Saturday, July 14, 2012

The Canadian political system

The Canadian political system as it is known today for the first time drawn up by the "Fathers of Confederation" at the Quebec Conference of 1864. This then became law when the constitution act was passed in 1867. This act gave the formal executive authority to Queen Victoria (Queen of Great Britain) that have made Canada a sovereign democracy. The Canadian political system is therefore loosely adapted from the British system.

Now, Canada is an independent federal state with the Queen still the head of state. Its powers are extremely limited however, as Parliament approves laws which the Queen gives the "royal assent" as the final step. The Governor General of Canada is the Queens representative in Canada and conducts all real obligations when the Queen is not in Canada. The Governor is always a Canadian chosen by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister. The term of office is normally five years for the Governor General.

Houses of Parliament (seat of the federal government) are located in Canada's capital, Ottawa. There are 3 main sections of the Canadian Parliament. The Queen, as Head of State, the Senate (appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister) and the election of the House of Commons.
The federal government has the power to "make laws for peace, order and good government of Canada" which includes International policies, defense, immigration, criminal law, customs and border control.

The Senate

The Senate consists of 105 senators who are appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. These Senators are men and women of all provinces and a wide variety of backgrounds. They can join the Senate until 75 years and must be a Canadian citizen, over 30 years, just $ 4,000 of equity in the land of their home province, have over $ 4,000 as personal equity and live in the province represented. Each province or territory has a number of Senators - 24 each from the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario, 6 each from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 6 from Newfoundland and Labrador and a further 1 each of the three territories.

The main role of the Senate is to read and evaluate the "bills" sent by the House of Commons, although they may also initiate bills. This process ensures that no rogue bill becomes law, although it is rare that the Senate rejected a bill - to send back to the editing room. The bills are submitted to the legislative process by the full Senate, and if approved will be given to the Governor General for royal assent and become law.

House of Commons

The real power is held by the House of Commons. Here, members of Parliament (MP) are elected by citizens during a Federal election - normally every five years. The country is divided into electoral districts (308 in total with the size of the population) and whichever candidate has the most votes wins the right to represent the constituency and take their "seat" in Parliament.

Each Most candidates represent a particular political party and the party with more "seats" takes over as the Government. The main parties in Canada are Paul Martins Liberals (manager), Conservative Stephen Harper, Jack Layton's New Democratic Party, The Bloc Quebecois and the Green Party to name the largest.

The leader of the political party that wins the election becomes Prime Minister of Canada (currently Paul Martin Liberal). The Prime Minister effectively runs the country with the support and advice of his cabinet. The Cabinet is made up of "Ministers" chosen by the prime minister to be responsible for some sectors of government. There are Ministers of Health, Finance, Defence and immigration to name a few. These areas of responsibility are called "Portfolio" and each minister will have a large team of public officials (usually the experts in this area) who work for him / her. Only the change ministers during an election campaign - not the staff.

Although the MP represent their local constituency, their main tasks in question the laws to be made and, depending on their party, either for or against the government. The opposition political party with the second most seats in the House and their main task is to keep the government accountable for their decisions.

A government with a lot of seats in the House will be strong and able to pass most laws they want in Parliament. In contrast, a weak government (as now) does not have the majority of seats and must rely on the support of another party to form an effective government.

After each election, the Senate and the House of Commons is elected (House) or appoint (Senate), a speaker. The speaker is responsible for the procedure and must be impartial, enforcing the rules of the house / senate during debates and votes. The President chairs the Assembly by a raised chair with OM MP government the right and the left opposition.

Making laws

For starters, the House of Commons members introduce a "Bill" (legislative proposal). The details of the bill is read to the House without debate and then the bill is printed (first reading).
During the second reading, we discuss the principles of the bill followed by a vote. If successful, the bill is then sent to the committee.

A committee will hear testimony, examine the bill and then submit a report to Parliament recommending as it is, with modifications, or dismantled. From here you pass the stage of relationship.
In the reporting phase, any changes are discussed and voted on. Then he moves to the third reading. This is where the House finally debates and votes on the final draft - if it passes the vote is sent to the Senate.

The Senate has the bill through the House process itself - if you go through all that (normally does!) Is given Royal Assent and becomes Canadian law!

For more information go to http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/canadian_political_system.html

Friday, July 13, 2012

A democracy? What we have wrought.

