Generation capability would fall by 40 MW due to CO2 capture
Bruce Johnstone, Saskatchewan News NetworkPublished: Thursday, March 06, 2008
SaskPower's proposed $1.4-billion clean-coal demonstration project at Boundary Dam Power station in Estevan has been billed as producing "100 megawatts of clean, base-load power, while reducing SaskPower's greenhouse-gas emissions by about one million tonnes per year."
While the pilot project is expected to reduce SaskPower's GHG emissions by one megatonne, it will also reduce Boundary Dam's total output by about 40 megawatts, a senior SaskPower official confirmed Wednesday
Read Johnstone's Article HERE
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Welcome news
By David Willberg Lifestyles
Estevan has received some good news on the clean coal front. Maybe not the news local residents were hoping for, but it's good news.The federal government has pledged $240 million for clean coal in Saskatchewan. It's not for the construction of a clean coal plant; it's for the retrofitting of Unit 3 at the Boundary Dam Power Station. The provincial government is calling it a "clean coal demonstration."The total cost of the project will come to $1.4 billion - to be split by the federal and provincial governments, and the private sector. The price tag is dwarfed by the $3.8 billion that a clean coal plant was going to cost, but the Unit 3 retrofit will be one of the largest investments in Saskatchewan's history.
The change at Unit 3 is good news, but Estevan can't forget the ultimate prize: a clean coal plant.
Read More HERE
Estevan has received some good news on the clean coal front. Maybe not the news local residents were hoping for, but it's good news.The federal government has pledged $240 million for clean coal in Saskatchewan. It's not for the construction of a clean coal plant; it's for the retrofitting of Unit 3 at the Boundary Dam Power Station. The provincial government is calling it a "clean coal demonstration."The total cost of the project will come to $1.4 billion - to be split by the federal and provincial governments, and the private sector. The price tag is dwarfed by the $3.8 billion that a clean coal plant was going to cost, but the Unit 3 retrofit will be one of the largest investments in Saskatchewan's history.
The change at Unit 3 is good news, but Estevan can't forget the ultimate prize: a clean coal plant.
Read More HERE
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Think twice before dipping into RRSPs
By Gordon Powers February 09, 2008
Despite stiff tax penalties, many Canadians are dipping into their RRSPs early to invest in homes, pay down debt and cover living expenses, Bank of Nova Scotia data suggests. And most of those have no real plan to pay it back.
Among those who've made the plunge, the average amount withdrawn was $18,000 -- a move, for some people at least, that's going to prove quite costly.
Had they left that $18,000 invested at, say 5%, it would have grown and compounded on a tax-deferred basis to roughly $61,000 over 25 years. That's a loss of $43,000 in potential investment gain.
Read More HERE
Despite stiff tax penalties, many Canadians are dipping into their RRSPs early to invest in homes, pay down debt and cover living expenses, Bank of Nova Scotia data suggests. And most of those have no real plan to pay it back.
Among those who've made the plunge, the average amount withdrawn was $18,000 -- a move, for some people at least, that's going to prove quite costly.
Had they left that $18,000 invested at, say 5%, it would have grown and compounded on a tax-deferred basis to roughly $61,000 over 25 years. That's a loss of $43,000 in potential investment gain.
Read More HERE
Four money lessons from Fred Flintstone
By MP Dunleavey February 07, 2008
In case you thought your money problems were a function of modern life -- easy credit, rampant online shopping options, coffee drinks that cost more than a pair of socks -- I have great news for you.
Your bad money behaviour (and mine) stems from a host of DNA-deep instincts that have scarcely evolved since caveman days:
-More is always better than less.
-What he has, I want.
-Kill and eat it before it runs away.
Read More HERE
In case you thought your money problems were a function of modern life -- easy credit, rampant online shopping options, coffee drinks that cost more than a pair of socks -- I have great news for you.
Your bad money behaviour (and mine) stems from a host of DNA-deep instincts that have scarcely evolved since caveman days:
-More is always better than less.
-What he has, I want.
-Kill and eat it before it runs away.
