Photos By Joan Bateman
New York Fashion Awards September 12th During the WYP Fashion New York Fashion Week Show Stage48, 605W 48th Street
“and the winners are...” CHANEL JOAN ELKAYAM, UK International Designer of the Year VANNY TOUSIGNANT Couture Designer of the Year DANIEL HERNANDEZ Designer of the Year
SEIRA KIYONO, THAILAND International Model of the Year YVONNE CHUNG Female Model of the Year GIO DELAVICCI Male Model of the Year
Special thanks to Jorgen Jorgensen for presenting the awards.
Spotlight has been named "Fashion Magazine of the Year!!!” Our publication rose to the top in a field of heavy contenders. Some would ask, how did a Medicine Hat Magazine win in a New York City international competition? We strive to introduce models and designers in a market that is relatively untouched by the fashion industry. Canada offers great opportunities to all designers to enhance their bottom line in an upwardly mobile buying climate, rivaling the USA market. It is true we are much smaller in population, but a large percentage of Canada has the economic muscle to purchase high end merchandise. The industry is beginning to visualize the chance of expanding their brand in an area their competition has ignored and profits are unlimited. Spotlight works hard to extend proper photo credit to models, and tag them on social
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media, which enhances their ability to get noticed, and find additional modeling work. Continued On Page We try to use "not just the best pictures we have shot," but the images that best portray the designer, their creations, and the models on the runway. A delicate balance between professional publishing, and recognition for the people we interview and serve. This award is exciting for Spotlight staff, and we humbly accept this award and thank the New York Fashion Awards, for the recognition and credibility it carries in the publishing community. Spotlight applauds Joan Bateman of Gainsboro Studio for the incredible work she has produced over the last four years. Without her tireless efforts we would not have achieved this latest step in our evolution of becoming the most talked about magazine in Canada. Joan's work is
2016
STORY FALU Makeup Artist of the Year MURIELLE KABILE Hair Stylist of the Year
HANK PEGERON Fashion Photographer of the Year SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE Fashion Magazine of the Year
seen in other publications, and has appeared on the big screens in Times Square New York. She travels to get those breath taking shots across Canada and the USA. Whether she is shooting one of the numerous celebrities who have graced our cover, Miami Swim Week, the cast of a Broadway play, or the Fashion Files, each month the images are epic. This award to be honest, caught me by surprise. Just to be nominated in a field so “high profile,” was heart stopping. Everyone desires acknowledgment and to be credited by their peers, Spotlight is no exception. This means we will now have to double down in every area. Seeking to be ever worthy of this most prestigious accolade bestowed upon us, thank-you.
THIS ISSUES
CONTENTS
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Golf
Scotland Trip 2016
Columnist Donald Crawley
7 MLA Albertan Values Unite us Columnist Drew Barnes
8 FINANCE Think About Your Money BMO Consultant - Dan Hein
10 EDITORIAL The Liberal Lament “President Trump” Scott Cowan 11
The Fashion Files Gainsboro Spotlight
16 Politics Second Verse-Same as the First Columnist Brent Dunstan 18 Law Don’t Mistake Manners for Weakness
EDITOR
SCOTT COWAN (403) 504-7092 ART DIRECTOR
JOAN BATEMAN joan@gainsboro.ca GRAPHICS DIRECTOR
HEATHER COONS PHOTOGRAPHY
GAINSBORO STUDIOS PHONE (403) 526-3054
scott-cowan@live.com ADDRESS
377 - 4 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0K4 For a complimentary subscription to Spotlight, forward your email to:
info@spotlightmagazine.ca
Published and Printed by Spotlight Magazine
Columnist Scott Stenbeck
Disclaimer: No responsibility can be taken by Spotlight Magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this magazine is not the responsibility of Spotlight Magazine. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Spotlight Magazine. Comments are welcome.
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Scotland Trip 2016 skins game we played every day.
Donald Crawley
The “second,” was the first time I had been back to these courses since 1985. 31 years had elapsed since I ran some golf schools and tours out of Turnberry all those years ago. Needless to say I couldn’t remember any or few of the holes I’d played back then! All five were wonderful courses and in good condition. We were very lucky to embark on the warmest September in years. So the woolly clothes I’d taken didn’t get use. In fact in five days I only put up my new ‘brolly’ for five minutes, and played in a sweater san rain jacket all week. I did have one beef with the courses which you may appreciate; the green-side bunkers were much too severe on both Troon and Turnberry.
full Scottish breakfasts. The caddies help make the trip, with the enjoyment of the local banter. These days you are likely to get professional caddies, which we did, rather than just a bag carrier. That could be because all the juniors or high school golfers were back in school, and we drew a more experienced veteran caddy. This is a big employment opportunity for the locals, living in a somewhat depressed economy, so they were all pleased for the ‘loop’. I found my caddy each day to be engaging pleasant, and professional. And to my knowledge no one was stopping in the bushes for a nip of the Scottish mist from a flask!
