Sandra Finley

2013-01-17 Grant Isaac, Senior Vice-President Cameco becomes member of the Board of Governors, University of Saskatchewan

Corporatocracy or Democracy or Administrative State or WHAT?, Nuclear, Take back the University No Responses »

Feb 052013

BACKGROUND, Grant Isaac:

(1) Information regarding

Grant Isaac as a defender of the status quo
the difference between “hyped innovation” and “true innovation”
in a time when the society is in bad need of finding solutions that involve new ways of viewing the world
the role of the University in society

see 2011-06-24 Submission to University of Saskatchewan: what is needed in the new president

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(2) Grant Isaac, from the Cameco website:

http://www.cameco.com/about/executive_bios/grant_isaac/

Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

Appointed senior vice-president and chief financial officer July 2011
Appointed senior vice-president, corporate services July 2009.
Dean of the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan from 2006 to 2009.
Professor at the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan from 2000 to 2009. Focused on research, development and commercialization of technology products, international trade and regulations and the strategic management of intellectual property.
Author of two books on trade and regulations as well as numerous book chapters and research articles appearing in leading academic journals.
Received a bachelor of arts (economics) and a master of arts (economics) from the University of Saskatchewan and a PhD from the London School of Economics.
Currently serving on the boards of Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Advisory Committee for the Edwards School of Business.

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NEWS, GRANT ISAAC APPOINTED TO THE U OF S BOARD OF GOVERNORS

effective Jan. 17, 2013

http://announcements.usask.ca/news/archive/2013/01/university_of_s_148.html

EXCERPT:

• Grant Isaac, also a graduate of the U of S as well as from the London School of Economics, brings expertise in finance, taxation and business technology services through his work at Cameco as chief financial officer and senior vice-president. He has served as the dean of the U of S Edwards School of Business and on several other boards.

The U of S Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing and directing all matters respecting the management, administration and control of the university’s property, revenues and financial affairs.

Greg Smith, the fifth government appointee, will continue to serve on the board for a second three-year term. A new chair will be chosen by the board at an upcoming meeting.

The board consists of five members appointed by the Government of Saskatchewan, one student member (currently Jared Brown), one faculty member (currently Linda Ferguson), two members appointed by University Senate (currently Susan Milburn and Grit McCreath), and two ex-officio members (the president and chancellor).

2013-02-04 PBS Ombud, Nova Disagree on Drone Disclosure (Lockheed Martin)

Corporatocracy or Democracy or Administrative State or WHAT?, Lockheed Martin, War Economy (includes Cdn Census & Trials) 1 Response »

Feb 042013

From the FAIR website:

(FAIR (American) is the acronymn for Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting, a 25-year-old organization for holding the press to account)

http://fair.org/take-action/activism-updates/pbs-ombud-nova-disagree-on-drone-disclosure/

PBS ombud Michael Getler (1/31/13) responded to FAIR activists who wrote to him about the recent Nova special on drones (1/23/13) that was underwritten by Lockheed Martin, a major military contractor and drone manufacturer.

FAIR (Action Alert, 1/28/13) pointed out that this connection violates PBS‘s guidelines concerning sponsorship and conflicts of interest.

Getler agreed, explaining that “the Lockheed funding does present a perception and commercial test problem for PBS. My feeling is that this particular program would have been much better off without Lockheed support.”

There was a further lack of disclosure. Getler noted that he

saw no mention of Lockheed when I watched the program online or when I looked at the Nova website. And there was never any mention of Lockheed in the body of the program, even though that huge defense company is heavily involved in drone development, which I didn’t know and I’m sure vast numbers of online viewers–unless they are in the Air Force or CIA–also probably did not know.

That lack of disclosure left Getler feeling “deceived by Nova“–though he noted that “Lockheed Martin was clearly identified on screen” as a funder in the broadcast version of the program.

Getler concluded by writing, “I think Nova handled this situation poorly and did not comply with the spirit, at least, of the guidelines when it came to being upfront with viewers.”

Nova thought otherwise. Its statement began:

WGBH fully adheres to PBS funding guidelines and takes our public trust responsibility very seriously. With regard to Nova “Rise of the Drones,” Lockheed Martin’s sponsorship of Nova is not a violation of the PBS underwriting guidelines.

Nova’s defense is that Lockheed “had no editorial involvement in the program.” But as the PBS guidelines make abundantly clear, this is not a defense at all. The fact that a funder’s interests exist is a problem–not just whether the funder interfered in the editorial content of the program:

When there exists a clear and direct connection between the interests or products or services of a proposed funder and the subject matter of the program, the proposed funding will be deemed unacceptable regardless of the funder’s actual compliance with the editorial control provisions of this policy.

Since it is indisputable that Lockheed manufacturers drones, the guidelines as written say this is “unacceptable.” Since Nova does not believe the underwriting guidelines mean what they say mean, the real issue here is whether PBS itself believes in its rules. As FAIR has pointed out (Press Release, 4/3/02 ), PBS has historically found certain funding arrangements problematic–when the funder is a labor union, or a producer of a film about domestic violence is the leader of a battered women’s support group. Major corporate funders, though, get a pass.

Nova also argues that including a guest who has a business relationship to the funder “has no relevance to the story.” But basic journalistic ethics–for any medium, not just public television–tell you that such disclosures are important.

Nova seemed to prefer that viewers not know Lockheed’s connection to the subject of the program at all. The program’s response to the FAIR alert did mention that they “will include Lockheed Martin in the list of funders on the Nova website for full transparency.”

FAIR thanks the hundreds of activists who wrote to PBS, and to ombud Michael Getler for writing a thoughtful response.

2008-09-17 Reply from DND to my email (July 3), “Absolutely NO to “CANADA FIRST DEFENCE STRATEGY”

Lockheed Martin, War Economy (includes Cdn Census & Trials) No Responses »

Feb 022013

You may want to read the following email thread from the bottom up, reading my email to DND and then the reply received.

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RECEIVED: Wed 17/09/2008 6:25 AM

FROM: dnd_mdn@forces.gc.ca

Dear Ms. Finley:

Thank you for your correspondence of July 3, 2008, regarding the Canada First Defence Strategy. I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. Please accept my apology for this delay in responding.

The Canadian Forces must be ready to help counter challenges to Canada’s security and interests, including the threats emerging from failed and fragile states, global terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It must also be prepared to help respond to numerous domestic challenges, including those resulting from increased activity in the Arctic. It must also be able to assist other government departments and agencies in ensuring security during important events in Canada, such as the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Our military helps to defend our security and national sovereignty, and stands ready to support civil authorities respond to crises and emergencies at home, including terrorist attacks. The Canadian Forces also plays a key role in providing humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and search and rescue services to Canadians.

