VOL. 4 ISSUE 9
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ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR — SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 4, 2006
GALLERY 17
From Scotland to St. John’s, a look at Julia Pickard’s life of art
Salary divide
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LIFE 16
Peter Hart publishes controversial book on Irish hero Michael Collins
GOLD
Wages here still among Canada’s lowest CLARE-MARIE GOSSE
S
alaries across Canada still vary depending on where you live, but there are some indications the gaps are tightening. Memorial University economist Doug May says increased manpower demands in certain sectors and easier mobility from province to province are gradually changing the dynamics of the labour market. “Employers are going to have to switch their thinking from the army of the unemployed, to the army of the employed with lots of options,” he tells The Independent. “So they’re going to have to try and compete, not only on salary, but in terms of fringe benefits.” May is currently researching labour variables for the Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency. Although cost of living is heralded as the reason for salary differences — “There is a sort of east-to-west gradient, with the east and Newfoundland and Labrador being on the lower end across occupations.” — there’s a lack of “hard evidence. “I think there are differences in the See “Perfect data,” page 2
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “This interview is making The Independent the same status as the National Enquirer in my view and I don’t think it is doing your paper any service to try and dream up potential conflicts when there are so many real items going on.” — Liberal leader Jim Bennett on a possible conflict of interest. See page 5.
OPINION 13
Are we left with the Trailer Park Boys? Michael Harris on the new business world. Life Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Paper Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Voice from away . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Stephanie Adam (sister of Mike Adam, fifth on the Gushue rink), Tina Horlick and Tish Tiller celebrate Olympic victory.
Paul Daly/The Independent
‘Fantastic for Newfoundland’ STEPHANIE PORTER
I
t was Memorial University student Jason Crowley who best expressed the sort of well-lubricated adoration of the Brad Gushueled curling team on the day they won Olympic gold. “Listen, the last time they closed the high schools for a person was when the Pope came. I’ve been told that from like five sources,” Crowley says, standing in the campus bar and shaking his plastic beer cup for emphasis. “So today, Brad Gushue is up there with the Pope.” The people at Crowley’s table laugh and clink bottles. Pope John Paul II visited St. John’s in 1984; last week, the provincial government decided to let school children have the afternoon off to watch the curlers go for gold. “I’ve got friends here who aren’t from Newfoundland and they were making a big deal of (the schools being closed) and saying, ‘Oh, only in Newfoundland,’” says university student Robyn Greene. “But it is a big deal. And closing schools, that keeps the team hyped so you’ve got to do it.” The Breezeway bar is filled almost to capacity during the final game — when Brad Gushue’s rink took out the
Brad Gushue and Russ Howard embrace after defeating Finland 10-4 for the gold medal.
Finland team 10-4 — with plenty of cheap beer, full pitchers, Canadian flags, cheers and chants (New-foundland cur-ling! New-found-land curling!). The university did not officially declare the afternoon off, but many students made the choice anyway. “I had a class, I had to hand in a paper, so I walked in, laid it on my professor’s desk and took off,” says
student Phillip Howell. He headed straight for the pub, and it was well worth it. “I’m ecstatic, I’m thrilled,” he says, minutes after singing the Ode to Newfoundland at the close of the game. “It’s absolutely fantastic, for Newfoundland, for curling, for Canada, for everything.” All agree the Feb. 24 win was an
Mike Segar/Reuters
historic and great moment for Newfoundland and Labrador; another shot of pride in a province that thrives on such moments. It’s also given the sport a boost in the eyes and minds of many. “I watched curling here and there, but I never did understand the game,” See “Stick it in your pipe,” page 8
2 • INDEPENDENTNEWS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
Perfect data doesn’t exist From page 1
Jonathan Swift (as played by Paul O’Neill) and St. Patrick (John Mannion) during the annual Cabot Club fundraising dinner Feb. 24. This year’s event celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Benevolent Irish Society. Paul Daly/The Independent
costs of living between say St. John’s and downtown Toronto or downtown Ottawa, but what are those differences? Is there actual evidence there? And I don’t think there is good evidence at this time.” He says people often tend to react to anecdotes and conjecture when it comes to wages and geography. “Yes housing is more expensive, but other things, obviously, such as gas and food may not be.” Certain professions and salaries are easier to compare by province than others, but in general, every position and employee comes with so many variables — experience, age, individual employers, workload — definitive comparisons are virtually impossible. Jason Clemens, director of fiscal studies with the Fraser Institute, says the “perfect” data to compare salary versus cost of living doesn’t exist. “The perfect data set if we have it would be — what did 10 lawyers make, all who are the same age, went to the same school, got the same grades, have the same work rate?” he says. “All these characteristics are the same, the only thing that’s different is each of them lives in the capital city of each province. “Then you’d be able to say, quite definitively, most of that, if not all of it, is driven by geographic differences.” Clemens and his colleagues are about to release a report looking at how wages are set in the public versus private sectors. As well as issues like cost
Average hourly wage rate Newfoundland and Labrador: $16.96 Nova Scotia: $16.71 Quebec: $18.88 Ontario: $20.55 Alberta: $20.87 British Columbia: $19.86
Management occupations hourly rate Newfoundland and Labrador: $24.77 Nova Scotia: $28.25 Quebec: $28.54 Ontario: $32.58 Alberta: $31.77 British Columbia: $24.99
Health occupations hourly rate Newfoundland and Labrador: $20.46 Nova Scotia: $20.59 Quebec: $20.62 Ontario: $23.38 Alberta: $24.04 British Columbia: $24.99
Social science, education, government rate Newfoundland and Labrador: $25.58 Nova Scotia: $23.25 Quebec: $25.71 Ontario: $26.58 Alberta: $26.43 British Columbia: $24.98
Arts, culture, recreation hourly rate Newfoundland and Labrador: $16.91 Nova Scotia: $16.34 Quebec: $20.44 Ontario: $20.01 Alberta: $19.35 British Columbia: $19.81
Primary industries hourly rate Newfoundland and Labrador: $16.04 Nova Scotia: $16.37 Quebec: $15.99 Ontario: $16.62 Alberta: $24.46 British Columbia: $15.55 Statistics Canada
of living (“there’s a difference between cost of living and standard of living”), he says factors such as unionization and even equalization and transfer payments affect salaries. Atlantic Canada, for example, has a high unionization rate and occupations under a union statistically enjoy higher pay. May says some professions tend to exhibit wider wage ranges than others. Through working on a labour report with the province in 2004, he says he was surprised to discover university salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador ranked fifth on the country’s pay scale,
rather than lower down as he would have expected. Managerial positions, on the other hand, stuck to the stereotypical model of low wages in the east, high in the west — but then there are more high-powered executive positions in the larger cities, which create more competition and wealth. “There are these differentials,” May says. “I think the more skilled, the more mobile (we become), these differentials will begin to disappear. You are going to have pockets like Fort McMurray but more and more you’re going to find harmonization across the country.”
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FEBRUARY 26, 2006 By Clare-Marie Gosse The Independent
E
nvironmentalist Stan Tobin says a “catastrophic” oil spill could occur on the south coast of Newfoundland at any time, but the province badly lacks the resources to respond. Tobin, who has attended several massive oil spill sites around the world and is president of Transport Canada’s regional Atlantic advisory council on oil spill response, says statistics indicate catastrophic spills can be expected on a 10-year cycle at offshore locations worldwide. “I think we’ve pretty well run out of rope on that 10 years,” he tells The Independent. “This goes much, much further than Placentia Bay.” Tobin says Placentia Bay — home to North Atlantic’s refinery at Come By Chance, the Whiffen Head Transshipment Terminal, and possibly another refinery down the line — is “overcrowded” with offshore traffic. “To put more players here, I think you’re tempting fate,” he says, adding a massive spill anywhere in that region, in or outside the 200-mile limit, could have a huge geographic impact. “Every bay and every island and every inlet in this province will be impacted — as well as Atlantic Canada and possibly the eastern seaboard of the States.” He would like to see the Canadian Coast Guard seriously “beefed up” so it could reassume responsibility for oilspill response (which is currently in the hands of an independent organization) and a high-powered, ocean-going escort tug stationed in the Placentia Bay area. Currently four small tugs owned by Whiffen Head Transshipment Terminal and North Atlantic Refining are on hand in the event of tanker distress, but Tobin says it would be hazardous to send the tugs far offshore during a winter storm. Earlier this month, Premier Danny Williams announced the local company Newfoundland and Labrador Refining Corporation will spend $7 million on a feasibility study into building a second refinery. It’s estimated the potential facility would process up to three times more crude than the existing refinery in Come By Chance. Up to 500 oil tankers a year currently travel through Placentia Bay, a tricky area to navigate with 365 surrounding islands and around 200 days a year of low visibility. Tobin says he’s keen to be involved in the feasibility study and he hopes the company will examine more than just the obvious economic implications of setting up shop. “I’ve been to most of those major spills these past 15 or 16 years that have occurred in the world … and the social impact is almost as bad as the environmental impact if you have a major spill — and I don’t think that’s been looked at in this province.” In 2003, responsibility for marine safety, including oil spill response, was transferred from the coast guard to Transport Canada, which relies on the Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC) to respond in the event of a spill. ECRC is a private company with
INDEPENDENTNEWS • 3
‘Tempting fate’ Oil spills follow 10-year cycle; environmentalist says province may be due
Stan Tobin.
four regional branches across the country, owned by several of the major Canadian oil companies. ECRC states it has resources to respond to a spill of up to 10,000 tons, but Tobin says the Southern Shore currently only has the capacity to deal with about 2,500 tons and other resources would have to be brought into the province, likely from St. John, N.B. or Halifax, N.S.
Paul Daly/The Independent
“How do you do that if the Gulf is blocked full of ice?” he says, adding it’s likely an oil spill would involve more than 10,000 tons. In that scenario, the nearest resources would likely come from Southampton, England. “If we had a spill coinciding with that (a U.K. spill), who gets the equipment then? I suppose the key question is: has that international response been test-
ed?” Since September 2005, Transport Canada has been conducting an environmental risk assessment study off the island’s south coast. The purpose of the study, expected to be completed this fall, is to assess the risks facing the area over the next 10 years from the transportation of oil by commercial vessels, as well as to provide information towards preventing incidents and
improving Canada’s marine oil spill and preparedness regime. As president of the regional advisory council, Tobin is slated to meet with the group carrying out the assessment March 9. He says he hopes Transport Canada will include in its study the possibility Placentia Bay may host a second refinery. clare-marie.gosse@theindependent.ca
Lifting of MCP cap won’t cost province or patients: Sullivan ALISHA MORRISSEY
A
decision by the Danny Williams administration to lift the cap on MCP billing for the province’s physicians may lead to increased costs, although doctors say traffic through their offices won’t necessarily increase. Under a new contract ratified Feb. 15, the provincial government lifted the billing cap (known as the global cap) for doctors who charge MCP for their services. Last year’s cap was set at $180 million. Finance Minister Loyola Sullivan says removing the cap may increase
costs, but only marginally — less than one per cent of the $280 million budgeted for physician payroll. “The most that would be would be a few million,” Sullivan tells The Independent. “That can vary, that might be nothing … time will tell what the costs are but I think it’s a positive move.” Dr. Tom Costello, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, says doctors often worried whether their billings went over the cap, which would mean a clawback for each fee-for-service doctor. Used only a few times in the past decade, the clawback could be as high as $10,000 per doctor, Costello says, adding physicians would only learn
how much was to be paid back nearly a year after the service had been provided. “It’s only been used once or twice. The point is not that it’s being used, the point is it can be used on a regular basis,” Costello says. “I don’t think personally that the government would give this up if they were going to spend $20 or $30 or $40 million more.” Dropping the cap, according to Sullivan, will also retain doctors who were considering a move and may attract new doctors from other areas. As for concerns removing the cap will increase thoroughfare in medical offices, impacting patient care, Costello and Sullivan agree the level of service
won’t decline. “It probably won’t impact on the number of patients being seen at all because I think the majority of physicians … who bill MCP are already working at their maximum anyway,” Costello says. As a physician who has billed MCP for 25 years, Costello says he’d actually like to reduce the number of patients he sees each day. Even if a few doctors decide to take on more patients, he says it should be considered an added service and doctors should be paid for it. Contract negotiations between government and doctors included issues like hours of work, with physicians arguing they’d rather spend time with
their families than take on more patients, Sullivan says. “One of the big issues with them wasn’t just money, one of the big issues was lifestyle and opportunities to have time with their families and those type of things also will certainly moderate, you know, costs in the system and allow other doctors to come in without being penalized on a cap and to be able to have a certain lifestyle too,” the minister says. “They want to earn a good income but they also want a quality of life.” At the end of their new four-year contract doctors will see a pay increase of 6.11 cent. The agreement will increase the physician services budget by $18 million a year by the final year.
4 • INDEPENDENTNEWS
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
Icelandic trawler cited for illegal fishing By Alisha Morrissey The Independent
A
n Icelandic vessel was cited by Canadian authorities Feb. 21 for allegedly failing to label its catches, bringing to six the total number of citations issued to foreign trawlers fishing on the Grand Banks to date this year. The Petur Johnsson was fishing shrimp on the nose of the Grand Banks when Canadian inspectors aboard the Canadian Coast Guard vessel Cygnus boarded the vessel and found that shrimp caught on the Flemish Cap had not been labelled. Under rules of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), which monitors fishing outside Canada’s 200-mile limit, fish must be labelled based on where it’s caught to help inspectors detect misreporting. Morley Knight, director of conservation and protection with DFO in St. John’s, says because the fish wasn’t labelled there’s no way to tell if there could have been misreporting of catches. As a result, a citation wasn’t issued for misreporting. 30 CITATIONS All told, 16 foreign vessels were issued 30 citations for fishing violations on the Grand Banks in 2005 — double the number in 2004. Under NAFO regulations, Canada cannot arrest ships for breaking the rules. Rather, it’s up to the home country of a vessel charged with illegal fishing to follow through with court action. Since 1984, 540 citations have been issued against foreign vessels. Most of the citations were issued without publicity, often against boats that have been cited frequently but face no penalty in their home country. Fishing advocates in this province have repeatedly called for Canada to take custodial management of the Grand Banks, a move that the former Liberal government was reluctant to make. Fisheries and Ocecans Minister Loyola Hearn has said his government will take the necessary steps towards implementing custodial management, although a firm time line has yet to be set.
DFO surveillance plane in action.
Paul Daly/The Independent
Management options By Alisha Morrissey The Independent
C
alls within Canada for Ottawa to take custodial management of the Grand Banks are based on one unique geographical fact: the continental shelf extends beyond the 200-mile limit. The fishing zones off most coastal nations fall within their territorial waters. That’s not the case with the Grand Banks. Migratory stocks such as cod don’t recognize imaginary dotted lines on maps and are caught by foreign trawlers once they cross over into international waters. The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) is tasked with managing fish sticks outside 200 miles, but it’s seen as toothless, unable to enforce the quotas it sets — which is where custodial management would come into play. Canada would manage fish stocks in international waters on behalf of other fishing nations.
just a few papertowels?
Art May, former deputy minister of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the first chairman of NAFO, says the simple fact the nose and tail of the Grand Banks extend beyond 200 miles isn’t enough reason to implement custodial management. “Because Canada has a unique problem other people are not that interested. Here’s the attitude internationally: ‘Canadians, why are you so greedy? You’ve got a 200-mile limit on your West Coast, you’ve got a 200-mile limit on your East Coast, it covers 90 per cent of the shelf — go away.’ I mean you just cannot generate the interest,” May tells The Independent. May, who helped draw up a 2005 report on straddling fish stocks in the northwest Atlantic, says that while custodial management isn’t an actual legal term, with time and effort it could become reality. “Now there are ways to make it an international legal concept, but it would take … a really long time of calling United Nations conferences and that kind of thing,” he says. “(If) you impose it unilaterally … that means you’re prepared to defend it sending out the navy, firing shots in anger, people get killed, ships get sunk. The potential consequences of going it unilaterally are very serious so if you want something like custodial management you have to put it on the table and push for it in the international legal regime. That has never been done.” Dalhousie University provided a legal opinion to the 2005 straddling stocks report that suggested Canada would lose a court battle over custodial management because of the law of the sea contract, which Canada has signed. May says Canada could abandon NAFO in favour of negotiating a new management regime with the 13 NAFO member countries. “That might be easier to do, though not easy to do. I want to emphasize that anything you do out there is going to take years but we’ve done nothing for the last 20,” May says. “Personally I’m not at all sure that you’d get much receptivity to the notion of custodial man-
Keeping count 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 (to date) Total
12 13 16 17 26 27 32 23 15 30 6 217
Source: Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
agement, but I think you would to the idea of writing a new international convention for the northwest Atlantic.” Critics say Canada shouldn’t be allowed the opportunity to take control of the continental shelf because of the poor management regime within its own waters. Daniel Pauly, a fish stock researcher with the University of British Columbia, says Canada must lead by example, but doesn’t convincingly play the conservationist role internationally. “If you want to be convincing that you are a good steward of the resource and that you should be in charge of this extended shelf, you should do a good job in your own waters that you are already in charge of,” he says. “To criticize foreigners of fishing in this bit of shelf that reaches outside of the (200-mile limit), always harping about this, while 90 per cent of the shelf is in Canadian jurisdiction and the resource is not in good shape there, it is not convincing.” Pauly says Canada simply doesn’t have a case for custodial management. “The extension should be not because Canada can, but because Canada does a better job than the countries that exploit this.” GENERAL MANAGER John Moores
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SALES MANAGER Gillian Fisher P.O. Box 5891, Stn.C, St. John’s, gillian.fisher@theindependent.ca Newfoundland & Labrador, A1C 5X4 Ph: 709-726-4639 • Fax: 709-726-8499 PRODUCTION MANAGER John Andrews john.andrews@theindependent.ca Website: www.theindependent.ca sales@theindependent.ca • production@theindependent.ca • circulation@theindependent.ca
IT MATTERS. Each year, hundreds of thousands of paper towels, cups, utensils and convenience packets are tossed into our overburdened dumps. What’s the price for this convenience? If we don’t change our way of thinking, it could be far too high. Our dumps are overflowing with items each and every one of us discard every day. Simply by switching to reusable cloth towels, cups and cutlery, buying in bulk, and avoiding excess packaging, we can help the province reach its goal of 50% waste reduction. Please do your part, because our province is too beautiful to waste. Don’t Let Our Province Go to Waste. REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE.
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FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTNEWS • 5
Family conflict
SHIPPING NEWS
New Liberal leader says wife’s Ontario cabinet post not a problem By Alisha Morrissey The Independent
J
Paul Daly/The Independent
Keeping an eye on the comings and goings of the ships in St. John’s Harbour. Information provided by the Coast Guard Traffic Centre.
“I don’t see how there could be a conflict of interest there. If there’s any specific item that I will be dealing with that she will be dealing with … I don’t see it at this point.” Jim Bennett the House that would be brought forth by the government and that legislation would have some kind of an effect on his spouse, then at that point in time he would need to take a look at the level of his participation in debating the issue. “There’s certainly a very good chance that a person could be in a conflict by the definition of family so that’s where I guess you’d have to look at the situation closely. I mean we can talk about generalities here but you can’t make a judgement call on generalities.” Since Bennett says he’s confident he’ll not only win a seat but lead a government in the 2007 election, he could be investigated by the commissioner as early as next year. Green says the legislation tries to strike a balance between private and public aspects of political lives. “You could make the argument that his spouse is entitled to carry on her life even though her husband could be premier of the province, but I guess someone will have to make a judgement call there,” Green says. “If you get a specific case and … you see the impact that the premier’s policy decisions would have on his spouse’s business and profession and how much that would enhance her interests then you’d need to look at all those factors before you could make a recommendation to the premier.”
MONDAY, FEB. 20 Vessels arrived: Burin Sea, Canada, from Terra Nova; Oceanex Avalon, Canada, from Montreal; Irving Canada, Canada, from Saint John; ASL Sanderling, Canada, from Halifax. Vessels departed: Atlantic Osprey, Canada, to Terra Nova; Atlantic Hawk, Canada, to White Rose; Oceanex Avalon, Canada, to Montreal; Atlantic Kingfisher, Canada, to Terra Nova. TUESDAY, FEB. 21 Vessels arrived: Northern Eagle, Canada, from Fishing; Flanders, Canada, from Portugal Cove; Maersk Chancellor, Canada, from White Rose. Vessels departed: Atlantic Kingfisher, Canada, to Terra Nova; Northern Eagle, Canada, to North Sydney.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22 Vessels arrived: Ann Harvey, Canada, from sea; Atlantic Osprey, Canada, from Hibernia; Maersk Placentia, Canada, from Hibernia; Jean Charcot, Britain, from sea. Vessels departed: Maersk Chancellor, Canada, to White Rose; Maersk Nascopie, Canada, to Hibernia; Irving Canada, Canada, to Saint John. THURSDAY, FEB. 23 Vessels arrived: Maersk Chignecto, Canada, from White Rose ; Atlantic Eagle, Canada, from Terra Nova; Tuvaq, Canada, from Montreal; Marine Coaster, Canada, from Port aux Basques. Vessels departed: Burin Sea, Canada, to Terra Nova; Atlantic Eagle, Canada, to Terra Nova. FRIDAY, FEB. 24 Vessels arrived: Ciciero, Canada, from, Montreal; Katsheshuk II, Canada, from fishing. Vessels departed: Katsheshuk II, Canada, to fishing.