Golf Columnist TOP 100 Teacher Director of Instruction Boulders Golf Academy 480 488 9028 Donald.crawley@theboulders.com www.theboulders.com www.golfsimplified.com
This was a first and a second, visiting the ‘west coast’ of Scotland. Playing 5 great courses in Barassie Kilmarnock, Western Gailes, Royal Troon site of the 2016 Open Championship, Old Prestwick the original site of the Open and for the first eleven championships starting 1851, and closing our tour with Trump Turnberry. Also an Open site. Remember the “Dual in the Sun,” in 1977 between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson at Turnberry? Or more recently. Tom Watson’s heartbreaking playoff loss at 59 years of age. Both at Turnberry. The “first” was the group I put together who didn’t know each other! I was the only common ground. Dallas from Colorado celebrating his 60th birthday, Fred from Philadelphia and the Boulders, Neil the Englishman from Portsmouth is also a member of Desert Forest, AZ. It worked out beautifully as the blend of personalities all hit it off and everyone enjoyed each other. From left to right in picture below; Dallas, Donald, Fred, Neil, outside Prestwick. We passed around a few shillings on the team bets and
Let’s talk about the courses and our impression of them. I say we because I always poll everyone’s input to see which courses we liked and why. Day one started with a nine hole warm up on Barassie Kilmarnock, dating back to 1874. A nice links boasting 27 holes but we played the oldest nine and loved it. That afternoon we played Western Gailes which lies just north of Troon. It is a course founded by four Glasgow businessmen in 1897 and all 18 holes are situated along the I learned that at Troon they dug the bunkers two feet deeper for the Open, which you may have caught watching it on TV this year. From a good lie it is difficult but possible to extract the ball. From a buried lie, see Dallas’ shot above, it is near impossible! I found one or two bunkers you couldn’t get out ofperiod. Front, backward, sideways didn’t matter. I have got to believe the members aren’t happy, having to play major championship conditions for their friendly games. The most famous hole there is the postage stamp #7 par three. Gene Sarazon made an ace there playing his honorable Open in 1973 at the age of ? My only success there was I DID get out of the sand trap on the right of the green. I saw Matt Kuchar at the Open, play backwards out of that bunker, twice! We stayed in an old stagecoach inn. Old Loans Inn, that had been modernized and was very nice, situated in a little village bordering Troon. The rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable. A bit dodgy on air conditioning, probably because they don’t need it often. We all enjoyed the stay there, and the generous
Continued On Page 22
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Albertan Values Unite us On top of the great privilege of representing and traveling around Cypress-Medicine Hat, one of the added bonuses of my role is that I receive invitations to meet groups and speak throughout the province.
free enterprise, healthy families, and strong communities. Unfortunately, I hear far too often that the government is working against these shared goals. Flawed ideas such as meddling in the electricity markets and the PST-in-disguise carbon tax have harmed investment opportunities and left less for families and communities. Inability to efficiently manage public services like health care have resulted in ballooning debt while results lag. And it all falls back on the taxpayer one way or another.
The other night, I had the opportunity to speak to Calgarians at a community hall in the constituency of Calgary-East. Of course, Calgary is geographically a very different place from the Cypress Hills, and has a few different priorities and needs. But whether I’m in the south or the large cities or the north, there are common themes that I hear consistently. Driving home to Cypress-Medicine Hat, I reflected on how, despite the differences between Alberta’s communities, the core values are so similar. Albertans come from different places, but are united in their unique character. There is a spirit of hard work, entrepreneurialism, charity, and fiscal prudence that I see everywhere I go. We believe in taking care of our families and our communities. We believe in having the liberty to build and grow, and to assist one another. We believe in taking care of our
DREW MLA BARNES Cypress - Medicine Hat cypress.medicinehat@assembly.ab.ca 403-528-2191
financial obligations and living prudently within our means. I hear that these Albertan values must be reflected in government policy. Government decisions ought to promote those beliefs in
My role as a legislator and representative for Cypress-Medicine Hat has focused my vision for Alberta. Our province needs the jobs that develop when a government knows its limits and makes room for investment. We need the economic freedom and opportunity to create wealth and build communities. It is incumbent on all levels of government to show restraint and be careful stewards of our tax dollars so that these things can happen. The challenges we face right now as a province are not easy, but that’s never stopped Albertans before.
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“Power of Attorney” & “Personal Directive” Estate Planning Series, Part 4 of 4
Because we may become incapacitated, we should grant or authorize someone we trust to handle the decisions and affairs of our financial and physical well-being. Power of Attorney (PoA) – covers our Business & Financial Affairs When needed, our PoA must “step into our shoes”, becoming our “Attorney” or substitute decision maker for our financial affairs and personal assets. The Attorney (not to be confused with “lawyer”) appointed under the PoA acts as a substitute decision maker for the grantor (grantor is the person who granted the PoA) for all the property owned by the grantor during the grantor’s lifetime. The authority of our PoA expires upon our death. A continuing Power of Attorney for property (often referred to as a POA) is an important part of estate and succession planning. When planning for incapacity, granting a PoA to a spouse, adult child, family member, friend or a corporate trustee, can provide you with peace of mind knowing that in the event of your incapacity to make decisions and manage your financial affairs, there will be a trusted substitute decision maker (PoA) who is authorized to manage your financial affairs on your behalf. The PoA must conduct themselves according to a high standard of fiduciary care, akin to that of a trustee. To avoid traps, the PoA should obtain legal advice from an estates lawyer in the appropriate jurisdiction, prior to exercising a POA. The lawyer can assist the PoA in navigating through the difficulties that may arise and the grey area of personal liability into which the PoA may inadvertently stumble. What is Fiduciary Duty of a PoA? – If you are appointed PoA you will be subject to the laws of the province in which the grantor resides. These provincial laws place obligations and prohibitions on you as the acting PoA to ensure you are acting in the grantor’s best interest. There are certain acts which the PoA must take positive steps to do on behalf of the grantor as well as certain acts which the PoA must refrain from doing. The obligations and prohibitions differ, depending on whether the grantor is capable or incapable. Certain obligations fall under general fiduciary (duty of care) owed by the PoA to the grantor at law. Liability - To avoid personal liability, the PoA must only act according to the duties listed in the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 (“SDA”). Generally, so long as the grantor has capacity to manage his or her financial affairs, the PoA should refrain from acting.
