Rick Dykstra site syndication http://www.rickdykstra.ca Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:48:20 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.rickdykstra.ca/images/M_images/mambo_rss.png http://www.rickdykstra.ca Rick Dykstra site syndication http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2130&Itemid=50 [Karena Walter Standard Staff] (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2746397) It didn't take long for Cmdr. John Zorz to emerge from an inflatable boat and make a beeline for the veterans lining the west pier in Port Dalhousie. The St. Catharines native was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers as he pulled to the dock around noon, his 134-metre Canadian warship HMCS Fredericton visible farther offshore. Oh wonderful, he said as the president of Niagara's Royal Canadian Naval Association, Derek Tidd, presented him with 250 pins for the crew marking the navy's centennial. It is a great celebration here, 100 years of our naval service. I will wear this pin proudly. The frigate with Zorz at the helm is on tour in the Great Lakes to promote the navy during its anniversary. But the Fredericton has seen more dangerous waters. The ship and its crew recently returned from the Gulf of Aden on the eastern coast of Africa, where it was fighting piracy. The life of the ship is all about the sailors, Zorz said to those gathered. He said that between Dec. 1, 2009 and this Dec. 1, the sailors on board would be away from their families for more than eight months. Among them was St. Catharines resident Jonathan Lindal, 27, son of Merritton Coun. Jennie Stevens. Stevens, husband Jim and daughter Sharlotte were at the pier to board the warship unbeknownst to Jonathan, who thought they were busy doing other things. It's kind of a surprise for Jonathan to see us here, Stevens said on the pier. We're looking forward to it right now. Sure enough, when Lindal came ashore on the inflatable with Zorz, he got big, unexpected hugs from his family. It's a nice surprise, he said. Curious ship watchers and military supporters stood on both piers to catch a glimpse of the warship or its commander. Six Royal Canadian Legion branches had uniformed representatives hoisting flags to greet the Fredericton, including branches from Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls, Beamsville and Merritton. We have to support them 100%, said Sergeant at Arms Wayne Rayner, of Branch 612 in Beamsville. We're all brothers. We're all family. The Garrison Community Council of Niagara — a group that tries to foster communication between civilians and the military community — along with Mayor Brian McMullan and MP Rick Dykstra worked to have the ship add Port Dalhousie to its itinerary. Zorz, a Denis Morris High School and Brock University graduate, took command of the ship on June 10 in a ceremony in Halifax. He's been stationed around the country since graduating from university in 1987, but said he still calls St. Catharines, where his sister lives, his hometown. Being a St. Catharines native, it's a great way for me to show citizens what our navy does and what a fine ship that is, he said during the almost hour-long stopover. The warship then headed to Hamilton, where it's docking for four days and allowing civilians to board. Zorz said people are often pleased to see how professional, educated and knowledgeable the crew is. I don't think people necessarily realize how each member of the crew is needed to run a ship like that, he said, adding it's a complex process. The ship fired a gun salute and the veterans on the pier gave the crew three hip hip hoorays. Among them was Larry Gagne of St. Catharines, who served in the navy and army and saw action in the Second World War and Korean War. Without your sacrifice in the Second World War, we wouldn't have been successful, Zorz said, chatting with Gagne during his brief stopover. It's certainly my honour to meet you. kwalter@stcatharinesstandard.ca (mailto:kwalter@stcatharinesstandard.ca) [Click Here] (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2746397) to view article at stcatharinesstandard.ca David Schulz http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2129&Itemid=49 [CNews, Brian Lilley, Parliamentary Bureau] (http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2010/09/05/15253336.html) Canadian officials in Hong Kong uncovered a scam that sold fake wedding packages to try and help would-be immigrants get easier access to Canada. The packages cost about $60,000 each. OTTAWA – A meeting in Paris Monday will focus on cracking down on human smuggling and the international criminal organizations behind it. Canada’s immigration minister, Jason Kenney, will be at the meeting, along with representatives from France, Britain, Italy, Germany and the U.S. The agenda will deal with illegal immigration, border security, human smuggling and refugees. A spokesman for Kenney said the meeting — the first of its kind — will allow Canada to speak with other like-minded countries and share information on the best way to deal with common issues. From Paris, Kenney will travel to India, China and the Philippines to discuss immigration fraud