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things to do in Atlantic Canada before you die Place Bonaventure, St. John’s, NL
im Bennett says the fact his wife is an Ontario cabinet minister doesn’t mean he’s in a conflict of interest as leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, although the province’s chief electoral officer will have the last word. Bennett, elected by acclamation on Feb. 7, is married to Sandra Pupatello, Ontario’s minister of Social Services and minister responsible for Women’s Issues. The couple have two grown children. “I don’t see how there could be a conflict of interest there. If there’s any specific item that I will be dealing with that she will be dealing with … I don’t see it at this point,” Bennett tells The Independent. “I’m leader of the Liberal party. I’m not elected but … if we’re in opposition I don’t really see how there can be any conflict even if we were in government.” “It’s almost like somebody is trying to create … an argument where none exists,” he says. “This interview is making The Independent the same status as the National Enquirer in my view and I don’t think it is doing your paper any service to try and dream up potential conflicts when there are so many real items going on.” In Ontario, political spouses are required to declare their incomes and have all possible conflicts investigated by an ethics commissioner, Bennett says. He and his wife made the news in Ontario recently when he tagged along with her on an Ontario government plane. The opposition charged the couple with abusing the system, saying a government plane is not a taxi for spouses of ministers. “I’m highly scrutinized in Ontario because of being a husband or a spouse of a member of that government they have conflict of interest rules which are very secure, unlike our government — we don’t even have an ethics commissioner,” he says. “I’ve looked at the filing requirements here and the filing requirements in this province are a farce. I believe we need an ethics commissioner. “If I form the government you can expect to see a real ethics commissioner in a non-political role.” Wayne Green, the province’s chief electoral officer and commissioner of members’ interests, says legislation in Newfoundland and Labrador is similar to Ontario, requiring a similar examination of the financial assets of politicians and their spouses. In fact, Green says he’s the one who would examine any legal or perceived conflict of interest. Because Bennett isn’t yet elected to a seat in the legislature, Green says he’s not yet regulated by the province’s conflict of interest legislation. However, should Bennett be elected he will be fully investigated, Green says. “If he gets elected to the House and he is involved in things … then he would need to be careful about how he participates in debates in the House,” says Green. “Now of course he would be in the opposition so he’s less likely to be in a conflict in terms of directing policy … but if he finds himself debating legislation in
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6 • INDEPENDENTNEWS
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
Winter of discontent T
he demographics of this province are disheartening. Rural communities are suffering through the slow death that is outmigration with droves of people moving elsewhere for work and greater economic stability. Sadly, the majority of them are young families. For those who choose to stay, family size can usually be counted on one hand. Communities are characterized by a smaller and aging population, and fewer children. The effect on schools is evident. Fewer students mean fewer teachers, fewer dollars, and tougher choices for school districts to maintain a quality standard of education. The drama playing out in the Eastern School District this winter is not unique; it has just become a public display of the enormous pressures placed on all school districts in the province to continue to provide quality education to too few students in buildings that are too large over too great geographic distances with too few dollars. Conflict is inevitable. The Eastern School District is a new entity trying to provide a vision for the future of education within its bound-
MERRILL HODDINOTT Guest column aries by laying out a multi-year plan. Central to developing the plan are two critical issues: student population trends and current infrastructure. To provide a discussion point, a consulting firm was contracted to take an objective view of service delivery and make recommendations as to how to streamline services. The outcome is a report recommending sweeping changes to the current model of delivery, suggesting a wide array of approaches, including school closures, school consolidation, and construction of new facilities. But not everyone accepts the recommendations. Many school communities facing school closure and consolidation are reacting negatively. Understandably, students, parents, and community groups have strong historical and emotional attachments. The loss of a school is devastating for a small community, both in the sense of loss of
identity, but also in the uncertainty of what the change will mean for students. It’s difficult to let go of a community school with just the assurances of the political machinery of better things to come in a larger complex down the road. Consequently, parents dig in and fight vigorously for the life of their school, equating it with the well being of their cherished children. Who can fault them for that? Standing somewhere in the shadows is Treasury Board, tentatively fingering the beads of the abacus, anticipating the costs associated with the recommendations. Looking at how this is unfolding with the Eastern School District, one lesson is becoming clear for us all: members of a school community must ensure decisions are always in the best interests of our children. If that is our standard, then a decision that a student must travel to another community, move to a new building, or remain seemingly unaffected — whether in St. John’s, Burlington, Raleigh, or Happy ValleyGoose Bay — must be an acceptable outcome. In order for that to occur, something has to give. Yes, we need to
Should provincial government officials listen and financially support those decisions? Absolutely, that is their duty. express our views and argue for what we deem best. But let’s be sure we are aware of all the factors impacting our children, not just today, but five or 10 years down the road. As well, parents are making valid points regarding their schools and the impact upon the children and their communities. Viewing the education system from a purely fiscal perspective does it a great disservice and does little to support the realities of life in a crowded classroom. To avoid this, parents need to keep putting the human face on schools and classrooms, making the decision makers fully aware of the gravity of their decisions. I do believe that the right decisions will be made with open dialogue.
Should parents continue to advocate and make their concerns known? Absolutely, that is their responsibility. Should trustees make decisions that, although difficult, reflect the demographic and financial reality of educational service delivery in the next decade? Absolutely, that is their mandate. Should provincial government officials listen and financially support those decisions? Absolutely, that is their duty. We must all work together to ensure a more efficient and effective educational system that is truly reflective of the educational needs of all students. Even though we may disagree with decisions, we cannot afford to become mere opponents to change at all cost. For some of us, we will have to embrace that change and channel our energies toward ensuring that the new system provides a top quality education for our children. The process should never become a win-lose scenario; it must be viewed as protecting our children and preparing for their future. Merrill Hoddinott is a principal within the Eastern School District.
YOUR VOICE When to report child abuse Dear editor, I have become increasingly worried about the misinformation that has been circulated as a result of the reporting and the subsequent public discussion of the Supreme Court ruling in favour of Wanda Young in her suit against Leslie Bella, William Rowe and Memorial University. When the jury found in Ms. Young’s favour in 2003, and in January 2006, when the Supreme Court upheld that ruling, local media reports left the impression that anyone worried about the possible neglect or abuse of a child had better do some investigation before making a referral to Child, Youth and Family Services. This is erroneous. I know from my public education work for Iris Kirby House in the early 1990s and from my familiarity with the 1998 Child, Youth and Family Services Act that as soon as I have a concern about a child’s well being I am legally required to inform Child, Youth and Family Services. Investigation is entirely their role, not mine. I can be fined up to $10,000 and/or face time in jail for not reporting abuse if it is later discovered that I had information and did not report it. Hearing in the media and reading in the Supreme Court summary that Ms. Young’s name was on a child abuse registry as a result of a referral to Child, Youth and Family Services amazed me. I decided to find out how this could happen so I contacted the RCMP, the RNC, the office of the child advocate and the office of the director of Child, Youth and Family Services. I was told that there is no such thing as a child abuse registry of names of people
suspected of child abuse. No one I spoke to knew of any such registry. I am going to formally request that those responsible for the protection of children in Health and Community Services and in the Department of Justice make statements to clear up this misinformation and address the uncertainty that I believe has been created in our community. My last point is to express my dismay with what happened after the referral was made by William Rowe to Child, Youth and Family Services. I always thought that the investigation of a referral would be done as soon as a social worker was available. If that had happened in Ms. Young’s case, the facts would have been quickly revealed and no harm would have been done to her. I believe that our community also deserves to know what changes have been made within Child, Youth and Family Services to ensure that, never again, will a referral be passed from social worker to social worker over a period of two years before an investigation even begins. How could a case that involved possible child sexual abuse take two years to investigate? The idea that I could be sued, when my intentions were not at all malicious and only meant to comply with a law that is in place to protect children from abuse, is frightening. I believe that there is now doubt in our community about what the criteria is for reporting suspected child abuse. This doubt could cause second thoughts and during that second thought a child could suffer. Rick Page, St. John’s
‘A good place to call home’ Dear editor, The Canadian government is technically within its rights to deport the Portnoy family of Marystown. Morally, however, they have no right to do so. Government representatives say the family will not be put in harm’s way if they are sent back to Israel. Unless there are two Israels on our planet, I’m afraid the Government of Canada has misled us on this issue. The Israel that I know has had to
erect a fortress along her borders in order to keep her enemies at bay. The Israel I see on television news reports is usually in the coverage of horrific carnage from a suicide bombing aboard a bus, in a restaurant, at a wedding celebration, etc. The Israel I know is on perpetual terrorist alert. Marystown sounds like a good place to call home to me. Paul Morrissey, St. John’s
AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
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SCRUNCHINS
Chuck wagon A weekly collection of Newfoundlandia
T
alk about unprecedented (although the premier’s office says it’s not). Chuck Furey, the province’s next chief electoral officer, is actually required by his contract to donate his MHA pension (estimated to be in the $50,000-$60,000 a year range) to charity. He won’t exactly be in the poor house, however. Furey, who won the lottery in the 1990s, will make an annual salary as chief electoral officer of $124,758. Furey isn’t the only politician to donate his provincial pension to charity, MP Norm Doyle, who served as an MHA for years, does it (although his decision was a voluntary one). Even Danny Williams himself donates his premier’s pay to charity (again, no pre-requisite). The question remains why Williams would hire a long-time Liberal for a plumb position like chief electoral officer? Best guess is the premier wants to keep Furey quiet. But then outspokenness has never been a factor with Furey … his chief issue has been credibility. GLOBE TROTTER The best indicator of whether this place is heating up is not yet another rosy economic outlook by a mainland bank or credit-rating agency. No, nothing as run-of-the-mill as that — rosy outlooks have been a dime a dozen since Brian Tobin hung his shingle outside the front door. The best indicator of all is when The Globe and Mail assigns a full-time reporter to the place, which sources say may soon happen. Until now, The Globe — “Canada’s National Newspaper”, as it proclaims right there on the front page — has covered this province from Nova Scotia, which just isn’t the same. Next thing you know Newfoundland and Labrador will start appearing on the maps of other media outlets. Picture the look of surprise on the faces of news editors across Canada when they learn that St. John’s — not Halifax — is the most easterly provincial capital.
BOOM-BUST CYCLE It was only this week (Feb. 21 to be precise) that The Globe’s lead business story — Boom-bust cycle swings up for Newfoundland in 2006 — told of how the Conference Board of Canada predicts the province will vault this year from last place to “Canada’s leader in economic growth.” According to the Globe article, White Rose and Voisey’s Bay are expected to increase our GDP by 6.4 per cent this year, ahead of all other provinces “including red-hot Alberta.” The story quoted a study, partly funded by the provincial government and the oil companies, that estimates the oil industry has created about 17,000 jobs in the province in direct and spin-off work. The study pointed out that most of the profits didn’t stay in Newfoundland and Labrador, however. That’s sure to change now that a Globe reporter is moving in. GOOD NEWS STREAK The good news keeps coming for Newfoundland and Labrador. Air Canada plans to start same–plane flights from Fort McMurray to St. John’s. Estimates have it that as many as 17 per cent of migrants to the Alberta city are from Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundlanders are reportedly (again, this comes from The Globe) working in Fort McMurray (where the average annual salary is $93,000) and return home on two-week breaks. Quite the commute. COD WALLOPED A story in the Nov. 21-Dec. 4 edition of Canadian Business Magazine included an article headlined, Aquaculture: Cod Walloped — Newfoundland’s cod farming industry. Get a load of the story lead … “If you don’t have a Newfie accent and walk into any of the bars on George Street in downtown St. John’s, it’s a safe bet a bartender will dare you to kiss a codfish. If you pucker up and throw back a shot of Screech, you will qualify as an honourary Newfoundlander. It’s a small but telling example
of how, despite the decline and fall of the Atlantic cod, the fish that sustained Newfoundland for centuries still has its hooks in the province — its culture, its lingo and its popular imagination.” The article states that despite the high hopes for fish farming, “Newfoundland’s cod aquaculture experiment has ended up in the tank. The industry’s failure is a tale of poor execution, difficult economic realities and bad luck that is all too familiar to those living on the Rock.” There was at least one inaccuracy in the story … codfish were dropped from Screech-in ceremonies years ago in favour of a puffin’s arse. SEAL SKULLS A story carried in the Feb. 17 edition of The Times of London outlined how ministers are “poised to risk a diplomatic rift with Canada by backing a ban on the import of seal products and fashion accessories.” “Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, and Alan Johnson, the Trade Secretary, are understood to be sympathetic to calls for a ban because of international outrage over the slaughter of baby seals in Newfoundland,” the article reads. “The Canadian seal hunt, due to resume in six weeks, is the largest marine mammal cull in the world. The Government’s readiness to act was signalled by Ian Pearson, the Trade Minister, in a debate this week. He said: “Seal-clubbing does the reputation of Canadians no good at all.” The Times quoted an “independent veterinary study of seal skulls” which found that more than 40 per cent had minimal or no fractures, suggesting that the animals were conscious when skinned.” The Independent is still trying to get our hands on the study in question. LUCKY BREAK Oh, in case you were wondering, my regular column is on hold this week due to technical difficulties (a broken leg). ryan.cleary@theindependent.ca
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTNEWS • 7
One man’s terror, another man’s liberation
N
o one is going to be able to sing about shooting the sheriff, or his deputy for that matter, if Tony Blair and those who think like him get their way. I watched Tony Blair on CPAC last Saturday night presiding over a tempestuous question period in the British House of Commons (and yes, that’s what I do on Saturday nights — as opposed to watching grown men on skates chase a frozen piece of rubber around). Blair was something to behold — thoroughly prepared, resolute, agile in wit and speech — and wrong, wrong, wrong. He was defending his new bill. As a measure to get a handle on the “homegrown” terrorist threat plaguing many European countries, including his own, the Blair government has drafted legislation that will make illegal the “glorification” of terrorism. He stood in that raucous House, loudly and energetically defending his bill. At one point, to mounting shouts of criticism from Opposition benches, he snidely retorted he was confident that the British people and their judiciary are quite capable of understanding the term “glorification.”
IVAN MORGAN
Rant & reason Are you? I think about our country, and the effect that the law would have here. What the hell is “glorification?” What the hell is terrorism? One person’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter, and people love to glorify their freedom fighters. I thought about Irish folk songs, like the classic Four green fields. An old lady sings proudly of her sons who died defending her land against invaders. She boasts that she’s raising their sons — her own grandchildren — to also fight and die defending her fields. That’s one hardcore old lady. Sounds like Jihad to me. Pretty damn glorious — or twisted — depending on your outlook. There is no end of defiant Irish rebel songs, and happy as I would be to round up and incarcerate the plague of awful Irish/Newfoundland musicians currently inflicting their music on us, I still recog-
Diamond Fields and Exidiam? Did the provincial Justice Department send a lawyer to Texas as an observer? If not, why not? Did even VOCM care? Was it really a one-shot payment of $25 million US (gee, Exidiam are even bigger suckers than we are. The mine site at Voisey’s Bay contains an estimated $35 billion worth of nickel, copper, and cobalt)? Did the breach of fiduciary trust help Diamond Fields finance its exploration in Labrador? Did it help in the hiring and paying of Archean Resources for services rendered? Did it provide the wherewithal to purchase any permit or licence from the Newfoundland Department of Mines and Energy? There is a legal maxim that states a person cannot benefit from his own wrongdoing. Did Diamond Fields benefit, and benefit immensely, from its breach of fiduciary trust with Exidiam over a decade ago? Tom Careen, Placentia
up. Our premier labels anyone who criticizes him as a “naysayer.” So I guess he wants nothing but good news about him all the time. That’s politics. You can decide if he’s right, or just a big sook. Our chief of police told off our own Alisha Morrissey and a reporter from another newspaper for doing their jobs. He didn’t like what they said, and thought it was in his job description to bully them. I am pretty sure it isn’t. Freedom of speech made him mad. Someone needs to take him aside and have a little chat with him. Blair’s legislation passed, so now glorifying terrorism is illegal in the country that gave birth to the idea of free speech. I can’t help but think of some young person in Basra, right now hard at work writing a song glorifying young suicide bombers who give their lives to drive the hated British out of her city, while a young British soldier, frightened and homesick, lies in his barracks a few blocks away, listening to the Pogues classic album If I should fall from grace with God on his iPod. It’s a funny old world. Ivan Morgan can be reached at ivan.morgan@gmail.com
Progressive Conservative Felix Collins won the Placentia and St. Mary’s district by-election Feb. 21.
More of Susan
Caplin is key
Dear editor, Susan Rendell’s guest column in today’s paper just sings (Taller than the moon, Feb. 19-25 edition). Are we going to see more of her in The Independent? Hope so. Alison Dyer, St. John’s
Dear editor, I have heard talk recently that there may be a bigger quota for offshore caplin. A big mistake … ask any old fisherman what it will take to bring back the cod and he will tell you a complete moratorium of fishing for caplin in the north Atlantic. Caplin is the life-blood of the Grand Banks for sure, and if that fishery were closed in 1992, the codfish — and all other groundfish (and Salmon) — would now be abundant. When you see a small school of caplin in one of our coves in June, just observe the activity — from humans, to dolphins, to whales, to sea birds, to cod and other fish species — they all congregate after the tiny baitfish. Years ago, the boats of my father and grandfather would actually slow down from the strain of the propeller churning through schools of caplin. For up to a half mile out, the waters surrounding that small sandy beach were actually filled from the surface to the seafloor with caplin waiting their turn to spawn
‘The simple truth’ Dear editor, Reading The Independent’s comments on NAFO and listening again and again to Geoff Regan’s uninformed diatribe about his belief — in spite of so much evidence to the contrary — that NAFO can be reformed (Feb. 19-25 edition), leads me to believe he doesn’t know or understand the complexities of the fishing industry and, most particularly, the mindset of the foreign owners, crews, captains and their governments. This is a fisheries management problem unique in every way and especially because it has affected the sustainability of a diverse set of migrating fish stocks on the Newfoundland and Labrador continental shelf that extends outside the 200-mile limit. Ours is not a world fishing problem, as Regan, Danny Williams and others like them want us to believe. The 20 fishing nations of NAFO that are overfishing on our doorstep are sucking the last bit of youth and energy from rural Newfoundland and Labrador and we don’t have anyone here or in Ottawa standing up to this foreign invasion that will take another 70,000 people from our shores before
fication? Where would we? How about “the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air.” That song has always weirded me out. What was ever up with that? Sounds like the glorification of terror to me. I bet those British troops were terrified. Wasn’t that why they ran away? Yet I doubt Blair will be rounding up the Yanks anytime soon. But now if someone stands up in Britain and praises a Muslim suicide bomber they are guilty of an offence. They are going to jail. And this helps how? How about if he praises the Sandanistas? Or the Contras. Or the Tamil Tigers? Or Hamas? Or the Americans in Iraq? Or that dreaded scourge — the Danish? Woody Guthrie sang the praises of outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd, who robbed banks in the U.S. during the Depression. Pretty Boy was a murdering bank robber who used his reputation to (wait for it) terrorize the people he robbed. Pretty suspect if you ask me. U2’s Bono sings that song. Let’s get him. Freedom of speech is important, and there is always someone trying to shut you
THE WINNER IS …
YOUR VOICE A question of trust Dear editor, In August, 1996, Diamond Fields and Inco settled a lawsuit with a company called Exidiam. The lawsuit was settled by lawyers for both sides on the steps of a Texas courthouse, before the court was to get involved. As owners of the nickel, copper and cobalt deposit at Voisey’s Bay, Diamond Fields (75 per cent) and Inco (25 per cent) agreed to pay Exidiam $25 million US to drop its claim to part ownership of the Labrador discovery because of what Exidiam alleged was a breach of fiduciary trust by Diamond Fields. The reason for the quick settlement was that Inco was anxious to buy the rest of Voisey’s Bay and start development as soon as possible. Here are a few questions from one who has a well-developed, healthy skepticism: What exactly was the nature of the breach of fiduciary trust between
nize they have the right to sing and say what they like. Those songs were written as propaganda. They were written to glorify rebellion against an invading force. That is the nature of free speech — you use it to get your point across. To deify, to reply, to vilify, to decry … and to glorify. One person’s fear of terror is another’s glory of liberation. I remember, in my youth, being at parties here in St. John’s where people bragged of donating money to the Irish Republican Army. A lot of money was raised in this town for those terrorists. The whole thing was very glamorous. Lots of nudge nudge, wink wink. But I’ll bet the same people who get a belly full of Guinness and sob as they sing along to The day they murdered James Connolly would freak if they were at a party where a hat was being passed around for Al Qaeda. But that would be different, because Muslim terrorists are bad, right? Maybe, but I bet somewhere they are singing in glorious terms about “those brave young men in their stolen passenger jets.” Where will Blair draw the line on glori-
we are much older. It all comes down to the simple truth that successive premiers, including the present gentleman, either didn’t know or understand the problem well enough to face up to it and do something about it. Instead they are prepared to let someone like Bill Barry or others convince our government that stupid programs like catching the last few caplin or having factory vessels catch shrimp and pay a royalty to a dying community is a solution and will keep their popularity at about 60 per cent until another election comes along. They just don’t understand that to correct the basic problem the Newfoundland and Labrador region of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans must undertake a major fisheries science program to determine the present state of fish stocks and then implement a program to rebuild them. At the same time, we must achieve management control on the continental shelf as a necessary measure to succeed and stop all foreigners and Canadians in that area. Gus Etchegary, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s
on the beach. Schools of huge cod could be seen near the surface, taking advantage of the bountiful feast. Now there are usually only one or two dory loads of caplin in that cove in the spring, if there are any at all. I don’t understand why no one has made the connection to the raping of the caplin resource in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the decimation of the northern cod stock. I worked at the Fishery Products plant in Port Union at the time and there were several trawlers from Iceland there every year, bringing in millions of pounds of caplin daily (tonnes of dead caplin were dumped in the ocean if the percentage of females in the trap wasn’t high enough). What does everyone think codfish eat? When I fished with my father and grandfather 25 years ago we gutted the fish on the way to the plant, throwing the guts over board. The liver had enough flotation in it to keep the whole gut afloat. For the past several years I
have participated in the food fishery, and have found that there is not enough flotation in the cod livers to keep any portion of the gut afloat. This is a sure sign of cod starvation, as the flotation is a function of the fat content in the liver. Another downside of the caplin decline has been the change in the feeding habits of gulls. Caplin was their main source of food, and gulls bred in high numbers in the 1960s and ’70s with the abundance of food. So when the caplin all but disappeared, guess where they went — inland to our ponds and rivers and streams, eating every trout and salmon fry in the ecosystem. I have even seen them with my own eyes chasing, catching and swallowing live young ducks and partridge in the early spring. I come from a fishing family in Burin, and virtually everyone I have talked to in the fishing industry at the ground-roots level is unanimous in stating caplin is the key. Edgar Mitchell, Mount Pearl
Internet under utilized Dear editor, Further to my letter two weeks past (Tourism managers behind times; Internet advertising underutilized) about the ineffectiveness of the present Newfoundland and Labrador ad campaign, the inappropriate allocation of related funds, and the lack of understanding by the parties involved of the potential of the Internet, I offer for your readers’ consideration the
following website — http://okaydave.com. (If it loads slowly, it is because the creator just won some awards and recognition internationally and the site is being hit heavily at present.) Made by an acquaintance who is a student of design, this portfolio is perhaps the best example of utilizing a website to explore varied and related content with video, audio, graphic
design, and communications strategy, with the result being a comprehensive and exciting tour of the content. That I brought these ideas and a similar plan to the attention of various parties well over a year ago is a nonissue. That they don’t yet use them is unacceptable.