The PoA is prohibited, at all times, from making testamentary dispositions (writing a Will, designating beneficiaries under a life insurance policy or a registered plan) on behalf of the grantor, and from acting in a manner that is self-interested and contrary to the best interests of the grantor. Corporate governance - Often a grantor is the sole director of a private corporation. Once incapable, the grantor can no longer perform his or her director functions. It is assumed by some that the PoA is authorized by the POA to act as director. This assumption is misguided. Consult legal and tax experts. Capacity - In addition to a legal age requirement, cognitive capacity is required at law, for certain acts or transactions to be valid and in effect. Different types of capacity are required for different types of acts or transactions. For example, each of the following acts – marrying, retaining and instructing a lawyer, revoking and granting a POA, making a Will, managing financial affairs, requires a certain type of cognitive capacity which, in very general terms can be described as the comprehension of the nature of the act and an appreciation of the consequences that flow from it. How does the PoA know whether or not the grantor has capacity to manage his or her affairs? Often, the PoA and family members seek the advice of a registered capacity assessor who conducts a capacity assessment according to the requirements under the SDA. Where litigation arises, the report is used as evidence, in court, in support of the presence or absence of capacity, as the case may be. However, the assessor’s findings are not binding on the court. Personal Directive (PD) - covers decisions for our health and physical well-being PD is also known as “Advanced Directive” or “Power of Attorney for Personal Care”. Here we authorize someone we deeply trust to make healthcare decisions, should you become unable to do so. This person can be the same as your PoA or someone else. When you think of the last phase of your life, what is most important to you? What kinds of aggressive treatment would you want or not want? Such as the need for resuscitation, breathing machine, feeding tube. These are very personal decisions and need to be talked about prior to becoming incapacitated. It’s never too soon to have the discussion.
For more information, contact:
Dan Hein, BRE
Associate Investment Advisor BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. Medicine Hat, AB Tel.: 403-528-6771 Dan.Hein@nbpcd.com www.bmo.com/nesbittburns The comments included in this article are not intended to be a definitive analysis of tax applicability or trust and estate law. The comments contained herein are general in nature and professional advice regarding an individual’s particular tax position should be obtained in respect of any person’s specific circumstances. . All insurance products and advice are offered through BMO Nesbitt Burns Financial Services Inc. by licensed life insurance agents, and, in Quebec, by financial security advisors. ® “BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)” is a registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. ® “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal. Opinions are those of the author and may not reflect those of BMO Nesbitt Burns. The information and opinions contained herein have been compiled from sources believed reliable but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to their accuracy or completeness.
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Scott Cowan Editorial
The Liberal Lament “President Trump� Just in case you have not reached saturation regarding President Elect Trump, I offer some insights. They said he would never run, and he did. They said he would never win the nomination, and he did. They said he would never win the Presidency, and he did. As Spotlight predicted last January. They said he was a racist, homo phobic, and a bigot. Yet he named a woman, a gay man, and a black person to head his transition team. But say his enemies, he talks trash about women and hates them...Does he really? Look at his outstanding family, talk to his numerous female executives to get the real story. My own daughter asked what I would do if he spoke to her in the same manner as reported? I would knock him out, I replied...But he did not speak in such a manner to anyone in public, or in the company of women. He made the comments on a bus, to another guy, in what he believed was a private moment. I have news for all you offended women and soft obsequious men. Every man in America has made such comments. We are all sexual creatures, crass, braggadocios, and sometimes crude. But we out of respect, and character, keep some conversation private. So at this point what difference does it make now? Besides all you offended Liberals told us that when Bill Clinton was getting oral sex in the oval office, and when his wife was busy destroying women who accused him of sexual assault and rape,.
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You screamed sex doesn't matter...By the way ladies, I've seen the private side of women. A business associate of mine owed a bar with male strippers. When that door closes look out!!! Women act way more overt than any men. If they did a remake of "50 Shades of Grey," with a female exec, they would have to call the movie "500 Shades." Lets scrap the hypocritical faux indignation. Trump said "Illegal aliens," would be deported. Did you finally hear the words he actually uttered? Anyone of any decent who "illegally," enters a country is immediately apprehended and arrested. That's why you have to go through customs at any port in any country in the world. Except liberals seem to want to import groups of people that are at war with the West. Just to prove how inclusive they are compared to conservatives. Canada and the USA have been admitting tens of thousands of people that cannot speak our language, and only 15% are employable. That leaves the statistical 85% who will never be inclined to work. Remember when immigrants were, "send us your best and brightest." Now we should say "send us your unhealthy, illiterate, and war criminals." Prime Minister Trudeau just signed with Mexico to suspend the requirement of obtaining a visa for individuals wanting to
come Canada. President Trump may not have to build a wall because they will all come here. Where welfare and health care is superior to the USA. Trump also said his first act as president will be passing legislation to make burning Old Glory a treasonous offence. This will be problematic for all the peace loving liberals who demanded Trump had to accept the outcome of the election. Those same people now rioting in the streets across America. Burning vehicles, flags, and looting stores, firing weapons. But take a look a few blocks from any of these "demonstrations." You will find buses that transported the paid protesters to the area. Insurrection financed by a man named George Soros. He funds organizations like Moveon.org, People for the American Way, and Black Lives Matter. Soros stood in Nazi concentration camps (a Jew himself ) collecting other Jewish peoples belongings, for his Nazi masters. Through currency manipulation he clawed his way to billionaire status. He was one of Clinton's largest financial backers. Without shame, he openly advocates for his globalist causes. Meaning the creation of one world government, with a handful of his friends. Himself at the helm calling all the shots. Before you laugh writing these words off as conspiracy theory... consider the obvious. Continued On Page 17
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Designers Noon By Noor Noor Rashid Al Khalifa, Founder, CEO and Designer, Noon By Noor having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design in the Washington DC area, Noor has returned to her homeland of Bahrain to develop a line that captures her intrinsic vision of fashion. Her unconventional career choice was driven by a life-long passion to translate her vision to paper and transform her artwork to life. Haya Mohammed Al Khalifa, Founder, COO and Designer, Noon By Noor also having earned a degree in Fashion Design from the same University, Haya has joined forces with her cousin Noor to add her own creative influence into the Noon By Noor line. Though her decision to take on fashion design came about at a later stage, her extensive travels throughout the world have led her to the footsteps of this innovative industry.