One of the biggest mistakes abroad is the thought that any system today can claim to be democratic. None are. Although they claim to be democratic and which are democracies, they are actually republican government? Representative democracies. This means that some people are elected to serve the interests of the people in general. These representatives make the decisions for the people rather than people who make them. And these representatives are elected for a period of time during which period they can not be removed except for what amount to crimes or offenses.

If we had real democracy, people make decisions on any government policy. It would be the people as legislators? It provided, inter alia. But that doesn? T are not sufficient. If there were really a democracy, that is, a system of government to respond to the wishes of the people, then an official had to wear a device that would track what people want. And when the majority can easily be reached by doing an act or not to do so, the official could or should do or stop doing the latter. This would be true even at the level of what is said or not said. If people do not want a particular officer to use a particular term, the will of the people rule. Vox populi, vox Dei. The wishes of the people are the only thing that matters.

However, the government would not be possible if it did, though now this is much more feasible to do. (There are people who support this sort of thing by the way. And all this concern about polls augurs well for the most part the same thing.) No treaty could be negotiated, or the right could never be passed and no criminal will ever be arrested, tried and convicted, if that were the case. It would be government by the committee and the committee was the Committee of the whole people. And, excuse the expression, would be a mob.

As it is, the representatives are elected for a period of years and people are not allowed to express their wishes, except for every 2 years, 4 years or 6 years, depending. This allows isolation from the people you are creating a space for the representative to act for the common good. This means that the common good should be the interest. The people will vote after the vote the representative. At that point, however, passions may have cooled, the result can be clearer or the thesis may have a better chance to carry the day. The point is that sometimes the demand for people that is not good for them, or sometimes question what is not good for a substantial minority of people. The crowd is still a real possibility.

And 'this elitist? Well, yes. But the elitism must be tempered by an intelligent people, a people who were involved and understood the problems and went to a meeting from time to time on some problems of government or society. But even so it is the form of government we have and it worked very well in past centuries. And it is only when the public good is not the primary objective of government that we had problems.

Usually, people who talk about such things say this because they think they have a greater chance of obtaining power from yoking themselves to the people. Wherever people go, you go? And they will swear they were before. But it is demagogy, literally. It can create the likes of Hugo Chavez. And this kind of reasoning can also be the basis for a system like Vladimir Putin? S Russia. (Protect me and give me some stability and will forgive your use and possibly abuse of power. But if the speech is for another time.)

I know politics is something people want or isn? t it. Or maybe it isn? T, but that should not be the problem - whether good or bad for the country should be in the spotlight. And if it's good, a statesman, unlike a politician, people would bring with him? Or her.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

The Politics of Fashion

Everyone knows that clothes make the man. From the executive suits that litter Wall Street like the remnants of a parade to the coveralls and work boots worn by construction workers and mechanics, clothes tell the story of who we are and where we are going. Even when the workday is done, what we choose to wear our time is still a reflection of our personality. From the suit to-suit, our clothes are designed to be not only functional but also future. Clothes tell others what we like, and often, how we spend our time. Sports franchise logos are constantly on display on Main Street America. T-shirts with well known television, film and music icons can be seen everywhere. The clothes have something to say and people are beginning to realize that the responsibility of being a walking billboard requires us to choose wisely.

Now more than ever, politics are entering the realm of fashion. Blatantly political phrases and slogans are increasingly on the shoulders of the public than the bumper cars. There are also clothing that advertise specific candidates or political parties and have actually been purchased by someone, somewhere (not obtained as a door prize at a fundraising party). But what options exist for those who like a little subtlety 'with their agenda? Enter the fusion of art and socially conscious clothing. Less politically and infinitely more fashionable, boutique tailors have created clothes that are the realization of the budget over between the message and the medium. Using art as a medium of exchange and clothing as the canvas, these pioneers of significancy are providing people with a way to express themselves both in figure and fact. What better way for entrepreneurs to meet the needs of an audience that is focused on reflecting a belief in style and substance.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

As governments seek to Get Back Control

So the British government had its way on banning smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces. The ban was made in the grounds of ensuring a safe working environment for all employees throughout the country. The ban applies everywhere except, of course, the same House of Commons. One might assume that this is because it is not open to the public and no one works! This is just another example of the hypocrisy of our government: 'Do as I do, do as I say'. 'You do not know what is good for you but we do it'. You can not have a wage increase or it must be restricted because it is not good for the economy, but we vote a significant increase because we are a special case ', and so it goes.

