Front-running mayoral candidate Mike Savage insists he's doing nothing wrong by refusing to join with the others running for mayor by releasing their campaign donors lists today. Savage says the law is clear on when that information must be made public. He has 60 days after the election to release it and Savage says that's when it will be done. On my News 95.7 radio show yesterday he accused Tom Martin of playing politics with the issue. He said they all initially agreed to release their donors lists after the election and wonders why Martin wants to change the rules now. Savage is correct. He does have 60 days after the October 20th vote to make the donors public. I think he's wrong however to holdout as the other candidates release theirs. It's information voters should know before they mark their ballots.
The manhunt is over. My question yesterday about Wayne Cunningham's whereabouts were answered. His body was found in a remote wooded area in northern Ontario, near Longlac. Cunningham was one of two men sought by police for their roles in the forcible confinement and sexual assault of a 16 year old in Lunenburg County. The 31 year old's body was found by an OPP search team in the same area where his partner, David Leblanc, was found, shoeless and wearing only light clothes in near freezing temperatures. He's recovering from frostbite in hospital and when he's well enough will be returned to Nova Scotia to face the music. Cunningham was a diabetic who needed insuline twice a day. His family suspects he died from diabetes complications.
It's shocking to see the numbers. Since 1990, it is estimated there are over 600 aboriginal women who have gone missing or were murdered in this country. Over 600! Yesterday marked the 7th annual Sisters in Spirit vigils held across the country to bring attention to these victims of violence. Nova Scotia Native Women's Association president Cheryl Maloney told my radio show there are no safe streets in Canada for aboriginal women. Her organization is calling for a public inquiry into the missing and murdered women. With over 600 victims, it's hard to understand why there hasn't been one by now.
Required: A kinder, gentler fan. I'm not sure I like Hockey Nova Scotia forcing parents to take a one hour online course at the risk of having their kids banned from playing if they don't. It's a new policy in Nova Scotia. One parent in a family must take the course, a $12 cost, or their sons or daughters won't be able to play hockey this winter. They have until December 1st. The course teaches appropriate behaviour in the stands. Yes, there are rowdy parents, and some do go overboard. Ban them. Don't force some computer program on parents. Is the problem severe enough to warrant such a move? I doubt it. Considering each course bought will earn the organization a percentage of the cost, it seems more like a quick way to make thousands of dollars.
Happy Thanksgiving
Have a great long weekend. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