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Photos By Joan Bateman
Photos By Joan Bateman
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Photos By Joan Bateman
What is Capitalism? (Sorry we have to define and defend in these pages) Frank Hollenbeck / Mises Institute
In a recent Harvard study, 51% of millennial's said they did not support capitalism, while 33% advocated socialism. Do these millennial really reject free markets or are they simply confusing capitalism with our current system of crony capitalism, corporatism, mercantilism, or some other "ism”? What exactly is true capitalism? We’ll begin with this truth: We cannot snap our fingers and have “wants” immediately transformed into “satisfactions.” We are born having to struggle to survive. We must take atomic elements, which are provided gratuitously by nature, and transform them into the goods and services that give us satisfaction. Everything used to build an Italian sports car is provided by nature, but not in a form that can be used directly without modifications. The raw material must be combined by our labor and know-how. Wants require efforts to obtain satisfaction. Man is constantly striving to reduce these painful efforts that consume so much of his energy and time. Unfortunately, the history of mankind has been one of pillage: A plan for less efforts. It is far easier to steal a sack of corn than take the effort to grow it. One can imagine an infinite number of social systems but one cannot ignore or repeal the reality that wants, which are infinite, need many efforts to overcome obstacles before reaching limited satisfactions. Capitalism is a social system based on a simple principle of justice that the person making the unconstrained effort should receive or decide on satisfactions. Capitalism puts the individual, and his natural rights, including individual freedoms, at the center of the social system. Private property, a hallmark of capitalism, emanates naturally from this basic principle of justice. Private property is to ensure justice. Communism, or its cousin, socialism, is a social system designed by man that puts society, or the tribe, ahead of the individual. It also violates this principle of justice with
vague notions of ability and needs in the slogan, “from each according to his ability [effort], to each according to his needs [satisfactions]”1 Here, we have efforts without reward, and satisfactions without efforts, with an elastic definition of needs. Capitalism, on the contrary, is not designed, but a natural evolution of the self -interest inherent in man. The first people that colonized a continent lived in close proximity because combining labor allowed them to reduce efforts. As efforts were reduced, more and more and different satisfactions (goods and services) were available. Soon, each colony specialized based on comparative advantages and began the voluntarily exchange of goods and service – the beginnings of capitalism. The process was a natural development of the principle of justice. So we see a large part of the social nature of man comes from this individual self-interest to reduce effort. Yet, self-interest is not capitalism. According to justice, a man could give away the fruits of his efforts. His benevolent act would be valued as greater than his personal consumption of satisfactions. Self-interest is in the nature of man. Since man is constantly trying to reduce efforts, he will constantly be trying to innovate by creating new ways (inventions) to obtain existing and new satisfactions. Capitalism is simply the best environment for this self-interest to manifest itself. A very common tendency among economists is to attribute depression under capitalism to a dearth, or “saturation” of investment opportunities. This is Henson’s “stagnation theory” where (here and here) booms and bust are caused by the stop and go of innovations. This can only be considered as naive if one realizes that man, left unconstrained, is constantly innovative and creative, since the desire to reduce effort is not something that “comes and goes” but is perpetual. Yet, without justice or the critical
self-interest link between efforts and satisfactions, creativity and innovations will undoubtedly be reduced. The price system is also a natural evolution from this principle of justice. With free exchange, supply and demand will establish the exchange values between goods and services. It is a decentralized system that allocates resources where they are deemed most urgent. What about the injustices of the price system? In an exchange or capitalistic economy there will be natural antagonism between producers and consumers. The producer wants scarcity. The store owner wants to be the only person selling a limited number of product during restricted opening hours. The consumer, on the other hand, prefers abundance, with many stores selling a wide variety of products with long opening hours. Robinson Crusoe hunting for himself will clearly prefer abundance to scarcity. Man produces to consume: We work to live, not live to work. The principle of justice also implies that others are not constrained in making efforts to obtain satisfactions. What is viewed as the injustice of the price system, or capitalism, is in actuality, government constraints that benefit producers at the expense of consumers, or one group at the expense of another, or what we can call legal plunder, and a violation of this basic principle of justice. We need a return to real capitalism. Today, too many consider legal plunder acceptable instead of morally reprehensible. The recent presidential elections gave us a choice between two candidates who promised to use the coercive power of government to plunder one group at the expense of another. Yet, few question the morality of such plunder, the fundamental principle of justice underlying capitalism being forgotten. Continued On Page 22
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Second Verse - Same As The First 2.0 is adding cost at every level to oil and gas, in an equally artificial manner, imposing interventionist measures on par with his father's wage and price controls. Regardless of the different approach and rationale, the end result is the same; billions of dollars are lost to the economy, and the people in energy producing provinces like Alberta suffer to satisfy Prime Minister Trudeau's agenda. Again.
