David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others Methinks according to the results of Meech Lake and the Charlottetown Accord Quebec didn't assent to the Charter Hence they have no right use it against the other provinces when it suits them to do so N'esy Pas?
Quebec tourists will be allowed to drive to the Magdalen Islands
Quebecers heading to the islands will be able to stop in New Brunswick for a night
CBC News · Posted: Jun 13, 2020 12:56 PM ET
Quebec tourists who want to catch the C.T.M.A. Vacancier ferry to travel
to the Magdalen Islands will have to fill out a mandatory
self-declaration form and present it to officers stationed at the
provincial border in New Brunswick and on Prince Edward Island. (Radio-Canada/Lisa-Marie Bélanger)
Quebec tourists will be allowed to drive through New Brunswick
and Prince Edward Island to get to the Magdalen Islands as of June 26.
The
three provinces involved had been in talks since last month, trying to
find a balance between COVID-19 safety protocols and the potential
economic effects of a bleak tourist season.
As part of the new
regulations, announced Saturday in a release, Quebec tourists will need
to fill out a government form and have proof of passage on the ferry to
and from Souris, P.E.I. They are also required to prove they have
somewhere to stay.
On their way there, tourists will be permitted to spend one
night in New Brunswick. Once they arrive on P.E.I., they will have to go
directly to the Souris ferry terminal, with the exception of stopping
for gas.
According to Quebec government authorities, the new forms will be available on the province's official website "shortly."
Up
until now, Quebec residents wanting to cross through New Brunswick and
P.E.I. required special permission and had to fall into specific
categories, such as being an essential worker or travelling for medical
reasons.
The two provinces had closed themselves off in an
effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Where Quebec has
had 53,824 confirmed cases so far, New Brunswick and P.E.I. have only
seen 154 and 27 cases, respectively.
Magdalen Islands Mayor
Jonathan Lapierre had been lobbying for Quebecers to be allowed to
vacation in the area, as many families depend on the tourism industry
for income.
According to Lapierre, the tourism industry creates some 1,800 jobs for Magdalen Island residents.
Joël Arseneau, the MNA for the Magdalen Islands, had also called on the governments to lift the restrictions.
"We
have two economic pillars: one is fisheries and the second one is
tourism. I would say close to a quarter of the working population is
involved in tourism," Arseneau said Saturday.
MNA Joël Arseneau says he knows there won't be as many
tourists visiting the region this year, but that something is better
than nothing. (Philippe Grenier/Radio-Canada)
Even with this new
announcement, he said the islands can expect to see some economic
fallout.
Where the region welcomed 70,000 tourists last summer, it
expects to see no more than 20,000 this year.
"The important
factor, for me, was to have a base from which we can build," said
Arseneau. "Whatever we can get this summer is better than nothing."
Nancy Boisselle, who runs Excursions en Merin Cap-aux-Meules, Que., agrees.
The company, which provides marine tours of the islands, will need to reduce its operations by 70 per cent this year.
"It will be a big loss, but we will still offer tours to visitors," Boisselle said.
146 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos Methinks
some of these politicians should review my emails tothem as their
assistants recall my phone calls to their offices N'esy Pas?
Peter Wylie So you have to be from Quebec to qualify for this exemption.
Mobility Rights
Mobility of citizens
Limitation
(3) The rights specified in subsection (2) are subject to
(a) any laws or practices of general application in force in a province
other than those that discriminate among persons primarily on the basis of province of present or previous residence;
David Amos Reply
to @Peter Wylie: YUP BUT Methinks according to the results of Meech
Lake and the Charlottetown Accord Quebec did not assent to the Charter
Hence they have no right use it against the other provinces when it
suits them to do so N'esy Pas?
Peter Wylie Reply to @David Amos:
The passing of the UK's Canada Act in March 1982 confirmed the
Patriation of the Constitution and transferred to Canada the power of
amending its own Constitution.
The UK's Canada Act 1982 confirmed that Canada had formally assumed
authority over its constitution, the final step to full sovereignty.
The Supreme Court of Canada concluded that Quebec's formal consent was never necessary.
Peter Wylie New Brunswick is out of control. Is a New Brunswick passport on the horizon?
Donald Gallant
Reply to @Peter Wylie:
Check the stats. NB is well positioned and under good management.
Peter Wylie
Reply to @Donald Gallant:
'Papers, Please'
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Donald Gallant:
Not for long, and this is a very long way from "good management"
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Methinks Higgy did not enjoy overseeing the minions in his Police State this week N'esy Pas?
Terry Tibbs Reply to @David Amos:
"The minions" are almost in revolt, it took a while, but most seem to be wising up.
Hundreds demonstrate against Campbellton-Quebec border rules
Pointe-à-la-Croix and Listuguj residents rely on shops in Campbellton for essential supplies
Hadeel Ibrahim · CBC News · Posted: May 19, 2020 2:22 PM AT
More than 400 people marched against New Brunswick's travel
restrictions, which organizers say are inconsistently applied and
separate the community unfairly. (Serge Bouchard/Radio-Canada)
Hundreds of people separated by the New Brunswick-Quebec border marched against New Brunswick's travel restrictions Monday.
Organizers
are calling for a bubble to be formed between Campbellton and the
closest Quebec communities of Pointe-à-la-Croix and Listuguj First
Nation, to allow for essential travel and family reunification.
More
than 400 residents of Campbellton, Listuguj and Pointe-à-la-Croix met
at the bridge linking the two provinces, wearing masks, carrying signs
and calling for the border rules to be applied more consistently.
"We are one community, it's been like that for a hundred years," said organizer Lisa Lévesque.
Residents of Quebec and New Brunswick met on the bridge that
separates the communities of Campbellton, Pointe-a-la-Croix and
Listuguj First Nation. (Serge Bouchard/Radio-Canada)
Lévesque lives in Pointe-à-la-Croix but works in Campbellton as
a mental health worker. Her commute is five minutes long, and she has a
pass so she can cross the border easily. She said that system works
well when she wants to get to work, but to get to the store, or to see
her 22-year-old daughter, it hasn't been as easy.
"There's a lot of inconsistency at the border," she said.
New
Brunswick's emergency declaration bans all non-essential travel into
the province to protect the province from COVID-19 spread . But
Pointe-à-la-Croix and Listuguj residents are included as an exception in
the order, allowing them to enter Campbellton to access essential goods
like groceries and pharmacy.
Hundreds of people separated by the New Brunswick-Quebec border marched against New Brunswick's travel restrictions Monday. 2:28
It has been almost two weeks since New Brunswick has detected a
new case of COVID-19. The last two detected were both linked to travel.
Everyone
travelling into the province is required to self isolate for two weeks,
and the province has been turning away travellers deemed to be making
non-essential trips.
Lévesque
said that rule is fine if it's applied fairly across the board. She
said some residents get turned away by one officer, and allowed by the
next one even though their reason for travel hasn't changed.
"We
only have the Provigo, the one pharmacy, for about 5,000 people, and if
we want more stuff we need to drive like an hour," she said.
The town also doesn't have a bank. Levesque said having a very limited bubble for the local communities will help her area.
"We don't want to open the border to all of Quebec," she said.
How many people has the province turned away?
Department
of Public Safety spokesperson Coreen Enos said hundreds of people are
being granted access every day at the crossings into Restigouche County.
She said over the last seven days, an average of 509 vehicles
per day attempted to cross into Campbellton. Officers turned back an
average of 18 each day.
"When
residents of Quebec enter New Brunswick, they are asked to explain the
purpose of their travels, if travel is deemed essential in nature, those
residents are permitted to enter New Brunswick for that purpose only
and are expected to return to the province of Quebec immediately upon
completing that essential task," she said.
Premier Blaine Higgs did not return a request for comment.
Family bubble doesn't apply
Lévesque
said she hasn't seen her daughter since the travel restrictions came
into effect. She said if she lived in Campbellton, she would have chosen
her daughter as her "bubble" household. But, she said because of the
travel restrictions, that has not been possible.
"A lot of us have family there," she said. "We cannot see our family."
Pointe-à-la-Croix Mayor
Pascal Bujold marched Monday. He said his mother lives in Dalhousie and
he hasn't seen her in two months either.