What do these students have in common? •Quality education •Incredibly affordable tuition •Over 100 degree options •Award-winning faculty •Hands-on learning opportunities Apply today! Office of Student Recruitment 1-866-354-8896 www.mun.ca
Go Further
Paul Daly/The Independent
Gerard Whelan, St. John’s
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
8 • INDEPENDENTNEWS
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTNEWS • 9
Celebrate good times By Darcy MacRae The Independent
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Mike Adam, Jamie Korab, Russ Howard, Mark Nichols and Brad Gushue after their gold medal win.
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When the sixth end was complete, the entire crowd roared while giving Team Gushue a standing ovation. When the team stood on the podium during the flower ceremony the crowd at the St. John’s Curling Club spontaneously began singing the Ode to Newfoundland, followed by a version of O Canada, bringing yet another smile to Adam’s teary-eyed face. “It’s extremely crazy,” she says. “This is great … I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Newfoundlanders.” The fact she was even in St. John’s is a story of its own, since Stephanie came to the provincial capital so she could meet her brother when he stepped off the plane on his return from the Games. “I was actually going to watch it at home (in Wabush), but I figured I might as well come to St. John’s, they made it this far. I want to be here when they get off the plane,” she says. “Mike asked where I was watching the game, and I said I was watching it in my hometown, but really I’m here to surprise him. But I almost slipped up and told him I was here.”
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APRIL 7
s Team Gushue celebrated their gold-medal winning performance in Italy, close to 200 people at the St. John Curling Club jumped for joy, singing and shedding tears in honour of the championship curlers. But perhaps the most excited person in the building was Stephanie Adam of Wabush, younger sister of Mike Adam, fifth on the Gushue rink. “I’m going to celebrate tonight, and then I’m going to celebrate tomorrow night and then I’m going to take it easy so I can party again with them on Monday night,” Stephanie Adam tells The Independent. Once the team of Brad Gushue, Jamie Korab, Mark Nichols, Russ Howard and Adam virtually sealed the deal with a huge sixth end, Stephanie leapt to her feet and hugged her friends sitting nearby. With tears running down her face she answered her ringing cellphone, only to hear the voice of her older brother calling from the Olympics. “He was trying to make sure I knew what was going on because I don’t really watch curling all the time,” she
says. “He said ‘You know they’re probably going to shake after this end’ … he said he was really excited, they’re laughing now. I’m sure on the inside they’re just glowing.” When the final stone was delivered and the Finnish team conceded defeat, Adam jumped up and down with her arms in the air. The tears didn’t stop flowing. “I’m so proud,” she said moments after the win. “I know them all so well … it’s crazy, it’s unreal.” The entire St. John’s Curling Club — home rink of the Gushue team — was in a party mood well before the gold-medal game even started. Curling fans settled into their seats two hours before the match, and by the time it began the building buzzed with excitement. With walls covered in Canadian and provincial flags, the mood was set early on. Fans were given their first chance to cheer when Team Gushue tied the game at two in the second end. The volume went up a few notches when the team went up 3-2 one end later. People jumped out of their seats when Mark Nichols hit a huge shot in the sixth end, bring shouts of “Here we go Canada,” from the crowd.
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Brad Gushue during the men's curling gold medal match against Finland.
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‘Put this in your pipe and smoke it’ From page 1 Greene admits. “But I guess now we had a reason to really watch and it is actually interesting … it even makes me want to curl.” Her friend Samantha Woodrow agrees. “Honestly, I don’t know much about the game, I just started watching it … but I love curling now.” Halfway across campus in the field house, bleachers, a screen, and projector were set up for a free showing of the game. Between 300 and 400 people of all ages showed up, flags in hands. Kevin O’Leary of the continuing education department brought his son, Liam. While Liam says gold medals are “cool” and he understands “a bit” of the rules of curling, he also says he wants to try the sport out when he’s a little bigger. “For most people in this province,” Kevin says, “if you combined all the curling they’ve ever watched in their lives, they’ve watched more than that this past two weeks. “I’m enjoying it … I’m finding it a little hard on the nerves through.”
At Mile One Stadium, where the Masters of Curling event plays out on the floor as the gold medal game plays on the Jumbotron above, the stands are sparsely filled at best. It’s an intense combination — but the Olympics are obviously on everyone’s mind, as the team away garners the bigger cheers from the audience. The stadium staff were expecting more like 6,000 people and only 600 showed up — one staffer manning the door figured it could have been the $10 entrance fee, or rumours Mile One wasn’t going to play sound with the Olympic broadcast. “Whatever it is,” he says. “You know everyone’s watching somewhere.” Back in the Breezeway — and among the impromptu smoking section outside the door — the talk heats up as the television coverage winds down. “This will prove to the rest of the world that we have the best team in the world and that they’ll be aware of the competition next time,” says Noelle Fry, a third-year MUN student and cousin of Jamie Korab. “They’ve done great, very well, but it was expected.
“To the idiots that said Newfoundland wasn’t going to do anything, then put this in your pipe and smoke it.” And Crowley — the man who declared Gushue in good company with the Pope — is already talking up the merits of a provincial holiday in honour of Gushue and teammates Mark Nichols, Jamie Korab, Mike Adam (all from Newfoundland and Labrador) and Russ Howard (of New Brunswick). “At least, I’d like to give them a beer,” he laughs. Outside, a cab driver remarks how quiet the roads had been for the past three hours. “I’d get the odd job and I’d be able to fly anywhere,” he said. “Now look at it.” Both behind and in front of his car are a line of vehicles, many flying Canadian or Newfoundland flags. The driver is bracing for what could be a busy night of celebrations — and revelers certainly not fit to drive. “It is a bit early, though,” he says, looking at his watch. It’s a little past 4 p.m. “Hard to say if most of them will even make it downtown.” — with files from Katie Smith
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FEBRUARY 26, 2006
10 • INDEPENDENTNEWS
Home and away I
t’s always hard to get back into the swing of things after a vacation — especially when you’re returning to Newfoundland in February. I haven’t exactly been away anywhere exotic, just staying with my Mum and Dad in England for two weeks, but the body goes into relaxation mode and you sort of get used to being the kind of person who can get up after 9 a.m. (or noon) and take off anywhere on a whim. I hadn’t been back home in a year and a half, but it felt longer, mostly I think because the other few visits I’ve paid since moving to Canada four years ago were brief and busy; frantically catching up with every single person I could, a wedding here, a birthday there, travelling from one place to another. This time I resolved to just go and hang out with my parents. No particular plans, no commitments, a chance to reconnect with my old stomping ground and my family. I still haven’t got used to living away from England. It’s not that I feel out of place in Newfoundland and Labrador or Canada, just the opposite. I feel almost too comfortable; I’m used to it. I can’t imagine living the life my friends in London live, despite the fact I sometimes find myself pining for it. This Canadian comfort zone worries me. I’m happier flicking through 60 cable channels than navigating BBC One and the latest plotline of Eastenders. More comfortable discussing Stephen Harper’s election than Tony Blair’s latest political problems, and scrambling in snow around Signal Hill feels more natural than jogging through Richmond Park, while keeping one eye peeled for the latest serial rapist. It’s strange to feel mentally as well as physically removed from the country I grew up in, the one I will always love the best simply because it’s home. Before I left for my vacation to England I started to remind myself to stop saying things like “vacation” — it’s holiday, and a cell phone is a mobile. The first thing that struck me as strange (after the crowded insanity of Heathrow at 8:30 a.m.) were the accents. Suddenly people around me were talking in harsh staccato; no more soft lilts. I was surrounded by cockneys, northerners and posh southerners. I’d completely forgotten what the motorways are like and spent most of the 50-minute journey to my parents’ house huddled in the back seat as my father zipped in and out of lanes, expertly dodging 10-tonne trucks at 80 miles an hour. Back at the house it was straight up to my old, miniature, purple-coloured room for a nap. Everything was the same. My younger brother is still living at home, tormenting my mother with his bathroom-hogging, my older brother and his girlfriend are still living (in sin) nearby, tormenting my father with their lack of marital status, my parents are retired, but still substitute teach-
CLARE-MARIE GOSSE Brazen
ing from time to time. On their days off they go to morning church and then off for coffee and shopping. My friends are all basically the same too, which was reassuring. I did end up paying a visit to the area of London I used to live in when I was at university. I went up for a weekend and saw what I would be doing had I stayed. Couples reign; my best friend is married, another engaged, another will be soon and one friend is divorced and dating again. Life is hectic, living in the London outskirts, working long hours downtown, socializing, planning vacations and cooking meals from Naked Chef Jamie Oliver’s latest cookbook. Everyone is at that stage where they’ve either bought their own place or are looking to buy. The average realistic housing package for a young couple in the Putney/Richmond area is a small one or two-bedroom flat at around $600,000 Cdn. London is the same. It was nice to smell the grime again, elbow-jostle people on the tube and rediscover the joys of high-street shopping (luckily there were a few sales around). Some things had changed in my absence: a country-wide ban on smoking in public places is on the cards; for security reasons people are now expected to use a personal identification number in shops when purchasing goods on credit card; and if you want to drive your car into central London you have to pay a fee. The national news, always somewhat depressing, seemed more focussed on racial issues than in the past. Crime seems to be on the up, but then doesn’t it always no matter where you are? Although I naturally miss my family when I’m in Newfoundland, I really understood for the first time how many important things I’ve missed in their lives more recently. This past year has been a tumultuous one for my parents and it’s not until I returned home that I realized how people tend to sugar coat events over the phone. When you sit down and talk properly, you get the genuine picture; what it was really like when my grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s, got sicker and how everyone coped when my father was diagnosed with cancer. Those are the hardest things to miss out on and I don’t think I’ll ever completely get used to living far away from my family, but it was good to reconnect and it was good to know I always can. It was also good to eventually return to my own house and life in a land where Harper is PM, hockey rules and snow banks threaten to flatten pedestrians. Home away from home. Clare-Marie Gosse is The Independent’s senior writer. clare-marie.gosse@theindependent.ca
AROUND THE BAY “Sometime during the early hours of last Wednesday morning the phone at the Bell Island RCMP started to buzz. The Mountie who answered was rather startled to hear a sentiment which went something like this, ‘I’ve broken into a beer tavern, come and get me.’ Not used to such co-operation from wrongdoers, the Mountie may have thought he was being kidded. However, together with a fellow officer they went to the beer tavern and sure enough they discovered that the premises had been entered and the wrongdoer still inside … (The Mountie) also found a glass and six empty beer bottles on one of the tables. The man explained that he had consumed the beer and phoned for the police.” — The Bell Island Times, Feb. 22, 1954 YEARS PAST “Draggers operating out of south coast fish plants are presently bringing in excellent catches. Most of the draggers are presently operating in St. Pierre Bank and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. They usually operate during the winter months. The greater percentage of the catches is codfish of good size and grade. With the large catches, some of which are full loads, fish plants are working at full capacity and some are on double shifts as trawlers wait their turn to discharge catches.” — The (Burin Peninsula) Post, Feb. 10, 1972 AROUND THE WORLD “Advocates in Great Britain of the recognition of women as the equals of men from a suffrage standpoint were greatly disappointed by the vote in the House of Commons a few days ago. The motion was to permit women of 21 years of age the vote, even as it is granted to men of that age. Women in the Old Country have the vote, but it is restricted to those of the age 31 and upwards. Judging from the cabled news, however, the motion was killed from expediency rather than on principle. The House was assured that the Baldwin government intends to initiate suffrage reform later on and will then take the claims of women under consideration.” — The Daily Globe, Feb. 24, 1925
EDITORIAL STAND “The provincial government has for some time now been negotiating with the federal government for joint development of the vast hydro potential in Labrador. To date, the federal government has been very reluctant. When one considers the vast amount of energy that Canada will need in the very near future this reluctance is very hard to understand.” — The Trepassey Tribune, April 1977 LETTER TO THE EDITOR “If there is one city organization more than another deserving of public praise and commendation, it is that known as the Playground and Recreation Association, which from the day of its inception, has never ceased to find a new class of amusement for the children of St. John’s. And the kiddies appreciate this work on their behalf, if one is to judge by the multitudes of them that took advantage of the various forms of recreation provided in the parks last summer. Evening after evening happy crowds of youngsters were to be seen engaged in all forms of play, and their joyous shouts alone must have been ample proof of the popularity of the apparatus erected and of their delight in the recreation made possible under the most favourable conditions by generous donors.” Signed, A Mother. — The Daily Globe, Feb. 24, 1925 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Rust in peace,” from a column in The Atlantic Journal by Chic Shave column about the vessel Calypso. — The (Gander) Tide and Tymes, April, 1969
LIFE STORY
Actor Philip Goodridge (right) portays pirate Peter Easton at the Trinity Pageant last summer. Andrew Dale plays the other pirate. Paul Daly/The Independent
Pirate tale PETER EASTON 1570-1620 By Katie Smith For The Independent
P
eter Easton began his career as a British naval officer before turning to a life of piracy, setting up base in Harbour Grace and establishing himself as a Newfoundland legend. St. John’s writer Paul Butler, author of two books on the notorious pirate (Easton and Easton’s Gold), says Easton, a native of northern England, was a privateer commissioned by Queen Elizabeth I in 1602 to protect the fisheries and maintain order among fishermen. Butler says during the Queen’s reign there was much conflict between England and Spain. But after her death King James I took the throne and aimed for peace. Then, in 1604, the Spanish Armada was defeated and the conflict with Spain ceased. Since there was no more need for a strong navy, many officers — Easton included — were left jobless. When King James I cancelled the letters of commission to the laid-off naval officers, Easton carried on as though nothing had changed, Butler says. “When he was told he couldn’t do it anymore he likely thought, ‘It’s the high seas. Who’s going to know?’” As a privateer, Easton was legally allowed to conscript crews and attack enemy ships and wharves at will. After the Crown stopped commissioning convoys, Butler says Easton continued to raid foreign ships and requisition people to work for him. “He crossed the fine line between privateer and pirate.” In 1610, Easton and about 40 well-armed vessels blocked the Bristol Channel as a means to steal from merchant ships. British authorities set out to capture him but he escaped back to Newfoundland. In the winter of 1612 Easton set up headquarters in Harbour Grace, arriving on his ship the Happy Adventure with a fleet of 10 other ships he had pirated, Butler says. “There he controlled a great amount of fishing and trade between Harbour Grace and Ferryland (on the Southern Shore).” While in Harbour Grace, Easton took Admiral Richard Whitbourne prisoner for 11 weeks, Butler says. Easton told the admiral he would release him
only if he agreed to go to England and obtain a pardon for him. The pardon was granted, but word of it never reached Easton. Records state Easton was granted two pardons throughout his career as a pirate, but never learned of them. Butler says a pirate received a pardon by paying money to the Crown. “It was a very political game. It was easier for the Crown to have pirates on their side.” By the time Easton gave up piracy he had acquired extraordinary wealth, Butler says. “He is reputed to have had two million pounds of gold.” Much of the treasure was said to have come from a single raid in Puerto Rico where he pirated the San Sebastian, a Spanish ship that was transporting gold to Spain from the Caribbean, Butler says. “He boasted it was something no one had ever done and he pulled it off.” With his stolen money and ships, Easton sailed back to Europe and settled down in the province of Savoy, France. Easton had an arrangement with the Duke of Savoy. The Duke needed money and Easton needed a place to live without fear of being caught. The arrangement seemed to work for both men. “Easton was able to go back to a legitimate life because he could pay for it,” says Butler. Because of his newly acquired wealth and his marriage to a wealthy woman, the Duke made Easton the Marquis of Savoy. Little is known about Easton after he moved to Savoy, says Butler. “He kind of goes out of history at this point.” Easton was no more ruthless than other privateers or pirates, Butler says. “None of these people were angels. “He didn’t see himself any differently. He thought he was a gentleman who just happened to be on the outs with the Crown.” Butler believes Easton died sometime around 1620, and likely died a wealthy man, although there are no records to say for sure. Today, there is a museum about Easton and piracy in Harbour Grace on the same piece of land where his fort once stood. Built in 1870, the Conception Bay Museum includes a full-size mannequin of Easton and a replica of the Happy Adventure. Katie Smith is a work-term student from Holland College in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
INDEPENDENTWORLD
SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 4, 2006 — PAGE 11
Stephen Harper during a news conference.
Chris Wattie/Reuters
Sulking can only hurt Harper At a time when every word in the press counts, the prime minister needs to work on media relationship By Chantal Hébert Torstar wire service
T
o say that Quebec Premier Jean Charest was puzzled by the bizarre terms of his first engagement with the prime minister last week is an understatement. From the beginning, Stephen Harper’s office insisted that it take place under a Parliament Hill news blackout. At first, the prime minister had resolved to stay out of sight of TV cameras. Then he relented, but only long enough to shake hands with the premier. Those would be the only pictures of the event. Harper’s staff warned Charest that there would not be a debriefing of the meeting for the national media. That made for some awkward moments for the visiting premier. Among his provincial colleagues, Charest, as a former federal leader, has the closest ties to the parliamentary press corps. Playing by Harper’s rules meant he had to be deaf to the questions of journalists with whom he has had a long-standing working relationship. Meanwhile in Quebec City, the PQ opposition put its own spin on the closet mentality that presided at the organization
of the meeting, losing little time to read capacity to manage a crisis. This one, after into Harper’s self-imposed public silence all, was of his own making. the emergence of a post-election malaise Now, only a few weeks into his mandate, between the two capitals. Harper has replaced his communications By the time Charest landed back home director. to hold a news conference, what should But William Stairs was hardly the mashave come across as the termind of the cloakwin-win start of a new and-dagger media stratera of cordiality had egy of the past few turned into an event that weeks, only its most visPlaying by Harper’s put the premier on the ible casualty. rules meant (Charest) defensive and involved There is no magic the PMO in a needless recipe for achieving a had to be deaf to the stare-down with the parconstructive relationliamentary press. with the parliamenquestions of journalists ship Charest’s balancing tary media. But the first act was only half as with whom he has had a ingredient is a mature awkward as those of approach on the part of David Emerson and long-standing working the prime minister. Michael Fortier. Harper has reason to relationship. In the week that folbelieve that medialowed their swearing-in, needy prime ministers Harper’s controversial court contempt and, in cabinet recruits were left to twist in the bit- time, disaster. Brian Mulroney obsessed ter wind of a national backlash while the with what the media was writing about prime minister perfected his media vanish- him; the mood of Paul Martin and his ing act. entourage were largely predicated by the Queries over Harper’s cabinet staffing daily coverage of their government. In promptly turned into questions about his time, that hypersensitivity made them too
vulnerable to media ups and downs for their own good. But getting into a sulk with the national media is just another display of a skin too thin for comfort. At best, it shifts attention from the positive to the negative, as in the case of the Charest meeting. At worst, as in the Emerson/Fortier matter, it focuses attention on the larger issue of incompetence at the top. It is not uncommon for a bunker mentality to set in when a government is in trouble. What is fascinating about Harper’s regime is that it is happening at a time when he is most likely to enjoy the benefit of the doubt in his media dealings. In six months (or fewer), the Prime Minister will look back on this period as the easiest in his tenure, a time when he still has the opportunity to dictate, or at least influence positively, much of what is said about his government. What is particularly ironic is that it is hard to think of a prime minister who has ever had more reasons to make every media word count than Harper, who may be facing the voters who put him on probation within less than 24 months.
VOICE FROM AWAY
Home in the Newfoundland embassy Andrew Bonia tries to make Connecticut feel a bit like St. John’s By Andrew Bonia For the Independent
“T
he Embassy,” as we have named it, is a spacious onebedroom apartment on the fourth floor of a building in a nice-ish area of New Haven, Conn. Though filthy and as American as apple pie when we arrived, over the course of one-and-a-half years we have been able to reclaim it, room by room, starting with the bedroom and bathroom, then to the kitchen and living room.
