be left to the wolves.

Tommy Douglas, the first leader of the NDP, lead initiatives such as Healthcare, Unemployment Insurance, Central Banking, and Old Age Pension. Lorraine Michael is following in his footsteps and continuing to provide for all citizens, not just those of pomp and privilege.

Bob Ridgley is a sad little man who believes he is better than us, above us, and he probably taught your children the same when he was a teacher.

It’s time for the people of St. John’s North and NL to show the government who is really King: The People!


//signed//
Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

Kruger Mill in Corner Brook, NL

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Mr. Premier:

In the news across Canada today I noticed several articles on Kruger and their cutbacks in two Quebec mills that will affect 440 workers.

Given the fact that your government has invested $15 Million of taxpayer’s money into Kruger Corner Brook, are there plans by Kruger to make cuts at the Corner Brook mill similar to those in Quebec?

As well, can you confirm that an Environmental Assessment is planned for the Kruger site? We are currently learning a painful lesson on the environmental damage at the Grand Falls-Windsor site of the AbitibiBowater Mill and we cannot afford to lose another dollar to cleanups and misappropriation of assets.

Thank you in advance.

Robin Brentnall
Gambo, NL

http://www.ctv.ca/generic/generated/static/business/article1574241.html

THE WORD "NEWFIE"

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ARE YOU A NEWFIE?

Many Newfoundlander’s get upset when they are referred to as a Newfie. Why? Just because someone told them it’s derogatory? Most Newfoundlander’s don’t even know what derogatory means because we take everything with a grain of salt, except our food, which gets lots of salt!

We are known for our colourful language, beautiful scenery, and acceptance of everyone. When someone calls me a Newfie, I know it is because they know I’m from Newfoundland, they are my friend and understand what kind of people Newfie’s are.

For those who do not agree with me, that’s ok, I understand. But remember this, if Newfoundland was ever being recognized for the kind, loving people we are anywhere in the world, and all of the “Newfie’s” were asked to stand up, would you? I bet you would and would be proud to be distinguished as a Newfie from the others in that place.

Here is another question: Do we rename our famous train from "Newfie Bullet" to "Newfoundland Bullet", Roy Payne's song from "Goofy Newfie" to "Funny Newfoundlander", or maybe the words to Simani's song "Saltwater Cowboy" from "you're still just a Newfie in a Calgary hat" to "you're still just a Newfoundlander in a Calgary hat"?

Get over it. Newfoundlanders are Newfie's, Newf's, By's, and whatever other friendly term we may be called. But if you put "Stupid" in front of any of those, that is an insult to all Newfoundlander's.

I love being a NEWFIE and I am damn proud of! Not everyone in this country can wear that distinction. Oh Lard Tunderin’, we’z a Distinct Society. Now how’z about dat by’s?

Robin Brentnall

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PRIVATIZED HEALTHCARE?

PUBLISHED IN THE GULF NEWS NEWSPAPER 31 MAY 2010 AS: HEALTHCARE DELIVERY MUST BE SIMPLIFIED

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In 1983, I went away to work, like everyone else during the tough years. Newfoundland and Labrador had high unemployment, tough times in the fisheries, logging was not profitable, fuel prices for cars and heating oil were high, government was in deficit, the poor were getting poorer and big business was still paying little or no taxes due to “employing” people and keeping work in the province. However, even with all of that, healthcare was still available on a walk-in basis in my hometown and you could drink the water out of the tap.

In 2008, I retired from the Canadian military and could not wait to return to the Rock and resume my life in the “HAVE” province, under the leadership of Danny Williams, hero of the common Newfoundlander and Labradorian.

Things had changed in NL over the 25 years that I was away. We had high unemployment, tough times in the fisheries, logging was not profitable, fuel prices for cars and heating oil were high, government was in deficit, the poor were getting poorer and big business was still paying little or no taxes due to “employing” people and keeping work in the province, and we had oil. However, I was very dismayed to find that Healthcare was in ruins due to fighting between the Government and Nurses, and I could not access my doctor unless I had an appointment, which was normally 3 weeks down the road. To add to this, I could not confidently drink the tap water due to Boil Orders being frequently advised.

I began to wonder: Why are the people of this province believing that things are better then they were? In my view, from what I had witnessed in my travels, things in NL were worst than ever, except for the Avalon, things were booming there.

I had requested to give a presentation to the Department of Health and Community Services on how we could administer healthcare in rural communities that would not cost anymore than we were spending now. The Minister of Health rejected the presentation, even before it was given, stating that it was too simple. I fought and won another chance to give the presentation, however, it was cancelled the day before it was scheduled and at that same time, our Doctors were being ostracized for wanting a contract that was “over the top”, according to our Premier, who coincidentally does not use our healthcare.