"I know exactly what they're going through," he said.
Pointe-a-la-Croix Mayor Pacal Bujold says he's waiting for a
call from Premier Blaine Higgs to discuss the restrictions between his
town and Campbellton. (Radio-Canada)
Bujold has
previously criticized border officers' inconsistent rule application. He
said he has contacted Higgs to explain the situation to him, but has
not gotten a call back.
"He knows what we want, so I'd like to know what he thinks about it," he said.
The peaceful march happened under police supervision.
The
majority of participants wore masks, but the two metre physical
distance rule was difficult to enforce, Lévesque said, especially when
the two groups met in the middle of the bridge.
"Impossible to do distancing with a lot of people like that," she said. "We did the walk and came back home right after."
The
organizer for the New Brunswick marchers, Marie-Josette Roy, said no
matter where they came from, the message was the same for everyone.
"Pointe-à-la-Croix and Listuguj have always been part of our community," she told Radio-Canada on Monday.
Campbellton Mayor Stephanie Anglehart-Paulin declined to comment on the march Tuesday.
Joe Carrey Content disabled
What
a stupid idea. Quebecers are selfish by nature. They've been raised to
think they're better than everyone else. They have proven that they
refuse to follow rules and bring hatred and bigotry wherever they go.
They will bring disease to our province and kill our people. Keep them
out.
David Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Joe Carrey:
Oh My My Methinks the last time I checked Quebeckers were still
Canadians who are entitled to the same rights as you and I whether you
like them or not N'esy Pas?
2 provinces, 2 approaches for 'travel corridor' to Magdalen Islands
Blaine Higgs says he's open to working something out
Premier Blaine Higgs says he’s open to the idea of a “travel corridor”
for Quebecers heading to the Magdalen Islands. But P.E.I. Premier Dennis
King is not. (Marika Wheeler/CBC)
New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island appear to be taking
different approaches to the complicated question of how people from
Quebec can travel through the two provinces to reach the Magdalen
Islands.
New Brunswick is letting people passing through the
province make stops for food, gas or washrooms, and Premier Blaine Higgs
says he's open to the idea of a "travel corridor" for Quebecers heading
to the Magdalens.
"I'm sure we can work something out there," he said Thursday in an interview with CBC Radio in Quebec City.
But
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said Friday that, for now, he's sticking
with his province's approach of not allowing people heading to the
Magdalens to make stops.
He said his staff told the office of
Quebec Premier François Legault "that we wouldn't be in a position to
want to do that just yet … other than what we do for essential travel
right now."
King said with tourism season approaching, "these
are some of the issues we have to deal with … [but] we're comfortable
right now with what we have in place and we would like to continue that
for the time being."
Higgs said at his Friday briefing that the
three governments would continue to discuss the issue. "We want to be
in a position where we have the same kind of rules."
Other than
by air, the only way Quebecers can reach the Magdalen Islands is by
driving through New Brunswick to P.E.I. and catching a ferry in the town
of Souris.
2 sets of restrictions
Premier Blaine Higgs said he's sure something can be worked out for travelling to the islands. (Government of New Brunswick/Submitted)
That makes Quebec travellers subject to two other sets of
provincial COVID-19 restrictions to reach another part of their own
province.
It's a
travel conundrum that will soon become more acute during the summer
tourism season, a staple of the Magdalen Islands' economy.
"If
we are to have a tourist season this summer, will that be allowed?
That's the question I'm asking," said Joel Arseneau, the member of the
Quebec legislature representing the islands.
People
from central regions of Quebec often face a 10-hour drive into New
Brunswick, through the province, across the Confederation Bridge and
then to Souris, he said.
"The question is, can you get through
New Brunswick without stopping? The answer is no. You need to gas up.
You may need to get some food."
He said many travellers heading
to the islands for the summer also break up the long trip with an
overnight hotel stay in Moncton, and allowing that could be part of the
corridor concept he's proposing.
Stops don't cover overnight stays
Joel Arseneau, the member of the Quebec legislature
representing the Magdalen Islands, said he wants Quebecers to be able to
travel there this summer to boost tourism. (Radio-Canada)
Higgs told CBC Radio's Quebec AM last week that some kind of
special corridor "just makes sense ... and it goes in line with what
we've been doing, to ensure other provinces aren't cut off for people
who are passing through New Brunswick."
In
fact, the province's online guidelines say people can already transit
the province if they "demonstrate they are travelling through to another
jurisdiction and who agree to limit stops to food, fuel and personal
needs and agree to follow the guidance of the Chief Medical Officer of
Health."
But while the phrase "personal needs" includes bathroom
breaks, it does not cover overnight hotel stops, said Department of
Public Safety spokesperson Shawn Berry.
Higgs said the idea from
the beginning, coordinated with Prince Edward Island, was to allow "a
straight run" to the Magdalens without any overnight stops.
In
Prince Edward Island, at least one grocery store owner near the Souris
ferry terminal is refusing to let out-of-province travellers into his
store.
Higgs did not answer a question at Friday's briefing
about whether store owners in New Brunswick can or should be able to
choose to refuse to serve non-New Brunswickers.
An official with
Couche-Tard, the company operating some Irving Big Stop and Circle K
stations along the Trans-Canada Highway in New Brunswick, said it is not
restricting out-of-province travellers from entering their stations.
But non-New Brunswick drivers are being asked to pay for their gas at the pumps rather than go inside.
Berry
said those policies are up to the store owners as long as they are
following all Public Health rules, such as physical distancing
requirements.
Shifting restrictions
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said he's sticking with his
province's approach of not allowing people heading to the Magdalens to
make stops. (Ken Linton/CBC)
Quebec's conundrum with the Magdalen Islands is also complicated by its own shifting COVID-19 precautions.
When
the pandemic began, the province restricted internal travel between
regions within Quebec.
Only residents of the Magdalen Islands and people
transporting essential goods were allowed to travel there and they
needed permission from the Quebec government.
That permission was enough to let them transit through New Brunswick and PEI, Arseneau said.
With
those internal restrictions being lifted Monday, cottage owners will be
added to the list of those allowed to travel to the island, but they'll
now be subject to New Brunswick and P.E.I. border restrictions.
Arseneau
said his understanding is they'll apply to P.E.I. for permission and
that permission will also be respected by New Brunswick.
He
said the situation could need to change yet again next month, when
tourism season begins in earnest in the Magdalen Islands and more
Quebecers will be looking to get there for vacations.
At that
point a much larger volume of people will need to know if they can stop
in New Brunswick and P.E.I. while en route, he said. "That's what I
think the two governments should get straight."
Higgs said
Friday allowing Quebecers to pass through en route to the Magdalen
Islands may raise the issue of whether Quebecers with cottages in New
Brunswick should be let in.
But he said he doesn't foresee the New Brunswick-Quebec border opening to regular travel before the end of the summer.
New Brunswick may let in out-of-province cottage owners by midsummer
Premier Blaine Higgs says he's open 'to making changes in the coming months' if Quebec situation improves
Julia Page · CBC News · Posted: May 14, 2020 3:32 PM ET
Compliance officers check vehicles at the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick
border near Amherst on Sunday, April 5, 2020. Provincial staff stop and
question anyone entering the province as part of the effort to stop the
spread of COVID-19. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs says Quebecers and residents
of other provinces who own property in his province may eventually be
allowed to travel there this summer — depending on public health
conditions in the coming weeks.
Higgs imposed strict travel restrictions in March to limit movement within New Brunswick in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Since
the start of the pandemic, there have only been 120 confirmed cases of
COVID-19 in New Brunswick and not a single death — making it one of only
two provinces in Canada, along with Prince Edward Island, that hasn't
lost any citizens to the virus.
By comparison, Quebec now has 40,724 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 3,351 Quebecers have died.
In an interview on CBC's Quebec AM,
Higgs said because New Brunswick hasn't had the same exposure to the
coronavirus as Quebec has, it is still not ready to let in Quebec
residents.
As the province does a phased reopening of its
economy, however, Higgs said, he isn't ruling out the possibility of
allowing in out-of-province travellers later in the summer.
"I don't want to put a timeline limit on it at this stage," Higgs said. "It just depends how things go over the coming weeks."