Each new room my wife and I annex is immediately welcomed, embraced, and shielded from the outside with paintings of Signal Hill, the sea, Logy Bay, and brightly coloured row houses. On our way to the Embassy from the airport, our cab driver chats with us, even as he crushes the brake and swears out the window to the car on his right. “Where did you say you were from again?” “Newfoundland.” “Oh yeah …” he drawls, and I almost
catch some recognition in his look. “I’ve been to New Hampshire before.” Living with Americans isn’t at all like Talking to Americans. In fact it isn’t so much like talking as it is like being told. Certainly, even in New England, which is about as close to home as I can get down here, they don’t know anything about where I’m from other than that it exists, and they rarely know even that. Still, the Americans must have absorbed something about us somewhere, as they know enough to mispro-
nounce our name. How people can so mangle a name they’ve only first heard moments before is a miracle of the human brain. It’s beyond me. Still, what keeps the size of my head in check as it swells with a Newfoundlander’s natural superiority, is the fact that these people know only slightly less about me than I do about them. They are no more informed about our National Igloo than I am about their World’s Largest Nickel. That said, there is a reason we know a lot more about Paul Newman than they
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FEBRUARY 26, 2006
12 • INDEPENDENTWORLD
Judge will make legal history By Sean Gordon Torstar wire service
H
e’s toiled in the relative obscurity of the Federal Court of Appeal for 14 years and in addition to a brilliant legal mind, possesses a quality less common in the upper reaches of Canada’s judiciary: a keen sense of humour. Justice Marshall Rothstein, 65, is the first Supreme Court nominee in Canadian history to submit to the questions of elected officials, and if the
IT
early reaction to his appointment is any indication, it’s a test he will easily pass. Rothstein’s nomination to the country’s most influential court reverberated through Manitoba’s closely-knit legal community recently, where he is known for his sharp mind, dry wit and tireless work ethic. “It’s been a big week for us, with Cindy Klassen and now Marshall Rothstein. Everybody in the East has been worried about Alberta taking over the country when secretly it was Manitoba,” says Law Society of
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focus mostly on issues of judicial philosophy, and not on Rothstein’s personal opinions. The appointment will be confirmed on March 1, after the public hearings, at which point Rothstein will become the 77th person to don the Supreme Court’s scarlet robes. He’ll fill the seat vacated by Alberta’s John Major, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 last December. Legal observers say Rothstein has been involved in judgments on a broad range of key issues that will likely pre-
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down here is a cliché, and isn’t the only reason they know nothing about us. It’s also because we are genuinely convinced we have nothing to say. From day one, American baby girls and boys have been taught about their country and its proud heritage; its heroes, its villains, its stories and myths. While much of it is nonsense, at least it’s something to talk about. Something to identify with. Find a Newfoundland or Labradorian student who knows about Sir Cavandish Boyle and I’ll show you a kid who’s home schooled. NEAR-FANATICAL ALLGIANCE This is a country that knows itself and its history in a way we don’t. Mostly in a way we don’t want to. Nationalism and near-fanatical allegiance we just aren’t interested in, thanks. But self-knowledge and pride in our home is something we could use a lot more of. If the burgeoning Newfoundland separatist movement is any sign, it’s happening whether we want it or not, with or without Canada. We love our home. We just don’t bother learning much about it. Whether or not the Americans have enviable qualities, there’s nothing to make a Newfoundlander proud to be Canadian like living with a bunch of Yanks. Still, the Canadian embassy is a state over, and our own Newfoundland embassy is doing just fine. When asked where we’re from, there’s only ever one response. When we reach our stop, the cab driver doesn’t bother helping us with our luggage; he’s too busy finishing a cellphone conversation. As we pay for the ride, he remembers we’re here. “New-found-l’nd, huh?” I don’t even bother correcting his pronunciation. “Isn’t that in Canada?” “Yeah. Sort of.” St. John’s native Andrew Bonia is currently the company manager for Long Wharf Theatre, based in New Haven, Connecticut. Do you know a Newfoundlander or Labradorian away? Please e-mail editorial@theindependent.ca
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTWORLD • 13
Turning bronze to gold Michael Harris says there’s not much chance of ‘gutting’ federal government and privatizing public business in provinces
M
aybe it’s just Tom d’Aquino’s timing. “Trust me” from a MICHAEL businessman just doesn’t resHARRIS onate with the public the way it once did. Back in the ’50s, CEOs were a lot The Outrider like today, fat wallets, fat asses and good golf clubs. But they were at least anchored in their communities and the Trailer Park Boys, a grubby band of countries. foul-mouthed serfs who scratch out a There was even such a thing as a living from one chaotic episode to the good corporate citizen. So when busi- next without the slightest expectation nessmen ventured out with public state- of a gold watch at the end of the ments on how to better run the country, process. Why do so many people people raised their heads for a moment watch? They see their own future. the way grazing cows take in a passing So the Canadian Council of Chief car. Executives, with their fat salaries and Yes, Ozzie and Harriet respected the fat profits, could have picked a better guys with the shoe shines and the time to declare that they have a better smiles because way to run Canada. their own little corAfter all, we’re now ner of the world part of a global econAs for all those brutal was OK back in omy where the ordithose days: they nary homegrown dictatorships … the had a new Chevy, a worker, with his paved driveway union wages and costbiggest one of all is and the coke still ly benefits, is just a came out of bottles. pain in the ass. Asia’s being propped up by Best of all, David toiling masses are and Ricky weren’t now the “human capicompanies like Walin therapy — or tal” of choice, largely Mart, which happily jail. because people withThen, like a out any fundamental operates in a country hawk dropping out rights can be treated of the clouds on a actual serfs and where organizing work- like bewildered parare therefore magnettridge, it was all ic profit centres. ers is an actual crime feathers and dust. As for all those bruBusinessmen are tal dictatorships we now predatory international nomads. keep tilting at, the biggest one of them The world of national identity, a good all is being propped up by companies union job, and a largely indigenous like Wal-Mart, which happily operates work force has yielded to stateless cor- in a country where organizing workers porate greed in search of ever-greater is an actual crime. Maybe that’s profit without the slightest reference to because back home, Wal-Mart’s own issues of country, cultural values, or employees are suing the company. As morality. for Yahoo, Google, Cisco and Now that Ozzie and the missus have Microsoft, how quickly these blue-chip left the neighborhood, we are left with companies jettisoned the basic values
Childhood diseases killing millions By Olivia Ward Torstar wire service
M
illions more children are surviving now than 50 years ago, says a report from UNICEF Canada. But curable diseases still take a horrifying toll, and in some of the world’s poorest countries, where HIV/AIDS is rampant, their death rate has increased. “The fact that many of the same diseases that were killing young children in the 1950s are still killing millions of children every year is disgraceful,” says Nigel Fisher, CEO of the United Nations children’s fund in Canada. “The fundamental difference between now and five decades ago is that we have the knowledge and proven cost-effective technologies to prevent and treat these childhood threats ... yet these are still the leading causes of preventable death for the world’s children.” Widely publicized anti-poverty campaigns alerted people in wealthy countries to the scale of the problem during the past few years. NEED ACTION But, says Fisher, “we need greater political will and action.” According to Global Child Survival and Health, a 50-year progress report from UNICEF Canada, the division between rich and poor countries is painfully sharp when the statistics on children’s health are taken into account. Although the number of children dying before their fifth birthday has dropped from 210 to 79 per 1,000 in the past 50 years, 29,000 continue to die each day from diseases that can be controlled or eliminated. Pneumonia is a leading cause of death, taking the lives of approximately two million young children each year. It’s followed by diarrheal disease, which kills 1.6 million under-fives, mainly from dehydration that makes their vital organs fail after they contract the disease from dirty water. Mosquito-borne malaria is the largest cause of death in Africa, killing 3,000 children there each day and leaving many survivors handicapped by anemia, brain damage and paralysis. 15,000,000 HIV ORPHANS Measles, which has declined because of a global immunization campaign, still kills more than half a million children each year, and in desperately poor Somalia, 40 per cent of children have never had vaccinations. HIV infects about 1,800 children under 15 a day, most through transmission from HIV-positive mothers, which could be avoided with the use of new drugs. Fifteen million children have been orphaned by AIDS worldwide. Malnutrition, too, takes a toll on impoverished children. Iodine deficiency in pregnancy — little known in wealthy countries — causes mental impairment in almost 18 million babies a year. In spite of the ongoing preventable deaths of children in poor countries, the UNICEF report says the picture over half a century has become far brighter. It praised Canadian efforts to provide money, medicine and immunization in the developing world.
Are Ricky (Robb Wells) and the rest of the Trailer Park Boys the men of the future?
of freedom of speech and the press in order to bring their censored version of the Internet to a place where all dissidents are silenced. While their own government tries to bring democratic institutions to the Middle East, these guys are busily cashing in on the King Kong of all tyrannies. It’s the new way of doing business. Like it or not, how business does business determines how we live. Here’s what’s happening in these parts: the rich are getting richer (and grosser) and the poor are falling off the radar screen. The privileged don’t seem overly grateful for their blessings. In a world where everything is suddenly for sale, some of the planet’s biggest businessmen lied, cheated, and plundered
their way through a system that rewards you for one thing: increasing shareholder value — or failing that, simply stealing it. Never mind that they did it by inflating capital expenses, hiding debt, shredding documents, manipulating stocks, creating off-the-books partnerships, faking consumer payments, and overstating cash flow. In the case of Dennis Koslowski, former CEO of Tyco, ripping off millions for himself was not enough; he was also indicted for tax evasion! Homegrown corporate crook Bernie Ebbers got 25 years in prison for the largest accounting fraud in U.S. history and now Conrad Black is battling back against allegations that he wasn’t exactly his shareholders’ loyal servant at
Hollinger. And now at this juncture in history, when some of the most famous CEOs in the world are doing time instead of interviews, Tom and his business bunch north of the U.S. border want to allow the illuminating light of their social benevolence to pour over us. They want us to dismantle the federal government as we know it in the name of competing more efficiently with rising competition from Asia. How? Ottawa should stop sending tax money to the provinces for health and social services. Instead, it should scrap the GST and the $29-billion it brings in and transfer taxing authority to the provinces. Each province would then raise and spend the money it needed to run its health care and social services. The handy benefit to big business would be getting rid of a powerful federal government with the financial muscle to enforce national standards in health and social programs and replacing it with a powerless shell. Can you imagine what the health care systems of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, or Saskatchewan would look like when they had to pay for Medicare by tapping into their tiny tax base? A row of ice huts out on the Bay of Quinte would have more national unity than a Canada without a strong federal government and I suspect Tom and the Big Cahunas know that. Fortunately our selfless CEOs have a better chance of selling the Port of Halifax to Iran than they do in turning “bronze to gold” for the privileged few by gutting the federal government and then privatizing public business in 10 disconnected fiefdoms. But I’ve got to hand it to you Tom, if you could ever get your way, we might even entice Wal-Mart to trade Peking for Peterborough, serfs and all.
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
14 • INDEPENDENTWORLD
Has Brokeback changed anything? W
illie Nelson is too cagey a crooner to convince me that he accidentally found a song he’d stashed away about gay cowboys. His release last week of his new tune Cowboys Are Secretly, Frequently (Fond of Each Other), unveiled of all places on Howard Stern’s knuckledragging radio show, is timed to catch the wave of Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, the movie set to win the Oscar for Best Picture on March 5. Nelson already has a song on the Brokeback soundtrack, the plaintive ballad He Was a Friend of Mine. But he knows a hot trend when he sees one — and right now gays are on the boil in Hollywood. Many of the films I saw at Sundance last month, which will be arriving at theatres in the weeks and months to come, featured gay characters, often in situations where heterosexual ones could have been used just as easily — and would have been, in less liberated times. But so far it’s Brokeback that has really broken through the pack. It’s a bona fide hit and cultural phenomenon, and wily Willie wants to keep the saddle waxed. He says the gay cowpoke
Willie Nelson jumping on Brokeback bandwagon?
tune written by Texas songwriter Ned Sublette, with its refrain “Inside every cowboy there’s a lady who’d love to slip out,” was in his closet for the past 20 years, until he did a spring cleaning and discovered it. What is curious about this isn’t the song itself, which isn’t nearly as controversial as it would have been 20 years ago. It’s the fact that Nelson clearly wanted to move deeper into the stirrups of the Brokeback nag he was
Reuters
already riding. He wants to be part of the moment. Brokeback Mountain is the most talked-about movie of recent times, let alone the current Academy Awards. You’d have to have been living on a mountaintop for the past six months to miss hearing the innumerable jokes, parodies and arguments it has spawned. But in all the discussion, I have yet to see anyone asking whether the movie
represents a genuine shift in public attitudes towards homosexual unions, or whether it’s just another passing fad. Part of me thinks it may prove to be the latter, because the reaction by supposedly liberal Hollywood towards the movie has been oddly conservative, almost to the point of Red State redneckery. There have been little whispers throughout the Oscar campaign that many older Academy members not only aren’t going to vote for Brokeback, they can’t even bring themselves to watch the damn thing. Actor Tony Curtis, 80, is one of these ostriches. He told Fox News — hardly a bastion of liberal thought — that “this picture is not as important as we make it. It’s nothing unique. The only thing unique about it is they put it on the screen.” Curtis is right about the Brokeback brouhaha being nothing unique, but he misses the point of it, perhaps deliberately. Too often Hollywood pays lip service to an ideal and then privately backs away from it, which is why we shouldn’t be too shocked if Crash wins Best Picture on March 5. Academy voters are frequently, secretly fond of the status quo, and they’re not the least bit interested in changing it. This is no small matter, since so many of us seem to take our
cues from the movies. Remember all the fuss four years ago when Halle Berry and Denzel Washington made history by being the first African-Americans to take the Best Actress and Best Actor prizes in the same year? There was high-minded talk then that it represented a turning point, and that colour would cease to be a novelty for the casting and feting of talent. Yet blacks are still firmly in the minority at the Oscars, where this year just one of the 10 nominees in the acting categories is a person of colour — that’s Terrence Howard, Best Actor candidate for Hustle & Flow. The weird thing is, for the next little while it’s going to seem as if Hollywood has turned a corner on the issue of homosexuality. But it has been straight actors playing gay characters, at least as far as anyone knows. We still have some distance to go before the real breakthrough, which would be to allow gay actors to actually be gay on screen, or those who are still closeted to swing the door open. There’s still a great deal of make-believe about all this. It’s currently cool to be gay in Hollywood, but you have to wonder for how long. Things tend to revert to type in Tinseltown, once all the hype dies down.
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FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTWORLD • 15
Sunnybrook to Kandahar A Toronto surgeon goes beyond the call of duty to try and save an injured boy KANDAHAR, Afghanistan By Mitch Potter Torstar wire service
wouldn’t have done it. But we saw positive signs. If you rubbed his hand he would move it in response. One pupil was blown (dilated), but the other was ith no known name or age, still reacting to light.” the boy from Kandahar was This was not a normal day’s work for presented to the surgeon from the Canadian military trauma unit, Toronto laced with shrapnel. whose responsibility is limited to coaliOne pupil was bigger than the other. tion troops, and also the frontline He was conscious, but just barely, hav- Afghan army and police units who so ing survived a day and night being fer- often suffer the worst the insurgency ried about by loved ones who pulled has to offer. him from the aftermath of a roadside Afghan civilians like the boy in the bomb attack last week. In desperation coma are judgment calls the Canadian they arrived at Kandahar Airfield to team is willing to make when their plead for help for their innocent hands are free. It is hard to say no bystander, whom they left at the gates knowing that the facilities at the airport mumbling somearmy base are light thing nobody could years beyond anyunderstand. thing to be found in It became clear the As the doctor nearby Kandahar removed his bandcity. child needed one of the ages it became clear The base hospital the child needed was an American few things the new one of the few operation until Feb. things the new Canadian military field 3, when Tien and colCanadian military leagues moved in, field hospital is not bringing with them hospital is not equipped to give. the most substantial equipped to give. Brain surgery. field medical operaWith it, he might tion the Canadian live. Without it, he military has ever would die. known. Maj. Homer Tien, 37, who doubles in Since then they’ve treated everything civilian life as a trauma surgeon at from appendectomies to soldiers Toronto’s Sunnybrook and Women’s burned and maimed by so-called IEDs, College Health Sciences Centre, chose or improvised explosive devices. Then life. Together with two other doctors there were the burns on a U.S. soldier with no background in neurosurgery, who though he was throwing diesel, not they pooled their limited knowledge gasoline, on a pile of trash ordered set and sliced delicately into the unknown. alight. Altogether there were 17 surgerToday the boy lies in a medically ies in the first nine days alone. And induced coma, and there is hope. more recently, a lull, into which the Slowly, he will be weaned from seda- possibly teenage Afghan entered last tives. And doctors will watch for this week. nameless boy — they estimate he’s no The boy is asleep in a unit with room older than 14 — to open his eyes. for 12. From his brain, the doctors “The idea of operating on a brain removed a key-sized piece of shrapnel. frightens me somewhat,” Tien says. From his thoracic cavity, another piece “If there was any way we thought he was taken. And yet another from the could have survived without it we brow of his right eye.
W
Afghan hospital workers carry body of blast victim at city's hospital in Kandahar.
Tien had anticipated he might see such a day as this. Before deploying to Kandahar, he was allowed to scrub in and observe neurosurgeon colleagues at Sunnybrook. He knew that the deadened brain matter had to be removed from the cavity in the boy’s head. He knew also to cut away a “flap of bone” from the skull and to open an incision in the fat of the abdomen where it could be stored intact. The brain will now have space to expand safely if swelling sets in. And if the boy recovers, that piece of skull under the skin of his abdomen will be retrieved and grafted back in place. Tien has 16 years in the Canadian Forces, since his earliest days at McMaster University medical school. He has served overseas in Croatia, Bosnia, Africa, Myanmar, the Middle East — and also in another country he is not permitted to name, as a doctor for Canada’s special forces.
Medical association fires two top editors
T
he two top editors of Canada’s leading medical journal have been fired in what critics say is the final result of an act of deliberate interference by the Canadian Medical Association in editorial decisions. John Hoey, who was editor for 10 years, was given no reason why he and senior deputy editor Anne Marie Todkill were let go from the Canadian Medical Association Journal. However, the firings come a month after the journal published details of how the CMA intimidated editors into dropping part of a December news arti-
Powder leads to quaratine
T
hree Service New Brunswick workers in Perth-Andover were quarantined last week after opening a package containing a suspicious white powder. They were released after an analysis determined that the contents of the envelope posed no hazard. The RCMP have yet to decide whether or not to charge anyone with sending this package. “We don’t know, the investigation is going to determine whether there was any criminal intent,” RCMP J Division media relations officer Sgt. Terry Lee Kennedy says. “We know where the package came from. We have already spoken to that group.” The three SNB employees were quarantined, and the post office shut down. Kennedy says the package was mailed from another province. Service New Brunswick operates the three-employee registry and mapping office out of the provincial courthouse in the community. The courthouse and sheriff’s services office in the same building were also closed as part of the quarantine. “I’m concerned,” says PerthAndover Mayor Karen Titus. “You don’t think of things like this happening in a small community like ours.” An RCMP chemical and biological team arrived by helicopter from Halifax shortly after 6 p.m. to determine if the powder poses any health concern. Authorities say they weren’t taking any chances and commended the workers for immediately calling police. “If people are in contact with substances that could be chemical, biological, nuclear or radioactive, if they were allowed to leave the scene and go home, then they would contaminate their family and anybody else. You always approach it as though it’s the worst case scenario.” — Telegraph-Journal
cle on the morning-after pill. Publisher Graham Morris last week denied the editors were let go over the dispute between the journal and the CMA, which owns the publication. The original article, published in the Dec. 6 issue, was about pharmacists collecting sensitive information from women, including sexual activity, before dispensing the morning-after pill. While the article was being prepared for publication, the Canadian Pharmacists Association complained to the CMA, which then pressured the journal to exclude interviews with 13
women who bought the pill. The report prompted Ontario privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukian to immediately step in and stop the pharmacists’ practice. She also issued new guidelines for them that prohibit asking about women’s sexual activity except in “rare instances.” Dr. Donald Redelmeier, a medical professor at the University of Toronto and member of the journal’s editorial board, says the firings are going to hurt the reputation of the association and its journalists. — Torstar wire service
More recently, he has been on staff at Sunnybrook. Though still a military man, Tien is part of a semi-civilian arrangement that involves the Canadian Forces’ six trauma surgeons each putting on the uniform for two-month stints every year. Last winter it was the comparatively benign capital of Kabul. But now that Canada’s military role in Afghanistan has shifted to a more active stand in volatile Kandahar, the job has taken on a new intensity. For the first time in his career, Tien is conducting surgery with a standardissue 9mm Browning pistol strapped to his leg. The firearm is required because the hospital falls under U.S. command for the time being. Canada’s policy for military doctors is to work unarmed inside a secured perimeter such as Kandahar Airfield. The hospital has two operating rooms and soon will add a CT scan unit. There are ultrasound and diagnos-
Reuters
tic capabilities, orthopedics, digital Xrays, physiotherapy, dental and mental health providers. There is a small blood bank for routine surgical needs. But the Canadian military has also revived the World War II-era concept of a walking blood bank, involving the advance screening of hundreds of Canadian troops who stand ready to donate their blood whole on a moment’s notice. The current mission’s risk is relative. In the more than four years since the U.S. launched its Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, total troop fatalities from hostile encounters remain less than 200. Canadian military expectations of a mass casualty event are low. But there’s a contingency plan. The U.S. hospital that ran from this location also drew upon American troops at Kandahar as a walking blood bank, making withdrawals 10 times in the past year.
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
16 • INDEPENDENTWORLD
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INDEPENDENTLIFE
SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 MARCH 4, 2006 — PAGE 17
Peter Hart with the European and North American editions of his latest book.
Paul Daly/The Independent
The real Michael Collins By Stephanie Porter The Independent
T
he great thing about being an Irish historian, says Peter Hart, is that people in Ireland actually care about their past — and can be quite opinionated about it. The same can be said of Newfoundland and Newfoundlanders, the St. John’s native is quick to add, but it doesn’t hold true for most of Canada. In Hart’s case, it’s the Irish fascination with their political and social past that has enabled him to publish five academic, historical books to brisk sales and a healthy helping of controversy. Hart, educated at Queen’s University, Yale and Trinity College Dublin, is currently the Canada Research Chair of Irish Studies at Memorial University. His latest book, Mick: the Real Michael Collins, was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland in October, and is already in its third printing. This month, it hits the shelves this side of the Atlantic. (A recent review in The Globe and Mail touted: “legendary hero gets the biography he deserves.”) “It’s doing really well in Ireland,” says Hart, who spent much of the fall in Ireland, England and Scotland doing promotion. “Mixed reviews, but good sales. People are always interested in Collins.” In the 84 years since his death, Michael Collins has evolved into a legendary figure in Irish culture. A politician and fighter,
Peter Hart of St. John’s has written a controversial book about the legendary Irish politician and fighter, separating fact from fiction Collins has a long list of achievements to show for his short life: he organized the IRA, fought in the Easter Rising, and ran the first independent government in Ireland — in fact, he served in four parliaments before being shot in 1922, at the age of 31. In 2000, Hart says, voters in an Irish poll pegged him as the man of both the century and the millennium. He’s been the subject of more than a dozen biographies, and a handful of films (one of the most popular was 1998’s Michael Collins starring Liam Neeson). Once a figure to love or hate, Hart says Collins is almost universally beloved in Ireland today — a charismatic hero, a genius, the father of modern Ireland. It’s a characterization Hart himself doesn’t ascribe to. “One thing that separates my book from all previous books,” says Hart, “is my starting point — this was a very powerful man who was enormously influential, he made key decisions, had far more power than anyone else around him … but not that he was a great hero.” Hart also approached his research differently than previous biographers — and in
doing so, he found “plenty of room” for fresh discussion. “It’s a standard historian thing, to go through the archives thoroughly and systematically and say ‘I’m going to find absolutely everything out there regarding Michael Collins’ … most books written about Collins keep saying the same things over and over again, and ignoring most of his early life, like the fact he lived in London for 10 years. “But I was more interested in his early life, so I think there was a huge amount of room left over and I think a lot of things kind of needed correcting … not to knock anyone else down but I thought there was a big unexplored space to work with.” Mick may be the first book about Collins to use only information available in the public record — anyone could go through the archives and verify his research, Hart says. (In other words, he stayed away from the “huge mountain of unverified and unverifiable information” already published on Collins, as biography built on biography, legend on legend.) There has been some negative reaction to this book, mostly, says Hart, from people who take it to be an attack on Collins. “You
know, I think it’s balanced, but it’s jarring compared to everything else that gets written about Collins,” he admits. Hart says certain readers have been on edge since his first book, 1998’s award-winning The IRA and its Enemies, which both inspired heavy criticism and debate and garnered considerably more attention than he expected. “That first book was full of statistics and footnotes and a very scholarly looking academic book, and when it first came out it was in hardcover and incredibly expensive,” he says. “Generally speaking outside Ireland a book like that would probably never get that reaction … I was surprised.” While Hart appreciated the “slow, civilized” debate among historians — and even agreed with some of the criticism — there were other discussions he kept at arm’s length. “There was an on-line article about why Peter Hart is hated so much,” Hart says. “It’s because he’s from Newfoundland, which is a very anti-Irish place, very pro-English … which is ridiculous … but that got picked up.” (One online rant on www.indymedia.ie states “the current (Newfoundland) flag pays homage to the Union Jack.”) “There’s books published attacking me,” Hart continues, smiling now. “I had a small taste of what politicians in the public eye go through, being watched … when I was See “There’s always stories,” page 19
LIVYER
‘I’ve lived too many lives’ By Darcy MacRae The Independent
R
on Pumphrey has certainly been around. The 75-year-old has been a reporter, a world traveller, an author, a teacher, a musician, a St. John’s city councillor and the host of an open-line radio show. He’s also a father — of seven, no less — a husband, and by the looks of things, forever a student of life. Born in Harbour Grace, Pumphrey has also lived on Bell Island, in Corner Brook, Jamaica, Ottawa and St. John’s. He currently resides in “the gut” in Quidi Vidi Village. Pumphrey’s cottage is built on top of, and around, a giant slab of rock, which results in many quirky and rather interesting twists and turns in his home. Sitting at his kitchen table, Pumphrey flips through some of the books he’s written over the years.