Read More HERE
Wall's world: Prairie ruckus about to begin
Three Months later and John's predictions are right on the money.
November 23, 2007 JOHN F. CONWAYFOR THE RECORD
What will be the shape of Wall's nightmare?
One aspect is certain beyond any doubt - Wall will attack the working class, especially organized labour. The one element of the old Saskatchewan Party's rightist agenda that Wall didn't bury for the purposes of election was his clear anti-labour position. This was essential to keep his rural redneck base happy. Wall promised to amend the labour laws so they are more business and investor friendly. He also indicated a willingness to ban strikes in "essential services." He will do so and thus provoke a confrontation with labour that will lead to years of deepening and ever more confrontational industrial conflict.
Read More Here
November 23, 2007 JOHN F. CONWAYFOR THE RECORD
What will be the shape of Wall's nightmare?
One aspect is certain beyond any doubt - Wall will attack the working class, especially organized labour. The one element of the old Saskatchewan Party's rightist agenda that Wall didn't bury for the purposes of election was his clear anti-labour position. This was essential to keep his rural redneck base happy. Wall promised to amend the labour laws so they are more business and investor friendly. He also indicated a willingness to ban strikes in "essential services." He will do so and thus provoke a confrontation with labour that will lead to years of deepening and ever more confrontational industrial conflict.
Read More Here
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Bill 5 and Bill 6? UNION BUSTING, plain and simple.
Remember Back on October 27th, 2007 When Brad said "a Sask. Party government would "reach out" to labour."
Well thank you very much for "Reaching Out" Brad!
Re-Created From Larry Hubichs Blog Page:
The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) has posted it's brief to Sask. Party Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris on the SFL Web-Site.You
can download a copy of the brief here: Brief to Minister Norris - Bills 5 & 6. (Adobe PDF Format)
You can download a copy of the SFL's Flyer here: Our rights are essential. (Adobe PDF Format)
Well thank you very much for "Reaching Out" Brad!
Re-Created From Larry Hubichs Blog Page:
The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) has posted it's brief to Sask. Party Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris on the SFL Web-Site.You
can download a copy of the brief here: Brief to Minister Norris - Bills 5 & 6. (Adobe PDF Format)
You can download a copy of the SFL's Flyer here: Our rights are essential. (Adobe PDF Format)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Brother Wyatt Bushell brought over 30 years of experience as a lineman when he joined Epcor in November of 2006. He is 52 years old with a wife and four sons. According to his foreman and manager he would, in all likelihood, have become a permanent employee of the company in the near future.
However in August 2007 Wyatt was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Because he was still a temporary employee at Epcor and because he had been gone from IBEW Local 424 for more than 6 months, he had no benefit package. Like many individuals who find themselves in similar circumstances, Wyatt seems more concerned with his family's dilemma than his own. We at IBEW Local 1007 have setup a Trust Fund for Wyatt. I humbly ask you to look deep in your heart and help us restore a little dignity to Wyatt Bushell's life. He told me a couple of weeks ago that he was worried about funeral expenses. The cancer is terminal. Please give generously to the Trust Fund listed below and don't put it off till another day. Go do it today...please.
This is a legal trust fund set up by River City Credit Union(formally the Civic Employees Credit Union). No tax receipts will be issued in order to expedite the process and be assured that every last penny will go to Wyatt and his family. River City Credit Union has waved all service fees for the account and started us off with a $100.00 donation. Just give what you can.
You can make cheques payable to The Wyatt Bushell Trust Fund. In the memo line of your cheque put;
Transit # 13359/899 Account # 01 2920866
You can also drop off a donation to any Credit Union in Alberta. If you do use a Credit Union other than River City simply ask them to forward your donation to;
The Wyatt Bushell Trust Fund
River City Credit Union
11715A-108 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5H 1B8
For Further info contact Jimmy Conner, ABM, IBEW Local 1007 Edmonton at his office 780-429-1007
However in August 2007 Wyatt was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Because he was still a temporary employee at Epcor and because he had been gone from IBEW Local 424 for more than 6 months, he had no benefit package. Like many individuals who find themselves in similar circumstances, Wyatt seems more concerned with his family's dilemma than his own. We at IBEW Local 1007 have setup a Trust Fund for Wyatt. I humbly ask you to look deep in your heart and help us restore a little dignity to Wyatt Bushell's life. He told me a couple of weeks ago that he was worried about funeral expenses. The cancer is terminal. Please give generously to the Trust Fund listed below and don't put it off till another day. Go do it today...please.