with political leaders. “We are focused on cracking down on widespread immigration fraud and the crooked consultants who make it happen,” Kenney told QMI Agency. “Many of the people that are exploited by crooked consultants live overseas, and that’s why we need the help of foreign governments to crack down on fraudsters and document counterfeiters who take thousands of dollars in exchange for nothing.” David Schulz http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2128&Itemid=49 Just because police chiefs would like a long-gun registry does not make it good public policy or a wise public expenditure. [Globe and Mail] (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/this-registry-doesnt-register/article1696103/) The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police cannot be faulted for their recent unanimous vote in support of the national long-gun registry. Police will understandably always want as much information about those they investigate as they can lay their hands on. It is in the nature of their business. A national fingerprint registry of Canadians would no doubt also be seen as an aid to police work. But just because police chiefs would like a long-gun registry does not make it good public policy or a wise public expenditure. A RCMP evaluation of the Canadian Firearms Program released on Monday also argues for retention of the “full registry,” stating: “It is important for officer and public safety.” How important? While some $2-billion has been spent on the registry, there is no way to accurately deduce the registry's effectiveness in meeting its stated objective of minimizing the public risk from firearms. The RCMP report argues that “universal licensing and registration of firearms create an atmosphere of accountability.” But how does this nebulous “atmosphere” explain the actions of Kimveer Gill, who used three weapons he had legally registered during his rampage at Montreal's Dawson College in 2006? Nor did this sense of accountability prevent Eric Kirkpatrick from using a registered weapon to murder his former boss at a company Christmas party in Vancouver two years ago, or indeed prevent other legally registered guns from being used in homicides, suicides and accidental deaths. There is simply no evidence to support the claim in the report that the knowledge that an individual is “accountable for their firearms and the use of them decreases the likelihood that an individual will misuse, traffic or commit a crime with a firearm.” The RCMP report also argues that “in a call for service or investigation, general duty police officer safety is increased by knowing if firearms are associated to a person or residence.” Certainly that is the view of the police chiefs. But officers surely know that it is generally law-abiding citizens who will trouble to register their weapons, and that dangerous individuals and criminals will generally not bother with the red tape. James Roszko was banned from owning firearms. That fact was available to police. Yet he used three unregistered guns and one registered (but not to him) gun to kill four Mounties at Mayerthorpe, Alta., in 2005. If passed, a vote in Parliament on a Conservative MP's bill to end the long-gun registry would not represent the end of gun control in Canada. Stringent and necessary requirements will remain in place for handguns, and restricted weapons such as automatic rifles. A process that already requires gun owners to be licensed before obtaining a firearm would remain, with safety and background checks required for gun owners. Rules for safe handling and storage of guns will remain in place. What will end is the cost, the red tape and the stigmatization of the “law-abiding duck hunters and farmers,” often cited by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. In the absence of any meaningful evidence of the long-gun registry's efficacy, the program should be ended. [Click Here] (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/this-registry-doesnt-register/article1696103/) to view article at globeandmail.com David Schulz http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2127&Itemid=49 [PETER DOWNS , STANDARD STAFF] (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2743990) The sailboats and yachts that usually dot the waters off Port Dalhousie will have some imposing company Tuesday. Canadian warship HMCS Fredericton will pay a short visit, with its St. Catharines-born commander, John Zorz, at the helm. The 134-metre frigate, in the midst of a tour of the Great Lakes to promote the Canadian Navy during its 100th anniversary, wasn't originally scheduled to stop in Port Dalhousie. But after Zorz was given command of the ship earlier in the summer, local officials began angling for the Fredericton to swing past the commander's home town. The Garrison Community Council of Niagara -- a group that tries to foster communication between civilians and the military community -- worked with Mayor Brian McMullan and MP Rick Dykstra, who helped push for the change in itinerary. This is phenomenal.... It's really a thrill that dur ing the 100th anniversary of the navy that we are receiving this visit at all, said John