Thoughts on BC Politics and More

The Conservatives are decrying a push by the federal Liberals to retroactively amend a law which some lawyers believe is a way to avoid paying out veterans over a federal error that may be responsible for overcharging them thousands of dollars. The Carney government’s budget implementation act contains an amendment that it says “clarifies” the formula used to calculate long-term care costs for veterans. Lawyers in a proposed class action contend the federal government has been overcharging veterans for long-term care due to a decades-long miscalculation ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

The just-announced cut of $1 billion on defense spending is the latest example of why Canada has lost its clout on the world stage. Let’s take a look at the cumulative factors that have brought us to this sorry pass. https://darshanmaharaja.podbean.com/e/elevator-chat-episode-24-canada-s-fall-from-grace/   (Duration: 8 minutes)     Independent voices are more important than ever in today’s Canada. I am happy to add my voice to the public discussions on current issues & policy, and grateful for all the encouraging response from my listeners & readers. I do not believe in a Paywall model, so will not make access to my content subject to a payment. To help me bring more content to you, please consider donating a small amount via this PayPal link on my website: https://darshanmaharaja.ca/donate/

The first of thousands of injured Canadian military veterans are set to soon begin receiving disability payment top-ups under a $283-million class-action settlement, but policy changes mean no newly discharged members will be entitled to the extra benefits. The case involves a Federal Court judge's ruling that many veterans who had served in certain difficult circumstances, such as on submarines, in special forces or in areas with high costs of living, weren't being paid the long-term disability benefits they were entitled to. The federal government did not challenge the 2020 ruling, and ultimately agreed in a recently finalized settlement that more than 8,600 former members should receive retroactive payments as well as increased monthly benefits. "We hope that payments will be starting soon," said Daniel Wallace, the Halifax lawyer who led the class-action lawsuit ...   CLICK HERE for the full story

Hey team ... I am calling you a team, because I honestly feel that we are all working together towards a common goal. Someone asked me if I stand in solidarity, and before they added the last word, I said " I sure do "; I am speaking out for what I call # TeamCanada . I recognize that without the farmers doing what they do, I would never have flour for my bannock. I would never have vegetables for a salad, or potatoes to smother in butter or gravy. Without the ranchers, I would never have eggs, or chickens or beef for my burgers. Or the medium rare steak that is going to taste so good over a camp fire. Without the loggers I would have no lumber to build my tree stands, and without pulp and paper people, well ... let's just say I do not like the feel of leaves on my derriere. Without the miners we would have no minerals to make things out of, and without the power and cellular service providers I would be in the dark. I would have to send...

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Yesterday (December 5 th ), Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued a statement regarding the Speech from the Throne … it follows below. First however, as you read it, I wonder if you’ll keep these questions in mind: Do you feel encouraged that the Prime Minister plans to ‘ strengthen the middle class ’? What about the governments stated goal of working to ‘ get Canadian resources to new markets ’? Do you feel they have a ‘ plan to build a strong and growing modern economy’ ? Do you have a doctor – if not, how long have you been without one.   What are your thoughts about the government’s intent to ‘… to ensure that people can access quality health care ’? Justin Trudeau Liberal government stated that they will, ‘… continue to recognize our solemn duty to those who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces ’.   In your opinion, is that something they have actually been doing? And finally, do ...