Furthermore, the Canadian Forces contributes to the defence of North America in collaboration with the United States. Given our common defence and security requirements, it is in Canada’s interest to remain a reliable partner in the defence of the continent. We receive a degree of security in North America that we would be hard pressed to achieve on our own. We also receive valuable training and operational experience, a voice in US defence policy formulation in areas where our security interests are directly involved, and access to defence-related information and technology.

That said, we determine our domestic and international policies independently. Indeed, as two separate and sovereign countries, we do occasionally disagree, whether on the war in Iraq, anti-personnel landmines, or the International Criminal Court. These differences should not obscure the many issues on which we agree and co-operate quite successfully-from the defence of North America to humanitarian assistance and peace support operations abroad, including ongoing operations in Afghanistan.

Indeed, if Canada is to defend its interests and promote its values in the world, it must be prepared to contribute to global security. Many of these efforts are diplomatic in nature, such as our long-standing commitment to nuclear disarmament. The Canadian Forces also contributes to many international non-combat activities in co-operation with other government departments and agencies, such as non-combat evacuation, stabilization and reconstruction, humanitarian support, and disaster relief operations.

We recognize that peace cannot always be achieved through peaceful means, and the use of force is sometimes necessary. Canada is simply not prepared to let others do all the hard work and make the sacrifices that such armed interventions require. The Canadian Forces, therefore, is ready to contribute to whole-of-government operations aimed at bringing stability and security in troubled spots, such as in Afghanistan. Our commitment in Afghanistan is sanctioned by the United Nations and is at the request of the Afghan government; it underscores the Canadian Forces traditional role in contributing to global security.

If the Canadian Forces is to continue to carry out these important missions with success, it will require additional people and resources. As such, the Canada First Defence Strategy provides guidance on our most urgent and fundamental requirements across the four pillars that form the foundation of military capabilities-personnel, equipment, readiness, and infrastructure. Specifically, the Government has committed to replacing the military’s core equipment fleets, expand the Canadian Forces to 70,000 Regular Force and 30,000 Reserve personnel, ensure the continued viability of defence infrastructure, and strengthen the Canadian Forces overall readiness.

You make reference to the benefits to Canadian industry contained in the Strategy. The infusion of long-term, stable funding will provide industry the opportunity to more effectively meet defence procurement requirements and to reach for global excellence. The Government will also take specific measures to enhance its interaction with industry, including fostering transparency, to ensure that the contracting process remains open and fair for all Canadian companies.

Once again, thank you for writing. I trust this information is of assistance.

Sincerely,

Peter G. MacKay

Minister of National Defence

MCU2008-05065

—–Original Message—–

From: Sandra Finley

Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 1:22 PM

To: info@gg.ca; +MCU@MCU@Ottawa-Hull

Subject: Absolutely NO to “CANADA FIRST DEFENCE STRATEGY”

TO: (1) Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Rideau Hall

1 Sussex Drive

Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1

e-mail: info@gg.ca

Telephone (613) 993-8200 or 1 800 465-6890

(2) General Walter Natynczyk

Chief of Defense Staff, Canadian Armed Forces

101 Colonel-By Drive

Ottawa ON K1A 0K2 tel.

Telephone: 613-992-5054

(3) Peter MacKay – Minister of National Defence National Defence Headquarters Major-General George R. Pearkes Building

101 Colonel By Drive

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

K1A 0K2

Phone: 613-996-3100

dnd_mdn@forces.gc.ca

Dear Michaëlle Jean, Walter Natynczyk and Peter MacKay;

RE: “CANADA FIRST DEFENCE STRATEGY”, posted on about June 19th, 2008

I am dismayed and appalled by the direction established through the “CANADA FIRST DEFENCE STRATEGY”.

It is not a strategy of defence. It is a strategy of war.

I call upon you to reverse the strategy.

Concerning DEFENCE DOCTRINE COMPATIBLE WITH U.S. DOCTRINE:

“.. the two nations’ armed forces will pursue their effective collaboration on operations in North America and abroad. To remain interoperable, we must ensure that key aspects of our equipment and doctrine are compatible.”

The U.S. launches illegal wars. It creates hatred in the world by appropriating the resources of other people. It has the atrocities of Abu Ghraib on its record. George Bush will eventually be tried for War Crimes. And Canada aspires to compatibility of doctrine with the U.S.? Are you out of your minds? That’s about the worst strategy I can think of.

Concerning the CREATION OF A MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX IN CANADA:

“A Military in Partnership with Canadian Industry The Canada First Defence Strategy will also have significant benefits for Canadian industry. The infusion of long-term stable funding it provides will enable industry to …”

It is not what it’s made out to be. The funding goes to Canadian industry through the offset agreements in contracts made with, significantly and for example, Lockheed Martin Corporation. For all intents and purposes Lockheed Martin IS the American military. It is the world’s largest war contractor (a.k.a. “defence” contractor). It makes billions of dollars through the killing of people. It has a public record of corruption.

The actual flow of money out of the public purse is explained by Peter Mackay in a newspaper interview: “The purchase contract for 17 C-130J Hercules aircraft is valued at approximately $1.4 billion U.S., with an additional amount to be added in 2009 for at least 20 years of in-service support.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin Corp. is required to invest in the Canadian economy, dollar for dollar, what the Government of Canada spends in procuring and maintaining the aircraft over the life of the contract.”

Lockheed Martin is already well positioned in Canada. It is not only becoming the Godfather of Canadian industry. Through offset agreements it has invested in Dalhousie University (also consistent with the stated intentions of the “CANADA FIRST DEFENCE STRATEGY”). It can only invest in Dalhousie if it has EXCESS profits. Its contracts are with the Government of Canada. Ipso facto, you know that Canadian citizens are paying too much for its contracts, in addition to becoming the enablers of the aggressive American war machinery.

Jean Chretien, I sincerely thank God, kept Canada out of the Iraq war. We are in Afghanistan. You are no doubt aware that Canadian troops there will be helping to guard the Central Asian gas pipeline for American interests.

Read the following clause from the “CANADA FIRST DEFENCE STRATEGY” and tell me, when the U.S. declares war on Iran, will Canada be there helping to fire the bullets that are sheathed with Depleted Radioactive Uranium on the people of Iran?:

“These operations will often be conducted under the auspices of the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Canada will continue to support and contribute to these key international bodies. In addition, the Canadian Forces will participate, where circumstances dictate, in missions with like-minded states as a responsible member of the international community.”

Given that we are making our military doctrine “compatible” with the U.S., I would say that the U.S. is a “like-minded state”. I wonder what circumstances will dictate that we help the Americans to launch a killing and destructive war on Iran? And whose interests will be served by the war? Will we be on-side with the Americans and off-side with the United Nations? (as would have happened had we participated in the Iraq “mission”.)