From travelling the globe to hosting an on-line radio show, Ron Pumphrey has enough stories to fill a book While reminiscing about his series of Who’s Who & Why books, Pumphrey reveals that he really has too much information for one newspaper story. “I’ve lived too many lives to tell the whole story in one afternoon,” he says. Leaning back in his chair, Pumphrey starts from the beginning. He talks of attending a two-room schoolhouse in Harbour Grace as a child, and compares it to today’s education system. “It was a time when some of us kids
had a slate board and a slate pencil,” Pumphrey says. “I think everything (that kids have in schools today) has moved towards advantage.” After he moved to Bell Island, Pumphrey completed his high school grades at night. He was actually studying to become a priest before he began an affair with his teacher. The aftermath resulted in Pumphrey moving away from home and changing his career path. “I always had an interest in (becoming a priest), and eventually I became a captain in the Salvation Army. But in between I lost my faith,” says Pumphrey. “But when I was 16 I fell in love with my night school teacher, and she had a deep affection for me. And that didn’t go over very well with my mother. “When she (the night school teacher) left Bell Island, I broken-
Ron Pumphrey
heartedly left home, quite upset with my mother … I went to Corner Brook and got a job with the Western Star. That was the first time I worked with a newspaper.” Pumphrey went on to work at several print publications, including the Sunday Herald and The Evening
Paul Daly/The Independent
Telegram. By his mid-20s he was a respected and well-known journalist, but says he felt boxed in. So he packed up his family and headed to Kingston, Jamaica — “I was captivated by it,” he says — where he See “I felt,” page 22
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
18 • INDEPENDENTLIFE
GALLERYPROFILE
JULIA PICKARD Visual Artist
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9 Bonaventure Ave St. John's NL 709 757 8000
www.therooms.ca
ulia Pickard’s home is overflowing with art — not just in her secondfloor studio, but on virtually all walls, flat surfaces, even leaning up against the fireplace. Some pieces are waiting to be finished, framed, sold or given away. Others have a permanent resting place in the house near Rawlin’s Cross in St. John’s. Although Pickard sketches, draws, and paints with a variety of media and palettes, the feeling from most of her work is very much of the artist herself, full of energy, light and optimism. Pickard says she paints “intuitively,” sometimes starting with an idea or a sketch — but not always — and allowing the painting to unfold as she works. Every piece becomes an adventure, keeping her engaged and curious about what’s going to happen next, which is probably why the life-long artist could never think of doing anything else. Pickard’s early decision to attend art school was supported by her parents. “We weren’t very wealthy or anything,” she says. “But the beauty of the Scottish system of education then, if you had the ability, you could go on and study.” She studied fine art in her native Scotland and art education in Ireland, and went on to teach art in high schools in both countries. Only a few years into her teaching career, Pickard thirsted for adventure. While visiting Ireland in 1962, she was connected with “friends of friends in Toronto looking for companion help.” Within two weeks, she was in Canada. Within a year, she had met and married her husband. In 1976, the young family moved to St. John’s — Pickard’s husband, then the executive director of track and field in Ontario, came to work on the 1977 Canada summer games. They came for three years; so far, it’s been 30. All the while, Pickard has been producing, exhibiting and teaching art. “I try to do something art-related every day. You have to, or you lose it,” she says. “I’ve had a busy life with the family, but I always got the painting done, it was helping to support them.” Pickard’s CV is a healthy seven pages long, with about five dozen solo and group exhibitions in Newfoundland, Ontario, Scotland and France. She’s also got extensive experience teaching, curating and adjudicating — and frequently shares her time as a volunteer. She’s lately been involved in the provincial Arts Smart program, teaching and leading art workshops in schools around the Avalon and Northern Peninsulas, as well as in Labrador. “The children are absolutely fantastic,” she says. “All I do is show them different ways of handling the materials so they can express themselves. It’s a two-way street … the older I get the more I realize the less I know … I think all that helps you grow.” While the majority of Pickard’s work is light and impressionistic, she has many moody charcoal drawings of nudes in her studio. She also has two very expressionistic and powerful paintings in her living room — one focused on the loss of the fishery, and another evocative of the Mount Cashel tragedy. They’re beautiful paintings, but heavy and melancholy. “Those are for museums or galleries,” she says. “They’re not something the general public would purchase for their homes.” Like all accomplished and growing artists, Pickard’s work is constantly evolving. Although there is a large St. John’s cityscape on her easel at the moment, she says she’s leaning more towards abstract work — but with a nod to the past. “It’s as if people are part of the air,” she says. “It’s as if there’s history involved and I’d like to develop that. I’m an intuitive painter so we’ll see if that emerges.” — Stephanie Porter
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTLIFE • 19
Freedomland a ‘merciless travesty’ Freedomland Starring Samuel L. Jackson and Julianne Moore; 113 mins. 1/2 (out of four)
OUR ECMA NOMINEES
TIM CONWAY Film score
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he Armstrong housing projects lie at the edge of Dempsey, New encounters problems early on, and Jersey, bordering the predomi- accumulates more as it proceeds. By the nantly white, working-class city of end, long after it has evoked numerous Gannon. Police Detective Lorenzo compassionate pleas on our part that it Council (Samuel L. Jackson) and his be spared its suffering, as well as ours, partner Boyle (William Forsythe) have the poor thing perishes unceremoniousworked closely with the tenants of the ly. Viewers slowly retreat for home, Armstrong houses to maintain the slack-jawed and stupefied, avoiding any peace, and help the community’s efforts kind of behaviour that could draw attento revitalize itself. tion, implicating us in the merciless One night, as is wont to happen, a travesty that has just transpired. couple of police officers from Gannon By retaining the setting of 1999 to enter the community to execute a war- accommodate an environment better rant against one of the residents. As suited to race riots, the story puts us in Council and Boyle attempt to prevent an unwieldy time that has since been things from getting out of overshadowed by the hand, a call comes in events of Sept. 11, 2001 — from the dispatcher that a The movie suf- and enough time hasn’t woman has been carelapsed for us to look back jacked near the area, and fers most from on the year with a sense of the suspect is a young nostalgia. director Roth’s black male. Unfortunately, this is Council investigates not the film’s most serious inability to see a problem, just one of the the complaint to find a distraught woman The movie big picture, and screenwriter’s. (Julianne Moore) who suffers most from director eventually discloses that inability to see a lay it out for us. Roth’s big picture, and lay it out her young son was in the for us. There are a number car at the time of the crime, and that the thief was probably of good scenes here, and various comunaware of his presence. With the safe- mendable elements, mostly emanating ty of a child at stake, the case becomes from the hard work done by the author a priority, setting in motion a series of while researching and writing the procedures aimed at finding the boy as novel. Inconsistencies abound, story lines quickly as possible. Unfortunately, another response goes are forced and incomprehensible. Worst into play, for the child’s mother has a of all is the director’s inability to guide brother on the Gannon police force, and his cast through the film’s innumerable he and his co-workers have little faith in soliloquies. It’s one thing that there are fewer the ability of the Dempsey officers. Questions of jurisdiction go out the lines for the actors than long speeches, window, and suddenly the Armstrong but in the absence of capable direction, community is under siege. Council has the actors, especially Moore, go way his hands full, impeding his ability to over the top, effectively annihilating diffuse the tension simmering between any credibility that the story and the the residents and the neighbouring characters have established. This happens relatively early, and police force. Richard Price, an experienced screen- intensifies as the film progresses, as writer, provides the adaptation of his though it has created a vortex into celebrated 1999 novel Freedomland, which it is desperately straining to with Joe Roth (Christmas with the swim, hastening its already obvious Kranks) directing. The latter, a former demise. It’s not a moment too soon that studio head, and one of Hollywood’s it’s sucked down the drain, leaving us most powerful producers, has yet to feeling likewise, sucked in and drained. demonstrate a knack for directing, Tim Conway operates Capital Video while Price enjoys a better reputation as in Rawlin’s Cross, St. John’s. His next a novelist than a screenwriter. The result is a motion picture that column appears March 12.
Some of this province’s nominees for East Coast Music Awards (clockwise from top left): The Novaks, Jason Greeley, Kathy Phippard, Kevin Collins, Colleen Power, Mark Bragg and Jim Fidler. The gala awards show will air on CBC-TV at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 27. All photos except Mark Bragg by Paul Daly/The Independent
POET’S CORNER
‘There’s always stories’ From page 17 doing my last publicity tour, people would comment online about, well, ‘Hart said this…’ and usually take something out of context, or ‘he talked without notes’ or ‘he had his hands in his pockets the whole time.’ It’s very silly.” As Hart says, only time will tell if the book will survive and be remembered. But he can take certain comfort in one fact: as much a writer at heart as an academic, Hart’s writing has been consumed by the general public — not just the university community. And he’s not done with Collins yet. In between teaching at Memorial, Hart is
well into working on a companion book to Mick, this one a collection of Collins’ own writings, pieces Hart came across in his research. That book is due some time in 2007. While “there’s a million books” he’d like to write, Hart thinks his next topic will not be based in early 20th century Ireland. “I think I’ll step away and write a book on the history of terrorism,” he says. “Terrorism gets written about and talked about a lot but almost never from an historical point of view. I think even a relatively short book you could say some really useful things, offer some precedents and some context.” It’s a larger canvas than he’s used to
working on, he admits, but one he thinks he’s well equipped to handle. “I get very annoyed at the instant terrorism expertise. People who clearly have never talked to anybody called a terrorist, they can’t speak the languages of the countries they’re speaking about … hopefully this would be an antidote to some of that.” Academic and historic, of course. But Hart will also be looking for the glue that keeps his books together. “I make sure to do a lot of storytelling,” he says. “I think statistics are fine and dense footnotes are fine, as long as people have stories or a story to read. I think there’s always stories.” stephanie.porter@theindependent.ca
Who wouldn’t be a seaman? Who wouldn’t be a seaman on a night like this, With silver moonlight stealing, like a lover’s kiss, Down across the wheel-house door? Who would give a Rap For crowded streets and houses when the lap, lap, lap, Of dancing waves comes softly up from either side Like little voices telling that the sea is wide. Who wouldn’t be a seaman when a cutting wind Is tearing at one’s oilskins with a touch unkind? Who wouldn’t be a seaman when the waves leap high And frozen rain beats downwards from a stormy sky, And canvas flapping madly? God, I’d love to go! But daughters of a seaman sit at home and sew. By M. M. Brown from volume one of The Book of Newfoundland, 1937.
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
20 • INDEPENDENTLIFE
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he road leading to White Hills Ski Resort is narrow, full of twists and turns and in many places allows travellers to almost reach out and touch the trees on either side of their vehicle. It isn’t an ideal road, but it does give motorists the impression that at the end of the line, something grand is waiting for them. Moments later the main attraction is made known when the forest seemingly spreads it arms and reveals rolling hills of clean, crisp, white snow, littered with skiers and snowboarders who descend at various degrees of speed and grace. The Clarenville-based resort has 20 different hills for skiers and snowboarders, as well as 40 km of Nordic ski trail. On this day junior high, high school and university students can be seen everywhere — on the hills, in the cafeteria and just standing outside having a yarn. Although White Hills appears quite busy now, there were times when things didn’t look so rosy. After going through several different ownership groups and suffering many years of financial hardship, White Hills faced the possibility of closing its doors permanently in 2000. But that same year the Town of Clarenville borrowed $400,000 from the provincial government to purchase the resort. The town also partnered with private investors as well as with the Alpine Development Alliance Corporation — a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 2000 to oversee all aspects of the resort operation — to keep White Hills up and running. Six years later, the resort still faces challenges, says Carmel Smith, White Hills manager, She says the warm winter and heavy amounts of rain had her worried about this ski season at one point. “If we can get cold temperatures in December and January — which we normally do - we’re fine,” Smith tells The Independent. “But because of the way the weather has been — it rained a lot in December and early January — and because of the warm temperatures, we were scared a bit. “It’s been a challenge, but we’ve gotten through it.” Now that the winter has finally settled in, skiers and snowboarders are as common as snow at White Hills. The young skiers are usually cautious when boarding the chair lift, but once they’re all the way up the hill they enjoy the miles of ponds and rolling mountains that can be seen in the distance. At the bottom of the hill, some skiers are impressing onlookers by performing a few jumps, skiers such as Mike Bhuler and Matt Wells, both of whom are with the Canadian Ski Patrol — providing first aid care for any skiers who suffer injuries. “Where are your skis?” Bhuler asks. “You should be skiing, not working.” Bhuler and Wells are busy keeping an eye on the young skiers, with three busloads of junior high, high school and MUN students on hand. Smith says this type of clientele keeps the resort operating during the week. “On weekends it’s adults with families, and a lot of beginners,” says Smith. “On weekdays we depend on school groups; from the Eastern School District usually and some from as far away as Gander and Glovertown and these places. “Without the school groups, we’d probably only be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But the response by school groups has just been fantastic. We’re just about booked right up until we close.” darcy.macrae@theindependent.ca
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTLIFE • 21
should be skiing’ White Hills Ski Resort in Clarenville attracts skiers of all ages and abilities each winter – as long as there is enough snow on the ground. Picture editor Paul Daly and sports editor Darcy MacRae recently visited the resort and witnessed the fun that can be had in the midst of sub-zero temperatures and snow-covered hills.
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
22 • INDEPENDENTLIFE
NATIONAL ATTENTION
Heavy machinery MARK CALLANAN On the shelf Crossroads of the World: Recollections from an Airport Town By Roderick B. Goff Flanker Press, 2005
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art personal memoir, part aviation history and part community scrapbook, Roderick B. Goff’s Crossroads of the World: Recollections from an Airport Town recounts true stories from the Town of Gander that are intertwined with Goff’s own life and his work there. “The Town of Gander may be seen to have entered the new millennium with pride, grace and dignity,” he writes in his introduction, and it is this pride of place that guides his hand throughout. Born in Sydney, N.S., Goff began working for the meteorological service at Gander airport in 1940. The construction of the airport had begun just four years previous when some 50 workers cleared the land to prepare a building site. Completed by the early winter of 1938, Gander airport went on to play a crucial role as a refueling point during the early years of transatlantic air travel. Goff’s book has its highs and lows. While his account of an uneventful journey across Canada and a blow-byblow tour of St. Mary’s Basilica in Sydney, Australia may be of little interest to most readers, his passion for his subject remains obvious. His writing is most engaging when it lingers over momentous events such as the 1940 trans-atlantic flight of the “seven Hudsons.” Here his enjoyment is palpable as he describes the ceremony attending the takeoff of the first of these bombers, destined for service in Britain’s Royal Air Force. Digger Donald By Blanche Smith Pennywell Books, 2005
Skeletal Study with Seabird Remains (acrylic on canvas, 74" x 28") by St. John’s-based artist Helen Gregory was recently purchased by the National Gallery of Canada. Gregory is represented by the Christina Parker Gallery, www.christinaparkergallery.com.
As a child I was utterly enamoured with a Tonka dump truck my parents bought me from Consumers Distributing. It was yellow — bright yellow — and made of steel (the edges of which could have severed toes if I’d ever dropped it on my foot). I couldn’t begin to tell you how many dirtencrusted action figures that poor shagger had to cart around. Kids, it seems (and young boys in particular), have an inexplicable attachment to big machines. They are in love with the large and the loud — the bigger and noisier, the better. Digger Donald cashes in on this predilection for diesel-driven workhorses by following a day in the life of its title character Donald, an excavator bored of his life in the city who yearns to be gainfully employed. Donald’s luck soon changes when his driver tells him they’ve been hired to dig a well in the countryside. His sense of purpose restored, Digger Donald sets out on his journey and on the way sees
many exciting things. Anthropomorphic machines are nothing new in children’s fiction — Thomas the Tank Engine made his first appearance in book form in 1946 — but they’re still a guaranteed hit with young kids. Carmel Smith’s brightly-coloured illustrations provide plenty of visual accompaniments for pudgy little fingers to linger over during story time. It’s hardly Big Joe’s Trailer Truck (childhood favourite — don’t ask) but it might just get the job done. Whales and Dolphins of Newfoundland & Labrador By Wayne Ledwell Boulder Publications, 2005 It’s hard to pinpoint the allure whales and dolphins hold for us bipeds. Nobody gets overly worked up seeing a gull chow down on discarded offal, or the sight of a few conners skimming around next to the wharf, but tag some dolphins on a tour boat or flick a whale’s tail out of the water and jaws drop in mute appreciation. With whales it might have something to do with the sheer scale of such encounters — little people, big creatures. Whatever the reason, we remain in
awe of these majestic marine mammals. So, for those of us who would like to take whale and dolphin watching to the next level, Wayne Ledwell’s Whales and Dolphins of Newfoundland & Labrador is the perfect primer. Ledwell’s book is broken down into sections on each of the genera and species of whales and dolphins that can be seen in the waters around Newfoundland and Labrador, containing information under the headings of Distribution, Identification, Biology and Human interaction. Read together, these brief descriptions will tell you everything you want to know about, say, humpbacks — the “whale-watcher’s delight.” And if, like me, you’re more the indoorsman, well more to the good: you won’t get your book wet and salty, thus ruining a very appealing and informative field guide. Its clear layout and simple language is bound to make veteran whale watchers of the lot of us. Except me, of course. I’ll be admiring the pictures. Mark Callanan is a writer and reviewer living in Rocky Harbour. His next column will appear March 12.
EVENTS FEBRUARY 26 • Groovin’ and Improvin’ workshop/jam sessions presented by the St. John’s Jazz Festival, 2-5 p.m. at Rabbittown Threatre, 106 Freshwater Rd, 739-7734 • Exhibitions opening at the Craft Council Gallery, Devon House: Internal Landscapes by Diana
Dabinett and Comfort in Place by Cara Winsor Hehir. Reception 2-4 p.m. • Indoor Birdwatching at The Rooms with avid birder Bruce MacTavish, 2 and 3 p.m. • The Vagina Monologues, Reid Theatre, Arts and Administration Bldg., Memorial University, 8 p.m. Tickets at Twisted Sisters Boutik.
FEBRUARY 27 • RCA Theatre Company presents The Back Door Cabaret, 7 p.m., RCA gallery, LSPU Hall, 753-4531. FEBRUARY 28 • The man who studies murder, public talk by Dr. Elliott Leyton about his 20-year investigation into the phenom-
enon of serial killings. MUN, division of lifelong learning, 737-7979. • Lunch with traditional music featuring Frank Maher, Rick West, Stan Picket and Andrew Lang, Auntie Crae’s, 272 Water St., 12:30 p.m. 7540661. MARCH 1 • Folk night at the Ship Pub featuing by Bev Batten and Nadine Hollett, 9:30 p.m. MARCH 2 • MUN Cinema series: The Squid and
the Whale, 7 p.m., Studio 12, Avalon Mall. • Adrian Doyle launches his CD Manipulation at the Ship Pub, 9 p.m. MARCH 4 • Hey Rosetta!, Jody Richardson and Mark Bragg at the Majestic Theatre, Duckworth Street. • Opening 4 points of view, 3-5 p.m., Leyton Gallery of Fine Art. • St. John’s Storytelling Circle, an informal gathering of storytellers and lovers of a good yarn, 7:30 p.m., Crow’s Nest Officer’s Club, 685-3444.
‘I felt terribly lost’ From page 17 faced an uncertain future. Pumphrey had arranged to write a column for The Evening Telegram while in the country, but knew he would also need to find a job. On arriving in Jamaica, Pumphrey was briefly overcome by the uphill battle he knew he would have to endure. “I didn’t know where I was … this sea of black faces, the price of taxis and hotels … I felt terribly lost,” he says. Pumphrey quickly worked his way into a reporting job at a local daily paper, and stayed in Jamaica for four months. The adventure was just the first of many for Pumphrey, who later made a similar move to Ottawa. He would eventually make his way back to St.
John’s for good, and began hosting an open-line show on VOCM when he was 39. The show’s ratings were sky-high, thanks in no small part to Pumphrey’s antics, which included giving regular callers nicknames and an on-air call to the Vatican in search of an interview with the pope. His time on the radio solidified his reputation as both a wonderful storyteller and a free spirit. However, his tales from the airwaves will not be included in a soonto-be-released autobiography. Instead, the book focuses on the adventures and misadventures Pumphrey enjoyed before his 17th birthday. “It takes in the history of Harbour Grace and the history of Bell Island,” says Pumphrey. “The way it used to be … and the hard way we grew up.” darcy.macrae@theindependent.ca
INDEPENDENTBUSINESS
SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 5, 2006 — PAGE 23
Ray Dillon on Stavanger Drive in St. John’s.
