Throne Speech critic notes looming spending spree and vague costs
Adrienne Batra reviews the throne speech delivered by Governor General Clarkson highlighting at least 16 spending priorities, including Kyoto ratification and urban infrastructure, while lacking concrete budgets. The piece voices skepticism on tax plans, Aboriginal policy, and overall cost clarity, urging accountability for taxpayers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kyoto
Romanow Commission
Owever
Native Accountability
Manitoba
Mr. Chretien
Adrienne Batra
Reform vision fails as health care costs soar in region
A reader recounts the 1997 move to amalgamate hospital boards into a centralized health system, noting rising budgets and administrative salaries. Despite a 55 percent budget increase to nearly 2.8 billion and Ottawa transfers, nursing shortages and wait lists worsened. Top admin pay, including Dr. Brian Postl near 300,000, underscores the critique that front line care did not gain from centralization.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
RHA
Lions
Ottawa
Tom Brodbeck
The
Winnipeg Sun
Sun
Brian Postl
Winnipeg
Fiddle culture and memories span generations in Canada
The article celebrates fiddling across ages and regions, from Archie Smiley in Maple Creek who learned by ear in hard times to seniors competing in Old Time Fiddlers and youth programs in Swan River. It traces Canadian fiddle history with legends like Don Messer and the evolution of country music, highlighting the role of teachers, festivals, and diverse styles in community life. It notes Smiley owns four fiddles including a 1723 instrument and reflects on the cultural value of fiddling as camaraderie, skill, and heritage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Samuel Oanson
Maple Creek
Archie Smiley
Smiley
Swan River
Desmond Legace
Don Messer
Maritime
Charlie Chamberlain
Mary Osbourne
Frank Leahy
Stil
CBC
Leahy
Texas
Britain
Also Mentioned on This Page
Parliament
Adrienne Clarkson
Senate
Jean Chretien
Canada
St. Boniface
Hubert Gauthier
Grace
John McFarlane
Grace General
Royal Lepage
Westpark Realty
Binscarth
Bob Ross
Westparkgroun
Amati
Stradivari
Lerst Editor
Fussell Benner Causpus
Soren Grnny
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