Warnings from Dwight Eisenhower’s 1961 Farewell Speech are instructive:

“… In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together.”

There are viable and realistic ALTERNATIVES TO KILLING WARS . Gandhi brought the British Empire to its knees. His weapon of choice was non-violent resistance. In war waged with the use of intelligence and creativity the killing and destruction is minimized and the wars are actually won in a comparatively short period of time. Nor do they leave a legacy of hatred.

The Canadian Military, through the “CANADA FIRST DEFENCE STRATEGY” exhibits (I am sorry to say) very ineffective, obsolete, stupid and very expensive strategy. From newspaper reports, “MacKay reveals details of $490-billion defence strategy”. With the looming monster of inflation (fuelled by enormous U.S. war debt) $490 billion will easily become half a trillion dollars. Can you imagine what could be done overseas with $500 billion dollars? It would actually make a significant contribution to peace in the world. Aaah! But then the Canadian military-industrial complex along with Lockheed Martin Corporation, their mahnanimous benefactor, would be on the ropes.

“… nonviolent resistance as a political force is still young, its possibilities not yet well enough known, and is thus seldom an incitement to the masses and is seldom encouraged by the media. For all that, those striving for human rights are dependent on our solidarity and the feeling is growing of an ever increasing threat through the power of dictatorships, the armaments race and the immobility of bureaucrats.

Gandhi presented the principles of nonviolent resistance to the world, but the methods – corresponding to the various hierarchies – have to be very different, should they lead to success. Through the multiplicity of nonviolent resistance, so rich in ideas, it can be demonstrated that the most powerful effective opposing forces can be mobilized against every form of violence …”

We have not only the example of Gandhi. The East Germans brought down a fascist regime by successfully employing the tactics of Gandhi, creatively moulded to their situation and the opportunities-at-hand. Neither of them had any money.

The Outstanding Public Debt of the United States as of 03 Jul 2008 at 04:41:28 PM GMT is a number so large I don’t know how to read or interpret it: $9,470,470,394,065.00 The estimated population of the United States is 304,288,339

so each citizen’s share of this debt is $31,123.34. A family of four in the U.S. shoulders responsibility for Government debt of $125,000. That’s just for today.

The American National Debt has continued to increase an average of $1.66 billion per day since September 28, 2007. The debt is the consequence of American Military Strategy. The numbers are up to where Canada used to be in the neighbourhood of 60% of GDP. In 1980 the United States had its debt-to-GDP ratio around 40%, or where Canada was in fiscal year 2004-05. But since then American Government debt has taken off – it is now above 60%.

It is a terrible mis-allocation of resources. Always at the expense of future generations.

The “CANADA FIRST DEFENCE STRATEGY” reflects obsolete thinking. It is a dangerous document for Canadians and for future Canadians. If it is not stopped Canada will be a danger to other people in the world, too. This is not too hard to figure out.

Yours truly,

Sandra Finley

(contact info)

2013-01-31 U of S appoints new secretary who is “director of legal services in governance for Cameco Corporation”

Freedom of Speech. (Remove some wrong postings from category), Nuclear, Take back the University No Responses »

Feb 022013

Elizabeth Williamson – another transfer of key personnel from Cameco Uranium to the University of Saskatchewan.

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The University of Saskatchewan has appointed a new secretary.

The senior role, which keeps ceremonies, protocol and university processes on track, will be performed by Elizabeth Williamson come April.

“Elizabeth brings the right combination of skills and experience to the senior position of university secretary,” university president Ilene Busch-Vishniac said in a Thursday press release.

Williamson is now working as the director of legal services in governance for Cameco Corporation.

When she begins work at the university April 8, Williamson will replace current secretary Lea Pennock, who is retiring in March after eight years in the role.

The secretary keeps numerous university bodies and processes ticking along properly, including the board of governors, senate, and university council. The secretary also administers discipline and appeal hearings about student conduct, faculty promotion and tenure, interprets university policies and jurisdiction, oversees the institution’s internal audit, and co-ordinates ceremonies such as convocation.

2013-02-01 Uranium Mining Proposal Abandoned in Virginia

Corporatocracy or Democracy or Administrative State or WHAT?, Nuclear 1 Response »

Feb 012013

Gordon Edwards writes:

This is wonderful news.

Congratulations to all our friends in Virginia who have been working so hard to protect their land and water from the ravages of radioactive pollution by upholding the moratorium on uranium exploration and mining that has been in place in the Commonwealth of Virginia for over 30 years!

Bravo, Virginians.

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(Sandra speaking:)

Our network participated, sending information to the American Academy of Scientists who were tasked with recommending whether to lift the uranium moratorium in Virginia. We have followed recent developments (click on Nuclear). This is great news!

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By STEVE SZKOTAK, Associated Press, February 1, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/axteqvt

A proposal to mine uranium in Virginia was abruptly abandoned Thursday in the Legislature, and supporters scrambled to appeal directly to the governor to salvage what would be the first full-scale mining operation of the radioactive ore on the East Coast.

Unable to deliver the votes in the General Assembly, Sen. John Watkins withdrew his legislation to establish state regulations for uranium mining in Southside Virginia, a rural area along the North Carolina state line and home to the largest known deposit of the radioactive ore in the U.S.

Watkins instead asked fellow Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell to use his administrative powers to have state agencies draw up the rules. McDonnell has not taken a position on the divisive issue and his spokesman J. Tucker Martin said the governor was reviewing the request.

Meanwhile, opponents of uranium mining, many of whom had traveled to Richmond for a hearing on the legislation, cheered when Watkins announced his decision.

“This is a resounding a resounding victory,” said Cale Jaffe of the Southern Environmental Law Center.

He credited broad opposition to the proposal, which was pitched by the mining company as a job creator in a hard-hit section of the state.

“This is not just environmentalists,” Jaffe said. “This is small business owners in Southside, it’s farmers, it’s parents of small children, it’s community leaders, it’s physicians all these disparate voices coming together.”

State Sen. John Watkins, R- Powhatan, right,… View Full Caption

The proposal was pushed by Virginia Uranium Inc., a company run by the owners of the so-called Coles Hill deposit, where an estimated 119 million pounds of the ore is located in an area of the state called Southside.

The company immediately embraced Watkins’ request to the governor and a spokesman said the approach would be thorough and transparent.

“Some policymakers have suggested that unanswered questions remain,” said spokesman Patrick Wales. “Sen. Watkins’ suggested course of action would ensure that they have the benefit of all possible information on this issue before casting a vote on lifting the moratorium.”

The General Assembly would still have to vote to accept the regulations, probably in 2014.