Higgs
said property owners, who after all are taxpayers in New Brunswick,
have contacted him, some arguing that they're prepared to
self-isolate if they're allowed in. But it's still too soon to allow
that to happen, he said.
He said some people in New Brunswick are not even comfortable with the idea of people moving around within the province.
"We
initially had people that didn't want other New Brunswickers to travel
into their community because they were concerned about, you know, having
an outbreak," he said.
Higgs said before opening the
borders, he needs to evaluate how the province's own reopening process
plays out and how the number of cases fluctuate in other provinces in
the coming weeks. He's hoping public health officials have enough
information to make that call by "some time in July."
"I don't want to write off the summer for our friends and neighbours."
There are two active cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick. (CBC News)
Travel corridor to Magdalen Islands
Higgs said he
is also open to the idea of negotiating the opening of a travel corridor
to allow Quebecers to get to the Magdalen Islands.
Right now,
islanders are able to drive through New Brunswick to get to P.E.I. and
then take the ferry to the archipelago, but they are asked not to stop
along the way.
The
Parti Québécois MP for the archipelago, Joël Arseneau, sent a letter to
Premier François Legault on Wednesday asking that the government come
to an agreement with its neighbour to make sure that right-of-way is
maintained.
He said there could be designated rest areas where people could stop to get gas and food.
The Magdalen Islands rely heavily on two economic pillars —
fisheries and tourism, said the PQ MNA for the region, Joël Arseneau. (Marika Wheeler/CBC)
"We're in a unprecedented crisis, and I think we've got to work out solutions," said Arseneau.
On
average, 80,000 people visit the archipelago every year, said Arseneau,
and 80 per cent of them drive through New Brunswick to take a ferry
from Souris, P.E.I.
He suggested the CTMA Vacancier, the vessel
that normally offers cruises from Montreal to the Magdalen Islands,
could be used as an additional ferry service from the Gaspé.
As Quebec gradually reopens some of its tourism activities, Arseneau said, it's important that the Magdalen Islands don't miss out on that economic revival.
With
$90 million in tourism revenues and 1,500 jobs on the line, Arseneau
said, not having road access through the Maritimes would mean "being $90
million in the hole, and we just don't know how we're going to survive
the next year."
Quebec AM
NB Premier not opening border to Quebecers just yet.
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs explains why he is not ready to open the border to Quebecers at this stage in the pandemic. 13:44
With files from Quebec AM, Breakaway and Jacques Poitras
56 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos Methinks
many double property tax payers will come and not be turned back by his
minions long before Higgy has his first mid summer night's dream N'esy
Pas?
David Amos Methinks
Higgy et al and many Feds should understand why I just called Joël
Arseneau the member for Îles-de-la-Madeleine N'esy Pas?
David Amos Methinks
Higgy et al should not deny the fact that I contacted Premier François
Legault and Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier again today by phone
and email N'esy Pas?
Rick Grayson Reply
to @David Amos: when did they deny that? Honestly who cares who you
contact?? No one, it’s clear you are person with authority issues,
maybe even a conspiracy theorist.
David Amos Reply to @Rick Grayson: Say Hey to your hero Higgy for me will ya?
Billy Joe Mcallister Reply
to @David Amos: Oh no! David Amos, you're not one of them there
conspiracy theorists are you? Because all of us smart, edumacated
people what watch CNN and Fox news all the time, we know there's is no
such thing as conspiracies....
David Amos
Reply to @Billy Joe Mcallister: Methinks you jest just enough N'esy Pas?
David Amos Reply
to @Billy Joe Mcallister: Methinks if you do not believe what
politicians and their media buddies tell you then you definitely should
not buy their BS N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Billy Joe
Mcallister: Methinks many folks must wonder why other people don't use
their real names For instance I doubt that you are the fella Bobby
Gentry sung about many moons ago nor is Mr Grayson Batman's buddy N'esy
Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos:
Methinks even though your hero Higgy and his minions detest me so much
that they won't give me back my old Harley or even my Medicare Card at
least we are real people with real names N'esy Pas?
Joe Carrey Content disabled
What
a stupid idea. Quebecers are selfish by nature. They've been raised to
think they're better than everyone else. They have proven that they
refuse to follow rules and bring hatred and bigotry wherever they go.
They will bring disease to our province and kill our people. Keep them
out.
David Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Joe Carrey:
Oh My My Methinks the last time I checked Quebeckers were still
Canadians who are entitled to the same rights as you and I whether you
like them or not N'esy Pas?
Peter Ray I certain;ly hope that tax payers pf New Brunswick are happy and accepting of the fact that thier taxes are about to go up.
After all, if property owners are forbidden by the gov't to go to their
proeprties on which they are PAYING taxes, a rebate for the restriction
period must be given.
As well, if there are damages due to the forced abandonment - covered by
insurance or not - all direct and indirect costs must be reimbursed as
well.
And since teenagers will be forced to quarantine over the summer - yeah,
sure - idle hands might be doing the devil's work. And what better
places to trash or party in, heck even just loot, than house 'abandoned'
by gov't edict.
The bills will add up. It will be cheaper to stand by the results of a draconian and unnecessary lock-down than to go to court.
Disclaimer: I/we live rural (now) in what is considered 'cottage
country'. I/we welcome our seasonal friends and neighbours and we WILL
support any lawsuits against the gov't for the above.
After all, it's only fair and just. And hey, it's only money from the
gov't. And we all know that all the gov't has to do is push a button and
the money is right there..
Bob
Smith
Reply to @Peter Ray: I
don't live in cottage country and will support any government who
fights lawsuits or the threats of them. I prefer my life and safety over
the needs of a non resident whining that their cottage in a virtually
virus free province should be available to flee a province struggling to
contain the pandemic. If you feel so strongly to welcome them, go to
Ontario/Quebec and greet your seasonal neighbours in person.
Albert
Wade POOF
Ron Jones
Reply to @Peter Ray: I
have no problem with what you say at all however that pendulum must
swing both ways, if one of these residents of Quebec or Ontario or even
Maine where the virus is still very active and they bring the virus in
with them then they must be liable for all associated costs, Hospital,
Lost Wages, Lost business, civil litigation for wrongful death if they
cause someone to be infected that dies. I would suggest they boost
their personal liability insurance by a few 10's of millions of dollars
before they come.
Bob
Smith
Reply to @Albert
Wade: Fiasco? We have had ZERO deaths here and a low number of
infections. There are few provinces or states in North America that have
done better. I'm in no mood whatsoever to watch entitled cottage owners
roll into this province from areas that have yet to get things under
control. If they can't wait until late June/July, let em sue...the
health of this province's residents takes priority over any impatience.
Norman Albert Snr:
Reply to @Peter Ray:
Not an option. If you have valid reason for being here fine. If you are
just looking to vac and hide from virus do it elsewhere. We don't need
no stinking vacationers here at this point. Clean and free.....at least
for now.
Bob Sacamanau
Reply to @Ron Jones:
Hospital?? Did I fall asleep and wake up to NB becoming an independent
nation ? Last time I checked , Universal health
Care was for all Canadians, from coast to coast to coast.
Your province is an economic basket case that has to rely on $$$ from other regions.
You should be begging for people to come in and pay taxes
Michael Hatfield:
Reply to @Norman Albert Snr: agreed !!!! And an extended restriction will keep the Speedos off the beaches too.....
Lou Bell
Reply to @Peter Ray:
You can pay my share also ! And that of the rest of my family !
Insurance covers damages done to properties and if people don't want to
pay for Insuring their properties , TOUGH LUCK !! Although it appears
you're willing to pay it for them. Good luck and I'm sure they'll
appreciate it ! Tell them I said Thanks !!!
Lou Bell
Reply to @Ron Jones: Peter will pay for the liability !
Lou Bell
Reply to @Bob
Sacamanau: And where is your province ? Tell us how great they're doing !