If our healthcare is going to succeed, we need to simplify its delivery. A two-hour window should be open in every rural medical clinic to provide walk-in service. This will allow patients to see their doctor when they are sick, not 2-3 weeks afterwards. It would reduce wait times at Emergency Rooms due to fewer people being required to travel the highways when they could see their own doctor.

I believe people who are looking to make healthcare profitable, just as it is in the United States, are intentionally demolishing our healthcare system in order to Privatize Healthcare. A very high percentage of residents of NL would never qualify for Healthcare Insurance due to their health history. The only winners in this situation will be Insurance companies and government.

HEALTHCARE PROPOSAL FOR RURAL NL

PUBLISHED ON CBC NEWS 22 MARCH 2010 AS: CALL FOR CENTRAL NL WALK-IN CLINICS

This is the presentation that the government cancelled because it was proposed by a New Democratic Party Candidate.

What do you think?

http://www.scribd.com/doc/30984488/Newfoundland-and-Labrador-Rural-Medical-Clinic-Proposal

A man who's been fighting for more walk-in medical clinics in central Newfoundland says he's disappointed that the government doesn't seem receptive to the idea.

Robin Brentnall was supposed to pitch his idea to Health Minister Jerome Kennedy at a meeting Monday.

However, on Friday, Brentnall was told the meeting was cancelled.

He says people in the area often face a long drive to the nearest hospital.

"For sicknesses, flus, ailments, to have to get up and dress and drive, you know, an hour on a snowy winter road to go in and sit in Gander or Clarenville in the hospital for four or five hours waiting in line in the emergency room is crazy," said Brentnall.

He said he's not going to give up on the idea and will keep lobbying government to listen to his concerns.

LEWISPORTE DISTRICT MHA SUPPORTS BASHING OF FORMER NUN

PUBLISHED IN THE TELEGRAM NEWSPAPER 1 JUNE 2010 AS: HOW ABOUT THAT APOLOGY

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When asked to support a request to have the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador apologize in the House of Assembly for comments directed at the Leader of the New Democratic Party, Lorraine Michael (a former Nun), Wade Verge, PC MHA for Lewisporte District stated "I will not do as you have requested".

Mr. Verge states that he is a member of a local Church in Lewisporte and also said "I have accused some people of being "Holier than thou" in some situations. This expression, in my mind is an expression of disgust with a self righteous attitude being portrayed by an individual."

It should be noted that Lorraine Michael was asking a legitimate question during Question Period in the House of Assembly when Premier Danny Williams berated her and slung slurs of "Sermon on the Mount" and "Holier Than Thou" directly at Ms. Michael.

When asked if he would ask his Church fellowship what they thought of his decision, Mr. Verge would not comment.

Robin Brentnall

House Apology Needed

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Members of the House of Assembly:

As you are aware, Premier Williams had attacked the Leader of the NDP, Lorraine Michael, by patronizing her former career by making statements of "Sermon on the Mount" and "Holyer Than Thou" in a session of the House of Assembly. Having been sworn in and informed of the conduct that is acceptable and unacceptable in the House, I ask you to stand on Monday, 3 May 2010, and request the Premier apologize to Lorraine Michael for using religious comments to a former Nun of the Roman Catholic Church.

For those of you who believe that Clergy have no place in the politics, let me give you a history lesson on the man voted "The Greatest Canadian", Tommy Douglas, a Baptist Minister.

During his 42 years in politics, Tommy Douglas proved himself as an outstanding Canadian leader. He is largely responsible for our central banking, old age pensions, unemployment insurance, and our universal Medicare. When asked why he stayed with NDP when he could have done better with a more powerful party, Douglas simply replied, "I have watched politicians for the last forty years drop their principles in order to get power only to find that those who paid and controlled the party which they joined prevented them from all the things they really believed in."³To the end of his days Tommy Douglas was true to himself, to what he stood for, and to the people he represented. (Taken from an article written by Kevin Wong, Winner of the Norm Quan Bursary)

As you can see, Clergy have the People in mind when it comes to politics, as does Lorraine Michael and indeed Marshall Dean.

I have included in this e-mail all of the NL media and invite them to witness this show of solidarity for the Rules of the House of Assembly. Governments may change, Premiers will change, but the respect for the House of Assembly is what keeps our Province in good hands. Failing to follow the rules can only lead to anarchy.

Thank you in advance.

Robin Brentnall