Uranium mining has been done almost exclusively in the arid West and critics said Virginia’s exposure to tropical storms and torrential rains made it a bad choice to mine the ore.

They have said they’re primarily concerned about the milling the separation of ore from rock. It creates vast amounts of waste that must be stored for generations.

Opponents fear a breach of containment cells holding the waste would contaminate public drinking water supplies for localities as far away as Virginia Beach, nearly 200 miles from the proposed mine. The tourist city, Virginia’s largest, had taken a public stand against mining.

Environmentalists were joined in their opposition by local grass-root organizers, Virginia’s largest farm lobby, the state’s medical society, municipal and church groups, the NAACP and others.

The company promised the creation of 350 jobs over the 35-year life of the mine but the economics of the mine could not outweigh what critics called the “stigma” of mining the fuel for nuclear reactors.

“It’s a stigma, that cloud hanging over the region that will detract economic development from the region as long as it’s there,” said Sen. Frank Ruff, a Republican whose district is in Southside Virginia. “We need to put it to rest.”

2013-01-01 New book, “Mercury Undercover” by Elizabeth Hong

Mercury poisoning, dental amalgams. See also Vaccinations. No Responses »

Feb 012013

I have not read the book.

http://www.amazon.com/Mercury-Undercover-ebook/dp/B00AVYXR64/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2013

Mercury Undercover unveils how far those in power will go to prevent you from learning the truth about mercury contamination from dental amalgam fillings, all in the name of money. It is a gripping tale that will make you think twice before you eat your next catch-of-the-day or plan your next visit to the dentist’s office. Half of all North American dentists still use amalgam for its quick and easy profits, then pass the bill for damages on to the rest of us, damages to health, as well as to the environment. American dentistry’s 150-year affair with mercury is a tale of profits first, people last.

From the Author

My first experience with this devastating illness was over ten years ago. When a friend called me, sick and afraid, I had no idea what mercury poisoning was. She explained that after she had seen 60 different doctors, finally one natural medicine doctor had figured out the cause of her baffling illness. Mercury poisoning is a dreadful experience that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Besides all kinds of strange symptoms and pains, it also has the power to take away your peace of mind. Looking back on this event, I can’t help to feel a bit guilty for occasionally doubting her many aches and complaints. But I do not have a science or medical background and when I took on the responsibility of caring for her, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. While I was serving as her nurse for three months, many things went wrong with her care. Foremost was the lack of knowledge and sometimes compassion from the different 60 doctors she visited during her illness. I think that more the government’s fault than the doctor’s, because the government controls what these doctors learn in medical school

About the Author

Elizabeth Hong is a Colombian writer, producer and director who moved to the United States at the age of 10 with her family. At the age of 20 she moved to New York City to pursue acting at the school of Film an Television and later on she became a lifestyle photographer. Elizabeth returned to Miami, Florida where she met her current husband Daniel Montoya and in 2006 they both formed a video production company. During this time she produced several video projects ranging from music videos to commercial spots and in 2008 she wrote, produced and directed her first documentary, The Born To Win. Her second documentary, Mercury Undercover (2011) which she also wrote, produced and directed was part of the official selection at Cinema Verde, an environmental film festival in Florida. Elizabeth’s first publication, is an adaptation of her film Mercury Undercover (2012). An E-book that unveils a gripping tale that will make you think twice before you eat your next catch-of-the-day or plan your next visit to the dentist’s office. She currently lives in Irving, Texas with her husband.

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From: Facebook

Sent: February-01-13 2:11 PM

To: Sandra Finley

Subject: New message from Elizabeth Hong

Elizabeth Hong

Hello Sandra

We hope this email finds you well. During the month of January, we launched our Mercury Undercover E-book format through Amazon. Sandra, if possible, can you please, please help us by writing a review here? Thank you for your support.

Best Regards

Elizabeth

Mercury Undercover

. . . Mercury Undercover unveils how far those in power will go to prevent you from learning the truth abo…

2013-01-27 The New International Treaty on Mercury! – – letter to President of University re mercury fillings (Dental College)

Corporatocracy or Democracy or Administrative State or WHAT?, Mercury poisoning, dental amalgams. See also Vaccinations. No Responses »

Jan 272013

The Treaty on mercury signed this month is important.

But it’s not much good if few people know about it.

The Dental Colleges across Canada must stop teaching that putting mercury into people’s mouths is defensible.

I sent the following to President Busch-Vishniac at the University of Saskatchewan. I am hoping that others of you will challenge your Universities.

Or, please help raise awareness by alerting someone who is not in our networks. Persons who work in dental offices have a particular need-to-know, also.

Appreciation to Elaine Hughes for the appended links to news reports in the wake of the international mercury treaty.

Thanks! /Sandra

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SENT: Sun 27/01/2013 12:04 PM

Dear President Ilene Busch-Vishniac,

Of particular interest to the University, from the 5^th and final round of U.N. negotiations on mercury reduction:

Phased-in cessation of the use of dental amalgam (50% mercury) (which the Dental College still teaches).

FYI: the clause about dental amalgam in the Treaty, and 3 different news reports are posted at: 2013-01-21 U.N. clinches global deal on cutting mercury emissions, Reuters (Scroll down past the page headings.)

There is no reason why there cannot be an immediate cessation to the placement of mercury into people’s mouths. There should be. And it is going to happen, anyway. It is a humanitarian move.

I am drawing this to your attention:

Persons such as yourself sometimes think that dental colleges have stopped the use and teaching of mercury fillings (“dental amalgam”).
Most children of people of means (like yours) will have cosmetically-attractive “white” fillings. Most First Nations and poor children will have “silver” (mercury) fillings. The cost advantage of the latter is negligible and if you factor in the eventual health costs that are handed to the public purse to pay, the composite fillings are definitely LESS expensive.
Past efforts to engage the Colleges of Dentistry, Medicine and Toxicology in an information exchange on mercury fillings (e.g. individual invitations to the “Mercury Jamboree” held at the University in March 2012) have not been fruitful.
The Colleges stick to the status quo arguments that have been soundly refuted or involve people and organizations (sources) who are in a conflict-of-interest, see the appended excerpt from the Star Phoenix.
There are better, less harmful alternatives than amalgam. The University of Calgary and other institutions have documented the off-gassing of mercury in the mouth from dental amalgam. The toxicity of mercury is known; it’s not like we live in the Middle Ages. An example of the conflicts-of-interest: Canada’s Chief Dentist has the gall to simultaneously represent the amalgam industry, as well as the public interest (to quote him as an authority on “safe amalgam” is unacceptable).
A number of European countries have banned dental amalgam.
And now this international treaty is, fortunately, a move in the right direction.
The networks of people who have suffered serious health problems because of insidious slow mercury poisoning share information. When dentists continue to place mercury fillings in mouths, when the University continues to teach the use of these fillings, all it does is to discredit the dental profession – – people become aware of what “dental amalgam” actually is and they then tend to become angry. It’s a “no-brainer” that you would not put mercury in your mouth.
The University is betraying the students of dentistry, and the patients who come to the Dental Clinic. They trust “doctors” and their professors.
Medical doctors most often do not diagnose mercury poisoning, and certainly not mercury poisoning from dental amalgam.