And , by the way , each province makes their own decisions and we don't
need other provinces " basket cases " at this time , not mentioning any
names !!!!!!!!!
sandy mechefske
Reply to @Albert Wade:
but isn’t that always how it works? This province is in decay and
getting worse, but the sheeple buy into the hysteria and happily collect
OUR money, while keeping the rest of the world out. The thing is, we’re
all going to die, but it most likely will be from cancer, heart
disease, accident, the flu, suicide or diabetes and not from this
insignificant virus. But the mass hysteria surrounding this virus has
brainwashed the easily led. I am more concerned about the authoritarian
paternalism- the dictatorship which is forcing adults to follow the
powers that be, so- called science. I find it disconcerting when the
government states that they know what’s best for me- when they decide
what they think is essential, and when some lives are more valuable than
others. It’s scary.
sandy mechefske
Reply to @Bob
Smith:so85% of all deaths from COVID-19 in Canada are in long term care
facilities- why is the 15% that, isn’t being held hostage? Makes no
sense for anyone. Are the lives of isolated loved ones, not as valued?
Are the small businesses closing or people losing their jobs and homes
not important? Seriously? Life comes with risk. Should we not drive
because we might get in an accident? Not fly because we may die in a
plane crash? Live. We should ALL be able to live a quality life of our
choosing, not what the government dictates. We may get COVID-19, heck we
may get skin cancer, but chances are we’re not going to be hospitalized
or die from COVID-19. I don’t get why the only people being cared about
are the Covid people. What about the rest of us? The majority.
David Amos
Reply to @Peter Ray: Well put
DJ Redfern Reply to @sandy mechefske:
Here is a novel concept, all fo
Bob Smith Reply
to @sandy mechefske: You're equating a pandemic with no vaccine to a
car accident. You're putting business profits above all lives. Would it
take bodies being left in front of hospitals like in Ecuador to make you
take it seriously? Would a crematorium breaking down from being
overwhelmed by the amount of deaths as happened in New York change your
mind? Nahh, you probably just want your hair cut.
David Amos
Reply to @Bob Smith: Trust that I don't want a haircut
Pat Yeo I
understand the points made by Peter Ray and am thinking about them. I
live in Alberta but was born and brought up in New Brunswick. In the
late 50's my father built a very small cottage that we moved to every
summer from town. We struggle to keep it up as we do pay taxes and
since we live out of New brunswick we pay double taxes which are quite
high. As a born and bred New Brunswicker, not living in Quebec, I would
like to have the opportunity to come back home to enjoy as much of the
summer as the possible.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Pat Yeo: Methinks you should write an email to Higgy mentioning your comment and my replies today N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Pat Yeo: Perhaps we should talk sometime soon
David Amos Reply to @Pat Yeo: I just called and left you a voicemail
Jim Cyr God,
I wish we had Higgs leading us here in Maine (instead of Democrat Janet
Mills). Today our governor caved in to the hotel industry and opened
up all tourism starting June 1. Out of staters are “supposed” to
quarantine for two weeks before coming, but Mills admitted it will be on
the honor system. Many will just come, without quarantining, from virus
hotspots Massachusetts and New York. Hotel workers will have to expose
themselves to the virus or be fired. Those workers will transmit the
virus to arriving guests.
So much for a staycation in Maine this summer (one of the few bright
spots for us to look forward to lately). By the way, Mills has refused
to close Maine’s border at all (the way Higgs closed NB). She said it
wouldn’t be nice. SMH.
Bob Smith
Reply to @Jim Cyr: "It wouldn't be nice." Really? Wow...that's a scary tone to take during these times.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Jim Cyr: I'd be more fearful of Susan Collins , the Trump backer !
Jim Cyr
Reply to @Lou Bell: Of course you would, Lou. Of course you would.
Marc
LeBlanc
Reply to @Jim Cyr:
I'll never forget the picture from a Trump rally where two fellows had
"I'd rather be Russian than a Democrat" t-shirts
George Washington said "the strength of our nation will always hinge on
two principals.The unity of our people and the trust of our friends"
How's Trumpet mouth working out for ya?
Jim Cyr
Reply to @Marc
LeBlanc: I mentioned Higgs and Janet Mills; why are you talking about
Donald Trump? Is that some sort of mental tic or twitch that you just
can't help???
David Amos
Reply to @Jim Cyr: Say Hey to Trump et al for me will ya?
Dan Stewart Reply to @Jim Cyr: My, she is sounding just like a Trump puppet... Whats a good Republican to think!
David Amos Reply
to @Dan Stewart: Surely you jest Methinks many fake left folks would
agree that there is no such thing a a good republican N'esy Pas?
Christine Carrier When
will newbrunswickers hear something about the money received for
essential workers. When will Blaine Higgs announce his plans? I'm sure
I'm not the only essential worker wondering
Lou Bell
Reply to @Christine Carrier: Most likely when the Feds cough it up !
David Amos
Reply to @Christine Carrier: Mais Oui
Lou Bell Quebecer
? Quebecers ? The last thing we need in NB is Quebecers ! Look at what
they brought back to their Seniors from Florida and Louisianna ! They
can keep their COVID !
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks once you are done whining and crying again you really should
say Hey to your hero Higgy for me N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: BINGO
David Amos Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you must have finally taken a nap or higgy has your tongue N'esy Pas?
Chantal
LeBouthi I know they are frustrated but I don’t think losing one summer to protect poeples is the end of the world
David Amos
Reply to @Chantal
LeBouthi: Methinks Quebeckers should at least be allowed to go to their
summer places in Quebec without interference from Higgy's minions within
his Police State N'esy Pas?
Jake Quinlan Give
all or a good chunk of their tax back, keep them out for now. I saw
on CTV question period last week that Quebec residents were being
allowed to their cottage country but Ontario residents were not allowed
to same area. Not sure if things have changed.
David Amos
Reply to @Jake Quinlan: Methinks folks should ask themselves who represents Quebec and Canada and lives in Ontario N'esy Pas?
Jeff LeBlanc Oh great. Middle aged men wearing Speedos on our beaches. Quebec if you can read this...please invest in some board shorts
Nobody wants to see that.
David Amos
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Methinks you don't speak for all the French ladies N'esy Pas?
David Amos Reply to @David Amos: Methinks nobody wants speak for the wannabe Madame DesChamps and the SANB anymore N'esy Pas?
james smith A little too late...!
David Amos
Reply to @james smith: Methinks thats the way of the world N'esy Pas?
Kim Morris I
live in Ottawa and we still can't go to our cottages in Quebec because
the police are blocking the bridges, but they can travel from Montreal
to the Gatineau hills, double standard. They travel daily from Quebec
to Ontario with out any problems, they believe they have that right, but
Ontarions don't have the same righ to visit. Double standard as
always.
David Amos
Reply to @Kim Morris:
Methinks you should bring that up with our Prime Minister. He lives and
votes in your town during a provincial election but represents a Quebec
riding which is another double standard that should not have escaped
Doug Ford's notice N'esy Pas?
Mark Walen Cooper Reply
to @Kim Morris: Ah, the lust for payback never stops. Psst Legault
directive to not travel outside one's region still exists even if
roadblocks came down. Ps for Ottawa, could it be that it's because there
are 1,725 Covid cases in Ottawa and 367 in Outaouais, that's about 500%
more and 2,300% more deaths than in Gatineau yes 23 times more. You
believe you have a right to spread the contagion, just to level the
playing field. I'm not in Gatineau but in Montreal and no one is
dreaming of visiting the Gatineau Hills. We have stuff you know, parks,
trails, etc.
Regional update: Pointe-à-la-Croix mayor to speak with N.B. premier about the check points
— Gilles Gagné and Penny MacWhirter
POINTE-À-LA-CROIX – The mayor of Pointe-à la-Croix, Pascal Bujold
will speak with the premier of New Brunswick, Blaine Higgs, in an
attempt to settle the Campbellton check point issue as soon as possible.
The discussion should take place on May 7. The municipal council has
hired Quebec City-based Tremblay Bois Mignault et Lemay, a firm that
specializes in municipal affairs. That firm is tasked with informing the
New Brunswick government that there is incoherence in the way officers
at the Campbellton check point make decisions. There is a lot of
inconsistency regarding who can and who cannot go to Campbellton and buy
essential goods.
“The premier has repeatedly said that people from Quebec can go to
Campbellton, but the check point officers, RCMP cops and game wardens,
are not consistant in their decisions. Some people can go and some
can’t,” states Mayor Bujold.