Richmond, co-chair of the Garrison Community Council and a retired army major. The ship is scheduled to arrive at about 11:45 a.m., but it won't dock at the pier. It will remain offshore and will fire a gun salute. The vessel will be greeted by a Royal Canadian Legion colour party. Zorz is scheduled to come ashore aboard a motor launch and meet briefly with local dignitaries. It's a really neat old naval tradition. It goes back to the days of sail when ships were at sail, Richmond said. McMullan will join Zorz aboard the Fredericton to make the trip to Hamilton, where the ship will remain in the harbour for three days. It's quite an honour to have the visit, McMullan said. We were delighted that the request was granted by the Canadian Navy and that it was able to be arranged. Richmond noted the ship's visit will also have a special local connection for city Coun. Jennie Stevens, whose son is serving aboard the Fredericton. Both piers in Port Dalhousie will offer good vantage points for spectators, but the formalities are set to take place on the west pier. Members of the public will be able to board the ship for tours during its stay in Hamilton from Tuesday to Thursday at Pier 8 West, where it will be docked beside HMCS Haida. pdowns@stcatharinesstandard.ca (mailto:pdowns@stcatharinesstandard.ca) [Click Here] (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2743990) to view article at stcatharinesstandard.ca David Schulz http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2126&Itemid=43 As you can see nothing in St. Catharines is being ignored! Even the steps at City Hall are undergoing new infrastructure investment!! Later, David Schulz http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2125&Itemid=49 [By IAN ROBINSON, CALGARY SUN] (http://www.calgarysun.com/comment/columnists/ian_robinson/2010/08/21/15099546.html) The gun registry — which may be staggering toward an entirely appropriate, ignominious end in September in the House of Commons — is about more than a national firearms policy. And, just as an aside, are there any words in combination that ought to frighten us more than “national policy?” OK, when your personal physician says: “You’re going to feel some pressure,” that’s worse, because “pressure” is doctor code for “I’m going to wear you like a hand puppet for a minute or two.” There’s a reason Kermit the Frog’s voice is so strained. But I digress. It’s about more than the shade of our necks, about city versus country, about those who like supermarket meat and those who won’t eat anything that they haven’t shot themselves. Not to mention those sad, pallid folks who look like Twilight extras wearing the “Meat Is Murder” tees and who’d like to ban steak knives. It’s about the persistence of bad ideas in defiance of facts. It’s about isn’t it pretty to think so versus reality and it’s about the tension between the fragile rights of a free people versus the gradual encroachment of government. As the Tories stealth campaign to kill the registry, under the guise of a private member’s bill, approaches its third vote, we’re beginning to hear some interesting counter-cultural voices on the matter. Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson — who’ll be attending the Canadian Chiefs of Police convention in Edmonton starting Sunday where, no doubt we’ll hear an impassioned save-the-registry plea — has taken a courageous position against the registry. While the organization alleged to represent front-line cops, the Canadian Police Association, is an ardent supporter of the registry, another Alberta cop offers an alternative voice. Edmonton cop Const. Randy Kuntz used a police magazine to survey officers across the country on the issue of the gun registry. He got 2,631 replies and 2,410 of them said the gun registry is useless as a crime fighting tool. Further, many of them believed it lulled cops into a false sense of security and was therefore a safety risk. Kuntz, an officer whose career has included work in intelligence and cold-case homicide, demolishes a number of myths used in support of the gun registry. [Click Here] (http://www.calgarysun.com/comment/columnists/ian_robinson/2010/08/21/15099546.html) to view rest of article on calgarysun.com. David Schulz http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2123&Itemid=43 I'm listening to a fascinating presentation by Robert Dudley, President and CEO at BP, regarding an update on the oil spill in the Gulf. Also presenting; Admiral Thad Allen, National Incident Commander US Coast Guard Ken Feinberg, Administrator, Gulf Coast Claims Facility. I will summarize what I heard from each of the three individuals. I did this on my Blackberry as they spoke and from memory so some of my numbers or notes may not be 100% precise or exact. Robert Dudley President and CEO at BP Dudley apologized again for the spill. He confirmed that the spill has been capped and oil has not spilled out since August 13. He stated the next step is to remove the safety cap which should have gone into place when the spill started. This piece is going to be removed and will be used as evidence to prove what liability BP has with respect to their spill. He apologized for all of the