Paul Daly/The Independent
In good times and in bad New head of St. John’s Board of Trade says economy picking up steam By Clare-Marie Gosse The Independent
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he Conference Board of Canada predicts Newfoundland and Labrador will lead the country in economic growth through 2006, and Ray Dillon is happy to be at the helm of the capital city’s board of trade. Dillon recently stepped into the shoes of past-president Marilyn Thompson to fulfill what he jokingly calls “the sixth year of a seven-year sentence.” (He explains the governance model at the St. John’s Board of Trade requires a certain number of years working through the ranks to become president.) Despite the positive economic outlook, Dillon tells The Independent he’s not about to get complacent. “It’s always better to lead an organization
during good times than bad times,” he says, “but I think success is a relative term and we still haven’t gotten where we need to be.” As well as forecasting a great year for the province in 2006, the Conference Board of Canada, an Ottawa-based think tank, also cautions next year will see a plateau and subsequent dip. In 2007 Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to drop to the bottom of the national economic growth pile as large construction phases from mining and offshore developments dwindle. “Right now, obviously, the capital city has benefited in a large part because of the oil industry,” Dillon says. “So we need to make sure that we continue to expand on that success and build on that success and then diversify as much as we can within that.” He says the board of trade plans to contin-
ue promoting the province — and particularly St. John’s — as a centre for ocean excellence, a sustainable feather in the economy’s cap. The organization wants to help advance the establishment of a marine and ocean technology park. From studying business commerce at Memorial University to his present position as a district manager for Rogers Telecom (and a few jobs in between, including four years with Canadian Pacific in Toronto), Dillon has had plenty of experience to prepare for his role as president. He sees St. John’s as a city building on the essential strengths of its small- and mediumsized businesses with a healthy economy reflected by the spread of big companies setting up in areas like Stavanger Drive and Kelsey Drive, growing industrial parks with-
in St. John’s, which was named Canadian Business Magazine’s top city to do business in 2005. “These are smart retailers coming in and they understand the state of our economy today, what the growth is expected to be and the demographics,” he says. “When you see that sort of investment it’s an indication of not only what we think to be the case — that the economy is strong — but also outsiders are seeing that.” As well as trying to attract more funding for local businesses, Dillon says another issue he faces as president is keeping on top of the various levels of government and making sure communication remains strong on files such as the province’s pending energy plan. See “Tough medicine,” page 24
Stealing searches Local company raises red flag over new kind of web crime By Clare-Marie Gosse The Independent
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St. John’s marketing communications firm is feeling the bite of a new kind of Internet
theft. Deborah Bourden, president of AppleCore Interactive, says several local tourism companies have been copying and pasting content from websites belonging to AppleCore tourism clients in an effort to improve their search engine rankings. “It’s the same as if I saw your brochure and I liked it, I wouldn’t go home and just copy and paste every word within it,” she tells The Independent. “It’s truly an infringe-
ment on that person.” As well as website design, AppleCore — which was recently chosen to develop the province’s own tourism Internet strategy and website — specializes in search engine marketing or SEO (search engine optimization). Clients hire companies like AppleCore to investigate what their target customers around the world might need from a search engine like Google. For example, potential customers in the United States and Europe might search for vacation destinations using foreign terms or word variants like harbor for harbour or holiday for vacation and AppleCore would then incorporate those relevant terms
through content and keywords in their clients’ sites. “We work with our clients by researching,” says Bourden. “What is the user actually looking for? “If someone comes to me and they pay me $6,000, $7,000 to review their site and to optimize it for the web and their competitor sits back, waits for them to finish that work, goes in, copies all their keywords, sets up all their title tags exactly as their competitor and gets the same results on the search engine … it’s just not ethical. We’re seeing more and more of that being done.” Once other websites have stolen the content it’s no longer unique to the original website and search engine
optimization is diminished as a result and the original website will not rank as highly. Copyright legalities concerning source engine optimization — which has seen a surge in popularity over the last two years — are undefined and the issue of theft is only recently becoming widely recognized. Keywords appear in sequence under a website’s source code (found under view on the toolbar) for anyone to see and Bourden says it’s this chunk of coded text that has been copied and pasted from her clients’ sites into someone else’s website source code. In order for the keywords to be recognized by a search engine, there has to be corresponding valid text within
the main body of the website. The type of companies that steal the keywords for search engine purposes don’t want the corresponding text to show within their main pages, so a popular way around this is to cloak text by using words on a background of the same colour. Bourden demonstrates by bringing up the homepage of one of the tourism websites she says has lifted material from one of her clients. The bottom of the page looks blank, but when she passes the mouse over the area and highlights the white space, text appears. It reads just like a source code and there are even words in the text, See “Deceptive practices,” page 24
24 • INDEPENDENTBUSINESS
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
Another banner year for tourism, officials say By Alisha Morrissey The Independent
visit one end of the island or the other — but not both — and are taking shorter vacations. “You can’t see Newfoundland in seven days so amily visits, conventions, military stopovers you’re going to come to eastern Newfoundland or and cruise ships practically fighting over you’re going to come to western Newfoundland berths on the harbour front led to a record and you’re going to spend most of your seven days tourism year in 2005 for the City of St. John’s, with just visiting that,” Buist says. this year expected to reach the Yvonne Power, executive director same heights. of the Cruise Association of NewMike Buist, general manager foundland and Labrador, says a “ ... we think that of Destination St. John’s, says record 22 cruise ships will dock in economic activity the city’s tourism market couldSt. John’s in 2006, carrying more n’t be better. than 55,000 passengers to the in the St. John’s “And based on the forecast province. we’ve seen for the GDP growth the number of ports of call region will continue in While … we think that economic the province this year will be on activity in the St. John’s region par with last year, Power says St. to be positive ... ” will continue to be positive and John’s and Corner Brook will pick therefore will result in good up the slack where rural areas drop Mike Buist, business traffic and, of course, off. business people are good The challenge continues to be the Destination St. John’s tourists too.” fact Canada Customs agents are staBuist says military stopovers tioned in St. John’s and Corner are up, adding conferences are expected to bring in Brook — the only two ports along the province’s 25,000 people to the province over the course of 1,700 kilometres of coastline. A cruise ship landing the year. elsewhere has to pick up the cost of having a cus“So you know for those reasons we think that toms agent meet them. 2006 will be another good year for tourism in not “It makes it expensive and there’s a measure of only the St. John’s region, but for most if not all of uncertainty about it,” says Power, “and of course eastern Newfoundland.” cruise lines don’t run on uncertain itineraries they That doesn’t mean rural areas are expected to do want to know that the itineraries they set out they overly well — partly because of a shortage of can adhere to and that’s what they sell to their cusrental cars and motor coach tours. Tourists tend to tomers.”
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Tourism tally • Military tourism brought in $20 million to the City of St. John’s in 2005, which is expected to rise this year due to increased military presence in Iraq. • Military personnel spend about $230 each for every day in the city. • There will be an estimated 60 conferences in St. John’s in 2006, with more than 25,000 delegates. • Convention delegates spend about $220 each a day.
• Cruise ship passengers spend about $110 each a day. • Cruise ships are scheduled to make 81 ports of call in the province this year, compared to 101 in 2005. • Six adventure cruises are slated to circumnavigate the island this year. • Tourism brought in $800 million to the province in 2005.
Paul Daly/The Independent
‘Tough medicine’ Shelley Bryant, M.Sc., LL.B., is pleased to announce the opening of her legal practice. Bryant Law Office focuses on four main practice areas: Collaborative Family Law, a new and innovative legal model for separation and divorce without court proceedings, Personal Injury, Wills & Estates, and Elder Law. She looks forward to serving new and existing clients from her office on Bates Hill.
4 Bates Hill PO Box 2114, Stn C St. John’s, NL A1C 5R6 T: 709 753-9339 F: 709 753-9755 bryantlaw@nf.aibn.com
From page 23 “The board of trade’s role is to make sure these different levels of government hear and understand what the business community thinks about how they should proceed,” he says. As the city heads towards 2007, it also heads towards a property tax reassessment year, which means businesses might soon face tax hikes. “There are some issues around that, making sure that the taxes levied to businesses are equitable and to make sure that if property values commercially are reassessed higher, that there’s something done with the mill rate to adjust for that within reason.” Dillon says one of the board of trade’s original draws for him (networking benefits aside) is the chance to influence government issues at a policy and advocacy level. He says the board fully supports the province’s recent decision to cover the unfunded liability of the teachers’
pension fund to the tune of almost $2 billion and he hopes to see more focus towards debt management in the upcoming budget. “It might be tough medicine for a couple of years but I really think if we do that we’re going to be a whole lot better off in the long run,” he says. “I think ours is going to be a stay the course message; we’ll make a prebudget submission to the provincial government in the next week or so.” Juggling a full-time job, a family (Dillon has a wife and two children) and the board’s presidency has been “a bit of a blur” so far, but Dillon says he’s up to the challenge. “The board of trade is a great organization … we’ve got in excess of 20,000 employees our 800 members represent, so we’ve got what I think is a fairly wide and deep sampling of St. John’s business. It pretty much captures every sector that’s out there.” clare-marie.gosse@theindepednent.ca
St. John’s in 2005 • The St. John’s metro area accounted for 47 per cent of the total provincial GDP (gross domestic product, the sum of all goods and services produced). • The city’s economy grew by 1.1 per cent. • An estimated 165 new businesses were approved; St. John’s has 3,654 businesses in total. • The population increased for the seventh consecutive year to reach 180,405.
• The unemployment rate remained consistent with 2004 at 8.9 per cent. • Housing starts decreased by 16 per cent. • Major construction projects amounted to approximately $72.7 million. • The number of cruise ship passengers set a record, up 71 per cent from 2004. • Passengers through St. John’s International Airport increased by nine per cent. — City of St. John’s year-end review
Paul Daly/The Independent
‘Deceptive practices’ From page 23 relevant only to her client’s website. “It’s a trick people are using,” she says. “Search engines when they find you doing that (cloaking), you’ll actually get blacklisted and your search will get blocked.” But Google, Yahoo, AOL or MSN’s search engine crawlers have to discover the infraction first. There are currently no specific legal guidelines surrounding such practices and search engines set their own guidelines. A spokesperson with Google couldn’t comment on the issue because the company doesn’t enforce specific regulations for their clients, just guidelines, but a glance over Google’s site shows a low tolerance for websites using “deceptive practices.” Bourden has been in touch with
Google and is waiting to hear back. At this point, she says she will be satisfied if the offending websites are simply kicked off the search engine and isn’t considering court action — although she predicts it won’t be long before someone in her situation does. Bourden adds it can be difficult to know if the companies are directly responsible for the keyword stealing or if they have a marketing company using suspect methods. “It’s really important when you choose someone to design your website or do your search engine optimization that these people operate ethically and check references … you could get kicked out of a search engine for six, eight months. For a tourism operator that could be your entire season gone and you could lose a lot of money.” clare-marie.gosse@theindependent.ca
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTBUSINESS • 25
TYLER HAMILTON
Torstar
T
he blogosphere was buzzing last week over a posting at NewTechSpy.com, which claimed Ford Motor Co. is planning to come out with a hybrid version of its top selling F150 pickup truck that would get the same mileage as the much smaller Toyota Prius. The secret sauce? Ford’s hybrid would be based on a made-in-theU.S.A. hydraulic propulsion system, rather than the high-tech batteries associated with most hybrid-electric imports. The website claims that Ford will introduce the product in August 2008, though no sources were cited. Could this home-grown hybrid technology be America’s way of pulling ahead in an auto-efficiency race long dominated by the Japanese? Call it wild speculation, but the F-150 rumour — while perhaps exaggerated — isn’t entirely without substance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revealed a year ago that its transportation lab in Ann Arbor, Mich., has patented a hybrid-hydraulic technology and is working with the U.S. Army, United Parcel Service, auto parts giant Eaton Corp. and — you guessed it — Ford, in an effort to bring the new design to the U.S. marketplace. In fact, the agency has already modified a Ford Expedition SUV with the technology, and came to the conclusion it could improve the fuel economy by 55 per cent or more while adding less than $1,000 to the cost of the vehicle. “A consumer would recoup the higher vehicle cost in less than three years through fuel savings and less brake wear,” the agency says. This assumes volume production of at least 100,000 vehicles a year and 70cent-per-litre gas. Depending on how much a person drives, and given that gas prices have already shot past $1 over the past year, the payback on the premium could be less than 12 months. What this suggests is that the technology has the potential to outperform the hybrid-electric approach when it comes to efficiency gains and cost. “The numbers look very attractive,” says Chris Grundler, director of the EPA’s transportation lab. “We’ll see where it goes.” A typical hybrid-electric vehicle combines a smaller-than-normal gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor that is recharged while driving and braking. The vehicle switches between gas mode and electric mode, or runs both at the same time, depending on driving requirements. An in-car computer system manages this complex interplay between electric and gas mode, and the end result is
Ford Hybrid Escape taxi cabs parked in New York City.
Mike Segar/Reuters
Hybrids making headway The down side of gas-electric hybrid cars has been cost and complexity. Now the U.S. environmental watchdog says it has found a simpler, cheaper hybrid technology for motor vehicles improved mileage and reduced emissions. A Honda Civic Hybrid, for example, is roughly 50 per cent more fuelefficient than a non-hybrid version, resulting in a proportionate reduction in fossil-fuel emissions. But hybrid-electric systems are expensive, adding about $3,000 to the price of a compact car like the Civic. The cost tends to grow as the size of the vehicle increases, and after eight years or more the battery system must be replaced — a costly exercise that many hybrid owners tend to overlook. “If you talk privately with the automakers, they’re facing very big cost challenges with the battery-electric hybrids, and a lot of that comes from the battery,” says Grundler. In a hybrid-hydraulic system envi-
The John Kenneth Galbraith 2006 Lecture in Public Policy
Dr. R. Kenneth Carty one of Canada's leading authorities on political parties and electoral reform will speak about
Doing Democracy Differently: Is it Time for Electoral Reform in Canada? Wednesday, March 8, 2006, 8 p.m. Inco Innovation Centre, Lecture Theatre 2001 Memorial University, St. John’s Free admission and parking in Lot 18 off Irwin’s Road - Refreshments For more information go to www.mun.ca/harriscentre
sioned by the EPA, a small gas or diesel engine operates at a constant level and pumps nitrogen gas into high-pressure cylinders. Pressure is then released to provide acceleration. Energy from braking is also captured in hydraulic form, adding more efficiency to the design. “The components are also cheaper and the system is less complicated (than a hybrid-electric),” says Grundler. “That translates into reliability and cost benefits.” He says hydraulic systems provide torque and acceleration that batterybased hybrids can’t. But he concedes the technology is ideal for larger vehicles — SUVs, pickups trucks, delivery and fleet vehicles — because elements of the design benefit from a larger chassis. That’s precisely why it’s not so out-
landish that Ford might consider the technology for its popular F-150 pickup, a monster of a vehicle that’s likely to experience the type of stop-and-go driving that make hybrids ideal. Grundler says that day may come, but he doesn’t think Ford is ready to take that plunge. “I think their hydraulic work has been put on hold as they launch their Escape battery-electric hybrid,” he says. “To make a commitment to a new kind of technology is a big decision for an automaker. Will it be clean diesel, electric hybrids, hydraulic hybrids, or renewable fuel vehicles? It’s not like U.S. companies have a lot of R&D dollars lying around for a broad portfolio. They’ve got to make one or two bets.” Still, the EPA director is optimistic about the potential for his agency’s
hydraulic technology. Later this year UPS will put a hydraulic hybrid delivery vehicle into service. Eaton also plans to use the technology in a test fleet of garbage trucks. And if you’re asking why America’s environmental watchdog holds patents — more than 50, in fact — in new automotive technologies, Grundler offers a simple explanation. “Over the years we’ve developed insights into how technology can become cleaner and more efficient. It would be irresponsible to keep that insight, that knowledge, that intellectual property bottled up in some laboratory in Michigan.” Makes one wonder what other promising solutions to the world’s ills sit pickled in government labs.
26 • INDEPENDENTBUSINESS
Location: St. John's, NL
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
Mobile Computing Analysts Ad #: Mobile Computing Analysts-CB
Mobile Computing Analysts
Financial Consultants Ad #: CB-02-012409
Charles River Consultants has provided Technical Help Desk Support, Application Development and High Definition Imaging personnel to Major Corporations for long-term assignments for over twenty-three (23) years. We are currently searching for two additional Mobile Computing Analysts. Responsibilities include: • Mobile and Remote Access Platform System Configuration • Work in conjunction with the Mobile Remote Experts group to identify and resolve issues with remote remediation efforts to patch and update remote machines • Trouble Shooting remote connectivity issues • New and Emerging Technology Evaluation/Piloting • Off-Site Conference Remote Access Solutions and Support • Training users on procedures and policies, as well as the use of Firm's remote access tools • Train divisional helpdesks on supporting all remote access methods and tools • Mobile System and Technology Administration • Advises client users on the capabilities of client Mobile Computing and Remote access capabilities and recommend the best fit for their requirement - Supporting Dial up, Broadband, VPN, Citrix, and various other remote technologies • Administration of authentication tools such as SecurID and Active Directory • Application support including but not limited to Windows XP, Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer and various other browsers, VPN, Firewall, and Antivirus software • Supporting high profile clients including top level executives and managing directors • Supporting wireless devices such as RIM Black/Blueberries • Assisting users with the post cloning process to configure freshly built machines to connect properly and carry over their settings from regular profile.
Investors Group Financial Services has been a leader in Canadian financial planning for over 75 years. With a solid reputation and market leading systems and support, Investors Group is looking for driven, business-minded professionals across Atlantic Canada who are only satisfied with the best life has to offer. Key Qualifications include: • An outgoing, confident personality
Skills/Qualifications • Computer Science Degree or Diploma in Computers preferred - Certifications would be considered an asset • Minimum of 5 years experience required • Extensive knowledge of the following: • Windows XP • VPN • Broadband(DSLCableISDN) • Active Directory • Wireless (802.11 b/getup/IP) • Blackberry • Candidate has to pass security background checks, including financial • Documentation experience with a minimum of 5 - 10 years business experience
• A strong sense of independence and desire to succeed • A professional demeanor • A proven track record of success • A natural instinct for networking and building relationships • A dedication to professional development While not required, the following advantages would be recognized:
Please email résumés with salary range expectations to hrtech@crc.net and include Mobile Computing Analysts-CB in the subject line.
Financial Advisors Ad #: 04-227-CB
Location: St. John's, Gander, Marystown and Bay Roberts, NL, Canada Company URL: http://www.lfs.ca Contact Name: Geraldine Sturge, Senior Administrative Assistant Optifund Branch Manager Contact E-mail: geraldine.sturge@LFS.ca Be Daring! Join the LFS Team! Laurentian Financial Services (LFS) is part of Desjardins Financial Security, with assets of over $80 billion, the 6th largest financial services organization in Canada . We are a Canadian leader in the financial services industry with a dynamic coast-to-coast network, comprised of 43 financial centres and more than 1,100 associate partners. LFS is a full service financial services provider with access to multiple insurer and investment fund products. Our track record is based on the quality of support services delivered to associates with a company wide commitment to professionalism. We believe in listening to our associate's needs for providing the products and tools needed to maximize their value in meeting clients' financial planning needs. Due to our exceptional growth we are looking for individuals to join our newly established financial centres in St. John's, Gander, Marystown and Bay Roberts, NL in the role of Financial Advisors. Join the LFS Team and improve your business by: 1. Staying independent, while maintain access to a multi-disciplinary team and qualified experts 2. Receiving financial backing to purchase viable blocks of business 3. Having access to multiple insurers and products and more than 60 mutual funds and segregated fund companies 4. A competitive pooled compensation bonus structure and immediate vesting 5. Incentive plans based on multiple insurers' products, mutual and segregated funds 6. New associate training and mentoring programs which are unique in the industry 7. Market planning and support 8. Business continuation support 9. Leading edge technology
We are looking for people who are: • Entrepreneurial • Problem solvers • Out-going • Commitment to quality • Hard working • Professional • Service oriented • Computer literate • Committed to continuing education and personal development • Experienced in sales (an asset but not necessary)
• Professional designation from or current enrollment in the Certified Financial Planners Council of Canada program • Experience in the financial services industry • Completion of licensing for mutual funds and insurance Successful Financial Consultants with Investors Group can expect the limitless financial rewards and personal freedoms that come from independently operating their own business. Together with the finest support systems in the industry, their level of success is determined by their own activity. There are also management opportunities available for the right candidates. To find out what your true potential is, send your resume and cover letter quoting reference #CB-02-012409 to: Consultant Resumes Kim Jordan Suite 1409, Purdy's Wharf Tower 2 1969 Upper Water St., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R7 Fax (902) 422-5334
Interested individuals are invited to apply directly to Geraldine Sturge, Senior Administrative Assistant Optifund Branch Manager via e-mail at geraldine.sturge@LFS.ca quoting Ref#: 04-227-CB.
Call Center Management Positions (various levels) Ad #: CB-0209-CCM Help Desk Now is a growing company and requires qualified individuals for various management positions at our call center location in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland. We are seeking career-minded, experienced and self-motivated individuals to help manage our business. We are interested in candidates who have at least 3 years relevant experience, are focused, can demonstrate effective communications skills and are able to work flexible hours. Experience in a call center environment is preferred. HDN is a large outsourcer providing inbound customer support solutions to clients. We offer opportunities for advancement, a competitive salary and benefits package. If you are interested in becoming part of our dynamic and growing management team and willing to relocate, please send your resume: • By email at: careers@helpdesknow.com • By fax at: (709) 292-8709 Please quote #CB-0209-CCM We thank all applicants for their interest in our company, however; only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTBUSINESS • 27
Location: Halifax, NS, Canada; • Company URL:http://www.lfs.ca Contact Name: Bruce Brinson, Managing Director Contact E-mail: bruce.brinson@LFS.ca
Financial Advisor Ad #: 04-227-CB
Senior Software Developer Ad #: CB-SSD-0206-SJ
Come work for one of Canada's Top 100 Companies. And live life on the most easterly point in North America in historic St. John's, Newfoundland!
Be Daring! Join the LFS Team! Laurentian Financial Services (LFS) is part of Desjardins Financial Security, with assets of over $80 billion, the 6th largest financial services organization in Canada . We are a Canadian leader in the financial services industry with a dynamic coast-to-coast network, comprised of 43 financial centres and more than 1,100 associate partners. LFS is a full service financial services provider with access to multiple insurer and investment fund products. Our track record is based on the quality of support services delivered to associates with a company wide commitment to professionalism. We believe in listening to our associate's needs for providing the products and tools needed to maximize their value in meeting clients' financial planning needs. Due to our exceptional growth we are looking for individuals to join our financial centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia in the role of Financial Advisors.
Join the LFS Team and improve your business by: • Staying independent, while maintain access to a multi-disciplinary team and qualified experts • Receiving financial backing to purchase viable blocks of business • Having access to multiple insurers and products and more than 60 mutual funds and segregated fund companies • A competitive pooled compensation bonus structure and immediate vesting • Incentive plans based on multiple insurers' products, mutual and segregated funds • New associate training and mentoring programs which are unique in the industry • Market planning and support • Business continuation support • Leading edge technology
We are looking for people who are: • Entrepreneurial • Problem solvers • Out-going • Commitment to quality • Hard working • Professional • Service oriented • Computer literate • Committed to continuing education and personal development • Experienced in sales (an asset but not necessary) Interested individuals are invited to apply directly to Bruce Brinson, Managing Director via e-mail at bruce.brinson@LFS.ca quoting Ref#: 04-227-CB.