If you have any doubt about poisoning by dental amalgam, thumbnails of various information postings are generated by clicking on Mercury poisoning, dental amalgams. There is a cluster of scientific information around 2010. Since then the postings are mostly about stopping the use of mercury fillings. (Scroll down past the page headings. Click on the heading of any posting if you wish to read more than the thumb nail, and note that links work only if you are in the actual posting.)

I will be forwarding the news of the mercury treaty to Idle No More. Mercury poisoning is a serious issue for First Nations health. And also, Idle No More recognizes that we must stop the poisoning of the environment. Mercury fillings mean large amounts of mercury going into our water supplies, in spite of “encouragement” for practitioners to separate out the contaminated water. (And where does the contaminated water go? Mercury is an element. It doesn’t break down.)

I believe the world can be a better place for everyone, when we all pitch in where we can. I do not know if you might play a role in helping the College of Dentistry to stop the use of mercury fillings. All that is required is an open-minded assessment by the instructors of the available science.

There would not be a U.N. Treaty on stopping the use of products that contain mercury if there were not solid scientific grounds.

Best wishes,

Sandra (Finley)

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STAR PHOENIX ARTICLE, DEAN OF DENTISTRY, U OF S, RE: DENTAL AMALGAM, March 29, 2012 (http://sandrafinley.ca/?p=4872 )

excerpt:

Dr. Gerry Uswak, dean of the college of dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan and president of the Canadian Association of Public Health Dentistry said the profession here still supports the use of amalgam.

“The evidence we find credible in the literature suggests dental amalgam is still a viable restorative material and should not be banned,” he said.

“We defer to the expertise at the national level, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and Health Canada and the chief dental officer of Canada. Through a variety of processes they put together expert panels and make recommendations,” he said.

“Amalgam continues to demonstrate clear advantages in many applications over other restorative materials especially in relation to the average duration of restorations,” the CDA says in a position paper.

“Although amalgam fillings release minute amounts of mercury vapour, current scientific consensus supports the position that amalgam does not contribute to illness,” the paper says.

“There are no data to suggest the removal of amalgam restorations should be performed in an attempt to treat patients with non-specific chronic complaints,” it says.

(deleted – copy of email exchange with the University in March, drawing the International Negotiations to the attention of Deans of Colleges, Dentistry, Medicine, Toxicology and Environment)

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APPENDED:

Appreciation to Elaine Hughes for these links to news reports in the wake of the international Treaty on mercury

Nations agree on legally binding mercury rules. More than 140 countries have agreed on a set of legally binding measures to curb mercury pollution, at UN talks. Delegates in Geneva approved measures to control the use of the highly toxic metal in order to reduce the amount of mercury released into the environment. BBC http://bbc.in/13P5CyR

Still searching for answers. Discarded batteries and mercury-based products routinely find their way into waste treatment plants despite their toxic content, but authorities are yet to wake up to the lurking dangers to human life and the environment. Times of India, India. http://bit.ly/YgD6pz

Port Botany mercury fears. The chemical company Orica, responsible for a string of toxic leaks across the state, is being accused of covering up the extent of mercury contamination around its Port Botany site, potentially risking the health of thousands of residents. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia. [Registration Required] http://bit.ly/VdzBf4

Sydney residents fear Orica contamination. Worried residents want the NSW government to test soil around a southern Sydney Orica chemical plant for mercury contamination, saying they don’t trust the company’s assurances the area is safe. Australian Associated Press http://bit.ly/UbiBHi

Mercury emissions threaten ocean, lake food webs. As United Nations delegates end their mercury treaty talks today, scientists warn that ongoing emissions are more of a threat to food webs than the mercury already in the environment. At the same time, climate change is likely to alter food webs and patterns of mercury transport in places such as the Arctic, which will further complicate efforts to keep the contaminant out of people and their food. Environmental Health News http://bit.ly/WM8tBX

Rich countries reluctant to help finance mercury treaty: UN officials. Crisis-weary developed countries’ reluctance to help finance a ground-breaking international treaty to rein in the use of health-hazardous mercury is threatening the accord, UN officials warned Thursday. Agence France-Presse http://f24.my/WaCUlH

Treaty on mercury would not affect vaccines with thimerosal. A global treaty to reduce toxic mercury in the environment has been completed. However, the omission of thimerosal-containing vaccines from the ban disappointed advocates who believe it plays a role in sickening some children. Washington Times, District of Columbia.
http://bit.ly/10JhfJ3

2013-01-21 U.N. clinches global deal on cutting mercury emissions, Reuters

Mercury poisoning, dental amalgams. See also Vaccinations., Vaccinations (incl corruption of science & govt) No Responses »

Jan 262013

We have been attentive to the international negotiations on mercury. Surely, input from NGO’s and citizens had an influence on the outcome.

The text of the U.N. Treaty to reduce mercury pollution is not perfect, but it clearly sets us on a path that will end the use of mercury in dental fillings (and other sources). Provided that the American Dental Association and other industry interests are prevented from exercising their influence.

The use of ethyl mercury in vaccinations will not change.

CONTENTS

TEXT from the treaty, DENTAL AMALGAMS: MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY COUNTRIES TO REDUCE USE
REUTERS REPORT ABOUT THE NEW U.N. TREATY ON MERCURY

COMPARE NEWS REPORTS:

#3 is based on the public interest.
#4 shields the industry interest in using mercury fillings. Statements such as “it (dental amalgam) only accounts for about 8% of the overall use of mercury, said Dr. Fox.” are misleading because mercury fillings are the single largest source of mercury that people with them will ever experience. You will see through other statements as well.

