The federal government is now apparently ready to dish out what are described as significant fines against Sikorsky Aircraft according to reports today. It's for missing another deadline to deliver the first of 28 Cyclone helicopters Canada ordered almost 10 years ago to replace the Sea Kings, a year shy of turning 50. Under the contract, Ottawa can fine the company just over $80 million. No one's said how much this fine will be and there's still no indication when our military will get its hands on the first chopper. The delays are also costing us money. Two navy frigates had been retrofitted to accomodate the Cyclones, only to have the military later turn around and reverse the process on one of them, HMCS Regina, to allow for the continued use of the Sea Kings as it sailed off this week to the Arabian Sea. The saga drags on. Stay tuned.
It will be interesting to see how the Dexter government reacts to Kings County Council's decision yesterday to ban large wind farms on its turf. Council voted 10-1 to rescind a bylaw that allowed wind turbines within 700 metres of from the nearest dwelling, a decision councillors say was made after intense pressure from their residents, ie, voters in October's municipal election. The NDP government of course has put a lot of stock in wind power. It must now approve council's decision before it can take effect. But power to the people. Residents turned out in the hundreds to public meetings on the issue and raised concerns about noise, the impact on property values and their health. The people spoke, and the municipal politicians heeded the advice. Now what will the province do?
Premier Dexter, Michelin prez Dana Leblanc and a bunch of other suits were all set to make a big announcement tomorrow afternoon. We were told yesterday morning there'd be an announcement at the Waterville plant but in the early afternoon it was postponed. No explanations, no new date. The premier's office says it was Michelin's decision and the company's not talking. It's expected the province will be giving Michelin money as it announces a plant expansion, but we'll have to wait to make that official.
Bev Oda's finally gone and done the right thing. She's resigning, both as the International Co-operation Minister and as an MP. Long overdue. Oda's been the bad girl in the Harper cabinet, from her penchant for limos and luxurious hotels to $16 glasses of orange juice, Oda certainly felt she was entitled to her entitlements. Instead of giving her the boot for her spending indiscretions, the prime minister has allowed her to bow out graciously, even offered her praise, saying her record was a proud one. Makes me sick. And now Bev Oda will begin collecting her $51,000 plus MP's pension after serving this country just 6 years. Even as she leaves, Oda manages to outrage us.
When can a spelling mistake be costly? When it's on a tattoo. A Halifax small claims court has ordered Newcome's, a city tattoo parlour, to pay a client nearly $9000 for a spelling error. She wanted "see you at the crossroads" tattooed on her body, instead it came out "see you at the cossroads." Oops.
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
