Sorry to interrupt the normal RE news-flow.
Today, you, the tax-payer have had your nose rubbed in the dirt. Two Government appointed civil servants, Dave Basi and Bobby Virk were charged and pleaded guilty to fraud and breech of trust in relation to the BC rail sale in 2003.
The big deal was the legal fee, which the Government picked up the tab for....$6 MILLION!!!!
The Auditor General wanted to look into the lawyers billings in detail and find out how such a humungous bill arose and today Chief Justice Bauman said .. no you don't! that would infringe upon client lawyer confidentiality. WHAT???!!
Lets looks at this logically, shall we:
We have two Government employees , who have admitted to committing fraud, we have their legal fees picked up by the tax-payer (while fighting crown Counsel which we also pay for!) Now the Government watchdog wants to find out why the bill was so high, and the reason he can't find out is because of the secret code between the criminals and his lawyers who billed the huge fees??
Does that make sense?
Lets work out the Math:
Even if every scrap of work was done by a senior lawyer at $300/hour. At $6 Million. We are looking at 20,000 hours of work. At 40 hours a week...that's TEN YEARS OF BILLABLE WORK!! With no holidays or days off.
Yes I know many senior lawyers bill $400-500/hour or more. BUT please don't tell me a lot of this work wasn't done by juniors billing less.
Also who is watching the till and bargaining? This Government has been nickle and diming the teachers and other groups, it SHOULD be demanding a great deal from private contractors. A fixed fee. Lots of other organizations bargain fixed legal fees or a ceiling, why not the Government.
And we will never know if the $6 Million was padded or fair? We don't know if a minister okayed the payment or some junior clerk just paid the invoices every month until it added up to $6 Million. I read that there were over 30 similar cases paid for by the Government. By not allowing the Auditor General access to the information, the Chief Justice has closed the door on any accountability.
Crazy eh? Pay $6 Million to defend two guilty Government bozos and don't allow any oversight from the auditor.
We need a strong legal system or we end up like all the countries where people are being jailed for no reason, but the implication of this decision seems that if the Government is paying the bill go for broke!!
BTW- who were they selling the information too. Shouldn't there be some arrests on the receiving end too??
..........
Talking of convicted criminals....
This convicted felon has a new job, though it seems he has moved from pontificating about how we should run our country to sex toys and yoga. Sounds positively awful.
Waiting for the gap fill
-
*Mid-week market update:* The decline in the S&P 500 seems to have been
arrested at its 20 dma (blue line). The next question is which price gap
gets fille...
1 day ago
Just imagine how much the Robert Picton defence is costing us. Even with expropriating his farm I hear we are in the hole for many millions to his 'defence team' some of whom will retire on the proceeds from the many years of preparation, then the trial and now the appeals etc.
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly the AG still is keeping his job, for one more year may be? To keep the gullibles believing the stupidest of things!
ReplyDeleteIf he can't see the bills for $6M, why would they let him poke his nose into >$500M bills ???
Ah well, the nest AG elected by the Force will keep his job for 7? or 8? years with no fear of being fired even if his masters lose this coming election. And remember, "don't look a gift horse in the mouth".
betamax has no clue of the level of despicability and corruption today vs then.
ReplyDeleteThis whole affair will cost us $18 Million. Damn, that would pay for a lot of teachers or care aids!
ReplyDelete"And so the mysteries continue nearly nine years after the Basi-Virk/B.C. Legislature raid case first exploded into public view.
Since that time the overall costs to the public have topped $18 million, including prosecution and RCMP expenditures as well as Basi and Virk's legal bills."
http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2012/09/18/Money-for-Basi-and-Virk/
We can't let this one go by without holding the Government establishment to task. The Liberals are now mentioning the whole fast ferries boondoggle on their ads, another unexplained mess which seems to have benefitted some wealthy folks very much and brought debt to the rest of us (Olympics anyone?)
Compared to that $400 Million loss, this is small peanuts. But it is just so in your face. Yes it's $6 Million but just take it and shut up - is what the legal establishment is telling us.
Shirley Bond is the Minister responsible in case you want to express your own disgust at lack of accountability
http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/39thParl/bonds.htm
Last week, NDP has requested the AG to look into the >$500M leaky roof that was originally budgeted for >$100M. With the current AG's term ending middle of next year, we will never see the light at the end of the tunnel.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, Canada (20th, -10) only just avoided dropping out of the top 20 of 2013 World Press Freedom Index,
behind Nimbia
Costa Rica
Czeck Republic
Jamaica
Estonia .... .
http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-index-2013,1054.html
new 403
ReplyDeleteprice change 145
sold 157
sdetached 5725
attached 7541
Shameful Aussie news on BC politics repeated on ctvBC tonight.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/b-c-auditor-general-may-be-in-line-for-job-in-australia-while-he-weighs-offer-here-1.60145
Potentional Auditor-General at the centre of a political storm in Canada
Deletehttp://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-20/potentional-auditor-general-at-the-centre-of-a/4473054
new 336
ReplyDeleteprice change 133
sold 84
detached 5712
attached 7525
Fresh pretty-face Tamara is now the spokeswoman. LOL
ReplyDeleteThe real estate industry and CMHC can't pump up the ponzie-economies alone. "Ponzi-Demography" is gaining attention globally as a costly and widespread scheme.