This is a legal trust fund set up by River City Credit Union(formally the Civic Employees Credit Union). No tax receipts will be issued in order to expedite the process and be assured that every last penny will go to Wyatt and his family. River City Credit Union has waved all service fees for the account and started us off with a $100.00 donation. Just give what you can.
You can make cheques payable to The Wyatt Bushell Trust Fund. In the memo line of your cheque put;
Transit # 13359/899 Account # 01 2920866
You can also drop off a donation to any Credit Union in Alberta. If you do use a Credit Union other than River City simply ask them to forward your donation to;
The Wyatt Bushell Trust Fund
River City Credit Union
11715A-108 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5H 1B8
For Further info contact Jimmy Conner, ABM, IBEW Local 1007 Edmonton at his office 780-429-1007
A Supreme Decision: Collective Bargaining As a Constitutional Right
By Elain Bernard/Our Times?CALM
In recognizing collective bargaining "as the most significant collective activity through which freedom of association is expressed in the labour context," the Court reversed 20 years of Supreme Court decisions excluding collective bargaining from the Charter's protection of freedom of association.
The Justices argued that workers coming together to negotiate their terms and conditions of employment has a long history in Canadian labour relations. While bargaining has not always been supported by the Courts or legislation, its history certainly pre-dates the 1982 adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Quoting numerous labour scholars and historians, the decision reviews the long legal battle to establish labour and bargaining rights for workers in Canada. In a ringing endorsement of bargaining expressed in the language of human rights, they conclude that, "the right to bargain collectively with an employer enhances the human dignity, liberty and autonomy of workers by giving them the opportunity to influence the establishment of workplace rules and thereby gain some control over a major aspect of their lives, namely their work."
Future Court decisions on labour relations issues may be possible because of the Court's explicit and detailed rejection of the argument from earlier Charter labour cases that collective bargaining and the right to strike are "modern rights" created by legislation, and not "fundamental freedoms." In this B.C. case, the Court contends that "long before the present statutory labour regimes were put in place, collective bargaining was recognized as a fundamental aspect of Canadian society."
THE RIGHT TO STRIKE IS NEXT?
Read More HERE
Elain Bernard. A Labour Educator from Canada directs the labour and Worklife program at Harvard Law School. Our times is an independent, pro-union Canadian magazine dedicating to promoting worker rights and social justice.
In recognizing collective bargaining "as the most significant collective activity through which freedom of association is expressed in the labour context," the Court reversed 20 years of Supreme Court decisions excluding collective bargaining from the Charter's protection of freedom of association.
The Justices argued that workers coming together to negotiate their terms and conditions of employment has a long history in Canadian labour relations. While bargaining has not always been supported by the Courts or legislation, its history certainly pre-dates the 1982 adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Quoting numerous labour scholars and historians, the decision reviews the long legal battle to establish labour and bargaining rights for workers in Canada. In a ringing endorsement of bargaining expressed in the language of human rights, they conclude that, "the right to bargain collectively with an employer enhances the human dignity, liberty and autonomy of workers by giving them the opportunity to influence the establishment of workplace rules and thereby gain some control over a major aspect of their lives, namely their work."
Future Court decisions on labour relations issues may be possible because of the Court's explicit and detailed rejection of the argument from earlier Charter labour cases that collective bargaining and the right to strike are "modern rights" created by legislation, and not "fundamental freedoms." In this B.C. case, the Court contends that "long before the present statutory labour regimes were put in place, collective bargaining was recognized as a fundamental aspect of Canadian society."
