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Some industries plea for money, others adapt and save.

As an example to what all transportation related companies should be initiating, UPS is demonstrating the type of forward thinking which will slowly remove itself from the swings in the world fuels market.

UPS will begin testing a small fleet of hydrualic hybrid delivery trucks in the United States. The new vehicles can achieve 50%-70% better fuel economy, a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emmissions, and pay for their extra expense in less than 3 years.

When it comes to high fuel prices, UPS could have representatives plead their desparate case in the news, beg the governement for releif, tell all who will listen that the Green Shift would destroy 10,000 jobs in New Brunswick, or they even could praise a decrease in excise taxes on fuel (which will no longer be on the table thanks to the economy); much like the current transportation union heads who we heard from during the time of high oil and Canadian elections.

All these tactics could be effective and even garner some aid, but they all accomplish NOTHING in dealing with the underlying issue involved in the transportion sector. Without new creative initiatives this sector will ever be a slave to fuel price fluctuations.

Without a doubt, a crafty union leader would point out UPS is a billion dollar company, a Union only represents the drivers, a group who cannot initiate projects or fund them like UPS. A crafty writer would point out it may be time for Unions to re define their roles and how or what they do to TRULY benefit the membership. Nothing would stop union officials from contacting companies developing fuel effecient transport trucks, in conjunction with the government, and offer to test vehicles.

Two types of business exist in this world; those complaining and trying to maintain the status quo and those adapting. Guess which ones win out in the long run?

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Short-sighted voters lead to bad politicians.

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No matter where you live, the 'short sighted' voter can be found. He or she is effecting, in a negative fashion, how our government is administered. There is no doubt they exist. How do we know? By simply observing the decisions or strategies of politicians, one cannot help but notice someone is catering to this demographic.

The 'short-sighted' voter is a reactionary person who is easily swayed. Their opinion is typically based on two concepts. Firstly, the party in power is always wrong and in need of change. Secondly, which can override the first concept, the promise of tax cuts or other fees seen as taxes will draw positive reaction. Unforntunately, the short-sighted voter only takes such an announcement at face value and does not take into account the repercussions of reduced government income.

The latest of these examples came when Stephen Harper and the Conservatives initiated their 2% reduction of the GST two elections ago. At face value, politically a great strategy. Offering to reduce "taxes" gets the short-sighted voter's attention. Offering to cut the GST could only be seen as a perfect election stance. Easy to understand and easy to explain, especially to the 'Short-sighted' voter. When the smoke clears however, there can only be one response to such a concept. Jim Davies, who teaches economics at the University of Western Ontario in London, said it best "Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid".

An overwhelming number of economists have agreed reductions in income taxes would be far more effective in the 'real' world. It is even hard to believe our Prime Minister, an economist, would agree to this policy as a good idea behind closed doors. Slashing the GST is just something that can be spoon fed to the public during an election. Hence the reason why the Tories committed to reducing the excise tax on fuel during 2008 election.

Given our current economic outlook and the fact Canada will go into deficit status trying to boost the economy, the extra 1 Billion in revenue (from gst) would come in handy.

Examples even exist closer to home of the 'short-sighted' voter. Cont'd Here

NB Power: Now accepting resumes.

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Power rates going up again?

The more things change, the more things stay the same at NB Power. With the lastest news indicating NB Power may have to raise rates as the price of a barrel of oil is less than half it was 6-8 months ago, one has to ask, are the executives at the utility incompetent or in on a joke we do not get.

No matter the situation, an excuse to raise rates is always found. Or is it the only answer they have? Whether it is high debt to the province, Orimulsion deals gone bad, High oil prices, now low oil prices, might we simply assume those guiding the ship are not suited for the ever changing characteristics of the sea. If this group of executives cannot navigate an ever changing world why are they there?

"Hay says NB Power does not think it can predict volatile commodity markets well enough to move away from its hedging policy."

The above quote is absolutely frightening. If NB Power does not feel it has the resources or capacity to create a better strategy in dealing with volatile commodity markets, pick up the phone and contact any number of companies dealing with the same issue. Ask questions, remember there is no such thing as a dumb question. Were they told them to do it alone? One company comes instantly to mind, Westjet. Here is a company whose ability to hedge their fuel purchases has allowed them to remain extremely competitive in an industry where survival is closely based on how they manage their fuel supplies. Their last option is to increase prices, not their first option, as seems to be the only option at NB Power.

Continuing along the lines of 'thinking out of the box' (God, I hate that phrase). In an effort to deal with the massive debt, often cited by officials as a cause for increases, why not renegotiate? NB Power is not going anywhere nor is the Province of New Brunswick, lengthening the terms would not seem much of a risk. Even more creative ideas are on the table. Don't forget the precedent set by the province, who is willing to convert debt to shares (SEE Royal Oaks Golf and Country Club). At least with NB Power, the province will have a legitmate chance of a return on the investment.

Why was their no mention by NB Power of the benefits the utility should be experiencing due to the decrease in the dollar's value. Based on the premise states forming New England states are paying for our energy in US dollars, the assumption NB Power stands to earn a premium from those contracts is a valid one. Further more, are the southern cusotomers of NB Power going to experience a rate hike as well or is a better deal in place for them?

