Hello Everyone,
It's just over a month until the Tour starts (July 2-24) and I was on their website checking things out. My cute Schleck brothers have moved to a new team, Leopard Trek (apparently pronounced lay-o-pard rather than the funnier leopard).
And it's the 100th anniversary of a crazy climb - the galibier
In 2011, the Tour will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the first crossing of the galibier by the peloton, the mountain pass which has been visited the most by the race. The finishing line of the 18th stage will be marked out there at an altitude of 2, 645 metres!
The Tour’s peloton had hardly recovered from the shock of discovering the Col d’Aubisque and the Col du Tourmalet, on its trip to the Pyrenees during the 1910 Tour. And now there was talk of a new summit to be climbed, another whim resulting from the imagination of Henri Desgrange and Alphonse Steinès, the adventure enthusiasts. In 1911, the Tour de France’s peloton began its assault on the Galibier which was even higher, even harder and even colder than anything that any of the cyclists had ever experienced.
After expressing anger and hostility, the riders, who were perched between heaven and earth, were in fact fascinated by the setting and were conscious of the feat to be achieved. “It knocks you for six”, uttered proudly to spectators, émile Georget, the first rider to climb up to the summit of the Col du Galibier, at an altitude of 2, 556 metres, on 10 July 1911. The pioneer of pioneers, who did not get off his bicycle once during the entire ascent, had just completed the 34-kilometre climb, from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, via the Col du Télégraphe. As he was very impressed by the spectacular encounter of these heroes and was amazed by the historic day that had just been experienced by the Tour, Henri Desgrange wrote a hymn of worship for the riders in L’Auto (the daily sports paper):
“Haven’t they got wings, our men who have been able to climb up to heights where even eagles don’t fly? … Oh Sappey, Oh Laffrey, Oh Col Bayard, Oh Tourmalet! I shall not fail in my duty to proclaim to the world that you are like an insignificant and common beer compared to the Galibier: all one can do before this giant is doff one’s hat and bow.”
Out of respect for the prophecy of the Tour’s founder, cyclists have appeared before this giant for one hundred years with the same humility. Some of them have overcome it, and have even succeeded in using its steepests lopes to create a name for themselves. Gino Bartali, for example, succeeded in getting rid of the threat of Louison Bobet by dominating the Galibier, in 1948. However four years later, he suffered from the advent of the younger generation, due to the performance achieved by Fausto Coppi: “He’s like a cable-car on a steel wire rope”, said Jacques Goddet, with great enthusiasm, at the time.
Subsequently, Bahamontes, Gaul, Merckx, Zoetemelk, Ocana and Pantani have all gone over the summit first, which has moreover increased by one hundred or so metres since the tunnel was closed and the new road was built. And in 2011, a new name will become legendary, with the first finish judged at the summit of the Col du Galibier. At an altitude of 2, 645 metres, it will be the highest finish in the Tour’s history.
Super cool exciting, eh?
Oh, and TSN won the broadcasting rights so we don't have to subscribe to extra cable channels for the month. Happy dance!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunburnt Nose
Hello Everyone,
We had a riding adventure yesterday and my nose ended up getting a sunburn. Our goal was to reach Balzac, a community close to Calgary that is about 24 km from home. Between detours, construction and gravel roads, we only made it to 20 km. So, we toured around suburbia and went to the Lilac Festival later in the day. The festival was very crowded and a lot more venders than organization booths.
Training is slowly coming along. I'm going to start doing Wednesday rides to Cochrane for the practise. We've also figured out our super long rides. One will be Calgary - Cochrane - Bragg Creek - Calgary (common training ride) and our super major one will be Calgary to Banff. Once we reach Canmore, there's a new pathway linking it to Banff that we've been wanting to check out. It's 110 km to Banff but Jerry says it's a pretty ride. It's uphill going there so the return (which makes the ride over my training guide) is supposedly quick. We also have crazy west winds. It'll be a really good judge to see if I'm ready for the Gran Fondo.