THE RIGHT TO STRIKE IS NEXT?
Read More HERE
Elain Bernard. A Labour Educator from Canada directs the labour and Worklife program at Harvard Law School. Our times is an independent, pro-union Canadian magazine dedicating to promoting worker rights and social justice.
Viterra wants secret vote
Bruce Johnstone, Leader-PostPublished: Friday, February 29, 2008
Viterra has applied to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), the board that adjudicates labour disputes in federally regulated industries, to "review Viterra's bargaining unit structure.''
Specifically, Viterra wants the CIRB to hold a "secret ballot vote" of Viterra employees to determine whether they want union representation or not, according to an internal memo obtained by the Leader-Post.
Viterra has applied to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), the board that adjudicates labour disputes in federally regulated industries, to "review Viterra's bargaining unit structure.''
Specifically, Viterra wants the CIRB to hold a "secret ballot vote" of Viterra employees to determine whether they want union representation or not, according to an internal memo obtained by the Leader-Post.
Read Johnstone's Article HERE
New government charmed by nurses
Murray Mandryk, The Leader-PostPublished: Friday, February 29, 2008
Just how much influence the nurses have on the Saskatchewan Party government right now was evident in Thursday's joint announcement by Longmoore and Health Minister Don McMorris on a partnership agreement to address "Saskatchewan's shortage of registered nurses." This deal barely stops short of a total capitulation to SUN's negotiation-opening demand that the government adopt the union's proposed Emergency Retention and Recruitment Partnership even before it begins to talk money. (Imagine the outcry from the old Saskatchewan Party opposition were this any other union brokering such a deal with the old NDP government.) Heck, even the government news release Thursday noted the focus is now on the government meeting nurse-hiring targets and adds that the agreement "also acknowledges the need for an enhanced collective bargaining mandate" for these negotiations.
Read Mandryk's Opinion HERE
Just how much influence the nurses have on the Saskatchewan Party government right now was evident in Thursday's joint announcement by Longmoore and Health Minister Don McMorris on a partnership agreement to address "Saskatchewan's shortage of registered nurses." This deal barely stops short of a total capitulation to SUN's negotiation-opening demand that the government adopt the union's proposed Emergency Retention and Recruitment Partnership even before it begins to talk money. (Imagine the outcry from the old Saskatchewan Party opposition were this any other union brokering such a deal with the old NDP government.) Heck, even the government news release Thursday noted the focus is now on the government meeting nurse-hiring targets and adds that the agreement "also acknowledges the need for an enhanced collective bargaining mandate" for these negotiations.
Read Mandryk's Opinion HERE
Gov't makes pitch for mill
Prince Albert
James Wood, Saskatchewan News Network; Canwest News ServicePublished: Friday, February 29, 2008
The Saskatchewan Party government announced Thursday it has presented a proposal to forestry company Domtar to get the closed Prince Albert pulp mill up and operating again.
Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd said the proposal involved the previously discussed areas of infrastructure and power co-generation but he would provide no details to reporters at the provincial legislature.
read More HERE
James Wood, Saskatchewan News Network; Canwest News ServicePublished: Friday, February 29, 2008
The Saskatchewan Party government announced Thursday it has presented a proposal to forestry company Domtar to get the closed Prince Albert pulp mill up and operating again.
Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd said the proposal involved the previously discussed areas of infrastructure and power co-generation but he would provide no details to reporters at the provincial legislature.
read More HERE
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Provincial Election Fears Realized
Letter to the Editor, The Estevan Mercury: Feb. 20, 2008
In the recent provincial election, Brad Wall ran his campaign on slogans. One being that he was going to make Saskatchewan better for business, and the other one being "fear and hope".
While he was saying these things, my fear was that the Saskatchewan Party was going to go down the same road as the Devine government did in the 1980s. My hope was the right wing had learned from Devine's mistakes, and wouldn't go there again.
Well, I now know my fears were correct. One of the first things Brad Wall and the Sask. Party have done is to introduce legislation stripping away workers rights in this province.