Brent Dunstan Columnist
Anyone who questions the adage, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" when it comes to comparing the current Prime Minister Trudeau to his father, needed only watch him rise in the House of Commons to announce a unilaterally imposed Carbon Tax on all Canadian Provinces. There is hardly doubt that the current Government has demonstrated an acute awareness of the optics of its public performance. As such, the Prime Minister's timing of the announcement to occur simultaneously to his Environment Minister meeting with her Provincial counterparts was purposeful. Meeting under the guise of a collaborative approach to addressing the issue of climate change, and to work together to formulate a consensus based policy, as was promised to them, the Provincial Environment Ministers were summarily dismissed as irrelevant to the process. The Prime Minister's announcement was surely an indication of the same attitude the Liberal Government led by his father had toward the Provinces; condescending at best, contemptuous at worst. It's obvious that in the eyes of the current Liberal Federal Government, the primacy of Ottawa in Federal-Provincial relations has been elevated to 1970s levels. Just as it was when Prime Minister Trudeau the elder imposed the National Energy Program, hamstringing Alberta's economy for the sake of industry in voter rich Ontario and Quebec, Prime Minister Trudeau the junior is setting an all too familiar tone. Rather than ensure a ready and secure source of domestic oil and gas for Canadians like his father (despite that being at an artificial, undervalued price), Prime Minister Trudeau is taking the opposite tack. PM Trudeau Version
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Whereas his father was addressing global inflation, high oil prices, and high interest rates by attempting (and ultimately failing) to insulate Canada from the rest of the world, the Prime Minister is doing the opposite, at an equally inopportune time. Low oil prices, low interest rates, and a stalled global economy are the new normal, but the current Federal Government seems determined to embrace a "one size fits all" global approach to climate change - a carbon tax, at a time when all Canadians can ill afford it. Suppose a person wanted a suit. That person would most certainly not want to buy one "off of the rack", as it simply wouldn't fit. Even the most basic of suits require some tailoring, as no two people are exactly alike in size and dimensions. The very best suits, bespoke suits, go beyond merely altering per-made suits to fit. Often requiring multiple fittings, they are custom made from carefully chosen fabric; cut, tailored, and revised to the specific measurements of each individual, so the resulting suit fits perfectly. No two are alike, just as no two individuals are alike.
other in the world: vastness surpassed only by one other country; a population that is inversely proportional to it's geographical size, but widely distributed; varied and often rugged topography; the most coastline of any country - almost 4 times that of our nearest rival; a northern, relatively cold climate; resource richness, yet without a large domestic market. All these contribute to the need for complex and costly infrastructure, and significant energy requirements. Yet our Government has committed Canada to global standards in the face of such a unique set of challenges. Our Federal Government signed on to the same climate accord as countries like Costa Rica, whose annual mean temperature is in the mid 20’s C, has access to two oceans, yet is smaller than Nova Scotia. But isn’t it unfair to compare Canada to Costa Rica? Of course it is (but that’s the point really). A better comparison might be to Norway, as many environmental advocates seem to want to do, as it is a country held up as a “beacon on a hill” when it comes to environmentalism. Its government has Continued On Page 19
So then, if something as basic as clothing oneself is best done by tailoring the solution to individual specifications, why is our current Federal Government so intent on imposing an "off the rack" approach to climate change on Canadians? Our country is unlike any Continued on pg 22
The Liberal Lament “President Trump� Continued from Page 10
Soros is a billionaire, he confesses his intentions. He almost elected Clinton president of the USA. He is a self confessed Marxist. He supplied 32 states with their electronic voting machines. They simply did not steal enough votes to win. For all the pudding heads in university today, this is why we fought two world wars to defeat extremists and communists. Bernie Sanders the one who should have been nominated instead of Clinton, was destroyed by his own party. He is also quick to admit his communist beliefs. This is why Trump won the election. Hard working ordinary people have not had a champion who they believed would actually make real changes. When they saw this in Trump, they knew it was a chance to reassert freedom and traditional values. A majority of Americans don't like two sets of laws, one for them and another for elites. They don't like being called bigots, racists, and deplorable. Democrats are communists... who don't want to admit their affiliations. Google Marxist materials, and The Communist Manifesto. You will find that virtually everything the Liberal agenda advocates for as progressive, is there to be read. Voters especially dislike fake conservatives who shine democrat's shoes. We need to identify the enemy. Sadly that enemy is sometimes our neighbor. Almost half the USA population knowingly, or unknowingly, has bought into communist ideology. Make no mistake the leaders in the Democratic Party are well aware of their intentions. These beliefs took root in the old Soviet Union, and comparably in Nazi Germany. The same people who were responsible for infecting Europe with these progressive ideas, were trying to create the same environment in the USA during the 1930'S. They failed because the American dream was alive, and freedom was understood and cherished. Eighteen years olds stormed the beaches on D-Day to defeat this globalist poison. Now eighteen year olds need "Safe places," in universities where words will not offend, or challenge what their leftist professors force feed them over four years of indoctrination. Liberals have been long creating a dependent welfare state, especially in black America, and more so on Native reservations. Conditions that never existed pre-World War 11 are now ripe for mobs of people to blame anything and anyone for their plight. The rule of law is meaningless, as we witness these home grown terrorists murder police officers across America. Economic, political, and ethical conditions the communists yearned for in the 30's and 1940's are dangerously present today.
It truly is right versus left. Which side are you on and are you ready to do battle? If our respective governments continue to marginalize minorities, and import via immigration those from third world countries, people who will exhaust our system until it is depleted, and then try and take over entirely. This is exactly what is happening in Germany, France, England, Sweden, and many other countries in Europe. We have to take a stand. In the USA they have chosen a man who will name names and take no prisoners. We may for the first time since the Civil War, see fighting on American soil. However all is not lost. Few leftists in America are really willing to fight their actual neighbors... or understand why they are protesting. They are told to, and paid to, and indoctrinated. I would encourage the new administration to revitalize the American dream. Then issue arrest warrants for the likes of George Soros (and friends) as has been done in Russia. Freeze the bank accounts for his treasonous actions. When
uneducated people are not being paid or bused to protests... things will quickly change sides. As far as Black Lives Matter, some shots will be fired, but incarcerating the leadership will be a catalyst for change. Suppress the mob rule mentality. When 90 million people are back to work, they won't have time to protest. Once Trump is in office the contents of Clinton's emails will be fully revealed. There will be fodder for numerous arrests of democrats and republicans. The Clinton Foundation is already being investigated for criminal operations. The reason it was put on hold was so President Obama could not pardon Bill and Hillary before leaving office. If you are a supporter of Mrs. Clinton and other politicians, you need to ask yourself, if it is proven they are in fact guilty of treasonous actions... Would you want to see justice? Is fixing the economy and our political system important? Then you will come to love Donald Trump. Even if he talks like every other man in America...when no one is listening.