Financial Planner - Investment & Retirement Planner, St John's, Newfoundland Ad #: 49156
Consilient (www.consilient.com) develops award-winning wireless software for mobile devices and phones. By building software using open standards and push technology, Consilient is changing the mobile email landscape. And we're winning awards for our work. We were recently named a Top 100 Employer in Canada, Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young and an Innovation Leader by the National Research Council (NRC). We offer a generous compensation package and assistance with re-location costs. Consilient's work environment is dynamic and energy-driven and innovative thinking is our strong point. If your passion lies in developing new, wireless technologies for mobile phones, we'd like to hear from you. Job Location: St. John's, NL, Canada Description: As Senior Software Developer at Consilient, you will contribute to the overall design and architecture of our wireless products for messaging platforms with the primary focus on email, calendaring and contact integration. You will help build high-performance, highly scalable operator and enterprise client-server software for mobile phones. Keys to success: • Strong system programming and design skills in server-side environments • Strong debugging skills, ability to organize and write clean, maintainable code • Passion to work in an exciting environment Educational Requirements: • BCS/MCS or BCE/MCE or related technical degree(s) Required Skills & Experience: • 6+ years minimum industry experience working on full software development cycle from concept to product deliverables through system deployment • Solid system programming experience with C++, Java, multi-threaded programming, API programming Good knowledge of: • Database programming interfaces and database usage - My SQL, Oracle, or other RDBMS • Internet technologies – e.g. HTML/XML, HTTP/HTTPS, JSP, Servlets, SOAP • Email, calendaring and messaging technologies – e.g. IMAP, POP3, MAPI, OMA DS • Network technologies – e.g. proxy server, Load Balancers, TCP/IP, UDP Contact: Please send cover letter and resume stating competition # to: careers@consilient.com
Who we are The Canadian Personal and Business (CPB) segment consists of our banking and investment businesses in Canada and our global insurance businesses. Our 30,000 employees provide financial products and services to over 11 million personal and business clients through a variety of distribution channels; including branches, business banking centres, automated banking machines, full-service brokerage operations, career sales forces, the telephone, Internet channels and independent third-party distributors. CPB is comprised of the following business lines: Personal Lending focuses on meeting the needs of our individual clients at every stage of their lives through a wide range of products including home equity financing, personal financing and credit cards. Personal Payments and Client Accounts provides core deposit accounts, transactional payment services, foreign exchange and other related services to individual clients. Investment Management provides full-service and discount brokerage, asset management, trust services and other investment products.
Management Ad #: JAN09M-CB SS Subway Ltd established in 1986 with the first Subway restaurants in CANADA, is now hiring:
• Location Management • Assistant Managers • Night Management for their multi-unit operation in St. John’s, Mt. Pearl, Paradise. Successful candidates would have experience in the food service and/or hospitality industry, demonstrate mature business judgement, and hold strong problem solving and ommunication skills.
Responsibilities may include: • Maintenance of all standards relevant to the franchise • Financial record keeping & banking • Marketing • Human Resources • Cost Control
Competitive Remuneration may include:
Business Markets offers a wide range of lending, deposit and transaction products and services to small and medium-sized business and commercial, farming and agriculture clients.
• NEW Progressive Salary & Quarterly Bonus structure • Health & Dental Insurance • ADD & Life Insurance • Health & Fitness Benefits • Flexible Scheduling • Professional Development Training benefits
Global Insurance offers a wide range of creditor, life, health, travel, home and auto insurance products and services to individual and business clients in Canada and the U.S., as well as reinsurance for clients around the world.
To arrange a confidential interview, please forward your resume and cover letter, quoting JAN09MCBet to:
Position Overview: Successful candidate will service the St John's, NL market. In this role, the Financial Planner - Investment and Retirement Planning contributes to meeting area/centre sales plans by acquiring and growing profitable client relationships. Provides solutions and financial advice designed to satisfy the client's investment and retirement needs, leveraging RBC Financial Group expertise. Seeks out new clients by developing relationships within the community and local centres of influence. Enhances the experience of existing non-account managed investment centric clients providing accessibility and proactive client-focused investment solutions and advice. Anchors clients with the appropriate delivery channel within RBC Financial Group. This role also balances the rewards of meeting business objectives with the risk of loss to the client, employee and shareholder by following corporate compliance/policies to maintain risk exposure and to operate within a legal framework and in accordance with securities regulations. Note: Compensation will be "commission only" following training period (maximum training period is 6 months).
Required Skills: Demonstrated sales success and the ability to build rapport quickly with prospects. Excellent communication, time management, organizational, networking and relationship building skills. The position requires a flexible work schedule. Must be an accredited Financial Planner, or working towards accreditation, and licensed to sell mutual funds in accordance with provincial regulations (CFP or PFP designation). Mutual Funds Licensed for 1 year either IFIC or CSC. We thank all interested candidates, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you are interested in this dynamic role, please go to www.rbc.com/careers and submit your resume and cover letter to us quoting reference # 49156. We thank all candidates for their interest, however only successful candidates will be contacted.
SS Subway Ltd Human Resources Dept. 25 Kenmount Road, Suite 204 St. John’s, NL A1B 1W1 Or by email subway@nfld.net
Dimension and Scope:
Senior Manager, Payroll Production Location: St. John's, NL • Ad #: CB0207-06
This position is responsible for the supervision of all payroll preparation and processing, updating and maintaining payroll related records and data files and maintaining the payroll database. Plans, coordinates and organizes the Payroll Production work flow to meet rigid payroll deadlines relating to the timely production of employees paychecks and W-2 forms.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities: Supervises the preparation and processing of monthly, semi-monthly and bi-weekly payroll runs. • Directs the analysis, investigation and correction of errors associated with the editing of payroll data. • Supervises the manual processing of wage loans, payroll adjustments, imputed income adjustments, benefit adjustments, special bonus awards and commission payments. • Supervises special payments to employees, tracks payments to be grossed-up and ensures proper gross-up is applied. • Supervises input and auditing of all employee withholding elections and direct deposit related data input. • Responsible for the production of year end tax statements to all employees and the revision and re-issuance of those forms if necessary. • Supervises the preparation and processing of all manual and off-cycle checks. • Supervises investigation of all HRD cases relating to paychecks. • Responsible for the testing of all system tax updates, version upgrades and enhancements to the SAP HRIS System. • Responsible for the setup and maintenance of all payroll related tables in SAP HRIS system. • Works directly with the HRIS system technical support group on enhancements and maintenance to the HRIS/Payroll system. • Identifies system enhancements and solutions to program problems. • Provides guidance and assistance to payroll specialists on a daily basis. • Responsible for selecting, training, developing and managing performance of exempt and non-exempt direct reports; providing prompt and objective coaching and counseling; and coordinating, planning and assigning work for staff in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable legal requirements. • Supervises adjustments related to the recovery of wage loans, relocation reimbursements, etc. from terminated employees. • Supervises/coordinates the payments of any special payments associated with the closing of company location sites or acquisitions of any new companies. • Communicates regularly and works closely with the Sr. Manager, Payroll • Support to ensure that both individuals are aware of any issues that may impact the respective areas. Education and Candidate Profile:
Customer Service Ad #: MB0601274321
We've got people talking!
• Now hiring for opportunities in customer service!
• Inbound calls only!
What would you say to $8.50/hr to start and the potential to earn even more based on your performance? TeleTech, the leading global provider of customer care solutions, offers this, plus good benefits, an internet café, and your own headset! If you have proven customer service experience, MS Windows skills, scheduling flexibility, and the ability to obtain a criminal abstract, Let's Talk! Please join us… We are hiring for full time positions! Learn about our worldwide operations and discover the many advantages of being on the TeleTech team. We're also hiring for a Talent Acquisition Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Training and Quality Manager, and Operation Supervisors! As one of Mount Pearl's largest employers, we offer great pay, excellent benefits including health, dental, life, retirement, and tuition reimbursement programs - to enthusiastic, service-focused professionals who go the extra mile to satisfy our customers. Comprehensive benefit plans are available after a brief waiting period. Apply online to: www.hirepoint.com Act quickly… these newly created opportunities are sure to fill up fast!
• Bachelor's degree in related field from a four-year college or university with six to eight years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Attainment of or the significant progress towards, the Certified Payroll Professional designation is highly desired. • Minimum of four to six years related work experience in payroll systems and supervision. • Thorough knowledge of Payroll and payroll systems. • Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and Local tax withholding regulations. • General knowledge of company and departmental practice and procedures related to payroll activities. • General knowledge of various foreign payroll tax withholding and payment procedures. • Ability to plan, organize and schedule workflow to meet rigid payroll reporting deadlines. • Ability to process a high volume of detailed work in a short time frame. • Proficient in a variety of software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint for Windows. • Experience in managing functional groups. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Skilled in team leadership.
To apply please e-mail, fax or mail your resume to: vanessa.noseworthy@convergys.com 709-757-1817 (fax) Convergys Customer Management Canada Inc. 274 Torbay Road, St. John's, NL A1A 4E1
28 • INDEPENDENTBUSINESS
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
WEEKLY DIVERSIONS ACROSS 1 Reorganize 6 At a distance 10 Requests 14 Summer time in N.B. 17 Use artgum 18 We So Seldom Look on ___ (Barbara Gowdy) 19 Night (Fr.) 20 Pat gently 21 Some S. Americans 23 With competence 24 Commercials 25 Neck (Fr.) 26 Bird feeder filler 27 Rush of pleasure 29 Floor cleaner 30 Mine car 32 Grow together (as bone) 34 Take measures 35 Kind of curve 37 Actor Dupuis (“Maurice Richard”) 39 Photograph 42 Family ___ 45 Dispensed tea 48 Extreme suffering 49 Jauntily 51 Earthworm 53 Superlative ending 54 Habitable 55 Bloom-to-be 56 Father or mother 58 Had something
59 Words on damaged wares 61 Exasperating 63 Drive the getaway car 67 Take over 69 Ottawa canal 71 Commotion 72 Canadian inventor of music synthesizer 75 Horse’s mouthpiece 76 Like pizza cheese 78 Worshipped 79 Type of public land in Canada 81 School assignments 82 Cocaine source 83 Sun room 86 River of E France 87 Early fur trading co. 89 Outlaw 90 Server’s carrier 92 Identical 95 N.B.’s tree: balsam ___ 97 Fireplace area 100 Nailed on a slant 102 ___-relief 103 The Victorian, e.g. 104 Cathedral recess 105 Equal in power 108 Also-___ 109 Noteworthy achievement 110 Animal pelts
111 Edible seaweed 112 Wind dir. 113 Marshes 114 Abound 115 Animal that has kittens DOWN 1 Respond to a stimulus 2 Booboo 3 Feline of Central America 4 Expert ending? 5 People (Fr.) 6 UFO occupants 7 Italian cheese 8 Roman greeting 9 Remainder 10 Political disorder 11 Abruptly (mus.) 12 Slay 13 Author’s way of writing 14 Tracy-Hepburn battle-of-the-sexes movie 15 Slot cut into a board 16 Tsp’s larger cousin 22 N.W.T. hamlet, for short 28 Doesn’t have 31 Additional 33 Remnant (2 wds.) 36 Italian street 38 Shrill cry
40 Situated behind 41 Follow too closely 43 Building extension 44 Look at 45 Sunscreen ingredient 46 Responsibility 47 Ekati mine output 50 I have 52 Cover with cloth 54 Wrinkles 57 Ont. summer time 58 Help 60 Beetle of Egypt 62 Dope 64 Area of relatively warm climate (2 wds.) 65 Nervously irritable 66 Playthings 68 French goose 70 Bear in the sky 72 ___ la Ronge, Sask. 73 Shogunate capital 74 Tim Horton’s home town 75 Noted Mohawk chief (18th - 19th c.) 77 Wife of Osiris 79 Some red wines 80 Bring up 84 Joy Kogawa novel 85 A communist doctrine 88 Grain husks 91 Yes (sl.) 93 Minister’s residence
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bird 106 Prov. 7 times size of UK
107 Sound of mild reproof Solutions on page 29
WEEKLY STARS ARIES - MAR 21/APR 20 You will have to deal with someone who gets rather emotional this week, Aries. They may be bawling, but you'll need to remain stoic to help them through this. TAURUS - APR 21/MAY 21 You seem to be interested in all sorts of wacky ideas lately, Taurus. People might begin to think you're not in your right mind. But you'll prove you have your wits about you. GEMINI - MAY 22/JUN 21 You expect great things of yourself, Gemini, and that's why you often achieve more than others. Just don't overdo everything or you'll burn out faster than others, too. CANCER - JUN 22/JUL 22 This is not a good time to take sides in a family dispute. Everyone is more touchy than usual, Cancer, and remaining neu-
tral is your best strategy for avoiding arguments. LEO - JUL 23/AUG 23 Go out and have fun this week, Leo. By all means, you deserve it. Forget about any problems and goals for a while and enjoy some relaxation. Get back in the swing next week. VIRGO - AUG 24/SEPT 22 This week you'll think the only way to solve a nagging problem is to throw more money at it. Not only is this not the solution, it could leave you in a financial pickle. LIBRA - SEPT 23/OCT 23 This week your emotions will be a mess. You won't know which way is up or down. However, you will be more sensitive to the needs of others, so that is a positive side. SCORPIO - OCT 24/NOV 22 Your inner voice is telling you that
something that arises this week is not worth the effort. Others tell you you're wrong. Trust your gut instinct, as it's often right. SAGITTARIUS - NOV 23/DEC 21 Try not to give others the impression that you're desperate to know their secrets. It will make you appear petty and desperate, Sagittarius. Remain elusive. CAPRICORN - DEC 22/JAN 20 You will need to strike a balance between the people you live with and those you work with this week, Capricorn. You can't have it all, unfortunately, so one side will be favored. AQUARIUS - JAN 21/FEB 18 There will be times this week, Aquarius, when every forward step you take will seem like you're going backwards. There is nothing much you can do about it. PISCES - FEB 19/MAR 20
Like it or not, Pisces, you'll have to tighten your belt this week. If you carry on spending this way, you'll be in the red by June. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS FEBRUARY 26 Michael Bolton, singer (52) FEBRUARY 27 Elizabeth Taylor, actress (74) FEBRUARY 28 Tangi Miller, actress (32) MARCH 1 Ron Howard, director (52) MARCH 2 Jon Bon Jovi, singer (44) MARCH 3 Jessica Biel, actress (24) MARCH 4 Patricia Heaton, actress (48)
Fill in the grid so that each row of nine squares, each column of nine and each section of nine (three squares by three) contains the numbers 1 through 9 in any order. There is only one solution to each puzzle. Solutions, tips and computer program available at www.sudoko.com SOLUTION ON PAGE 29
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTSPORTS • 29
Sea Dogs still upset with Esposito episode By Scott Briggs Telegraph-Journal
A
s Gilles Moffet watched the Quebec Remparts practice last week at Harbour Station in Saint John, N.B, it took about two seconds to summarize the impact of Angelo Esposito. “He’s the one who changed everything,” says the beat writer who covers the Remparts for Le Journal de Quebec. “The Remparts were a good team before but ...” But thanks to Esposito, the Patrick Roy-coached club is now great. Roy, also the general manager and part owner of the Remparts, drafted Esposito 11th overall last June at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League entry draft in Chicoutimi. Ten other teams, including the Saint John Sea Dogs and St. John’s Fog Devils, passed on Esposito, who leading up to the draft stated he was heavily leaning toward playing Div. 1 college hockey in the United States. Roy and the Remparts, one way or another, managed to persuade him. Sea Dogs general manager Tipper LeBlanc believes Esposito could be the player who changes “everything” in another way. LeBlanc hopes the 16year-old centre will be the last prospect to keep teams guessing before draft day. The Saint John GM says upcoming league meetings will address players concealing their intentions. Some have suggested a signed document binding the player to the QMJHL before the draft. “I don’t think that would work,” Roy says. “What’s going to happen if the guy signs a form and then decides to go play college hockey. Are you going to go to court and debate on that? It won’t work.” LeBlanc wanted to draft Esposito, even though the prized prospect indicated he didn’t want to play in the Q. Esposito didn’t have to officially
declare his intentions on any type of document, exercising his right to make a decision when it best suited him. That decision, and when it was actually made, has been the source of debate and controversy. Are the best players really available to each of the 18 teams on draft day? In fairness, Esposito isn’t the first player to use the system to his advantage, but will he be the last? Will he be the player who changes “everything?” “It will be discussed to make sure that it won’t happen again,” LeBlanc says. “There is something in the works.” It’s easy to say Saint John should have taken its chances and drafted Esposito, but what if he actually had decided to play college hockey? Where do you trade him then? At that point, how do you justify getting nothing for the first pick in franchise history? Look at Jonathan Toews, who helped Canada win the gold medal at this year’s world juniors. Toews was drafted first overall by the Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League’s 2003 bantam draft, but he eventually chose to play for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. “There are a lot of college teams in the U.S., and a lot of players look at that option,” Roy says. “We have to compete with them and we have to find a way to keep players in our league. “It’s better to have a guy like Angelo playing in our league than having him with a college team. It gives other players an idea to give it (QMJHL) a try.” Roy says Esposito’s decision attracted plenty of media attention at the start of the season. Many wondered if Esposito and the Remparts had made a side deal long before the draft. The former goaltending great claims he had to persuade Esposito. “People have started to realize that maybe we are telling the truth,” Roy says.
Coach a big part of A.J.’s promise Relationship a lot like father and son By Richard Griffin Torstar wire service
Arnsberg in my entire life,” Burnett says. “Being back with him is a big part of (my confidence). Just because of the lone in the Toronto Blue Jays’ comfort level that I found when I bullpen at the end of a training worked with him before.” camp workout last week, A.J. Arnsberg’s post-practice pitching Burnett stood patiently atop one of the pointers, requested by the student, cencomplex’s seven side-by-side pitching tred around Burnett’s balance point in rubbers. Peering through the link fence, the windup and lasted 20 minutes. the new Jay finally got the attention of “We’ve been talking about making pitching coach Brad an adjustment,” ArnsArnsberg. berg explains. “We As Burnett had went to dinner a cou“I’ve never met a anticipated, Arnsberg, ple of nights and he after perhaps thinking wanted to work on it man like Brad his work was done for right then. He didn’t Arnsberg in my the day, didn’t hesiwant to wait. I was tate. Indeed, the walking off the field entire life. Being gung-ho mentor stopand he decided he ped in his tracks, wanted to implement back with him is turned and trotted out what we were talking to join his favourite about doing. Did it a big part of pupil, with nary a surprise me? Maybe a glance at his watch. little, because I didn’t (my confidence).” The man loves his expect it this early. job. Am I pleased about it? A.J. Burnett “Every one of my One hundred per first-of-the-spring cent.” meetings, I’ll tell the pitchers, ‘Come Arnsberg, a father of two, realizes on boys, outwork me, outwork me,’” that, at the start of spring, his family is Arnsberg says. expanded some 15 times. He has to “You will not walk away from this treat them all the same. camp saying, ‘I wish this guy had done “In spring training, it’s making 30 this.’ And if you do, it’s because you guys feel important,” Arnsberg says. didn’t come to me. I’m watching 30 of “A six-year free agent, I want him to you guys. You have a problem, I’ll give feel important. I want A.J., I want Doc, you the open-door policy. Come and I want every reliever, Frasor, Chulk, all get me.” the kids that have come to this camp. Arnsberg, also Burnett’s coach with “It tapers down as we start losing the Florida Marlins in 2002-03, is the kids to the minor leagues and stuff. I reason Burnett chose the Jays over St. start depleting my numbers and am able Louis and Baltimore. Arnsberg is the to get a little bit more hands-on with the reason Burnett believes he will win 16 guys I’ll be working with a lot.” to 20 games, even though his career Fact is, only in Toronto is Burnett high is 12. Arnsberg is the reason worth what the Jays are paying him. Burnett’s confidence is at an all-time Because, with Arnsberg building his high. As long as Arnsberg is the pitch- confidence, the organization and the ing coach, Burnett will remain a Jay, pitcher already feel he’s a 16- to 20even though he has an escape clause. game winner. Nowhere else is this true. “I’ve never met a man like Brad This belief is there.
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Solutions for crossword on page 28 R E A C T
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L E C A D O C O C H F I R E R A R A N N N E
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L A I N I N I D E T S W N I U M T R A T O Q U I U R S E E M
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A D A M S R I B
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Executive Director of Canada's men's Olympic ice hockey team, Wayne Gretzky, talks to his wife Janet before the start of Canada's game against the Czech Republic at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy, February 21, 2006. REUTERS/Mike Blake
Not Gretzky’s finest hour By Damien Cox Torstar wire service
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ith victory, all reputations were enhanced. In defeat, all are diminished. Even Wayne Gretzky can’t escape that reality. A Canadian icon, No. 99 will bear much of the brunt for a Canadian Olympic squad that fell far short of defending gold. Let’s not mince words, here. Last week’s tournament-ending loss to Russia was close, but this Canadian team, conceptually and in spirit, never was. During the tournament it was shut out, unbelievably, by Switzerland and then tried to argue that it deserved better. In a more general sense, who would have believed that one of the greatest offensive players in the history of the country would organize a team that could not score a goal in 11 of the final 12 periods it played? “I’ll take all the responsibility for us not winning,” said Gretzky immediately following the Feb. 23 game in which Canada was beaten 2-0 by Russia. As with any CEO, that’s true in management theory but it overstates
the case. Just as he made wise choices for the 2002 Olympics and for World Cup 2004, Gretzky did indeed make some poor roster choices for this tournament. But his coaching staff didn’t manoeuvre as nimbly as it did four years ago and his players, my goodness, they failed to rise to the moment. As is always the case, the players will change and that would be the case if the next Olympics were next year, let alone four long years on the horizon. Pat Quinn won’t be back as coach in 2010, but he wouldn’t have been even if Canada had won again this time. But what about Gretzky? After losing his mother and grandmother not long ago, seeing the NHL team he coaches lose an assistant coach in a gambling investigation that has drawn his wife into its web and now this, he was showing terrible strain last week. But there is no reason for Gretzky not to lead Team Canada again in 2010. Unless he just doesn’t want to. He’s just got to learn from his mistakes. The selection of Todd Bertuzzi, the worst poster boy for Canadian hockey imaginable, was flawed from the start, an attempt to make a political
statement. Bertuzzi didn’t play his way on to Team Canada. He never did score. Never did miss a shift. But he did, as this space suspected he would, make a truly dumb, selfish play when it mattered most. Here’s a double image that will linger; the glowering Bertuzzi in the penalty box for stupidly ramming Russian defenceman Sergei Gonchar while the Russians scored the winning goal on the power play. And talented, cherubic Eric Staal, the NHL’s thirdleading scorer, sitting uselessly in the stands. Gretzky and Co., interestingly, also failed to successfully calibrate the performance drag on North American players who did not play during the lockout. Every member of the Russian team played last year. Many members of the Canadian team didn’t and most have yet to again be the NHLers they were. Joe Sakic, for one, was very average on the attack all tournament and against Russia. He lost one important faceoff after another to Pavel Datsyuk. Simply put, too many players having average NHL seasons were on the team and too many having excellent seasons weren’t.