Indeed the executives should have a mandate to keep their house in order. However, further incentives should be in place to deviate from the status quo. Simply having the consumer as the safety-valve to more cash should not be part of the equation.

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Conservative Minority: What does that mean?

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58% Voter Turn Out: Worst in Canadian History!!!!

230 million Dollars later.

Something needs to be done to excite Canadians when it comes to our government system. Too many people feel their vote does not count. The current systems does not allow for any real change, only allowing for small swings between LIberals and Tories. Proportional Representation would allow each person to know their vote would count.

2008 Results

143 76 50 38 2

Conservative Liberal BQ NDP I

2006 Results

124 103 51 29 1

Conservative Liberal BQ NDP I

Conservatives

Mr. Harper has gained more [number] seats overall, short of a majority. Still have to ask was this election worth it. Aside from inflicting further damage to the LIberal brand, earning a minority is still evidence Mr. Harper is far from creating excitement within the Canadian voter.

LIberals

Short of parting the Hudson Bay, this election was Stephane Dion's one and only shot at leading the party. Without a doubt this is result was disappointing for him. You can hear the sharpening of knives behind Mr. Dion's back.

NDP

Just as those thought Jack Layton may have been losing influence within the 'left'. Jack Layton just keeps on plugging away. Every election emboldens him further. Now will he be able to wield his new power properly?

Green Party

Elizabeth May has made headway for her party, an increase of over a million votes. As the electorate becomes younger her efforts today will reap rewards.

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Vote!!!

No matter who you are or what you believe in........Just Vote!!!

Do the Conservatives need a new leader?

With all the talk of Stephane Dion's soon-to-over leadership. Should conservatives not be discussing the failings of Stephen Harper's leadership. The Globe and Mail is reporting recent polling suggest the Tories are headed back to 'minority' status, again.

In a time when Canadian politics appear to be in their most dysfunctional state, questions must be raised as to why Stephen Harper cannot earn a majority government from the Canadian voter. If ever there was a time to be elected, and take legitmate control away from the LIberals it is now, but clearly being the 'best of the worst' has not generated any type of excitement with the voter.

No matter how many sweater are pulled from the closet, they all have two stains no amount of 'shout' can remove. Stephen Harper still comes across as out of touch with most Canadians. He did nothing but reinforce that point when, during the debates, he [Mr. Harper] said "Canadians weren't particularly worried about their jobs or their homes; they were more concerned about the stock market". The second issue goes back to Mr. Harpers intentions for this country. Mr. Harper's 'hidden agenda' has many Canadian concerned. An Ipsos Reid poll found when asking Canadians if Prime Minister Stephen Harper has a "hidden agenda", the following results were gathered: [Ontario 50%, Atlantic Canada 43% and Québec 38%] answering YES.

Apart from his personality issues, Stephen Harper and the Conservatives called this election not out of necessity or even as a result of a Motion of Confidence, but in an attempt to take advantage of the Liberal leadership issues. Based on the campaign thus far, they have attempted to make this an election on 'leadership' and not a campaign of an issue or policy that concerns Canadians. As a result, this campaign can be compared to a Seinfeld episode, about 'nothing'.

CTV News Mail reports "In the both the 2004 and 2006 elections, the Conservatives lost a significant amount in the final days leading up to the election." The pattern of the 2 previous elections seems to be recurring.

When 'push comes to shove", Canada does not trust Stephen Harper.

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Thank you, Elizabeth May

October 1st and 2nd finally let Canada know they do have an alternative to the same old representation this country is stuck choosing from. Elizabeth May used the two debates as her comming out party. The pressure was all on her and she new it. Congratulations for seizing the moment.

Apart from the Duceppe's line of the night, "I'm-not-going-to-be-PM-and-neither-are-three-of-the-four-other-leaders", Elizabeth May showed knowledge and depth on every subject. The viewers should recognize and realize the Green is not a one trick pony.

One of her shining moments came when she addressed one of the biggest issues in this country; disinfranchised voters/non-voters. Even the moderator mentioned this subject was mentioned in the majority of emails recieved. Mrs. May was the only one to broach the subject of Proporational Representation, taking on the issue directly. What other system would allow all Canadians to really have their vote count? Radio personalities such as Andrew Krystal and Tom Young have discussed the drop off in youth vote and whether voters would prefer a "dictator" based on their non-participation, Ms. May has given everyone in Canada a solution.

Signs are evident that change could be coming. One striking example is the amount of funds the party is generating. The campaign of 2008 has reaped more than twice the dollars raised during the last 2 elections ( 2004 & 2006). During the first 23 days of the election, the Green party has raised 500,000$.

Want tourists, build a ferris wheel...so says iraq?

It appears the "Surge" worked. The government in Baghdad is so confident in their security measures, they are taking bids on the construction of the world's largest Ferris wheel.

The Guardian is reporting "Iraq is calling on companies to submit designs to build a giant Ferris wheel in Baghdad - the latest in a string of lavish proposals to show the capital as a leisure friendly city.