3. NEWS ARTICLE: U.N. Calls For Global Phase Down Of Mercury Fillings

4. NEWS ARTICLE: UN Treaty Calls for Dental Amalgam Reduction, Medscape

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1. TEXT from the treaty, DENTAL AMALGAMS: MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY COUNTRIES TO REDUCE USE

[1] UNEP(DTIE)/Hg/INC.5/CRP.4618, January 2013

Article 6, Annex C, Part II, Dental amalgam Provisions

Measures to be taken by a Party to phase down the use of dental amalgam shall take into account the Party’s domestic circumstances and relevant international guidance and shall include two or more of the measures from the following list:

(i) Setting national objectives aiming at dental caries prevention and health promotion, thereby minimising the need for dental restoration;

(ii) Setting national objectives aiming at minimising its use;

(iii) Promoting the use of cost-effective and clinically effective mercury-free alternatives for dental restoration;

(iv) Promoting research and development of quality mercury-free materials for dental restoration;

(v) Encouraging representative professional organisations and dental schools to educate and train dental professionals and students on the use of mercury-free dental restoration alternatives and on promoting best management practices;

(vi) Discouraging insurance policies, and programmes that favour dental amalgam use over mercury-free dental restoration;

(vii) Encouraging insurance policies and programmes that favour the use of quality alternatives to dental amalgam for dental restoration;

(viii) Restricting the use of dental amalgam to its encapsulated form;

(ix) Promoting the use of best environmental practices in dental facilities to reduce releases of mercury and mercury compounds to water and land.

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2. REUTERS REPORT ABOUT THE NEW U.N.TREATY ON MERCURY

http://planetark.org/wen/67666

Country: SWITZERLAND
Author: Tom Miles and Emma Farge

More than 140 countries have agreed on the first global treaty to cut mercury pollution through a blacklist of household items and new controls on power plants and small-scale mines, the United Nations said on Saturday.

The legally-binding agreement aims to phase out many products that use the toxic liquid metal such as batteries, thermometers and some fluorescent lamps, through banning global import and exports by 2020.

The treaty will require countries with coal-fired power plants such as India and China to install filters and scrubbers on new plants and to commit to reducing emissions from existing operations to prevent mercury from coal reaching the atmosphere.

“We have closed a chapter on a journey that has taken four years of often intense but ultimately successful negotiations and opened a new chapter towards a sustainable future,” said Fernando Lugris, chair of the negotiations.

The deal also includes measures to reduce mercury use in small-scale gold mining, although stopped short of an all-out ban. Gold prices near $1,700 a metric ton have spurred the use of mercury as a catalyst to separate gold from its ore.

Emissions of mercury from artisanal and small-scale gold mines, which are usually unofficial and often illegal, more than doubled to 727 metric tons in 2010 from 2005 levels, overtaking coal-fired power plants as the main source of pollution from the metal.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury – named after the Japanese city where people were poisoned in the mid-20th century from industrial discharges of mercury – needs ratification from 50 countries and is expected to be formalized later this year.

The treaty requires governments to draw up national rules to comply and could take between three to five years to take effect.

As mercury, also known as quicksilver, is released to the air or washed into rivers and oceans, it spreads worldwide, and builds up in humans mostly through consumption of fish. The brains of fetuses and infants are particularly vulnerable to damage from mercury.

Officials said the financing required to bring in cleaner technology for industry and help developing countries come up with local solutions was one of the major sticking points of the six-day negotiations.

“Financing was agreed very early this morning and it was one of the most difficult aspects,” said Lugris.

Japan, Norway and Switzerland have made initial pledges totaling $3 million in financing and an interim financial arrangement will be discussed in April by the Global Environment Facility, said Tim Kasten, head of the chemicals branch of UNEP.

Countries failed to agree on including vaccines where mercury is sometimes used as a preservative.

SOFT LANGUAGE?

While negotiators celebrated the deal reached after all-night talks in the fifth and final round of talks, the response from some non-governmental organizations (NGO) was more muted.

“The treaty will not bring immediate reductions of mercury emissions. It will need to be improved and strengthened, to make all fish safe to eat,” said David Lennett from the Natural Resources Defense Council.

NGO IPEN, which aims to reduce the health risk of chemicals, described the language of the treaty as “soft” and “somewhat voluntary in nature” and said it was unlikely to result in a global reduction of mercury releases.

“Countries that do not want to do this can escape quite easily,” said IPEN’s Joe DiGangi.

In one notable climbdown, countries abandoned their goal of setting concrete targets for pollution levels from coal-fired power plants and cement factories, but negotiators said they would defer these discussions to a later meeting.

For mining, the treaty requires action from governments to reduce mercury use where artisanal and small-scale gold mining is “more than insignificant” but has no list of countries.

Alternatives to mercury in small mines are available, such as magnetic sluices, but developing countries have complained about the cost of implementation.

Many developing countries including Brazil and Mali strongly resisted attempts to limit imports of mercury, according to IPEN, because of the economic importance of small mines.

“The supply is still available, the practice of artisanal mining is still polluting and we are left with a mess at the end and there is no funding to clean it up,” said DiGangi.

Artisanal and small gold mines now account for around 35 percent of global mercury pollution, according to a study by the U.N. Environment Programme published last week.

Other NGOs welcomed the number of products included in the treaty.

“The list of products was much longer than we expected,” said Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, a coordinator at Zero Mercury Working Group. “The treaty sends the right market signal and will eventually lead to less exposure worldwide.”

Many nations have already tightened laws – the United States barred exports of mercury from January 1, 2013. The European Union, until 2008 the main global exporter, barred exports of the liquid metal in 2011.

(Reporting by Emma Farge and Tom Miles; Editing by Sophie Hares)

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COMPARE THE FOLLOWING TWO NEWS REPORTS:

#3 is based on the public interest.
#4 shields the industry interest in using mercury fillings. Statements such as “it (dental amalgam) only accounts for about 8% of the overall use of mercury, said Dr. Fox.” are misleading because mercury fillings are the single largest source of mercury that people with them will ever experience. You will see through other statements as well.

3. NEWS ARTICLE: U.N. Calls For Global Phase Down Of Mercury Fillings

U.N. Calls For Global Phase Down Of Mercury Fillings

http://www.melodika.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=574360&Itemid=54

Saturday, 26 January 2013

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), a scientific dental organization, is unveiling an educational technical program to assist interested nations in facilitating a UN global treaty’s requirement to phase-down use of dental amalgam fillings.IAOMT delegates, other NGO’s and 137 countries participated in the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, where, on January 19, these nations formalized a legally-binding treaty to reduce global use of dental amalgam, a restorative tooth filling material containing 50% mercury.

The IAOMT committed its membership to provide technical dental assistance to all nations, particularly developing countries and those in transition.

The Academy’s program will include educational workshops and hands-on support to dental professionals worldwide in order to achieve a viable transition from dental amalgam to safer alternatives.

Meanwhile, countries around the world have applauded INC5 for acknowledging that mercury from all sources must be diminished and then eliminated to protect human health and the environment. Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director explained, “Mercury, which exists in various forms, remains a major global, regional and national challenge in terms of threats to human health and the environment.”

The Australian Dental Industry Association supported the treaty’s movement away from mercury fillings, and noted, “There was widespread acceptance that dental amalgam is a major source of mercury pollution, particularly in waterways.