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Don’t Mistake Manners for Weakness
Scott Stenbeck
1(866)783 6232 Law Columnist
Something I hear from time to time and is a concern is that when two lawyers on opposite sides of a case are seen talking, or being civil to one another, that they are not being aggressive enough in representing their clients. Or worse, that they are making “backroom deals”. Well, I can tell you that is not necessarily the case. There is certainly a balance. Lawyers need to be able to deal civilly with one another for a variety of reasons. On the other hand, we can’t be so “buddy-buddy” that we hesitate to advance our client’s best interests. We can’t be worried about offending our dear friend that is representing the opposition. The Courts expect lawyers, even in contentious litigation matters, to talk and to work out what they can outside of the courtroom. Our professional association also encourages us to be decent to one another. For myself, I have two sets of reasons as to why you will not see me being needlessly ignorant to another lawyer. The first set of reasons is professional. As I mentioned, we are expected by the Courts to be adults, and even if we don’t agree on what the ultimate result in a case should be, we are to do our best to agree to steps to bring matters to a swift and efficient adjudication. For example, myself and another lawyer may disagree on how property should be divided following a separation. A Court would expect us to discuss and agree on how to appraise the matrimonial home, to exchange information about the other assets so we each can do our own valuations, and where appropriate, to agree on things like summary trials in order to reduce expense. If a lawyer is needlessly ignorant with me and I can’t speak
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about these things, I have to bring Court applications, and it just costs their client more money. The other professional reason is that as a lawyer, while I care about and want to advance my client’s interests to the best of my ability, I am also supposed to have a professional detachment. If I become as emotionally invested in a case as my client, they have little benefit in hiring me, they may as well self-represent. Part of what I am giving a client in providing my service is an objective view of the risks in their case. If I am embroiled in some bitter and personal battle with the lawyer on the other side, that objectivity starts to go away. In that situation, what if the other side sends an offer to settle matters? I want my client to have confidence that I am advising them whether to take it or not based on the client’s best interests, not my feelings towards the other counsel. The second set of reasons are selfish and personal. No one who has been at this for any length of time will say that you win them all. Watch a press conference before a boxing match, and see the way that mature, experienced fighters conduct themselves. They are generally quiet and respectful. They have been around long enough that they know, despite all their preparation and training, that the other guy could just get in a lucky punch, and they may have to eat any rude or posturing words. In fact usually the participant that is the loudest and mouthiest is the one to bet against. They are compensating with show, for their lack of ability. The real champions don’t have anything to prove, they let their performance speak for itself. Law isn’t a lot different. While I do everything I can to prepare for a case, I know that there is never a “sure thing” in terms of a result in Court. Most of my colleagues are pretty decent, but every once in awhile I do have another lawyer that wants to put on a show for their client by being rude to me, raising their voice at me during questioning, sending me snarky letters, and so forth. Later, when the time for show is over and it comes time to perform in the Courtroom, you can see how stressful it is for them. It’s tough to face their client when things don’t go their way after all that bravado. When I think of the three divorce litigators that I have the most respect for in Southern Alberta, to whom I will refer a case if I can not act for a certain client, they are generally quiet and competent, polite but firm. We are usually able to have calm and
reasoned discussions in the Courthouse hallways, or elsewhere about procedural matters to reduce the expense for both of our clients. They are aggressive, but in the sense that they prepare well-reasoned and insightful written and oral arguments. They catch points in cross examination that they can use to advance their case, they understand the law that supports their position and won’t be bullied into backing off of a justifiable point of view. While at the same time, they appreciate and understand all the other points of view that a judge could accept besides their own. My other personal reason is that I don’t see a need to make my job any harder than it already is. To use a pugilistic example again, if I was going to fight Evander Holifield, I know that I would already have my hands full just with what I know would be his professional level of preparedness for our fight. I know that if I am rude to him, human nature is such that he is going to work even harder to try and make sure that I don’t succeed, because no one likes an ignoramus to win. When I have competent litigation counsel working against me, why would I want to make it personal so they are that much more motivated to try to win against me? Anytime I have received that kind of treatment, although I always prepare extensively for every case, it motivates me to go just that little bit harder, that extra long evening in the office, that extra preparation time on a weekend. It certainly has never made me quit or backed me away from a position I am taking for a client. Obnoxious opposing lawyers always end up just costing their client more money and more grief. And that is why, even among lawyers like me with an “aggressive” reputation, you won’t see it displayed in rudeness in questioning, or harsh words in the courthouse halls to other lawyers. Like the boxer, those of us who actually know what we are doing save it for when it counts.
Second Verse - Same As The First Continued From Page 16
applied a carbon tax for a number of years. Norway has been lauded as a glittering example of sensitivity to climate change, and an example for Canada to follow. But should it be? Closer examination shows that it may be just as unfair a comparison as Costa Rica, as having an Oil & Gas Industry and a similar climate may be the only common denominators. Norway is just over 3% the size of Canada, with a total population not quite 85% of the Greater Toronto Area. Of that comparatively small population, almost 9 out of 10 live in the southern-most 1/3 of the country (an area not quite the size of Southern Ontario), within 500 km of the capital city of Oslo. To put that into perspective, it’s over 3500 km from Ottawa to Vancouver, more that 1750 km to St. John’s, and over 4200 km to Alert. The point? With less than 15% of the population of Canada, living in fairly close proximity, transportation and infrastructure are much simpler and less costly burdens to bear for Norwegians. One might conclude then, that Norway would be a less expensive place to live. Not so! According to statistics as of October 2016, consumer prices are just shy of 60% higher in Norway than in Canada. Gasoline is more than double in price, but that’s nothing - so is the price of a car. Utilities are almost 85% higher, Groceries average out to about 50% more, and meals in restaurants are almost twice as expensive. About the only thing not more expensive is internet access. All this indicates a truth conveniently ignored: a carbon tax is essentially a GST, on top of a GST, on top of a GST. EVERYTHING will cost more, as every cost incurred at every step of every product's journey from its raw materials to consumers hands will be higher, and it will be every consumer that will inevitably bear those costs. Something to look forward to, in the midst of an economic downturn, as the Carbon Tax grows.