On another note, the Public Health Board is reporting that there are
no new cases of COVID-19 or casualties in the Gaspé Peninsula and the
Magdalen Islands. Four more people have recovered from the coronavirus,
to bring the total to 112.
The breakdown of the 170 cases by health region (containing a hospital) is as follows:
Bay of Chaleur sector – 128 (stable)
Rocher-Percé sector – 26 (stable)
Magdalen Islands – 9 (stable)
Côte-de-Gaspé – 5 (stable)
Haute-Gaspésie – less than 5 (stable)
Note: The Public Health Board does
not release numbers in a sector if the number of cases is less than
five. The total of confirmed cases in a health region does not always
correspond to the sum of cases in that health region (RLS) due to
unknown values, data entry errors or transfers between regions. The
total in one health region won’t necessarily correspond with the total
for the outbreaks in that health region, since some cases are located
(reside) in other health regions.
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---------- Original message ----------
From: Diane.Lebouthillier@parl.gc.ca
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 18:06:34 +0000
Subject: Réponse automatique : Methinks many double property tax
payers will come back to NB and not be turned back by his minions long
before Higgy has his first mid summer night's dream N'esy Pas?
To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Diane Lebouthillier, députée de
Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Votre courriel sera lu avec soin et
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Si votre courriel porte sur une demande ou un commentaire concernant
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Si votre courriel porte sur une demande de rencontre ou une invitation
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***************************
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, member of
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If your email relates to a meeting request or an invitation to a
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---------- Original message ----------
From: "Moore, Rob - M.P." <Rob.Moore@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 18:06:37 +0000
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
On behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, P.C., M.P. thank you for your
email. Our office appreciates the time you took to get in touch with
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The constituents of Fundy Royal are our office’s priority. Please
ensure to include your full contact details on your email and the
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If your question or concern is time sensitive, please call our office:
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If you are not a Fundy Royal resident, given the high volume of emails
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the email is Critic portfolio in nature, it will be responded to as
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Again, we sincerely appreciate you taking the time to contact the
office of the Honourable Rob Moore.
---------- Original message ----------
From: Gail Dugas <gail.dugas@taxfairness.ca>
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 11:06:36 -0700
Subject: Changes at Tax Fairness. Re: Methinks many double property
tax payers will come back to NB and not be turned back by his minions
long before Higgy has his first mid summer night's dream N'esy Pas?
To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
After five great years, I am no longer working at C4TF.
---------- Original message ----------
From: Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 18:06:33 +0000
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
This is to acknowledge that your email has been received by the Office
of the Premier.
We appreciate the time you have taken to write.
NOTICE: This e-mail was intended for a specific person. If it has
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---------- Original message ----------
From: Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario <Premier@ontario.ca>
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 18:06:34 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks many double property tax payers
will come back to NB and not be turned back by his minions long before
Higgy has his first mid summer night's dream N'esy Pas?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued.
You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read,
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There may be occasions when, given the issues you have raised and the
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Thanks again for your email.
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Merci encore pour votre courriel.
---------- Original message ----------
From: Newsroom <newsroom@globeandmail.com>
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 18:06:34 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks many double property tax payers
will come back to NB and not be turned back by his minions long before
Higgy has his first mid summer night's dream N'esy Pas?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for contacting The Globe and Mail.
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---------- Original message ----------
From: Elena Churikova <ElenaChurikova@ifac.org>
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 18:06:48 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks many double property tax payers
will come back to NB and not be turned back by his minions long before
Higgy has his first mid summer night's dream N'esy Pas?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Hello,
Thank you for your email. I am on leave until May 18 with a limited
access to emails. If your matter is urgent, please contact Reinny
Miranda, Executive Assitant, Governance at reinnymiranda@ifac.org.
With kind regards,
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Elena Churikova
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International Federation of Accountants
529 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10017 USA
---------- Original message ----------
From: Elizabeth.May@parl.gc.ca
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 18:06:34 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks many double property tax payers
will come back to NB and not be turned back by his minions long before
Higgy has his first mid summer night's dream N'esy Pas?
To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
Thank you for contacting me. This automated response is to assure you
that your message has been received. I welcome comments and questions
from constituents.
Due to COVID-19, my constituency and hill offices are closed to
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I receive a much larger volume of correspondence (postal and email)
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My constituents in Saanich-Gulf Islands are my highest priority. If
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Elizabeth May, O.C.
Member of Parliament
Saanich - Gulf Islands
Parliamentary Leader of the Green Party of Canada
---------- Original message ----------
From: Andy.Fillmore@parl.gc.ca
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 18:06:34 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks many double property tax payers
will come back to NB and not be turned back by his minions long before
Higgy has his first mid summer night's dream N'esy Pas?
To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
Hello, thank you for your email. Our office is currently receiving an
extraordinary volume of correspondence related to COVID-19.
** Priority will be given to constituents of Halifax. Please reply to
your original email with your postal code and we will reply as soon as
possible. **
You may also find the answer to your question online. For the most
up-to-date public health information on COVID-19, visit www.canada.ca/coronavirus.
Office of Andy Fillmore
Member of Parliament for Halifax
---------- Original message ----------
From: "Jensen, Jan" <jan.jensen@justice.gc.ca>
Date: Fri, 15 May 2020 18:06:34 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks many double property tax payers
will come back to NB and not be turned back by his minions long before
Higgy has his first mid summer night's dream N'esy Pas?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
I will be out of office May 15 and 18, 2020. If you require immediate
assistance, please contact my assistant at (902) 407 7461 or at Lorri.Warner@justice.gc.ca
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks Trudeau and Higgy et al should not deny the fact that I
contacted Premier François Legault and the members for
Îles-de-la-Madelein Diane Lebouthillier and Joël Arseneau N'esy Pas?
New Brunswick may let in out-of-province cottage owners by midsummer
Premier Blaine Higgs says he's open 'to making changes in the coming
months' if Quebec situation improves
Julia Page · CBC News · Posted: May 14, 2020 3:32 PM ET
46 Comments
David Amos
Methinks many double property tax payers will come and not be turned
back by his minions long before Higgy has his first mid summer night's
dream N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks Higgy et al and many Feds should understand why I just called
Joël Arseneau the member for Îles-de-la-Madeleine N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks Higgy et al should not deny the fact that I contacted Premier
François Legault and Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier again today
by phone and email N'esy Pas?
Rick Grayson
Reply to @David Amos: when did they deny that? Honestly who cares who
you contact?? No one, it’s clear you are person with authority issues,
maybe even a conspiracy theorist.
David Amos
Reply to @Rick Grayson: Say Hey to your hero Higgy for me will ya?
Joe Carrey
Content disabled
What a stupid idea. Quebecers are selfish by nature. They've been
raised to think they're better than everyone else. They have proven
that they refuse to follow rules and bring hatred and bigotry wherever
they go. They will bring disease to our province and kill our people.
Keep them out.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Joe Carrey: Oh My My Methinks the last time I checked
Quebeckers were still Canadians who are entitled to the same rights as
you and I whether you like them or not N'esy Pas?
Peter Ray
I certain;ly hope that tax payers pf New Brunswick are happy and
accepting of the fact that thier taxes are about to go up.
After all, if property owners are forbidden by the gov't to go to
their proeprties on which they are PAYING taxes, a rebate for the
restriction period must be given.
As well, if there are damages due to the forced abandonment - covered
by insurance or not - all direct and indirect costs must be reimbursed
as well.
And since teenagers will be forced to quarantine over the summer -
yeah, sure - idle hands might be doing the devil's work. And what
better places to trash or party in, heck even just loot, than house
'abandoned' by gov't edict.
The bills will add up. It will be cheaper to stand by the results of a
draconian and unnecessary lock-down than to go to court.
Disclaimer: I/we live rural (now) in what is considered 'cottage
country'. I/we welcome our seasonal friends and neighbours and we WILL
support any lawsuits against the gov't for the above.
After all, it's only fair and just. And hey, it's only money from the
gov't. And we all know that all the gov't has to do is push a button
and the money is right there..