We bring the rest of the plants out to the garden this coming Saturday. I need to pick up twine for the tomatoes but everything else is ready to go. With all the crazy rain last week, I was unable to plant the potatoes but I hope to in the next couple days.
Jerry has applied to SAIT for a welding program. It's the schooling he'll need to get his second level. Then, he just needs to put in his hours before writing the exams. I'm unsure how long it takes to hear if he gets accepted. The program starts in the fall. I hope he gets in and that it's something he'll enjoy.
Have a great day!
We had a riding adventure yesterday and my nose ended up getting a sunburn. Our goal was to reach Balzac, a community close to Calgary that is about 24 km from home. Between detours, construction and gravel roads, we only made it to 20 km. So, we toured around suburbia and went to the Lilac Festival later in the day. The festival was very crowded and a lot more venders than organization booths.
Training is slowly coming along. I'm going to start doing Wednesday rides to Cochrane for the practise. We've also figured out our super long rides. One will be Calgary - Cochrane - Bragg Creek - Calgary (common training ride) and our super major one will be Calgary to Banff. Once we reach Canmore, there's a new pathway linking it to Banff that we've been wanting to check out. It's 110 km to Banff but Jerry says it's a pretty ride. It's uphill going there so the return (which makes the ride over my training guide) is supposedly quick. We also have crazy west winds. It'll be a really good judge to see if I'm ready for the Gran Fondo.
We bring the rest of the plants out to the garden this coming Saturday. I need to pick up twine for the tomatoes but everything else is ready to go. With all the crazy rain last week, I was unable to plant the potatoes but I hope to in the next couple days.
Jerry has applied to SAIT for a welding program. It's the schooling he'll need to get his second level. Then, he just needs to put in his hours before writing the exams. I'm unsure how long it takes to hear if he gets accepted. The program starts in the fall. I hope he gets in and that it's something he'll enjoy.
Have a great day!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Happy Birthday to Me!
Hello Everyone,
What a lovely birthday I had. Low key and relaxing.
Starting on Friday, I got a great pair of jeans, trouser cut and suitable for work for $35 - 1/3 of the original price.
Saturday, I went to hot yoga, had a massage and Jerry took me out for dinner. We tried the Indian restaurant near our house and it was super yummy. Really delicious food and great service.
Sunday, we caught the C-train to the end of the line and rode out to Cochrane. It's a very common training route as there is a huge hill heading down to Cochrane. Altogether, about 42 km round trip. For dinner, we gobbled down cheese fondue and Jerry made ice-cream.
Today, Jerry made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. We did house tidying stuff and laundry. I then went for a bike ride and saw my first gosling of the season. For dinner, Jerry made yummy fried chicken.
So, a wonderful birthday weekend.
Have a great day!
What a lovely birthday I had. Low key and relaxing.
Starting on Friday, I got a great pair of jeans, trouser cut and suitable for work for $35 - 1/3 of the original price.
Saturday, I went to hot yoga, had a massage and Jerry took me out for dinner. We tried the Indian restaurant near our house and it was super yummy. Really delicious food and great service.
Sunday, we caught the C-train to the end of the line and rode out to Cochrane. It's a very common training route as there is a huge hill heading down to Cochrane. Altogether, about 42 km round trip. For dinner, we gobbled down cheese fondue and Jerry made ice-cream.
Today, Jerry made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. We did house tidying stuff and laundry. I then went for a bike ride and saw my first gosling of the season. For dinner, Jerry made yummy fried chicken.
So, a wonderful birthday weekend.
Have a great day!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
..US Atheists Offer Pet Rescue After Judgment Day
Actual news article:
By Sandy Huffaker | AFP News – 21 hours ago
When judgment day comes -- which some US Christian fundamentalists insist will happen on Saturday -- have you thought about what you're going to do with the family dog and cat?
In 26 US states, you could have them rescued and adopted by enterprising atheists who have set up a business to care for the animal companions of any Christians who are selected to go to heaven when Jesus Christ comes back.