“While officials in Pakistan called for a mercury-free country, Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) Director General Asif Shuja Khan, highlighted the final round of UN negotiations as “our world’s last chance” to take strong action on reducing mercury trade and use.

The East African Dental Amalgam Phase-down (EADAP) Project assisted by WHO’s Oral Health Programme has realized the increased importance of alternative non-mercury dental restoratives.

WHO’s Mercury Policy Report confirmed that mercury contained in dental amalgam is the greatest source of human exposure to mercury in non-industrial settings.

Continuous emissions of mercury vapors from amalgam fillings placed in millions of mouths worldwide causes damage to the kidney, liver, and brain and has been linked to infertility. Mercury is particularly harmful to the nervous system of developing fetuses and young children. (See INC5 Bulletin)

Despite the treaty’s call to phase-down dental amalgam together with a plethora of scientific research demonstrating the damaging effects of dental mercury to humans and the environment, the American Dental Association continues to promote mercury amalgams as safe.

Conversely, risk assessments conducted in 2010 and 2012 by Dr. Mark Richardson identified toxic levels of mercury released from dental amalgam, a 2012 Yale University study evidenced the dangers of occupational mercury exposure, and recent studies reaffirm harm to children inflicted by dental mercury.

Considering the documented potential harmful effects of mercury amalgams, IAOMT strove for more stringent regulations, such as mandatory special protection for indigenous peoples, pregnant women, and children.

However, Pierre LaRose, DDS, a meeting attendee on behalf of IAOMT, valued the international recognition of the health and environmental hazards of mercury in dentistry as “a major victory.”

David Simone, DDS, who also attended the conference, explained the impetus for IAOMT’s new program, “In view of the treaty’s phase down language, IAOMT has planned and implemented a specially-designed, mercury-safe ‘Technical Dental Assistance Program’ for all member nations.”

IAOMT’s program offers six hands-on steps toward ending dental mercury use. The program will be available at next year’s UN Treaty meeting. Nations interested in learning about the program now are invited to contact the IAOMT.

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4. NEWS ARTICLE: UN Treaty Calls for Dental Amalgam Reduction, Medscape

UN Treaty Calls for Dental Amalgam Reduction

Laird Harrison

Jan 25, 2013

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/778273

An international treaty drafted earlier this month calls for phasing out dental amalgam to reduce mercury pollution.

The Minamata Convention, negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), sets a deadline for banning the manufacture, import, and export of several categories of products containing mercury, such as batteries, light bulbs, and cosmetics, by 2020.

However, it excludes dental amalgam from this list, instead laying out measures that should be used to reduce its use. It does not set a timetable and leaves much to the discretion of individual countries.

“We were very happy in the end,” Christopher Fox, DMD, DMSc, executive director of the International & American Associations for Dental Research (IADR), told Medscape Medical News. “We were very pleased that they gave deference to science-based policy.”

Although the text has not been finalized, participants from 137 countries agreed in principle to the draft document on January 19. Individual countries must ratify the treaty before it becomes legally binding, Dr. Fox said.

The final report will be adopted and opened for signature in a conference held this October in Kumamoto/Minimata, Japan.

Goals for Amalgam

The draft document has not been released to the public, but Dr. Fox verified the accuracy of a January 21 report on it published in the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, which is put out by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit environmental group based in Winnipeg, Canada.

According to that report, the signatories must agree to take at least 2 of the following steps, subject to their individual circumstances:

• setting national objectives aiming at dental caries prevention and health promotion, thereby minimizing the need for dental restoration;

• setting national objectives aiming at minimizing the use of dental amalgam;

• promoting the use of cost-effective and clinically effective mercury-free alternatives for dental restoration;

• promoting research and development of quality mercury-free materials for dental restoration;

• encouraging representative professional organizations and dental schools to educate and train dental professionals and students on the use of mercury-free dental restoration alternatives and on promoting best management practices;

• discouraging insurance policies and programs that favor dental amalgam use over mercury-free dental restoration;

• encouraging insurance policies and programs that favor the use of quality alternatives to dental amalgam for dental restoration;

• restricting the use of dental amalgam to its encapsulated form; and

• promoting the use of best environmental practices in dental facilities to reduce releases of mercury and mercury compounds to water and land.

The report in the Earth Negotiations Bulletin called the negotiations on dental amalgam “divisive,” with Switzerland and Norway pushing for an outright ban on the substance. Some groups claimed that it harms patients and professionals when used in fillings, and others argued that it is a safe and effective way to treat cavities. Participants also clashed about the viability of alternatives, according to the report.

The American Dental Association participated through the World Dental Federation and added its voice to those arguing that there should be no timetable for phasing out dental amalgam.

The World Dental Federation, World Health Organization, and IADR argued that the best way to phase out amalgam is to reduce the need for it by promoting oral health. “We need an increased emphasis on prevention,” said Dr. Fox. “The best dental restoration is no dental restoration.”

Beyond that, the IADR called for more resources to develop alternative dental materials. In a December meeting, the IADR, World Health Organization, UNEP, and other international groups noted concerns about health hazards from bisphenol A in composite resins as a reason giving urgency to the search for alternatives.

Dental amalgam was not the major focus of the January UNEP meeting; it only accounts for about 8% of the overall use of mercury, said Dr. Fox.

Cremation of patients with amalgam restorations causes about 1% to 2% of mercury air pollution, he said. A bigger concern is mercury in wastewater from dental operatories, and Dr. Fox speculated that the treaty might push the US Environmental Protection Agency toward requiring amalgam separators.

“We also recognize that we do have a responsibility to the environment,” Daniel M. Meyer, DDS, senior vice president for science/professional affairs at the American Dental Association, told Medscape Medical News. “The House of Delegates passed a resolution to work with the [Environmental Protection Agency] to establish appropriate regulations.”

The Minamata Convention derives its name from a Japanese city devastated by mercury pollution.

Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Global Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury, January 13-19, 2013. Geneva, Switzerland.

2013-01-23 Toronto peace activist Audrey Tobias, 88, could go to jail for refusing to fill out census

Lockheed Martin, War Economy (includes Cdn Census & Trials) No Responses »

Jan 252013

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/01/23/toronto_peace_activist_88_could_go_to_jail_for_refusing_to_fill_out_census.html

(There’s a picture of Audrey at the link.)

TORONTO STAR

Audrey Tobias, an 88-year-old World War II veteran and peace activist, could go to jail for refusing to sign her 2011 census form because Lockheed Martin, which produces cluster bombs and other weaponry, processes census information for Ottawa.

By Catherine Porter, Columnist

Audrey Tobias passed the war memorial on her careful walk up the snowy stone steps of Old City Hall on Wednesday morning.