That is exactly what Devine did in his first few months of office. If Brad Wall is going to stay true to the "Devine" politics then I fear one of his next moves will be to reduce the number of occupational health and safety offices in this province, which I fear will create another Shand Power Plant accident. Three people lost their lives and many were injured, some impaired for the rest of their lives.
I find it ironic that the Sask. Party is attacking labour at a time in our history when business is crying that they can't find workers.
It seems to me Saskatchewan should be a leader in Canada, as we've done so many times in our history, and make our province one attractive place to earn a living, not just for business, but all people.
It's been proven in history that the rich are never satisfied while right wing parties, like the Saskatchewan Party, believe they can appease the wealthy by pushing the working person down.
I'm sure people wouldn't be flocking to places such as Fort McMurray, Alberta, if it weren't for the opportunity to make a good living. Business always cries every time there is one increase in the minimum wage, saying they won't be able to make a go of things. But, I have yet to hear of any employers going out of business because they were to nice to their employees, and you sure don't hear or see anything about how big business makes millions and pays no tax.
Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish caught, will the rich people in this world realize we cannot eat money.
Lorne Wagner
Bienfait, SK
In the recent provincial election, Brad Wall ran his campaign on slogans. One being that he was going to make Saskatchewan better for business, and the other one being "fear and hope".
While he was saying these things, my fear was that the Saskatchewan Party was going to go down the same road as the Devine government did in the 1980s. My hope was the right wing had learned from Devine's mistakes, and wouldn't go there again.
Well, I now know my fears were correct. One of the first things Brad Wall and the Sask. Party have done is to introduce legislation stripping away workers rights in this province.
That is exactly what Devine did in his first few months of office. If Brad Wall is going to stay true to the "Devine" politics then I fear one of his next moves will be to reduce the number of occupational health and safety offices in this province, which I fear will create another Shand Power Plant accident. Three people lost their lives and many were injured, some impaired for the rest of their lives.
I find it ironic that the Sask. Party is attacking labour at a time in our history when business is crying that they can't find workers.
It seems to me Saskatchewan should be a leader in Canada, as we've done so many times in our history, and make our province one attractive place to earn a living, not just for business, but all people.
It's been proven in history that the rich are never satisfied while right wing parties, like the Saskatchewan Party, believe they can appease the wealthy by pushing the working person down.
I'm sure people wouldn't be flocking to places such as Fort McMurray, Alberta, if it weren't for the opportunity to make a good living. Business always cries every time there is one increase in the minimum wage, saying they won't be able to make a go of things. But, I have yet to hear of any employers going out of business because they were to nice to their employees, and you sure don't hear or see anything about how big business makes millions and pays no tax.
Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish caught, will the rich people in this world realize we cannot eat money.
Lorne Wagner
Bienfait, SK
Carbon tax is a good first step for B.C.
Bruce Johnstone, The Leader-PostPublished: Saturday, February 23, 2008
They said it couldn't be done, but B.C. went ahead and did it anyway.
Those Canadians who despaired that no government would have the courage to introduce a carbon tax to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions must be encouraged by B.C.'s example.
Read more HERE
They said it couldn't be done, but B.C. went ahead and did it anyway.
Those Canadians who despaired that no government would have the courage to introduce a carbon tax to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions must be encouraged by B.C.'s example.
Read more HERE
Oilsands may impact Sask.
James Wood, Saskatchewan News Network; Canwest News ServicePublished: Thursday, February 21, 2008
The environmental impact of Alberta oilsands projects on northern Saskatchewan is causing significant concern, says the mayor of a northwestern community.
Last week, the Environmental Defence Fund released a report characterizing Alberta oilsands as "the most destructive project on earth" and a major producer of acid rain that's discharged into Saskatchewan.
read more HERE
The environmental impact of Alberta oilsands projects on northern Saskatchewan is causing significant concern, says the mayor of a northwestern community.
Last week, the Environmental Defence Fund released a report characterizing Alberta oilsands as "the most destructive project on earth" and a major producer of acid rain that's discharged into Saskatchewan.
read more HERE
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