"You've committed your life to Jesus. You know you're saved. But when the Rapture comes, what's to become of your loving pets who are left behind?" Eternal Earth-Bound Pets says on its website, offering to "take that burden off your mind."
The post-doomsday pet rescue service already has 259 clients, who have paid $135 for the first pet and $20 for each additional pet at the same address, to ensure the faithful animal companions are looked after and loved even when their Christian owners have gone to the other side.
All the rescuers are sworn atheists, which means they will definitely be left behind on Earth, ready to rescue pets after the Rapture, which one US Christian fundamentalist group has penciled for Saturday.
When judgment day happens, Eternal Earth-Bound Pets co-founder Bart Centre "will notify all of our rescuers to go into action and they will drive to the homes of anyone who's signed a contract with us, pick up their pets and take them home and adopt them as their own, keeping them happy and healthy for the rest of their lives.
"This will happen only if and when the Rapture happens. So we do not expect to have to do anything on Saturday," Centre told AFP.
Contracts are good for 10 years, just in case the Mayan calendar prophesy, which predicts the world will end in December next year, comes true.
By Sandy Huffaker | AFP News – 21 hours ago
When judgment day comes -- which some US Christian fundamentalists insist will happen on Saturday -- have you thought about what you're going to do with the family dog and cat?
In 26 US states, you could have them rescued and adopted by enterprising atheists who have set up a business to care for the animal companions of any Christians who are selected to go to heaven when Jesus Christ comes back.
"You've committed your life to Jesus. You know you're saved. But when the Rapture comes, what's to become of your loving pets who are left behind?" Eternal Earth-Bound Pets says on its website, offering to "take that burden off your mind."
The post-doomsday pet rescue service already has 259 clients, who have paid $135 for the first pet and $20 for each additional pet at the same address, to ensure the faithful animal companions are looked after and loved even when their Christian owners have gone to the other side.
All the rescuers are sworn atheists, which means they will definitely be left behind on Earth, ready to rescue pets after the Rapture, which one US Christian fundamentalist group has penciled for Saturday.
When judgment day happens, Eternal Earth-Bound Pets co-founder Bart Centre "will notify all of our rescuers to go into action and they will drive to the homes of anyone who's signed a contract with us, pick up their pets and take them home and adopt them as their own, keeping them happy and healthy for the rest of their lives.
"This will happen only if and when the Rapture happens. So we do not expect to have to do anything on Saturday," Centre told AFP.
Contracts are good for 10 years, just in case the Mayan calendar prophesy, which predicts the world will end in December next year, comes true.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
What a week so far...
Hello Everyone,
So, after my first training ride Monday night, I came home to a phone message from Jerry saying that he was in the hospital. Chest pains, difficulty breathing so his boss took him in.
So I headed off to the hospital in a panic to find out what was going on.
They still had him in emergency when I arrived (but in a bed in a curtained off room) and I stayed with him until around 10:30 pm when they admitted him. Rather scary seeing him all hooked up, stickers everywhere, wires and he had an oxygen tube in his nose. Everything had settled down after they gave him a nitroglycerin patch.
According to him, he started developing chest pains and then breathing problems. Pain between his shoulder blades. Cold extremities (but no tingling) yet he felt hot. They did blood tests but it was not a heart attack.
On Tuesday, he did a stress test and there was an abnormality. He has to go back in a couple weeks for more tests. And by the end (he was so proud that he "finished"), his heart rate had tripled. But for now, the doctors told him to continue his normal activity level and that he could go back to work. And he has to carry nitroglycerin with him (it's now a spray) and take the low dose aspirin. He was released mid morning and decided to walk home.
Luckily I got the message, called him and met him part-way. I didn't care what the docs said - I was keeping an eye on him for the day. They had sent me home from work as I wasn't sure how long the testing would take and what kind of care he needed. And I was exhausted. So a leisurely walk home and I had to keep him from doing all sorts of activities since he "felt fine". Grrrrr.