industry is State controlled, and as evidenced by the following intent statement on the website of the Norwegian Government's oil & gas oversight agency. "One of the main objectives for the authorities is to achieve the greatest possible value creation from the extraction of Norwegian petroleum resources. Efficient systems for transporting oil and gas from the fields are an important element of efforts to achieve this. Today, the total length of the Norwegian gas pipeline network is roughly similar to the distance from Oslo to Houston. In addition, several pipelines connect oil fields on the Norwegian continental shelf with onshore oil terminals." Did you catch that their pipelines are sub-oceanic? Have fun locating, containing, and repairing those leaks. A carbon tax is only effective in reducing emissions if it stimulates a shift from carbon based energy sources to available, less costly, and more efficient alternatives. But what if alternatives are none of those? Ask yourself - How do I heat my home? What would an alternative be? Electricity? Ask the good people of Ontario what has happened to their electricity bills since the Provincial Liberal Government started their "green" initiatives. How much additional electricity would be required, using what new/expanded
infrastructure, at what cost, and how would it be generated in the first place? An entire book could be written on just how impractical electric vehicles are, beyond the occasional user, as our electrical grid cannot support them beyond a handful per neighbourhood. This doesn't even begin to address the glaring absence of a solution to the concept of electric transport trucks, ships, planes, tractors, etc., vital in a massive country like Canada. If our Federal Government wants to follow in Norway's footsteps, then it should do so fully; exempting key domestic industries from a carbon tax, and committing to maximizing the value of it's petroleum resources, using the most effective means of exporting them as possible. Tax carbon if it must, but fully acknowledge that it's going to cost every Canadian more money, without fulfilling it's stated purpose. It will not shift Canadian energy use to alternative sources - there are none, at least none that aren't wildly impractical, prohibitively expensive, and entirely unattractive. All a carbon tax will do is create a new way for the Government to reach into Canadian wallets, damage our economy, drive industry and jobs out of Canada, increase the cost of living, and lower our standard of living. Different circumstances, same consequences. Like father, like son. Brent
If you see Norway as somewhat noble, sacrificing for the sake of environmentalism, the following information might take the gleam off of that knight's shining armour. Bear in mind that Norway exempts or substantially reduces it's carbon tax on most of its domestic industries, effectively subsidizing them. Norway is the 3rd largest exporter of natural gas, and the 8th largest exporter of oil in the world, delivered to market by tanker ships and pipelines; the evil twins of environmentalism. All this occurs with the full blessing of the Government, as the entire
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What is Capitalism? (Sorry we have to define and defend in these pages)Continued FromPage 22 In reality, the only function of government, in a capitalistic society, is the task of protecting against injustice. Competition, a characteristic of real capitalism, promotes abundance and equality. Suppose you lived in a village and walked ten miles every day to a local stream to carry water home. In your quest to reduce efforts, you create a well to capture rainwater. This saves time, which means you can divert efforts to obtain more and different satisfactions. Suppose you begin to sell water from a well you originally built only for your own use. Your monopoly position allows you to charge a price just under the opportunity cost of traveling to and from the stream. Soon, your monopoly profits will induce others to build wells with the benefit of fewer resources used to obtain water for all of society. Competition will strip you of your monopoly profits with the benefit of more abundance being dispersed to everyone. Competition has raised and equalized the satisfactions obtained by everyone in society. Of course, a government grant of
Scott Cowan Editorial
Spotlight endeavors to bring timely and scholarly articles to our readers. We do not apologize for content some may consider controversial. In fact we look for thought provoking pieces that will force one to reevaluate their long held beliefs. We are of the opinion that leftist liberal ideology is and has adversely infected the mainstream consciousness of too many Canadians and Americans. To that end, we feel it necessary to call out the real bigotry, hate, and intolerance in our countries. That is the total hypocrisy of the so called "Progressive" left. Almost anything the left accuses conservatives of... is the very thing liberals are guilty of demon-
monopoly right to build wells will benefit you, the producer, at the expense of the rest of society. It is a constraint on the ability of others to use efforts to gain satisfactions. Some libertarians (utilitarian's) believe people will be less creative if they cannot benefit through Intellectual property rights, of the monetary value of their creation, such as patents and copyright. Of course, this assumes that others factor such as expression, enjoyment, reputation, and autonomy are of secondary importance. Leonardo da Vinci did not need patent protection to be creative. Vincent Van Gogh created over 900 paintings but sold only one. These libertarians conclude that society is better off with more wealth and utility by granting such monopoly rights. Yet, it is not clear that the benefits (however defined) outweigh the costs. By allowing others to build wells, there will be an incentive for everyone to innovate to reduce the efforts of obtaining water. New and different wells will spring up. Creativity and learning are enhanced by cross fertilization and the
synergy coming from synthesis. Competitive industries are more innovative than oligopolistic ones: for example, mobile phones versus fixed operating systems. Also, this new abundance frees up time and resources to be creative elsewhere. Property rights are created to ensure justice. Since justice has not been violated in our well example, there are no private property rights issues! Producers, with their government cronies, have been quietly erecting mini monopolies everywhere using IP law while libertarians and Austrian economists have been on a fruitless debate about the role of property rights, societal wealth and utility, and scarcity to justify or oppose intellectual property laws (see here and here). Instead of this bickering, they should have been focused on justice that would naturally lead them to unanimously support a view that intellectual property, as some early laws on copyrights, is lost once it is released to the public.
