Reality Check

Build a Casino in Cornwall, Ontario?- A Bad Idea!

 We see that a few people in Cornwall are floating a trial balloon- one that says we should lobby for a casino in Cornwall. I think it’s a bad idea and a non-starter and here’s why.

 Do the research on gambling and casinos and you will find discover that it’s all downhill. Casinos have some obvious economic benefits that everyone points to, but I believe the costs far outweigh the benefits.

 Take the Akwesasne Casino across the border in New York state as an example. Other than a few low level jobs there, what has the casino industry really done for Akwesasne? First of all, most of the money earned doesn’t stay on the native reserve; it is shipped out and used elsewhere. In casino operations this is standard practice. Sure there will be a few public relations giveaways to the community, but it would be hard to argue that Akwesasne is being revitalized because of the casino. I don’t think so.

Ontario Liberals ‘Forget’ to Remind Taxpayers about HST Deadlines

In their latest outrageous deception, the Ontario Liberals have evoked a crucial May 1 deadline from the bowels of the Ontario Ministry of Revenue website, which is a slap in the face to all Ontarians.

 The deadline means that people won’t have to wait until July 1^st to pay another tax- they can start paying it right now.

 Here is the obscure clause, well hidden in a PDF file linked to the home page, and not readily apparent under ‘important’ dates:

 “The HST would generally apply to consideration that becomes due, or is paid without having become due, on or after May 1, 2010 and before July 2010 for a supply of goods by way of sale, to the extent that the consideration is for goods that are delivered, and for which ownership is transferred, to the recipient of the supply on or after July 1, 2010.”

Ontario Government Should Fund Only One Public School Board

In 1997 the Mike Harris government introduced amalgamated school boards in Ontario, which were heralded to bring about an improved educational system, and one that would be much more cost effective.

  Let’s do a reality check of the educational system in 2010.  Where are these huge savings for the taxpayers that were touted? Despite having declining enrolment across the province taxpayers are still paying more for education, and not one piece of evidence has emerged to show the ‘huge’ savings from amalgamation. So will the Ministry of Education produce a report that shows these alleged savings?  The taxpayers are not aware of any such savings or even if such a report exists.

 

Ontario Government Taxes Fitness but Gives Fast Food an Exemption!

In a previous article I pointed out that the Ontario government made a big mistake when it recently gave an exemption to the fast food industry concerning the new HST legislation that will add 8% to most products.

  Essentially, the Ontario government is promoting the consumption of fast food that is known to be of low nutritional value and the underlying cause of sickness and disease. The government is showing a a complete disregard for the health of Ontarians with this legislation.  If you have a public administration degree you'd know that this can mean big problems for the government.

 However, the government could redeem itself if it could point to any example in the HST legislation that showed a genuine concern for the health of its citizens. In other words, was the government willing to take a stand, and exempt any products or services that would make for a healthier lifestyle?

 Unfortunately, the answer to that question is a definitive, “No.”

 

Ontario Government Ignores Privacy Concerns with RFID Driver's Licenses Bill

In a previous letter to the Freeholder in September, I wrote about the sinister, but largely unknown effects of RFID chips, or “spychips” as they are called. I explained that the entire retail industry is focused on implanting RFID chips in merchandise so that goods and their owners can be tracked, and their data can be ‘mined.’

 

I also mentioned that credit card companies are getting into the act. Since my last letter, CIBC VISA has sent me a new microchipped card with almost no information about what the RFID chip is capable of, other than to increase my ‘security.’