So, now it's wait and see. His symptoms sound a lot like angina to me. The doctors wonder if maybe he's always had "something" but it didn't show up bad enough until the change in activity type.
I did a bit of studying last night and have my notes with me today. They provide the formulas so I think I'll do ok. I'll let you know how it goes.
Have a good day!
So, after my first training ride Monday night, I came home to a phone message from Jerry saying that he was in the hospital. Chest pains, difficulty breathing so his boss took him in.
So I headed off to the hospital in a panic to find out what was going on.
They still had him in emergency when I arrived (but in a bed in a curtained off room) and I stayed with him until around 10:30 pm when they admitted him. Rather scary seeing him all hooked up, stickers everywhere, wires and he had an oxygen tube in his nose. Everything had settled down after they gave him a nitroglycerin patch.
According to him, he started developing chest pains and then breathing problems. Pain between his shoulder blades. Cold extremities (but no tingling) yet he felt hot. They did blood tests but it was not a heart attack.
On Tuesday, he did a stress test and there was an abnormality. He has to go back in a couple weeks for more tests. And by the end (he was so proud that he "finished"), his heart rate had tripled. But for now, the doctors told him to continue his normal activity level and that he could go back to work. And he has to carry nitroglycerin with him (it's now a spray) and take the low dose aspirin. He was released mid morning and decided to walk home.
Luckily I got the message, called him and met him part-way. I didn't care what the docs said - I was keeping an eye on him for the day. They had sent me home from work as I wasn't sure how long the testing would take and what kind of care he needed. And I was exhausted. So a leisurely walk home and I had to keep him from doing all sorts of activities since he "felt fine". Grrrrr.
So, now it's wait and see. His symptoms sound a lot like angina to me. The doctors wonder if maybe he's always had "something" but it didn't show up bad enough until the change in activity type.
I did a bit of studying last night and have my notes with me today. They provide the formulas so I think I'll do ok. I'll let you know how it goes.
Have a good day!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, smelly Monday
Hello Everyone,
They put new carpet in the office over the weekend so we had Friday off (my office was already packed up). Spent the day in the sun, running errands, planting, watching Whiskers hop around the yard.
Saturday was study day - finished my last chapter for the exam on Wednesday. Did my assignment on Sunday. Got my mark back (I'm happy)so I can working on my study notes. Messed up a couple questions but I'm glad to get the results so quickly.
So, if you look to my links section, you'll see one called Crazy Bike Ride. Jerry and I are registered for the 140km. I'm training for the 170km (aka Century Ride - 100 miles)but plan to do the lesser mileage. The terrain is hilly and there can be nasty winds. I've never done this long of a distance but it is realistic and I start my training tonight. Three "short" rides a week and one "long" ride. This week my short rides are 15 km each and my long ride is 40 km. I'm on a 10 week training schedule which is designed to prepare you without over stressing your body. I'm rather excited since the long rides will get us out of the city to explore a few towns nearby.
The nice thing about the ride is there are several distances. For example, if the wind is bad/weather nasty, we can turn around at the 50 km mark. If it's good, we can turn around at the planned 70 km mark. If it's fabulous, we're feeling good and our time is ok, we can push it to the 85 km mark. We have from 7 am to 4:30 pm to complete the ride (9.5 hrs) so with a riding average of 20 km/hr, we could do the full GranFondo. A bit daunting but it should be a pretty ride.
Have a great day!
They put new carpet in the office over the weekend so we had Friday off (my office was already packed up). Spent the day in the sun, running errands, planting, watching Whiskers hop around the yard.
Saturday was study day - finished my last chapter for the exam on Wednesday. Did my assignment on Sunday. Got my mark back (I'm happy)so I can working on my study notes. Messed up a couple questions but I'm glad to get the results so quickly.