wildlife that has been impacted and has suffered because of the spill and pointed to funds which are now being used to help clean and treat impacted wild life. BP has placed 3 Billion dollars into a fund to help deal with claims that have or will be filed. BP is going through an organizational review and will be selling assets in the amount of 30 billion dollars in order to re-focus the company. He indicated this isn't only going to change the way BP operates, but it will also change the way the industry does off-shore work. He listed literally millions and billions in funds that are being spent by the company to respond to this. Damages across the coast from an environmental perspective need to be addressed. BP is committed to assessing this and putting into place a plan to reach out to all of the affected communities and actually assist them in drafting claims. He believes that BP and the country are in uncharted territory. The company needs to remain viable and healthy in order to stay in business and work through the recovery. He indicated that if there is a way for the state and BP to put together a recovery strategy in order to fast track all obligations it would be beneficial to all. Deep litigation could delay this process for years. He pointed to the Exxon Valdez law suit. The spill happened in 1989 and they just recently settled the law suit. David Schulz http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2124&Itemid=43 The picture above shows statistics regarding the States which belong to the Southern Governors' Association. I'm here in Alabama this weekend for the Association's meetings. The focus is trade with China and its impacts on the North American economy. Later, In case you can't read the photo, here are the statistics: Is comprised of 16 states and 2 territories Makes up nearly 25% of the continental US landmass Encompasses 42% of the US population Has the third largest economy in the world Is home to 1/3 of all Fortune 500 companies Leads the nation in emerging growth sectors www.southerngovernors.org (http://www.southerngovernors.org) David Schulz http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2122&Itemid=75 Every visitor, immigrant and refugee must be carefully screened before coming to Canada. The facts This screening is an essential part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to keeping Canada safe and secure. Citizenship and Immigration Canada works closely with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to carry out the screening process. Canada’s visa officers abroad are our first line of defence. They are specially trained to identify people who could pose a security risk, and they send anyone suspicious for further security checks. Canada also has special officers stationed abroad to help airlines screen people coming to Canada. In the past five years, these officers have caught more than 30,000 people attempting to travel without the proper documents. Since 9/11, Canada has also increased security screening at the border. The safety of Canadians is our number one priority. Security screening is an important part of the overall assessment of whether a person is admissible to Canada. This assessment ensures that anyone who wants to come to Canada : does not have a criminal record; does not pose a risk to Canada’s security; is in good health and does not pose a public health risk (a medical examination may be required); has not violated human or international rights; has a valid passport or travel document; and has not violated the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. People who want to come to Canada as visitors must also show that they can support themselves and their families while in Canada and that they will leave the country at the end of their stay. [Click Here] (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/facts/index.asp) for more on myths and misconceptions about Canada’s citizenship and immigration programs. David Schulz http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2121&Itemid=51 Ottawa, Ontario, Prime Minister Stephen Harper released the following statement today to mark the 65th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in the Far East: On this day 65 years ago, Japan surrendered to allied forces and Victory in the Far East (VJ-Day) was declared. Today we remember the courage and sacrifice of our brave veterans who served with such distinction in the Far East Campaign - the longest campaign of WWII. Over 10,000 Canadians fought against Japanese troops in this campaign in such far away places as Hong Kong and Burma. They fought to defend the values that all Canadians cherish: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Many made the ultimate sacrifice. In that same spirit and tradition we also remember the current generation of brave men and women in uniform who continue to defend the very same time-honoured Canadian values around the world, including in Afghanistan, Haiti and Sudan. On this important anniversary, I encourage all Canadians to reflect on the invaluable contributions made by our courageous fellow citizens who have taken up arms in Canada's service. Lest we forget. David Schulz