30 • INDEPENDENTSPORTS
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
Ice time tangles From page 32 While I enjoy seeing stars like Joe Thornton and Martin Brodeur play for Canada, I’d much rather watch Dwayne Norris or John Slaney wear the red and white. The latter duo won’t have a chance to play for the Stanley Cup this year, so they should be given the opportunity to play for the next best thing. QUICK HITS End of the road for Druken? Shea Heights-native Harold Druken has been spotted around St. John’s lately, even at a recent Fog Devils game. The former Vancouver Canuck and Toronto Maple Leaf began the season playing with Basel in Switzerland’s elite league, but suffered a back injury early in the fall and hasn’t played since. Those close to Druken say after several serious injuries in recent years, he’s considering retirement. If that’s the case, it’s truly a shame considering the promise Druken once showed. Coaching accomplishment Congratulations to Real Paiement on recently moving into second place for career wins by a
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League head coach. Paiement has done a remarkable job with the first-year Fog Devils and should receive consideration for the league’s coach of the year award. Mooseheads can sympathize The St. John’s Fog Devils aren’t the only Q team bickering with the city in which they play. It looks like the Halifax Mooseheads will be forced to move some home playoff games from the Metro Centre to the Halifax Forum. The Metro Centre is hosting the Juno Awards in early April, causing the Mooseheads to change venues. The situation comes up a couple of times a year in Halifax and the Mooseheads are never happy about it. As the Metro Centre’s No. 1 tenant, the Mooseheads don’t appreciate how the city books major events smack in the middle of their season. But as is the case with the Fog Devils, the Mooseheads have little choice but to take it. Darcy MacRae is The Independent’s sports editor darcy.macrae@theindependent.ca
OF THE
DEVIL WEEK Rodi Short, defence Age: 18
Hometown: Goulds
Height: 6’1 Weight: 200 lbs Acquired: Fog Devils’ 20th choice in the 2005 QMJHL expansion draft (selected from roster of PEI Rocket) Last year’s team: Truro Bearcats of Maritime Junior A Hockey League Last year’s stats: 53 games played, two goals, 16 assists and 18 points Fog Devils’ first: Short picked up his first point as a Fog Devil when he scored against the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles on Dec. 11, 2005. Mid-season call up: Before joining the Fog Devils full time after Christmas, Short began the 2005-06 season with the Truro Bearcats where he had 21 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 29 games.
Canadian speed skater Cindy Klassen (right) celebrates her gold medal win with teammate Kristina Groves. Reuters/Max Rossi
Super Cindy’s golden at last By Randy Starkman Torstar wire service
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he largest medal haul ever won by a Canadian athlete at one Olympics won’t be displayed in a trophy case. They won’t hang on a wall or be left on a coffee table for visitors at Cindy Klassen’s place to admire, either. “Maybe in a closet, I’m not sure,” said Klassen, after powering her way to gold to lead teammate Kristina Groves to a 1-2 finish for Canada in the women’s 1,500-metre long track speed skating race on Feb. 22. “I don’t really display things like that. Probably the closet.” It was the kind of humble response we’ve come to expect from the 26-year-old Winnipegger who has fully delivered on her advanced billing as Canada’s star at these Olympics with four medals in four races — one gold, two silver (1,000 metres and team pursuit) and a bronze (3,000 metres). The reticent redhead, who really can’t abide the spotlight, keeps doing things to put herself right in it. She’s also the most decorated female Canadian Olympian in history with five medals total, including the bronze in the 3,000 metres she won at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Klassen and Groves took a victory lap around the oval after a 1-2 finish, holding the Canadian flag high as it fluttered in the breeze. “We both felt pretty proud to be Canadian at that point,” says Klassen. “We both skated the
DEVIL STATS NAME Oscar Sundh Scott Brophy Luke Gallant Nicolas Bachand Zack Firlotte Wesley Welcher Marty Doyle Olivier Guilbault Ryan Graham Sebastien Bernier Anthony Pototschnik Pat O’Keefe Matt Fillier Pier-Alexandre Poulin Jean-Simon Allard Rodi Short Ivo Mocek Josh McKinnon Kyle Stanley Jonathan Reid Paul Roebothan Matt Boland
POS. LW C D RW D C RW RW LW D RW D C LW C D LW D D LW RW D
# 10 12 6 23 5 14 43 21 16 44 24 11 27 18 4 15 9 8 3 n/a 19 26
GP 45 56 58 59 59 59 59 59 48 59 54 44 49 60 55 25 28 31 57 2 15 29
G 13 20 18 24 8 19 11 16 12 6 12 3 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
A 38 30 28 21 29 16 20 12 13 18 3 12 9 7 7 3 2 1 1 0 0 0
GOALTENDER
W
L
GAA
S.PCT
Ilia Ejov Brandon Verge
12 9
16 17
4.16 4.03
.886 .888
PTS 51 50 46 45 37 35 31 28 25 24 15 15 14 12 9 5 2 1 1 0 0 0
races of our lives. It couldn’t have been better.” Dutch skater Renate Groenewold paid Klassen the ultimate compliment. “Cindy — she’s just the best, and that’s it,” she says. Not bad for an athlete who was devastated upon being cut from the Canadian women’s hockey team in the fall of 1997 before the Nagano Olympics. “I didn’t even want to do it (speed skating) because I thought it looked ridiculous with the long blades and wearing a tight skinsuit. I knew my friends would poke fun at me,” Klassen says. “It was really hard on me because that was something I grew up dreaming of doing, being on the women’s hockey team, going for gold in ‘98. Looking back now, I would never have expected to be in speed skating, especially growing up my parents wanted me to be in speed skating because skating was my strongest point in hockey.” A devout Mennonite, Klassen credits her religion with helping her through a difficult period in late 2003 when she fell during training and slid into a Chinese skater, suffering a 10-centimetre gash that tore through 12 tendons, a nerve and an artery in her right forearm. She missed most of that season, but the time off gave her a chance to reflect and she ultimately came back stronger. “When I came back, I just felt so hungry to skate again and so privileged to be able to skate,” she says.
Provincial Airlines wishes to advise that it plans to discontinue service between Gander and St. John’s effective 19-Mar-06. For the interim, Provincial Airlines will operate a reduced schedule.
Stats current as of Feb. 24
HOMEGROWN “Q” PLAYER Robert Slaney Ryan Penney Colin Escott Chad Locke Brent Lynch Brandon Roach Mark Tobin
HOMETOWN Carbonear St. John’s St. John’s St. John’s Upper Island Cove Terra Nova St. John’s
TEAM Cape Breton Cape Breton Gatineau P.E.I. Halifax Lewiston Rimouski
GP 49 16 39 24 32 56 59
G 3 1 4 5 3 15 23
A 4 4 9 7 1 33 21
PTS 7 5 13 12 4 48 44
GOALTENDERS Ryan Mior Roger Kennedy Jason Churchill
HOMETOWN St. John’s Mount Pearl Hodge’s Cove
TEAM P.E.I. Halifax Saint John
W 18 8 14
L 34 4 35
GAA 3.92 3.79 4.08
S.PCT .896 .880 .898
For further information or assistance please call reservations at 1-800-563-2800.
FEBRUARY 26, 2006
INDEPENDENTSPORTS • 31
Euros love to watch their luge By Chris Zelkovich Torstar wire service
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hile television audiences for the Turin Games are so-so in North America, they’re apparently off the charts in the rest of the world. In fact, they’re setting records. At least, that’s what the International Olympic Committee is saying, and, hey, these guys wouldn’t lie to us, would they? Cynicism aside, there are some pretty impressive TV ratings, especially in Europe. The biggest TV success is Italy’s RAI network, which had nine of the country’s top 10 sports audiences in the first week. This is really no surprise as host countries always hit the ratings bonanza. Why do you think that CTV-TSNRogers group overpaid for the 2010 Vancouver Games? What is surprising, at least to a Canadian, is what Italians are watching. The men’s luge, won by an Italian, was seen by 5.5 million viewers. Also high on the list were men’s combined slalom and figure skating. In Germany, one-third of those watching television on Feb. 19 took in the women’s 3,000-metre speed skating final. Ski jumping did almost as well and men’s luge was close behind with 25 per cent of the audience. Of course, CBC viewers have been told that luge is so big in Germany it’s the equivalent of Hockey Night In Canada. I’m picturing a guy in a loud jacket railing against North Americans for not being tough enough on the track. In France, 5.7 million watch figure skating and in Japan, 10.8 million took in men’s speed skating. In the U.S., figure skating is the top draw, as always. For some reason, the IOC does not mention Canada in its report. Maybe they’re still upset over that Ross Rebagliati thing. So far, CBC is 52 per cent ahead of its ratings from Salt Lake City and 45 per cent behind in prime time with its 1.3 million average. NO BREAKDOWN The CBC doesn’t break down individual sports in its ratings, but it’s not hard to see that hockey and figure skating have lead the way. None of this should come as a surprise since the Games took place in Europe and therefore a high percentage of the competitions are staged in prime time. In Canada, you have to be retired, unemployed, a shift worker or in prison to watch things live. Since CBC averaged an amazing 1.4 million viewers in the afternoons, we’ll have to assume there are a lot of people who fall into that category. Channel surfing, the good: CBC could have hyped the women’s hockey final, setting it up as a battle between the highflying Canadians and the awesome goaltending of Sweden’s Kim Martin. But to its credit, CBC played it straight. Announcers Bruce Rainnie and Kylie Richardson pointed out that Canada had outscored the Swedes 59-8 this year and outscored its Olympic opponents 42-1. Channel surfing, the bad: During last week’s men’s giant slalom, CBC analyst Kerrin Lee-Gartner noted, “This is the Olympic Games and it’s what dreams are made of.” During the Canada-Denmark women’s curling match, analyst Joan McCusker noted that one of the Canadians “is trying her best.” There’s enough talk during the Games without stating the banal and obvious. Channel surfing, the ugly: Wasn’t there a time when Canada’s Olympic outfits were considered cool? Those pointed hats poor medal winners were forced to wear look like they came from a Seven Dwarfs estate sale.
The Canadian and German under-17 national women’s soccer teams played at the King George V soccer pitch in St. John’s last summer. A $3.5 million renovation project is underway at King George V, with a new artificial playing surface to be installed in April. Paul Daly/The Independent
City asset Renovated soccer complex to attract national and international events to St. John’s By Darcy MacRae The Independent
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he ground may be covered with snow, but Brian Murphy still envisions soccer players passing and kicking a ball whenever he passes the King George V Soccer Facility in St. John’s. In little more than three months, most of a $3.5-million makeover of the site will be complete and King George V will be a first-class soccer complex. “It’s a big asset to the city,” Murphy tells The Independent. “We think, when it’s built, it will be one of the best soccer facilities in Canada.” Murphy, president of the St. John’s Senior Soccer Association (the group that has a lease with the city to run the facility), has played a major role in upgrading King George V. He says the soccer association recognized the need for a facility that could host major soccer events more than two years ago, and immediately began work on making the project a reality. “We were falling behind in St. John’s,” Murphy says. “Halifax has three of these fields … for us to hold big national and international games, we needed to have this, that’s the bottom line. The Canadian Soccer Association said in order for us to hold any big events, we had to have a capacity of over 6,000 people.” When the expansion to King George V is complete, seating capacity will be at 6,500 — far more than the 1,200 seats available in recent years. Aside from expanded seating, the facility will also include a new score clock, new players benches, and a courtyard at the entrance of the complex. A new building that will house four change rooms, a canteen, an office
and a board room is currently under construction, while tenders are about to be called for renovations to the existing building — improvements that include the creation of four new public washrooms, a referees’ room and a first-aid station. Perhaps the biggest addition is the installation of an artificial playing surface. The grass pitch has already been ripped up, and by April, FieldTurf will take its place. “If you play on it, you can’t tell the difference between real grass and artificial grass,” says Murphy. FieldTurf has become a popular artificial surface in recent years — both for its feel and look. It has a base consisting of sand and rubber pellets and features blades of synthetic fibre designed to look and feel like natural grass. Unlike a natural surface, FieldTurf offers unlimited playing time and requires little maintenance. The result, Murphy says, is that King George V will be able to handle more soccer than ever. “The advantage of FieldTurf is you can start playing on it as soon as the snow goes and you can keep playing on it until the snow comes in December,” says Murphy. “This year, with the good winter we had, we could have played up until late December. “Most times (in past seasons) it was mid-June before we got on the field. Then by the middle of September we had to be off the field because you had to get it ready for the next year. By having the artificial turf we’re increasing our usage days from an average of 90100 a year to a little over 200 a year.” Murphy adds that having FieldTurf at King George V means minor soccer programs can operate at the site as frequently as senior programs. He also
says that having such a surface allows St. John’s to host major soccer tournaments in the fall that are usually awarded to other cities — events such as the Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport championships. “Memorial University is going to use this facility as their home pitch, and we’ve approached them about looking into the possibility of hosting an Atlantic and possibly a national (championship),” says Murphy. “The nationals are in November, so by having an artificial turf they can play here in November.” The renovated King George V, with its new turf and added seating, should allow St. John’s to host many other prestigious soccer events as well. Murphy says the Canadian Soccer Association is expected to hold at least one international exhibition game in St. John’s every year, and points out that the 2007 Eastern Canadian Masters Championships, the 2007 national under-18 boys and girls championships, and the 2008 national senior men’s and women’s championships are already booked for the provincial capital. “Because we have this new facility, the Canadian Soccer Association is looking at bringing exhibition games here on a regular basis. Right now they’re looking at having the senior men’s national team come here this year with a team from Europe or the U.S.,” says Murphy. As much as he enjoys seeing the Canadian Soccer Association bring marquee matchups to St. John’s, Murphy insists they won’t be the only ones making good use of the new and improved King George V. “We’re also looking at developing major events,” says Murphy. “We’d like to develop an international youth soccer
tournament.” Events Murphy sees being held at King George V include Challenge Cup and Jubilee Shield provincial league games, inter-provincial tournaments, soccer schools and provincial invitational tournaments. Trade shows, Regatta Day events, Canada Day activities, concerts, children’s events, and corporate fun days may also take place at the facility. “We have to pay for it, so we got to have all these events here,” Murphy says with a chuckle. Of the $3.5 million it costs to upgrade the facility, more than $1 million was donated by the City of St. John’s, while ACOA kicked in $500,000. The remaining funds are being raised by the senior soccer association. Murphy says a major announcement is coming in the next few weeks in regards to the naming of corporate sponsors. Senior and minor soccer programs can expect to be able to take to the field by mid-June, although the grand opening of the shinny new King George V will not take place until later in August. Murphy says a week-long soccer festival including games and tournaments — some of which may include teams from Nova Scotia — will open the facility in style. For all an upgraded King George V will do for soccer, Murphy says it should also do at least as much for the tourism industry. “By having all of this on board — along with Mile One and the new provincial training centre — I think you’re going to see a lot of major events come here,” says Murphy. “It all bodes well for St. John’s.” Darcy MacRae is The Independent’s sports editor darcy.macrae@theindependent.ca
INDEPENDENTSPORTS
SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 4, 2006 — PAGE 32
Darren Langdon during the 2005 Herder Memorial Trophy finals.
Paul Daly/The Independent
Game over?
Deer Lake enforcer willing to play one more NHL season, but questions whether he’ll receive an offer By Darcy MacRae The Independent
D
arren Langdon knows this could be his last NHL season. The 35year-old Deer Lake native has spent the entire season on the New Jersey Devils’ roster, but has only seen action in 14 of the team’s 58 games. Although he missed some action early in the season due to injury, Langdon has been a healthy scratch far more often than not when the Devils take to the ice. “I’m not whining about it … I don’t get pissed off about it because that doesn’t help,” Langdon tells The Independent. “I’d like to be playing more, but I’m just enjoying the year.” The all-time leader for NHL games played by a native Newfoundlander or Labradorian, Langdon has been a folk hero in his home province since he debuted with the New York Rangers as a 24-year-old rookie in 1995. During a career that has seen him suit up for the Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens and Devils, Langdon made a name for himself as one of the top enforcers of his generation. He regularly did battle with the likes of Bob Probert, Tie Domi, Stu Grimson, Chris Simon, and Peter Worrell, proving along the way to be as good a teammate as he is a fighter. But after 521 games in the top hockey league in the world, the end of the line may be coming for Langdon. During
training camp with the Devils, he had to edge out Krzysztof Oliwa for the job as team enforcer, but has since appeared to lose the role to 21-year-old rookie Cam Janssen. Having a younger player move into his position does not bother Langdon. After all, when he first joined the Rangers he challenged incumbent enforcers Nick Kypreos and Joey Kocur for playing time in much the same fashion. “I know I’m getting older now, and there’s young guys coming up,” Langdon says. “When I was young I was taking people’s jobs, and that’s just the way it happens. “What goes around comes around.” Langdon says he doesn’t know exactly what his role will be with the Devils during the stretch run of the NHL regular season. He is equally as unsure of the team’s plans for him next year, since his contract with the organization expires at the end of the season. As to whether his fans might see him in another NHL team’s colours next year, Langdon says he has to be realistic. “I’ve only played 14 games … I can’t see anybody else wanting to take a chance,” he says. “If somebody do want to keep me around, I’m definitely willing.” If this season is indeed Langdon’s last in the NHL, it will also probably be his final year in professional hockey. He says he’s not interested in returning to the AHL — a league he hasn’t played in since he suited
up with the Binghamton Rangers in 1995 — and has no desire to play in Europe. “No, I doubt I’ll be doing any of that stuff,” Langdon says. “I can’t see signing with the minors.” Despite the fact he’s sitting out more than he’s playing, Langdon says he’s actually enjoying his first season in New Jersey. He likes heading to the rink every day for practice and cherishes the opportunity to hang out with his teammates, who know him as “Langer.” As is usually the case, the 6’1, 205pound, left-winger looks at the positive side of the situation. “Things change, and I’ve been lucky to be here as long as I have,” Langdon says. “Maybe it’s my last year … maybe it’s not. I’m just enjoying every day of it.” Langdon is also having fun away from the rink. During the Olympic break, he and his wife Jillian took their children — daughters Kennedy and Brooke and sons Drew and Brett — to Disney World for a week. Demonstrating he hasn’t lost his trademark sense of humour, Langdon says he could afford to spend the Olympic break on vacation while other players used it to give their aching bodies a rest. “It didn’t matter to me, I’m not playing much,” Langdon says with a laugh. “But it was still nice for everybody to get away. We don’t usually have a break during the season.” In the weeks leading up to the Olympic break, the Devils were one of the hottest
teams in the NHL. After a slow start, the club has picked up the pace and, according to Langdon, is ready to challenge the top teams in the Eastern Conference. “We’re definitely playing well. We beat Ottawa the last time we played them, we beat Carolina, we beat some good teams,” Langdon says. “When you’ve got (Martin) Brodeur in net, you never know what could happen.” The NHL’s clamp down on obstruction was cited by many as an explanation for New Jersey’s early struggles this year, and Langdon says the fact officials have left their whistles in their pockets more lately has helped his team. He also jokes that if less hooking and holding is called, he has a better chance of playing more. “At the beginning they called a lot of penalties, but it’s gone back to almost the same thing (as in past seasons) now,” Langdon says. “Obviously the new rules … you’re taking little penalties for hooking and all that. “I’ve done that a lot to try to keep with the big boys, but obviously it didn’t help me.” When the NHL season does come to an end for Langdon and the Devils, Deer Lake’s finest will return to Newfoundland for the summer. If he isn’t offered an NHL contract and decides to retire from pro hockey, Langdon says it will be time to make a permanent home on The Rock. “I’d say I’ll be back in Deer Lake.” darcy.macrae@theindependent.ca
NHL should leave Olympics alone I
t’s time for the NHL to give the Olympic spotlight back to those who deserve it. No more sending legions of all-stars who swear it’s all about the Maple Leaf, or the stars and stripes, or those three crowns on the Swedish jersey. No more snubbing quality players in favour of your pals (in the case of Team Canada). And please, pretty please with a cherry on top, no more close-up shots of Wayne Gretzky agonizing after an opposition goal, or celebrating after a Canadian goal, or on his way to the bathroom, or ordering a piece of pizza … The NHL should do the right thing and stay away from the 2010 Games in Vancouver. To clarify my position, I’ll
DARCY MACRAE
The game back up for a minute and start from the beginning. I don’t think the pro status of NHL players is the reason they shouldn’t be at the Olympics. The line between amateur and pro has been blurred for several years. For the most part, the top bobsledders or speed skaters at the Games are essentially pro athletes in that they are their sport’s elite. They may not be called professional athletes, but they dedicate their lives to
sport just as the pros do and often pick up endorsement deals that make up a large chunk of their income. The top athletes in the world flock to the Olympics every four years, so the argument can be made that the top hockey players in the world belong at the Games. My reasoning behind excluding NHL players has nothing to do with the fact they play hockey for a living. I think they should stay away from the Olympics because they are stealing the spotlight from athletes who more rightfully deserve it. Sure, large crowds watched and cheered the luge, bobsled and biathlon during the Turin Olympics, but on an everyday basis, these sports receive
very little fanfare. The Olympics is the biggest stage on which these athletes will ever perform, and represents one of the few times lugers, bobsledders or biathletes can actually be the centre of attention during a sporting meet. By having NHL hockey players at the winter Games — and for that matter NBA players at the summer Games — lesser known athletes never receive their 15 minutes of fame. As long as Wayne Gretzky and company are in town, they are the big story and everybody else is an afterthought. It shouldn’t be that way, and the only way to fix it is to keep NHL players away from the Olympics. Another plus of keeping NHL players away from the Games is that by
icing teams with players from the AHL and European pro leagues, we give young men who don’t play for the Stanley Cup a chance to play for the second most prestigious prize in hockey. As much as NHL players want a gold medal, winning the Stanley Cup is the pinnacle of their sport. That’s what they dreamed about as kids; it’s what they play for as men. Winning an Olympic medal is a secondary goal. For players who make their career in the minors or overseas, playing at the Olympics is as good as it gets. The Olympic gold medal is their Stanley Cup, so why not let them play for it? See “Ice time tangles,” page 30