So, if you look to my links section, you'll see one called Crazy Bike Ride. Jerry and I are registered for the 140km. I'm training for the 170km (aka Century Ride - 100 miles)but plan to do the lesser mileage. The terrain is hilly and there can be nasty winds. I've never done this long of a distance but it is realistic and I start my training tonight. Three "short" rides a week and one "long" ride. This week my short rides are 15 km each and my long ride is 40 km. I'm on a 10 week training schedule which is designed to prepare you without over stressing your body. I'm rather excited since the long rides will get us out of the city to explore a few towns nearby.
The nice thing about the ride is there are several distances. For example, if the wind is bad/weather nasty, we can turn around at the 50 km mark. If it's good, we can turn around at the planned 70 km mark. If it's fabulous, we're feeling good and our time is ok, we can push it to the 85 km mark. We have from 7 am to 4:30 pm to complete the ride (9.5 hrs) so with a riding average of 20 km/hr, we could do the full GranFondo. A bit daunting but it should be a pretty ride.
Have a great day!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Ontario bound
Hello Everyone,
Flights are booked so Jerry & I will be in Ontario this summer. We fly into Toronto on July 28 and catch a shuttle up to the cottage. After the cottage for the long weekend, we return to Chesley. Followed by Keady market! And then some visiting.
There are tentative plans for an afternoon social on August 6 (so Jerry can be grilled by the general public). And then we fly back out of London on the 7th.
I already have my spreadsheet started with a basic schedule and list of things to do. Jerry laughed when I showed him. Has anyone done the zip line & canopy walk at Scenic Caves (Collingwood)?
Have a great day!
Flights are booked so Jerry & I will be in Ontario this summer. We fly into Toronto on July 28 and catch a shuttle up to the cottage. After the cottage for the long weekend, we return to Chesley. Followed by Keady market! And then some visiting.
There are tentative plans for an afternoon social on August 6 (so Jerry can be grilled by the general public). And then we fly back out of London on the 7th.
I already have my spreadsheet started with a basic schedule and list of things to do. Jerry laughed when I showed him. Has anyone done the zip line & canopy walk at Scenic Caves (Collingwood)?
Have a great day!
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Almost the weekend
Hello Everyone,
Counting down to the weekend when I can get some sleep and study. The household routine is starting to get back into place. Jerry's week is going well. It's hard work but they only have clean-up for about a month and then it's lawn cutting.
I didn't like the bikini bootcamp so I have not continuted. Luckily it only cost me $20. It wasn't so much the workout but how it was being run. Large class and the instructor was teach both private students and students registered with the company. No clear introduction or advice for us newbies. It also seemed like the stretching at the end was an afterthought – very little of it and holding for short periods of time. I was also expecting several representatives at the first (and last) session to go over goals, measurements and fitness tests (like what is in the brochure). The instructor seemed to dismiss the diet plan and told us to e-mail the company for it if we were interested. I was expecting a print-out and some discussion about why changing your diet while doing a boot camp would lead to better results. I also would have liked a brief introduction from the instructor, indicating how a typical class runs and something motivating before we started. I could see from her view that it would be more challenging to handle a group with such a wide range of fitness levels and experience. I guess I'm either a one-on-one instruction person or a solo exerciser.
So, I created a new challenge. And if I complete X number of weeks, I get a reward! So, 2 aerobic workouts (kickboxing, cycling, dancing etc), 2 yoga or ballet (isometrics - actually quite challenging) and 1 short yoga (1/2 hour) each week. Once I've accumulated 4 weeks, I get a massage (hooray work benefits!) At 12 weeks, I get to add a manicure. And once I reach 26 weeks, a half day at the spa.
And Jerry is supportive of this too. We're both trying to eat healthier and he knows that my body shape has been bothering me. And that I don't have as much energy to do the things we like to do together (hiking, snowboarding etc.) I have my little spreadsheet all done up and I'm looking forward to it.