They also got their own way for the time on ID cards. Arguments about this have been displaced by the war on terrorism, the fight against illegal immigration than the current stop ID fraud. I actually had no idea that there are millions of people out there stealing each others' identity. I suspect that the only people guilty of identity theft are the same as members of the government seem to take a number of different forms depending on what side they want to ban or subject to us.

I suspect that the pressure of most of this recent legislation in the Western world is an attempt to regain control of the population. In the past if you stepped out of line or had an argument against were threatened with hell fire and damnation. With the decline of the Church, and his more modern approach of this control line is gone. With the immediacy of communication throughout the world we all now know what is happening at any time. Consequently, governments have lost control of the situation unless you happen to be in China!

There has been talk of putting chips in cars so that movements could be tracked us all the time. I do not know why the government just do not forget ID cards and go to the full step and put chips in us all. This would act as a means to verify your identity and have the added advantage of being able to track us and our movements all the time. Any body visiting the country could have a chip implanted temporary. In this way the police should not stop you, ask for a card that could simply scanning distance and if by chance 'chipless' that may block for 90 days.

Strange, is not it all started with a ban on fox hunting. I feel I had enough and should periodically move elsewhere, but where are you going? This seems like a tidal wave sweeping across the entire western world and it is impossible to stop.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Overview of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in 1996. The purpose of this law is to protect the private information of individual health from being disclosed to third parties without the consent of the individual. Except in unusual circumstances, consent must be in writing.

However, there are some exceptions to provide consent. The consent provision does not apply if:

- Treatment
- Billing
- Quality assurance
- Peer review
- Business planning
- Staff training
- Request for reporting to public health agencies
- Some emergency situations
- Research studies that have obtained a wavier from the Review Board (IRB)

Search

Private health information can be used in research studies if you de-individualized "so that the identity of the individual can not be ascertained from the information released. For example, if you were conducting a study of lung problems suffered by New Yorkers after the 911 terrorist attacks, Would it be allowed to identify as a patient, a 50 years old, 5'11 ', 175 pounds, while the male from New York City with high blood pressure.

Marketing

Healthcare providers are prohibited from selling or using their patient lists or members to market products from third parties. However, they can use their list to communicate or sell their services to their list members. Great care must be taken to restrict access when using online collaboration, such as an intranet (http://www.trichys.com).

Business Associates

All business partners, vendors or other contractors using the structure of health care provider must sign a contract stating they understand and agree to be bound by HIPAA. The health care provider can be held liable for the actions of business partner if it did not sign a contract or there was a history of abuse and health care noted in this regard.

Individual rights

Under HIPAA, individuals have the right to:

- Notice of privacy practices of health care provider
- Request for restrictions on who can access their health information
- Access, inspect or copy their personal health information
- Request for accounting of all disclosures of their health information
- Request for corrections or changes to data in their health

Health Care Provider Responsibilities

Health professionals are required to:

- Ensure the safety of both paper and electronic individual health information
- Establish a complaint process to investigate complaints
- Train staff on the law

The HIPAA regulations allow for both civil sanctions and monetary penalties for violations of the law.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Spies in the Ointment ---- For U.S. ports

Funny how the debate on the management takeover UAE port facilities in the United States fails to focus on intelligence as a major concern. Nothing less than the security of the ports of New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, Miami and New Orleans also an important point to stifle American oil supplies, is at stake.

Enough has been written about how the flow of petrodollars finding their way into the hands of Islamic militants and supporting the forces of global terrorism to establish it as fact. These transfers of money to make it clear that any Middle East oil producing nation is subject to powerful influences alqaeda and other such groups. As long as the money flows, the East East oil fields will be safe from violent disruptions, is a global-scale version of racketeering mafia: you pay, your store's OK, you not pay your dead!

Information can also arise as a result of threats and pressures that the same formula as the petro-dollars to those seeking the demise of our country. Hold the government of oil-producing country that is subject to these pressures responsible for the management of port facilities in the United States creates a reservoir of information to those who have sworn to destroy us and gives them a road map for our national weaknesses, an early warning system for military operations and presents opportunities for sabotage and attack on a large scale.

Ports have always been a focal point for espionage, and for good reason: the lifeblood of war, commerce, industry, and economic prosperity through them and tells his secrets well trained observers. The presence of spies in our ports credentials can provide all this information to the terrorists at Internet speed.

Also manage portions of a large port provides continuous access to port facilities and systems requires knowledge of port security, geography, and operations. daily presence in the port to provide knowledge of security systems, the credentials (which can be reproduced) and knowledge of safety standards they represent. Learn more sensitive about how containers are selected for inspection --- or not inspections, emergency response or security systems and how to disable lights can be easily found once inside the fence and experienced management of our ports.

