Systems Breakdown

Whispering in the Wind WITW 12 January 22, 2013

Canadians are living in troubling times where individual freedoms are trumping the individual’s responsibility to the whole – the individual’s responsibility to society – the individual’s responsibility to the law – the politician’s responsibility to the people of Canada.  It’s time to repair our systems and face the realities of the 21s century. 

System Breakdown – Edmonton International Airport

A serious security incident occurred last week at Edmonton’s International Airport when an 18 year old man was found to be carrying a 15 cm. pipe bomb with a 3 metre-long fuse.  The incident can only be described as bizarre in that Skylar Murphy was able to board an aircraft after the bomb was discovered in his camera case – the RCMP were not notified for four days later.  Mr. Murphy was later charged and the judge decided that Mr. Murphy would serve a one year probation sentence and pay a $100 fine.  The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) – a Crown corporation responsible for security at 58 Canadian airports – responded to the breach of security with a reprimand and further training for the three guards responsible – and that’s about it.  Surely there has got to be more to “it” than just a mistake and the possibility of a ruined family holiday.  For me, the issues are far more serious than dismissing the incident as an innocent, simple mistake - after all it was a pipe bomb and the international community is watching. 

System Breakdown in Parliament – A Failure in Transparency and Accountability

For over a year the House of Commons and the Senate have been embroiled in the so-called Senate Expenses Scandal and the role the Prime Minister’s Office played in disgracing an important component of Canada’s Parliament.  What has become quite evident in the last six months or so is Prime Minister Harper’s  reluctance to clarify his role and the role of his office in the mess.  The RCMP is investigating possible crimes related to money transfers to Mike Duffy from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Conservative Party of Canada – with results and charges expected sometime this year.  For me, the questions asked in the House of Commons have not been answered, even using political speak – with many calling it obfuscation by the prime minister.  For me, it has gotten to the point that the Speaker of the House of Commons, Andrew Scheer has to intervene and make the House of Commons more accountable and transparent.  A similar undertaking has to be undertaken in the Red Chamber.

System Breakdown – Suicide Rates Soar for Aboriginal Communities

The Aboriginal peoples of Canada are suffering from a suicide rate that is about twice that of the total Canadian population – the rate within Inuit communities is even worse, 6 to 11 times higher than the general population.  Nunavut’s coroner has recently called for a public inquiry into the suicide rate amongst the territory’s youth – last year the rate amongst the territory’s youth was 13 ½ times the national average.  For me, it is time that the federal government and native leaders come together and work together to address a tragic situation.  Prime Minister Harper has rightly proposed a new education program for Aboriginal peoples of Canada.  It’s time to stop squabbling over jurisdiction and start cooperative action – the future of Canada’s aboriginal youth is at stake,