The Ferris wheel will be about 200 meters (650 feet) high with air-conditioned compartments that would each carry up to 30 passengers, Adel al-Ardawi, a media official with Baghdad's municipality, said yesterday."

In a situation where Baghdad is lucky to have 2 hours of electricity a day, a Ferris wheel is clearly the strategy to take. What of the over 4 million refugees who fled Baghdad on the outset of the war who now cannot come back? Or the fact that the peace is being held together by Iran's influence, something not necessarily welcomed by the US. Quite refreshing to see Iraq is using their 70 billion surplus wisely.

How unfortunate that the forces involved in this war now feel it is better to win the PR war rather than truly make head way with real progress. One can only wonder when/if itravel2000 will be selling a package to this sunny destination.

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Lets steal from the Green Party!!!

It is a pitty that our political system has not matured to the point where the inclusion of all parties and their ideas can occur for the good of the country. See Proportional Representation. In the meantime, our only hope is that one of the Big Two political parties steal ideas from the smaller parties. Why not, it has been a tradition of the Federal Liberal party for generations.

While listening to a Green Party member participate in an interview on television, the member was asked why Elizabeth May is touring the country by train. Part of their response was in regards to her party’s initiative to promote more rail capacity. They even suggest the country should twin the rail roads and allow one set to be dedicated to passenger traffic and the other for cargo. BRILLIANT!!! Presently the Green Party is generally seen as a bunch of piece loving tree huggers and that is too bad, but you have to admit this makes sense, economic sense.

When you look around the world, except for Canada and our US neighbor, rail is used as a integral mode of transportation. Why is it that a Canadian company, one of the premiere makers of fast train technology, rarely earns contracts in Canada? Take our, soon to be, overseas trade partners for a moment. Our government is in the process of negotiating a trade pact with the EU, allowing access to their money and market. In the process why not take from them ideas that can help us. This idea makes sense!!!

Would it not be a breath of fresh air to see OUR government or politicians take a long term view and properly invest in this country. Instead of the government giving hand-outs to likes of Bombardier, make them earn the money by helping to transform Canada’s rail system. Or instead of meaningless excise tax reductions, reinvest in our country. With all due respect to the men and women of the trucking industry, your sector is the least efficient form of transporting goods. It is far too reliant on fuel prices; a service that is so vital to this country needs to be stabilized to some degree. Yes, this will result in some job loses, but when you factor that it is becoming harder and harder to find new drivers, this may be a ideal time to transition into new services and employment opportunities.

Such an initiative would transform many communities, entire provinces for that matter, for the better. The Province of New Brunswick would be a perfect beneficiary of such a forward thinking project. Currently, the northern portion NB has been victim to events such as plant closures and the great success of southern communities such as Moncton. This has caused many residents to pull up stakes and move elsewhere, a typical and understandable reaction.

Now what if residents of those communities could go to their local train station and board a train to bring them to a job they have in Moncton, St. John, Sussex or Fredericton. With new fast train technology a trip could be less then an hour.

This would allow communities to survive and even prosper. As a result of spreading the population, homes values would stay more stable (something our government touts as a reason to live here) and you would cut down on urban sprawl. And don’t forget you would cut down on green house gases from cars on the road.

Mrs. May keep it up.

Lets get "proportional"

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As our current election rolls on and polls suggest who and what people will vote, it appears that Canadians are frustrated and feel their voice is not being heard.

Whether it be the choice of leader or the fact that a party is simply not trusted with the responsibility of a majority, it seems Canadians do not like what they see. One simple piece of evidence of that is the inclusion of the Green Party into our national debates. Elizabeth May and her party have been brought to the national stage as a result of voter sentiment. The largest outrage came from 'swing' ridings, the gate keepers to parliament, when the "Greens" werer denied access to the debates. It would appear that Canadian voters want new choices or more choice.

Another disturbing trend is that citizens are voting strategically and not for who they want to see represent them. Further evidence of this behaviour, is the fact that individuals are mobilizing in places like facebook to organize this approach. This, one would assume, is not how democracy was intended.

Perhaps, these type of shifts in behaviour indicate that Canadians may be ripe for a significant change. That change is Proportional Representation. Canadians want to feel their vote counts and its current system does not do provide that.

What is Proportional Representation?

"The supporters of all political parties should be fairly represented in proportion to the votes they cast. Parties should have no more and no fewer seats than their popular support warrants. There should be no phony majority governments." http://www.fairvotecanada.org/en/

To sum it up simply, a party's representation in Ottawa would be based on the percentage of votes they earned during election time. If a party wins 60% fo the vote, then they would recieve 60% of the seats in Parliament.

There are critics who claim this would throw goverments into dissaray and would result in constant elections. Considering the state of politics in our country, we already have constant election, with no majority in site, but no advantages.

This system is nothing new. It is something that is incorporated by many countries around the world, including Austrialia, Germany, Italy and Isreal.

The purpose of this article is to encourage discussion, as our current system is considerably faulty. Please take a look at the resources below to inform yourself further.

Join me at The WoodLawn Review for other interesting topics and feel free to let me know what you think.

Resources