Bob Smith
Reply to @Peter Ray: I don't live in cottage country and will support
any government who fights lawsuits or the threats of them. I prefer my
life and safety over the needs of a non resident whining that their
cottage in a virtually virus free province should be available to flee
a province struggling to contain the pandemic. If you feel so strongly
to welcome them, go to Ontario/Quebec and greet your seasonal
neighbours in person.
Albert Wade POOF
Ron Jones
Reply to @Peter Ray: I have no problem with what you say at all
however that pendulum must swing both ways, if one of these residents
of Quebec or Ontario or even Maine where the virus is still very
active and they bring the virus in with them then they must be liable
for all associated costs, Hospital, Lost Wages, Lost business, civil
litigation for wrongful death if they cause someone to be infected
that dies. I would suggest they boost their personal liability
insurance by a few 10's of millions of dollars before they come.
Bob Smith
Reply to @Albert Wade: Fiasco? We have had ZERO deaths here and a low
number of infections. There are few provinces or states in North
America that have done better. I'm in no mood whatsoever to watch
entitled cottage owners roll into this province from areas that have
yet to get things under control. If they can't wait until late
June/July, let em sue...the health of this province's residents takes
priority over any impatience.
Norman Albert Snr:
Reply to @Peter Ray: Not an option. If you have valid reason for being
here fine. If you are just looking to vac and hide from virus do it
elsewhere. We don't need no stinking vacationers here at this point.
Clean and free.....at least for now.
Bob Sacamanau
Reply to @Ron Jones: Hospital?? Did I fall asleep and wake up to NB
becoming an independent nation ? Last time I checked , Universal
health
Care was for all Canadians, from coast to coast to coast.
Your province is an economic basket case that has to rely on $$$ from
other regions.
You should be begging for people to come in and pay taxes
Michael Hatfield:
Reply to @Norman Albert Snr: agreed !!!! And an extended restriction
will keep the Speedos off the beaches too.....
Lou Bell
Reply to @Peter Ray: You can pay my share also ! And that of the rest
of my family ! Insurance covers damages done to properties and if
people don't want to pay for Insuring their properties , TOUGH LUCK !!
Although it appears you're willing to pay it for them. Good luck and
I'm sure they'll appreciate it ! Tell them I said Thanks !!!
Lou Bell
Reply to @Ron Jones: Peter will pay for the liability !
Lou Bell
Reply to @Bob Sacamanau: And where is your province ? Tell us how
great they're doing ! And , by the way , each province makes their own
decisions and we don't need other provinces " basket cases " at this
time , not mentioning any names !!!!!!!!!
sandy mechefske
Reply to @Albert Wade: but isn’t that always how it works? This
province is in decay and getting worse, but the sheeple buy into the
hysteria and happily collect OUR money, while keeping the rest of the
world out. The thing is, we’re all going to die, but it most likely
will be from cancer, heart disease, accident, the flu, suicide or
diabetes and not from this insignificant virus. But the mass hysteria
surrounding this virus has brainwashed the easily led. I am more
concerned about the authoritarian paternalism- the dictatorship which
is forcing adults to follow the powers that be, so- called science. I
find it disconcerting when the government states that they know what’s
best for me- when they decide what they think is essential, and when
some lives are more valuable than others. It’s scary.
sandy mechefske
Reply to @Bob Smith:so85% of all deaths from COVID-19 in Canada are in
long term care facilities- why is the 15% that, isn’t being held
hostage? Makes no sense for anyone. Are the lives of isolated loved
ones, not as valued? Are the small businesses closing or people losing
their jobs and homes not important? Seriously? Life comes with risk.
Should we not drive because we might get in an accident? Not fly
because we may die in a plane crash? Live. We should ALL be able to
live a quality life of our choosing, not what the government dictates.
We may get COVID-19, heck we may get skin cancer, but chances are
we’re not going to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19. I don’t get
why the only people being cared about are the Covid people. What about
the rest of us? The majority.
David Amos
Reply to @Peter Ray: Well put
DJ Redfern
Reply to @sandy mechefske:
Here is a novel concept, all fo
Bob Smith
Reply to @sandy mechefske: You're equating a pandemic with no vaccine
to a car accident. You're putting business profits above all lives.
Would it take bodies being left in front of hospitals like in Ecuador
to make you take it seriously? Would a crematorium breaking down from
being overwhelmed by the amount of deaths as happened in New York
change your mind? Nahh, you probably just want your hair cut.
David Amos
Reply to @Bob Smith: Trust that I don't want a haircut
Pat Yeo
I understand the points made by Peter Ray and am thinking about them.
I live in Alberta but was born and brought up in New Brunswick. In the
late 50's my father built a very small cottage that we moved to every
summer from town. We struggle to keep it up as we do pay taxes and
since we live out of New brunswick we pay double taxes which are quite
high. As a born and bred New Brunswicker, not living in Quebec, I
would like to have the opportunity to come back home to enjoy as much
of the summer as the possible.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Pat Yeo: Methinks you should write an email to Higgy
mentioning your comment and my replies today N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Pat Yeo: Perhaps we should talk sometime soon
CRA signs secret settlement with wealthy KPMG clients involved in offshore tax scheme
---------- Original message ----------
From: Ministerial Correspondence Unit - Justice Canada <mcu@justice.gc.ca>
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2019 17:35:08 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: KPMG
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank you for writing to the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of
Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Due to the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please
note that there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured
that your message will be carefully reviewed.
We do not respond to correspondence that contains offensive language.
-------------------
Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable David Lametti, ministre de la
Justice et procureur général du Canada.
En raison du volume de correspondance adressée au ministre, veuillez
prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de
votre courriel. Nous tenons à vous assurer que votre message sera lu
avec soin.
Nous ne répondons pas à la correspondance contenant un langage offensant.
TJ Madigan 587-475-3816
Joanne De Waal 306-517-0515
Randy Westerman 780-495-4771
Pacific (British Columbia and Yukon) contacts
Gurm Kundan 604-666-0457
Cheryl Yeung 604-666-9261
Heidi Hofstad 604-666-9389
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Min.Mail / Courrier.Min (CRA/ARC)" <PABMINMAILG@cra-arc.gc.ca>
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2019 18:43:30 +0000
Subject: KPMG
To:
Dear Taxpayer:
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the KPMG case, which
attracted media attention. Thank you also for your understanding
regarding the delay of this response.
As Minister of National Revenue, my goal is to make sure the Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA) offers services that are fair, helpful, and easy
to use. This continues to be my priority and my focus as I devote my
efforts to delivering tangible results to taxpayers.
Although I cannot comment on a specific case, I can give you the
following general information. Settlements are concluded independently
from the Minister of National Revenue and the Minister's Office to
ensure the integrity of the tax system. They involve an independent
process within the CRA, in collaboration with the Department of
Justice.
In tax disputes, there is limited flexibility on settlement amounts
because CRA tax disputes are subject to the legal principles set out
in the Income Tax Act. The CRA is bound by the principles of tax law
and the rules arising from Canadian tax legislation. For example, when
a tax dispute involves an amount of $50,000, the taxpayer and the CRA
can agree on a lesser amount only if the determination of this amount
is based in law.
Settlements can also resolve tax issues that are not before the Court.
These settlements are carried out through an agreement called "minutes
of settlement," which is signed by a CRA official and the taxpayer.
Because this agreement is not public, taxpayers may see the use of
settlements as a lack of transparency. This is why I have asked the
CRA to review its procedures to find ways it can ensure greater
transparency regarding why it enters into settlements. Taxpayers
expect the tax system to be fair and equitable, and the CRA works
continuously to make sure that it is.
The CRA remains committed to combatting tax evasion and aggressive tax
avoidance. Individuals who participate in illegal tax strategies must
face the consequences of their actions, and taxpayers expect nothing
less.