Oh, and the matsoni yougurt worked! A bit runny on the first attempt but it worked! We make more tonight. I sweetened it with honey and added cinnamon. So, ingredients list: milk, yougurt culture, honey, cinnamon. So simple! I'll probably alternate between cinnamon and vanilla. Now I don't have to feel bad about throwing away all those little yougurt containers as there is no plastic recycling at work. Yes, Calgary in many ways is really that behind the times.
My new glasses are wonderful. Everything is so much sharper, even more than just usual "got new glasses" sharp. And they're cute. They remind me of something from the 60s.
Have a great day!
Counting down to the weekend when I can get some sleep and study. The household routine is starting to get back into place. Jerry's week is going well. It's hard work but they only have clean-up for about a month and then it's lawn cutting.
I didn't like the bikini bootcamp so I have not continuted. Luckily it only cost me $20. It wasn't so much the workout but how it was being run. Large class and the instructor was teach both private students and students registered with the company. No clear introduction or advice for us newbies. It also seemed like the stretching at the end was an afterthought – very little of it and holding for short periods of time. I was also expecting several representatives at the first (and last) session to go over goals, measurements and fitness tests (like what is in the brochure). The instructor seemed to dismiss the diet plan and told us to e-mail the company for it if we were interested. I was expecting a print-out and some discussion about why changing your diet while doing a boot camp would lead to better results. I also would have liked a brief introduction from the instructor, indicating how a typical class runs and something motivating before we started. I could see from her view that it would be more challenging to handle a group with such a wide range of fitness levels and experience. I guess I'm either a one-on-one instruction person or a solo exerciser.
So, I created a new challenge. And if I complete X number of weeks, I get a reward! So, 2 aerobic workouts (kickboxing, cycling, dancing etc), 2 yoga or ballet (isometrics - actually quite challenging) and 1 short yoga (1/2 hour) each week. Once I've accumulated 4 weeks, I get a massage (hooray work benefits!) At 12 weeks, I get to add a manicure. And once I reach 26 weeks, a half day at the spa.
And Jerry is supportive of this too. We're both trying to eat healthier and he knows that my body shape has been bothering me. And that I don't have as much energy to do the things we like to do together (hiking, snowboarding etc.) I have my little spreadsheet all done up and I'm looking forward to it.
Oh, and the matsoni yougurt worked! A bit runny on the first attempt but it worked! We make more tonight. I sweetened it with honey and added cinnamon. So, ingredients list: milk, yougurt culture, honey, cinnamon. So simple! I'll probably alternate between cinnamon and vanilla. Now I don't have to feel bad about throwing away all those little yougurt containers as there is no plastic recycling at work. Yes, Calgary in many ways is really that behind the times.
My new glasses are wonderful. Everything is so much sharper, even more than just usual "got new glasses" sharp. And they're cute. They remind me of something from the 60s.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Grrr...
Hello Everyone,
Well, the results last night weren't what I was hoping for but the Canadian people (or at least those who bothered to show up) spoke.
They ran a segment on CBC, "If I were Prime Minister" leading up to election night. Here is what I would do:
• Mandatory voting. People can spoil their ballots but they have to at least show up. Penalties would be similar to a few other countries – increased income tax and reduction in government services.
• Free post-secondary education in exchange for 2 years of government service. This could take several forms: military, coast guard, parks, entry level government positions, etc. We get extra work, educated people and graduates that have work experience.
• Maximum 8 year terms for MPs & Senators
• Allow constituents to recall MPs.
• Reform House of Commons so ridings are set by population. It’s currently very Atlantic Canada heavy when you consider the population. Create extra seats so you also have popular vote representation.
• Reform Senate to elected and set seats by province. Each province (regardless of size) will get x number of seats. That will create a balance between the two houses.