strating. When they lose an election they riot in the streets. More than half of these protesters were not even registered to vote. We have become a nation that thinks feeling good is a right others must pay for them to experience. Profit and wealth is suspect, and success is envied and disparaged. Kids get out of college and demand the kind of compensation their parents are receiving. And that without ever considering the 30 - 40 years others have invested to become successful. Our story previous discusses capitalism. Most students reject the model having never understood or experienced it's benefits. What they trade for... being socialism, will be far less attractive once they begin to live under its oppressive heel. No society in history advanced and prospered more than Canada and the United States under capitalism, which is now blamed for today's inequities. I would suggest that only the tampering of the left created the distortions in the middle and lower class in America. This is not to suggest that some will be far less fortunate financially than the dreaded rich 1% liberals love to tax. The difference ...failing some businesses that play fast and loose with the law, everyone has under capitalism, the chance to succeed. It is government leftist policy that has exacerbated the chasm between the haves and have not's, the perversion of capitalism. A perfect example of this would be Al Gore. He has made millions of dollars off the so called
climate science model he brought forward. "The science is in," became his mantra. When in fact the science community was equally unsure of the findings put forth. Since then, more credible evidence exists debunking the entire hypothesis. But the horse is out of the proverbial barn. There is astronomical money being made promoting this decidedly unscientific presupposition. The ice sheets at our poles are expanding and co2 emissions are proven to have no measurable effect on climate change. Now the entire world has bought into the game because of one overriding factor. Rich countries have to pay for the pollution damage the scientists guess they are creating. It is now about eco-terrorism. If you are a dissenting scientist, funding goes away if you bring forward evidence refuting the accepted myth. Laymen are labeled "climate deniers" and laughed at, and soon to be imprisoned for their factually verifiable views. Contrary to Mr. Gore's fantasy video, the science is decidedly not in... and available to the honest truth seeker. The old adage follow the money, applies greater today than ever. But as the great Winston Churchill said, socialism is the velvet glove hiding the iron fist of communism.
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Scotland Trip September 2016 Continued From Page 5
ocean, 5 out, thirteen back, all within a fairway width of the beach. It happens to be my favorite and would recommend it to all and everyone. Day two was another nine hole warm up in the morning at the Portland course at Troon. It is the ‘ladies members’ course where they have their own clubhouse and play all their events. Not a glamorous course but a good links separated from the ocean by the Royal Troon links. We played the 2016 Open championship course in the afternoon and it lived up to all expectations (green-side bunkers excused). Great layout, good condition, a true championship course. Still can’t figure out how Stenson shot 63 and Mickelson 65 in the last round of a major. Absolutely brilliant. My favorite hole is the Railway #11. In this picture, the rail track is on the right, where the electric lines are, and the tee is right up against the wall. See the dark clump of gorse bushes on the far left, and that little patch of green to the right of the gorse? That’s the fairway. A daunting tee shot over forced carry, out of bounds on your immediate right, gorse waiting for the pull to the left. Lovely. We play the members forward tees on these courses so we can enjoy them, not the back tees where the boys play.
new owner’s direction and overall did a very good job. New walk ways were created to bring the ocean more into view. The 8,9,10 holes playing near the lighthouse were big improvements. I had played Turnberry the most in 1985 so remembered it the most. This lighthouse was Robert Bruce’s castle and home 700 years ago. Robert who? Robert Bruce is the famous Scot who stood up to the English military onslaught, and supported the warrior William Wallace (you’ve all seen the Mel Gibson’s ‘Braveheart’ movie?). We are talking 13th century Scottish history. Robert Bruce’s cave, still visible is under the 10th tee area. Turnberry boasts an Academy, covered driving range, short game practice area, putting greens, which are rare amenities in Scotland. The group liked to warm up, hit some balls as we are accustomed to in the States. The courses are so old that practice ranges didn’t exist and are created for championship golf. But not available on a regular basis. Troon had a make shift range at the Portland, but Turnberry has nice facilities. We liked the course, and although it had only just reopened in June, it was in pretty good shape and the new greens will be better and more mature next year. If you would prefer to pull your own clubs you can also rent a ‘trolley’, what we call a pull cart. Walking is part of the game but it is not mandatory as some believe. If you reserve in
advance you can take a ‘buggy’, a golf cart, and ride at almost every course save the Old Course at St Andrews. After settling all our bets over tea and scones, my favorite pastime, we took poll of all the courses we had played that week. Voted #1, Royal Troon, close runner up Trump Turnberry, #3 Western Gailes, and #4 Prestwick. Barassie and Portland weren’t included in our poll as we only played nine holes on each. All agreed it is hard to choose and the consensus was we would all like to play them again, soon. I do hope you will consider making the pilgrimage to the old country the home of golf. Feel free to contact me if I could ever help point you in the right direction. Perhaps you will join me next year on my annual “Golf Simplified,” playing tour either in Scotland or perhaps Ireland.
NEED A MORTGAGE? By day three we were down to only 18 holes a day, playing Old Prestwick original site of the Open 1851, which used to be only 12 holes. Old Tom Morris and gang played a total of 36 holes for the first few years, then 18 holes was created and eventually a 72 hole tournament, and as we say the rest is history. There is only one hole left the same as the 1850’s and is the oldest championship hole in golf, the 17th at Prestwick. 5 or 6 of the original greens are still in place but a different routing when the course became 18 holes. Some holes are quirky but overall we all liked it and perhaps scored better there. So very playable and oozing of history. Day four brought us to Turnberry, now called Trump Turnberry. The course went under The
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