I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns and trust the
information I have provided is helpful.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue
---------- Original message
---------- From: Diane.Lebouthillier@parl.gc.ca Date:
Thu, 30 May 2019 18:31:53 +0000 Subject: Réponse automatique : Methinks that
CBC can never deny that it loves to ignore abusive tax schemes for years
N'esy Pas Sylvie Gadoury, Diane Lebouthillier, Dominic Cardy and Chucky
Leblanc? To: motomaniac333@gmail.com
Merci
d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Diane Lebouthillier, députée
deGaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Votre courriel sera lu avec soin
et recevra toute l'attention voulue.Si
votre courriel porte sur une demande ou un commentaire concernant
l'Agence du
Revenu du Canada (ARC), sachez que votre correspondance a
été acheminée au
cabinet de la ministre du Revenu national. Toute
l'attention nécessaire y
sera accordée et le suivi approprié sera
effectué par son cabinet dans les
meilleurs délais.
Si votre courriel porte sur une demande de rencontre ou
une invitation
à une activité particulière, nous tenons à vous assurer que
votre
demande a été notée et transmise à notre adjointe à
l'agenda.
***************************
Thank you for writing to the
Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, member of
parliament for Gaspésie-Les
Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Your email will be
read with care and will receive
every consideration.
If your email is about a concern or a comment
related to the Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA), please note that your
correspondence has been
forwarded to the Office of the Minister of National
Revenue. Your
email is receiving necessary consideration and the
appropriate
follow-up will be made by the Minister's Office as soon as
possible.
If your email relates to a meeting request or an invitation to
a
specific event, please be assured that your request has been noted
and
sent to our scheduling assistant.
---------- Original message ---------- From:
"Office, Press" <Press@bankofengland.co.uk> Date:
Thu, 30 May 2019 18:31:41 +0000 Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks that CBC
can never deny that it loves to ignore abusive tax schemes for years N'esy
Pas Sylvie Gadoury, Diane Lebouthillier, Dominic Cardy and Chucky
Leblanc? To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>The
Press Office mailbox is monitored between 08:30-17:30
Monday-Friday.
Emails received outside of these hours will not be
responded to until
the next working day.
If your message is urgent,
please ring 020 3461 4411 and you will be
connected to the duty Press
Officer.
Thanks
---------- Original message
----------
From: Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario <Premier@ontario.ca>
Date:
Thu, 30 May 2019 18:31:34 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks that CBC
can never deny that it loves to ignore abusive tax schemes for years N'esy
Pas Sylvie Gadoury, Diane Lebouthillier, Dominic Cardy and Chucky
Leblanc?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Thank
you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly
valued.
You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully
read,
reviewed and taken into consideration.
There may be occasions
when, given the issues you have raised and the
need to address them
effectively, we will forward a copy of your
correspondence to the appropriate
government official. Accordingly, a
response may take several business
days.
Thanks again for your email.
______
Merci pour votre
courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de
nous avoir fait part de vos
idées, commentaires et observations.
Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous
lisons attentivement et prenons en
considération tous les courriels et
lettres que nous recevons.
Dans certains cas, nous transmettrons votre
message au ministère
responsable afin que les questions soulevées puissent
être traitées de
la manière la plus efficace possible. En conséquence,
plusieurs jours
ouvrables pourraient s’écouler avant que nous puissions vous
répondre.
CRA
signs secret settlement with wealthy KPMG clients involved in offshore tax
scheme Watchdog group accuses the Liberals of covering up the KPMG
affair Harvey Cashore · CBC News · Posted: May 30, 2019 12:26 PM
ET
369 Comments
Troy Bodi For the rest of us they'll hound
you for months for that $16 you owe them.
David Amos Reply to
@Troy Bodi: Methinks the CRA and Harvey Cashore should review their emails
N'esy Pas?
On
6/25/18, David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
wrote: > Trust that you people will find this email posted right here ASAP
EH? > > http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2018/06/canada-revenue-agency-falling-behind-as.html > >
Monday, 25 June 2018 > > Canada Revenue Agency falling behind as
uncollected taxes owed rise to > $44 billion > https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tax-debt-liberal-budget-collections-1.4715967 > > >
---------- Original message ---------- > From: "MinFinance / FinanceMin
(FIN)" > <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca> >
Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2017 20:48:25 +0000 > Subject: RE: Your various
correspondence about abusive tax schemes - > 2017-02631 > To: David
Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com> > >
The Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic >
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your >
comments. > > Le ministère des Finances accuse réception de votre
correspondance > électronique. Soyez assuré(e) que nous apprécions
recevoir vos > commentaires. > > > > ----------
Original message ---------- > From: Green Party of Canada | Parti vert du
Canada <info@greenparty.ca> >
Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2017 20:48:45 +0000 > Subject: Re: Fwd: Your various
correspondence about abusive tax > schemes - 2017-02631 > To: David
Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com> > >
-- Please reply above this line -- > > > (Français à
suivre) > > Thank you for contacting the Green Party of Canada. Due
to the high > volume of email we receive, we cannot guarantee that all
inquiries > will be answered. With our small team, we do our best to
respond as > staffing and resources permit. > > In the
meantime, you might find the answer you're looking for in > Vision Green
[1], which lays out our plan to move Canada forward. > > >
---------- Original message ---------- > From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com> >
Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2017 16:48:20 -0400 > Subject: Fwd: Your various
correspondence about abusive tax schemes - > 2017-02631 > To: Doug.Gaetz@cra-arc.gc.ca,
"Diane.Lebouthillier" > <Diane.Lebouthillier@cra-arc.gc.ca>,
PABMINMAILG@cra-arc.gc.ca, >
"andrew.scheer" <andrew.scheer@parl.gc.ca>,
leader > <leader@greenparty.ca>,
lisa <lisa@daisygroup.ca> >
Cc: David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>,
"Bill.Morneau" > <Bill.Morneau@canada.ca>,
"bill.pentney" <bill.pentney@justice.gc.ca>, >
"jan.jensen" <jan.jensen@justice.gc.ca> > > >
---------- Original message ---------- > From: Diane.Lebouthillier@parl.gc.ca >
Date: Fri, 26 May 2017 22:23:12 +0000 > Subject: Réponse automatique : YO
Jean-Yves Duclos Re My Old Age > pension etc Well May 24th came and went
and I just called you (819 654 > 5546) and your Deputy Ms Levonian (819
9535603) about my right to to > sue you and your minions in Federal
Court > To: motomaniac333@gmail.com > >
Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Diane Lebouthillier, députée de >
Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Votre courriel recevra toute >
l'attention voulue. > > Thank you for writing to the Hon. Diane
Lebouthillier, Member of > Parliament for Gaspésie - îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Please be assured that > your correspondence will receive every
consideration. > > > > ---------- Original message
---------- > From: "Min.Mail / Courrier.Min (CRA/ARC)" <PABMINMAILG@cra-arc.gc.ca> >
Date: Wed, 24 May 2017 13:10:52 +0000 > Subject: Your various
correspondence about abusive tax schemes - 2017-02631 > To: "motomaniac333@gmail.com"
<motomaniac333@gmail.com> > >
Mr. David Raymond Amos > motomaniac333@gmail.com > > >
Dear Mr. Amos: > > Thank you for your various correspondence about
abusive tax schemes, > and for your understanding regarding the delay of
this response. > > This is an opportunity for me to address your
concerns about the way > the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) deals with
aggressive tax planning, > tax avoidance, and tax evasion by targeting
individuals and groups > that promote schemes intended to avoid payment of
tax. It is also an > opportunity for me to present the Government of
Canada’s main > strategies for ensuring fairness for all
taxpayers. > > The CRA’s mission is to preserve the integrity of
Canada’s tax system, > and it is taking concrete and effective action to
deal with abusive > tax schemes. Through federal budget funding in 2016
and 2017, the > government has committed close to $1 billion in cracking
down on tax > evasion and combatting tax avoidance at home and through the
use of > offshore transactions. This additional funding is expected to
generate > federal revenues of $2.6 billion over five years for Budget
2016, and > $2.5 billion over five years for Budget 2017. > >
More precisely, the CRA is cracking down on tax cheats by hiring more >
auditors, maintaining its underground economy specialist teams, >
increasing coverage of aggressive goods and service tax/harmonized > sales
tax planning, increasing coverage of multinational corporations > and
wealthy individuals, and taking targeted actions aimed at > promoters of
abusive tax schemes. > > On the offshore front, the CRA continues to
develop tools to improve > its focus on high‑risk taxpayers. It is also
considering changes to > its Voluntary Disclosures Program following the
first set of program > recommendations received from an independent
Offshore Compliance > Advisory Committee. In addition, the CRA is leading