• Set election dates (every 4 years)
• Make work projects:
o Bike path beside each national highway
o Bike path beside each major road in a national park. Safer for all, more people using the park, more fees collected to help with conservation
o National passenger railway
o Nice rest areas on the national highways, like when you’re driving on the Interstates in the US.
o Money to provinces for provincial passenger railway
o Money to cities for transit to link the above points together
o Overhaul government buildings (including residences) to make more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Old does not necessarily mean re-replicate it. Old and new can look nice together
• Mandatory English and French class in all provinces from grade 1-8
• Immigrants must be able to communicate in either English or French
• Easier for immigrants to transfer education, work licenses etc. to work in their field in Canada
• Remembrance Day a statutory holiday
• Tax cigarettes even more and regulate the sale of marijuana to the general public. It will make it easier for people to access it for medical purposes (it’s currently very expensive and if you grow it yourself, you can be targeted by criminals) and if you want to use it personally, at least it's not as bad as cigarettes. Get rid of the criminal element, regulate it and tax it. Take the tax money and put toward Health Care.
• Look at cell phone, telephone, internet and cable. We have some of the highest user fees in the world and we’re lagging behind in technology. Make it more competitive and get some lower fees.
• Work with Natives for self governance and the ability to own their own homes. Many reserves are set up so Natives don’t own the houses and government inspectors can come in at any time, with no notice, to do an inspection. Would you take pride in your home if someone did that to you? Even renters have more protection than that. Work with them to ensure water quality, education, housing, etc are at Canadian standards.
So, based on this, none of the parties fit my platform. And it's frustrating and discouraging. But I'll be out again in 4 years and I hope you are too.
Have a good day!
Well, the results last night weren't what I was hoping for but the Canadian people (or at least those who bothered to show up) spoke.
They ran a segment on CBC, "If I were Prime Minister" leading up to election night. Here is what I would do:
• Mandatory voting. People can spoil their ballots but they have to at least show up. Penalties would be similar to a few other countries – increased income tax and reduction in government services.
• Free post-secondary education in exchange for 2 years of government service. This could take several forms: military, coast guard, parks, entry level government positions, etc. We get extra work, educated people and graduates that have work experience.
• Maximum 8 year terms for MPs & Senators
• Allow constituents to recall MPs.
• Reform House of Commons so ridings are set by population. It’s currently very Atlantic Canada heavy when you consider the population. Create extra seats so you also have popular vote representation.
• Reform Senate to elected and set seats by province. Each province (regardless of size) will get x number of seats. That will create a balance between the two houses.
• Set election dates (every 4 years)
• Make work projects:
o Bike path beside each national highway
o Bike path beside each major road in a national park. Safer for all, more people using the park, more fees collected to help with conservation
o National passenger railway
o Nice rest areas on the national highways, like when you’re driving on the Interstates in the US.
o Money to provinces for provincial passenger railway
o Money to cities for transit to link the above points together
o Overhaul government buildings (including residences) to make more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Old does not necessarily mean re-replicate it. Old and new can look nice together
• Mandatory English and French class in all provinces from grade 1-8
• Immigrants must be able to communicate in either English or French
• Easier for immigrants to transfer education, work licenses etc. to work in their field in Canada
• Remembrance Day a statutory holiday
• Tax cigarettes even more and regulate the sale of marijuana to the general public. It will make it easier for people to access it for medical purposes (it’s currently very expensive and if you grow it yourself, you can be targeted by criminals) and if you want to use it personally, at least it's not as bad as cigarettes. Get rid of the criminal element, regulate it and tax it. Take the tax money and put toward Health Care.
• Look at cell phone, telephone, internet and cable. We have some of the highest user fees in the world and we’re lagging behind in technology. Make it more competitive and get some lower fees.
• Work with Natives for self governance and the ability to own their own homes. Many reserves are set up so Natives don’t own the houses and government inspectors can come in at any time, with no notice, to do an inspection. Would you take pride in your home if someone did that to you? Even renters have more protection than that. Work with them to ensure water quality, education, housing, etc are at Canadian standards.
So, based on this, none of the parties fit my platform. And it's frustrating and discouraging. But I'll be out again in 4 years and I hope you are too.
Have a good day!
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