No nation or company can be sure to keep spies and terrorists infiltrated their staffs and in the case of the UAE, out of our ports. Our staff has had spies CIA counter working undetected for years. It 's the nature of the beast and can not be avoided, no matter how counter-spin the administration puts out. UAE with the potential for infiltration is much greater due to internal pressure by the militants.

With spies in our ports there will be little port security. The how, why and complexity of port operations will soon be in the hands of those who have sworn to destroy us. Since there is only a matter of time until our enemies to find the key to unlock and enter port security with impunity.

The danger is real. Most hardware and military supplies bound for the flow and the Middle East through the ports on the east coast of the UAE want to manage. New Orleans is a center bottleneck point for a major American oil supplies.

There are men and women who work and fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our government has an obligation to protect their safety to the greatest extent possible. Failing to protect information concerning the type of equipment, the volume of military procurement, the ships they used, etc. provides notice of our plans and endangering rather than protecting our troops.

On the domestic front, imagine a spy or terrorist credentials that allows free movement within the Port of New Orleans. He or she might find spots where best to choke off 20% or more of oil supplies America violently or through more subtle sabotage. Further imagine such a person to duplicate their credentials and genuine leaders bombers or other destructive forces to choke points. Or imagine a top manager pressed to turn the head to the passage of hazardous cargo in America. The potential risks are incalculable, but very real.

It amazes me that our government thinks that Americans know that by their government is spying on them without warrants is a serious breach of national security, but can become dependent management of our ports and the information contained therein to a power foreign object of strong pressure from our enemies. Worse yet, pay them for it!

The Bush administration maintains that the UAE is an important ally in the war against terrorism and somehow taking out the major risks to enable them to manage our port facilities. Well, it does! In the light of 911, the leading UAE must understand our concerns increase the risk of further attacks or sabotage crippling, if not, then they are not as strong an ally as the administration thinks.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The governor of Wyoming for uranium miners: bring us your designs!

"We are ready: this state is at stake!"

The New Face of uranium mines in Wyoming

Part of a five-part series

Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal really like the current uranium bull market, "I hope that the price of yellowcake stays, and things are moving." Yes, the Democratic governor of Wyoming strongly supports uranium mining in his state. This makes sense because Wyoming is the largest producer of uranium in the United States. More than 40 percent of uranium reserves in the United States are located in Wyoming, according to estimates of reserves and resources published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Since hitting a bottom in late December 2000, the spot price of 'uranium has risen by over 500 percent, reaching a peak of $ 38.50/pound in late February. The last time that the uranium traded this high, President Ronald Reagan in the second month of his first term.

Unlike some states where uranium mining is frowned upon, or forbidden, Wyoming welcomes the industry with open arms. "We've always been sort of comfortable with the uranium industry," said Freudenthal StockInterview.com. "The uranium industry is part of our history. It is not something frightening or alarming for us." Freudenthal clearly sees nuclear energy as a potential solution to the energy crisis, "I do not think anyone has reservations that we need to have greater national capacity in energy. I believe that in the circles that care about those equations, there is clearly a role for nuclear energy. "

Freudenthal urged the capital market to act on the energy crisis, turning to Wyoming and mining abundance of uranium, "There's got to be a signals clear to the capital markets That investment in this area will ultimately be rewarded. We certainly the resource. "Since June 2004, listed companies and junior uranium speculators have created a frenzy played in the state. Wyoming Office of State Planning and investments reported developers are snapping up tens of thousands of acres of state leases. The reading room, where the prospectors and developers to study potential for leasing federal lands for the office of Cheyenne 'U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was filled to capacity during a recent visit by the editorial team StockInterview.com.

StockInterview.com asked if the unusually high level of activity focusing in Wyoming by listed companies, such as minerals Strathmore (TSX: STM; Other OTC: STHJF), Energy Metals Corporation (TSX: EMC), Kilgore Minerals ( TSX: KAU), UR-Energy (TSE: URE) and Uranerz Energy (OTC BB: URNZ) was purely speculative, Freudenthal said: "I think we're beyond the kind of speculation of people crossing and shooting everything. There 're down to serious gamers Trying to take serious decisions. "Good news for companies mentioned above uranium development: The Governor of Wyoming believe you mean business, and is doing everything he can to Encourage You!