international > projects to address the base erosion and profit shifting
initiative of > the G20 and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and > Development, and is collaborating with treaty partners to address
the > Panama Papers leaks. > > These actions are evidence of
the government’s commitment to > protecting tax fairness. The CRA has
strengthened its intelligence and > technical capacities for the early
detection of abusive tax > arrangements and deterrence of those who
participate in them. To > ensure compliance, it has increased the number
of actions aimed at > promoters who use illegal schemes. These measures
include increased > audits of such promoters, improved information
gathering, criminal > investigations where warranted, and better
communication with > taxpayers. > > To deter potential
taxpayer involvement in these schemes, the CRA is > increasing
notifications and warnings through its communications > products. It also
seeks partnerships with tax preparers, accountants, > and community groups
so that they can become informed observers who > can educate their
clients. > > The CRA will assess penalties against promoters and
other > representatives who make false statements involving illegal
tax > schemes. The promotion of tax schemes to defraud the government
can > lead to criminal investigations, fingerprinting, criminal
prosecution, > court fines, and jail time. > > Between April
1, 2011, and March 31, 2016, the CRA’s criminal > investigations resulted
in the conviction of 42 Canadian taxpayers for > tax evasion with links to
money and assets held offshore. In total, > the $34 million in evaded
taxes resulted in court fines of $12 million > and 734 months of jail
time. > > When deciding to pursue compliance actions through the
courts, the CRA > consults the Department of Justice Canada to choose an
appropriate > solution. Complex tax-related litigation is costly and time
consuming, > and the outcome may be unsuccessful. All options to recover
amounts > owed are considered. > > More specifically, in
relation to the KPMG Isle of Man tax avoidance > scheme, publicly
available court records show that it is through the > CRA’s efforts that
the scheme was discovered. The CRA identified many > of the participants
and continues to actively pursue the matter. The > CRA has also identified
at least 10 additional tax structures on the > Isle of Man, and is
auditing taxpayers in relation to these > structures. > > To
ensure tax fairness, the CRA commissioned an independent review in > March
2016 to determine if it had acted appropriately concerning KPMG > and its
clients. In her review, Ms. Kimberley Brooks, Associate > Professor and
former Dean of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie > University,
examined the CRA’s operational processes and decisions in > relation to
the KPMG offshore tax structure and its efforts to obtain > the names of
all taxpayers participating in the scheme. Following this > review, the
report, released on May 5, 2016, concluded that the CRA > had acted
appropriately in its management of the KPMG Isle of Man > file. The report
found that the series of compliance measures the CRA > took were in
accordance with its policies and procedures. It was > concluded that the
procedural actions taken on the KPMG file were > appropriate given the
facts of this particular case and were > consistent with the treatment of
taxpayers in similar situations. The > report concluded that actions by
CRA employees were in accordance with > the CRA’s Code of Integrity and
Professional Conduct. There was no > evidence of inappropriate interaction
between KPMG and the CRA > employees involved in the case. > >
Under the CRA’s Code of Integrity and Professional Conduct, all CRA >
employees are responsible for real, apparent, or potential conflicts > of
interests between their current duties and any subsequent > employment
outside of the CRA or the Public Service of Canada. > Consequences and
corrective measures play an important role in > protecting the CRA’s
integrity. > > The CRA takes misconduct very seriously. The
consequences of > misconduct depend on the gravity of the incident and its
repercussions > on trust both within and outside of the CRA. Misconduct
can result in > disciplinary measures up to dismissal. > > All
forms of tax evasion are illegal. The CRA manages the Informant > Leads
Program, which handles leads received from the public regarding > cases of
tax evasion across the country. This program, which > coordinates all the
leads the CRA receives from informants, determines > whether there has
been any non-compliance with tax law and ensures > that the information is
examined and conveyed, if applicable, so that > compliance measures are
taken. This program does not offer any reward > for tips
received. > > The new Offshore Tax Informant Program (OTIP) has also
been put in > place. The OTIP offers financial compensation to individuals
who > provide information related to major cases of offshore tax
evasion > that lead to the collection of tax owing. As of December 31,
2016, the > OTIP had received 963 calls and 407 written submissions from
possible > informants. Over 218 taxpayers are currently under audit based
on > information the CRA received through the OTIP. > > With a
focus on the highest-risk sectors nationally and > internationally and an
increased ability to gather information, the > CRA has the means to target
taxpayers who try to hide their income. > For example, since January 2015,
the CRA has been collecting > information on all international electronic
funds transfers (EFTs) of > $10,000 or more ending or originating in
Canada. It is also adopting a > proactive approach by focusing each year
on four jurisdictions that > raise suspicion. For the Isle of Man, the CRA
audited 3,000 EFTs > totalling $860 million over 12 months and involving
approximately 800 > taxpayers. Based on these audits, the CRA communicated
with > approximately 350 individuals and 400 corporations and performed
60 > audits. > > In January 2017, I reaffirmed Canada’s
important role as a leader for > tax authorities around the world in
detecting the structures used for > aggressive tax planning and tax
evasion. This is why Canada works > daily with the Joint International Tax
Shelter Information Centre > (JITSIC), a network of tax administrations in
over 35 countries. The > CRA participates in two expert groups within the
JITSIC and leads the > working group on intermediaries and proponents.
This ongoing > collaboration is a key component of the CRA’s work to
develop strong > relationships with the international community, which
will help it > refine the world-class tax system that benefits all
Canadians. > > The CRA is increasing its efforts and is seeing early
signs of > success. Last year, the CRA recovered just under $13 billion as
a > result of its audit activities on the domestic and offshore
fronts. > Two-thirds of these recoveries are the result of its audit
efforts > relating to large businesses and multinational
companies. > > But there is still much to do, and additional
improvements and > investments are underway. > > Tax cheats
are having a harder and harder time hiding. Taxpayers who > choose to
promote or participate in malicious and illegal tax > strategies must face
the consequences of their actions. Canadians > expect nothing less. I
invite you to read my most recent statement on > this matter at canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/2017/03/ >
statement_from_thehonourabledianelebouthillierministerofnational. > >
Thank you for taking the time to write. I hope the information I have >
provided is helpful. > > Sincerely, > > The Honourable
Diane Lebouthillier > Minister of National
Revenue >
Demystifying the rules around travelling in and out of Quebec
Regions are reopening, but the government advises essential travel only
Sarah Leavitt · CBC News · Posted: May 09, 2020 8:00 AM ET
Some travel checkpoints are coming down in Quebec. Here's what that means for you. 2:04
As travel restrictions in some of the province's regions are
removed, Quebecers are wondering if that means they can go to their
cottage or visit other provinces.
The answer, like for many things related to the COVID-19 pandemic, depends on your situation.
Police
checkpoints that controlled traffic into and within the province are
going down. The Laurentians was the first region to reopen on Monday,
and other regions are following later this month, including Saguenay
and the Lower North Shore.
But just because Quebecers are now free to travel, it doesn't mean the province wants you to.
"We
still have to avoid unnecessary going from a region to another," Deputy
Premier Geneviève Guilbault said at the end of April, when the
announcement about the removal of checkpoints was made.
"You must not go in those regions if you don't have a good reason to go."
Municipal
officials in rural regions of Quebec are also urging visitors to be
cautious. They've asked the Quebec government to act quickly if COVID-19
cases start to flare up.
Ontario is open for business, it just doesn't want Quebecers. (Sarah Leavitt/CBC)
What about travel to another province or territory?
Each Canadian province and territory has their own set of rules about who can travel there.
Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia have no specific restrictions in effect.
Of course, that doesn't mean they want you to come.
"Don't
cross the border. We love our Quebec neighbours, but just wait until
this is all over," Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Friday.
"It's to their benefit, our benefit and the whole country's benefit."
As
for the other provinces and territories, for the most part, only
essential travel is allowed and self-isolation rules are mandatory.
"It's
too early to open the borders up, especially in a situation that we see
with what they're currently dealing with in Ontario or Quebec," said
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs.
"We need to take care to control the flow of people into New Brunswick if we are going to contain the spread of the virus."
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