She is 88 and a war veteran. She came to court to fight for peace and answer for her crime: refusing to fill out the 2011 census form.

How are the two related?

The census was processed with “optic recognition” software supplied by Lockheed Martin, the same company that produces cluster bombs and Trident missiles and those mysteriously priced F-35 fighter jets.

“It is shameful,” Tobias says. “Lockheed Martin is the largest manufacturer of military weapons in the world and I am committed to peaceful positions.”

Tobias is the type of Harold and Maude grandmother who fills you with awe. She is spry, active, full of zing. She dyes her hair the colour of papayas and whips to three exercise classes a week.

She has recreated herself many times: as a looper in a knitting wool factory, a high school teacher, a librarian, a part-time bookkeeping prof at Ryerson.

“The trick,” she says, “is to land on your feet when you are on your head.”

If you peel back her charm, though, you’ll find an iron-dipped nervous system.

Tobias lived through World War II, working in Halifax on a “landship” as part of a team simulating naval battles for officers.

Then, in 1949, she toured Eastern Europe as a delegate of the World Federation of Democratic Youth.

She visited the Warsaw ghetto. “It was literally deathly silence. There was not an insect, there was not a bird.”

In recent years, she helped run the group Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, marching in her white beret before the American embassy as its government rumbled towards war in Iraq, and handing out leaflets against the CNE air show as F-16 Fighting Falcons screeched overhead.

So, when she read that Lockheed Martin had secured about $81 million of Canadian tax money — including hers — to provide the processing software to scan and automate the 2006 and 2011 census forms that had been mailed in, she balked. She wouldn’t budge no matter how many Statistics Canada employees knocked politely at her door.

““They came in and had a cup of tea,” Tobias says. “They were all smiley and agreeable. Nobody argufied.

“I told them I’m a veteran. I want to be proud of my country. And I am ashamed of my prime minister and his cabinet.”

Then came her summons to court. Tobias is one of 54 Canadians being prosecuted for violating the Statistics Act: refusing or neglecting to fill in and return the census of population.

A precedent is still making its way through the court system. Former Saskatchewan Green Party leader Sandra Finley was found guilty, although the judge gave her an absolute discharge. Still, she appealed on moral grounds and her case was heard last November by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. Although her main objection was in line with Tobias, her lawyer based her case on breech of privacy.

Tobias doesn’t plan to follow that route. She brought a gift to court for her lawyer, Peter Rosenthal. It was a paperback copy of William Hartung’s Prophets of War: Lockheed Martin and the Making of the Military-Industrial Complex.

The census is chump change for the company, which netted $46.5 billion in 2011. But, according to its annual report of that year, information systems make up 20 per cent of its business. With those F-35 fighter contracts going stale, Lockheed Martin needs to diversify.

And this is about principle.

This is the same government that vilifies activists as dangerous radicals, even terrorists.

““I have no armaments,” Tobias says. “Why aren’t they afraid of Lockheed Martin? The contradiction is striking.”

The penalty for being found guilty of contravening the Statistics Act is a fine of $500 or three months in jail, or both.

“If they fine me, I won’t pay it,” Tobias says. “That would be an admission of guilt.”

Her case was pushed off another month. Rosenthal says it is unlikely to be heard in full until the summer.

Catherine Porter’s column usually appears on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

2013-01-22 Big payouts to university admins aren’t right, Maclean’s Magazine

Take back the University No Responses »

Jan 222013

http://www.macleans.ca/education/uniandcollege/big-payouts-to-university-administrators-arent-right/

Saskatchewan cuts millions while former execs get paid

Ishmael Daro

January 22, 2013

There’s a bit of panic these days at the University of Saskatchewan. Secretaries who gave decades to the school are now boxing up their desks and students are worried about the quality of their programs as the university chops its way out of a budget deficit projected at $44.5-million by 2016.

In November five administrative staff from humanities and fine arts were fired. Then the university announced the closure of a remote campus,* leaving students in certain disciplines unsure whether they would graduate on schedule. Last week, 40 more job cuts were promised.

Adding insult to injury is that a couple of guys who helped run the university right before this crisis are receiving a combined $1.3-million from the budget after leaving, reports the StarPhoenix. And that doesn’t include pension contributions.

Peter MacKinnon, the university’s president for 13 years before retiring in 2012, is receiving $850,000 over two years. It’s mostly “paid administrative leave” that he was entitled to under his contracts but didn’t end up taking during his term. Richard Florizone served as vice-president of finances since 2005 and was on paid leave until he was recently named president of Dalhousie University. Florizone will receive his full salary from the U of S until April, nearly $350,000.

MacKinnon wrote in an e-mail to me that his compensation was decided by the university’s Board of Governors and that “any comment on that determination” must come from them. Florizone wrote that “administrative leaves for senior administrators are a common practice in Canadian universities” and points to his fellowship at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy as well as a recent stint at the World Bank as reasons his paid leave is valuable to the public.

I still don’t think they’re worth the money, especially at a time when so much is being cut. MacKinnon and Florizone are at least partly responsible for the financial planning that left the university scrambling. While at the university, they made grand funding announcements that the provincial government was required to subsequently step in and pay for. The latest example is a health sciences complex that would likely remain incomplete if the government hadn’t stepped in.

The $44.5-million shortfall that now exists is the result provincial funding that increased only 2.1 per cent rather than the 5.8 per cent as administration budgeted. That suggests they built the school’s future built on wishful thinking.

Florizone has this view: “I am proud to have played my role in the growth and consistent balanced budgets at the University of Saskatchewan over the past decade,” he writes.

He’s certainly correct that it isn’t unusual for top university administrators to receive big compensation after leaving. Concordia University paid out more than $4 million in severance in recent years. But students and taxpayers in Quebec were sufficiently outraged that Jean Charest’s Liberal government fined the university $2 million for what it saw as excessive payouts.

The payouts MacKinnon and Florizone are receiving are not the same as severance, but it’s still distasteful that the Board of Governors would have offered them in the first place.

It’s also cruelly ironic that MacKinnon’s final year in office was essentially a 12-month victory lap during which the university celebrated his “legacy of leadership.” He now has a building named after him and an office on campus where he is working on a book.

That book is one of the things Barb Daigle, vice-president of human resources at the university, offered to the StarPhoenix as examples of how MacKinnon continues to be productive on his six-figure administrative leave. MacKinnon says he is writing “on the modern history of the University of Saskatchewan.” I wonder whether the current round of budget cuts will be included in his work?

Ishmael Daro was editor of The Sheaf student newspaper and now writes for The Albatross.

*This post was updated on Jan. 22. because it incorrectly referred to the closure of two campuses. In fact, it is only one campus, Emma Lake Kenderdine, where operations are now suspended.

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