Freudenthal was optimistic more companies would bring their projects in Wyoming, "These investments are not light. But you do not exit and reactivate the production of uranium, if at the end of the day, you have a buyer." Governor Freudenthal is a good Listening and acting quickly and decisively in the face facts. For example, when StockInterview.com informed him that dismantled Russian nuclear warheads now powered about one every twenty electric light bulbs in the United States, and that the swords-to-plowshares agreement could be finalized in 2013 (end of HEU), said Freudenthal, "If this timing is correct, then they should already be making decisions to invest in Wyoming. I hope they do."

A large number of Canadian and European financiers believe there is a nuclear renaissance. What is the Governor? "We are ready," Freudenthal shot back. "They just need to start projects and the money (in Wyoming). I think we have a better regulatory climate. I believe that if you move in 'in situ' (ISL) mining, we have some experience with this." And if public companies to bring their projects in Wyoming, as does Governor Freudenthal feel? "This state is at stake", said exuberantly.

Asked to compare Wyoming to New Mexico, once a higher state of uranium production, he said: "This was, historically, is much more comfortable with the development of raw materials." On the other hand, has some 'referred to the nuclear renaissance in New Mexico, where flying rumors of a new nuclear plant and the expansion of uranium mining and nuclear weapons in that state, saying: "New Mexico is closer to some large consumer markets of energy. They have fewer miles of transmission lines to build, if they are to arrive in California and Nevada. It seems illogical if I were an investor to look first. "

What does the Governor has to say to companies developing new flock of uranium, Cameco Resources, which combines the power of uranium mines in Wyoming? There are several companies that have staked the ground and are now beginning to move forward with their projects. Freudenthal advised, "They need to start a major allocation of capital at a rate that the project sponsors are comfortable. We went to speculators. People know that (uranium) is here. Nobody wants to hit the market too soon. And I will not be too late. Will move. I do not know when. But when it does, we can respond to it. We have the goods. We have the right regulatory climate. "

Governor Freudenthal would invite or discourage a public utility in constructing a nuclear power plant in Wyoming? "I have a problem with one. The question really has always been, and most of what we focus on now is being built power lines. If you do not have supply lines, we're not going to get nuclear plants . We're not going to get coal plants. We're not going to get anything. Ours is a country of export. There is not enough domestic demand for electricity to justify the construction of a plant. " Freudenthal added Wyoming WAS "waiting to see if the biggest economy is ready for some nuclear plants."

Two years ago, his administration created the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority to work on power lines getting built. This can help remove the bug stall the launch of the first nuclear reactor in Wyoming, as well as leveraging the most valuable source of renewable energy state, the wind. "We have five or six areas that are world-class wind resources. There are people who want to build the turbines, but were able to have access to the electricity grid. And I think the same applies in terms of whether it is a nuclear power plant, a coal plant or the new combined cycle plant, which can convert coal into gas. Ultimately, the market decide which side they are going to go. But, no matter what they do, I know that my chances of success are greater in Wyoming if I understand our paths of the power line. "

Freudenthal is popular, can think of a cowboy boot-clad feet, and can be decisive. And you are working on power line routes, not just to dream what could be done. "We hope some things," he explained. "We worked with California on the border line." And what is the dividing line? The Secretary of Energy announced in a press release a year ago, "This proposal shows the boldness and innovation for the West is traditionally known as multi-state cooperation and think big-picture must make regional markets thrive. " Secretary Bodman praised Governor Schwarzenegger, Freudenthal, Guinn and Huntsman, saying: "... the project 'Frontier Line' will start the process to ensure reliable electric power for some of our fastest growing Western States."

As an exporting State, Wyoming has done well during the recent boom in raw materials, enjoying the increase in royalties from oil production, natural gas, coal and uranium. Last year the accumulated surplus of nearly $ 2 billion. How does Freudenthal plan to spend this money? "We're putting a piece of scholarship in college, a piece of infrastructure and investment in a piece of human capital." And next year, there were more pieces like Freudenthal spend high energy prices continue to demand the removal of Wyoming offers plentiful resources generously to the rest of the United States.

As a side note, Wyoming is a "state red", but with a very popular governor who is paradoxically a Democrat. Although we have not discussed political ambitions Freudenthal, Wyoming before leading political figures has served as Vice-President of the United States through most of this decade. Memo to Hillary Rodham Clinton: Do not ignore Dave Freudenthal if you want to woo the large number of red states between the east coast and left coast. This might help the governor get your old room back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.