"While it may come in many guises, Ponzi demography is essentially a pyramid scheme that attempts to make more money for some by adding on more and more people through population growth.
While more visible in industrialized economies, particularly in Australia, Canada and the United States, Ponzi demography also operates in developing countries. The underlying strategy of Ponzi demography is to privatize the profits and socialize the costs incurred from increased population growth."
"According to Ponzi demography, population growth — through natural increase and immigration — means more people leading to increased demands for goods and services, more material consumption, more borrowing, more on credit and of course more profits. Everything seems fantastic for a while — but like all Ponzi schemes, Ponzi demography is unsustainable.
When the bubble eventually bursts and the economy sours, the scheme spirals downward with higher unemployment, depressed wages, falling incomes, more people sinking into debt, more homeless families — and more men, women and children on public assistance.
That is the stage when the advocates of Ponzi demography — notably enterprises in construction, manufacturing, finance, agriculture and food processing — consolidate their excess profits and gains. That leaves the general public to pick up the tab for the mounting costs from increased population growth (e.g., education, health, housing and basic public services)."
"Among its primary tactics, Ponzi demography exploits the fear of population decline and aging. Without a young and growing population, we are forewarned of becoming a nation facing financial ruin and a loss of national power."
"Among other things, increased immigration, it is declared, is a matter of national security, long-term prosperity and international competitiveness. Without this needed immigration, Ponzi demography warns that the country’s future is at serious risk."
continue reading ..
http://www.theglobalist.com/storyid.aspx?StoryId=8321
And fish, I'm so sick of people stealing discussion materials here without giving credit to this blog.
DeleteDoesn't bother me. I am surprised anyone drops by!
DeleteWhat do you expect? Government is not going to come clean on this case. Normally these two should have to pay their own legal bills from their income and assets but government decided to pick up everything, allowing these two to keep most of their assets like their homes probably worth $2M+. They don't want certain info leaking out in a court proceeding and decided to "pay them of".
ReplyDeleteWith regard to the fast ferries, that was done on purpose to humuliate the NDP and shove as much blame as possible on their alleged bad fiscal practices during election times. Really it's the Liberals that are fiscally irresponsible because the last I heard, the new owners spend like $5M or so on fixes and retro-fit and are now using those fast ferries very happy and satisified.
Agreed. Those scums are fiscally irresponsible and trigger happy taking down their political rivals with taxpayers money.
DeleteNo-money-down mortgages are back
ReplyDeletehttp://www.marketwatch.com/story/no-money-down-home-loans-are-back-2013-02-01
Heck! The roller coaster can't stop spinning!
ReplyDeleteThe Competition Bureau accuses concrete contractors of colluding since 1997.
ReplyDeleteSo far the story has centered around the widespread price-fixing in Toronto to inflate the house prices.
That brought to mind at around that time an international developer was in Vancouver and was horrified with corrupt practices and ethics. These global investors are still alive and mostly likely congratulating themselves for having the foresight to ditch business on this side of the Pacific.
new 503
ReplyDeleteprice change 119
sold 145
detached 5665
attached 7397
Average Prices up, even as sales volume is down and listings up:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.yattermatters.com/2013/02/vancouver-average-price-dance/
What is a Masters in Real Estate?
ReplyDeleteThey may not show up in the stats, but they keep coming since early 2000s on visitors passes, students visas, temporary work permits, and of course spousal sponsorship if the relationship works out.
Vancouver is dirt cheap when compared to Paris
... et alors, qu'est-ce qui s'est passé?
A BC connection to US$202M fraud
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/aa8hpx5
N.B.
According to Elections B.C., Sun Wave Forest Products donated $3,397 to the B.C. Liberal Party or election candidates in 2006 and 2007. CGR Investments donated $11,299 to the B.C. Liberal Party or election candidates between 2005 and 2006, including $10,000 to Mr. Belsey’s failed re-election campaign for the North Coast region in 2005.``
According to Baidu, NI Ritao who bought Skeena Cellulose is from Wenzhou - the birth place of real estate flippers in the LML in the past years.
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/aclgtro
You lost me there, dudes. Ni (Ritao = sun wave) bought Skeena Cellulose pulp mill circa 2005 "for $3.3-million".
ReplyDelete"Subject to some key conditions, Sun Wave is expected to spend about $100-million to restart the 350,000 tonnes-a-year mill, aiming to use 80 per of the output to feed its paper operations in China."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/china-paper-gets-nod-to-buy-skeena-mill/article982016/
However, the pulp mill has been PARKING on the same spot for the past 7+ years. The city of Prince Rupert picks up the tab for maintenance costs etc all this while.
Sun Wave is located at #1008 - 4710 Kingsway. If they simply mothball their pulp mill, then why do they need an office in Metro Vancouver?
Deletehttp://oi47.tinypic.com/2njvjer.jpg
don't confuse them with #1088
Deletehttp://oi46.tinypic.com/30w00pf.jpg
http://oi48.tinypic.com/2d19xrq.jpg
new 519
ReplyDeleteprice change 158
sold 201
detached 5766
attached 7562
new 476
ReplyDeleteprice change 148
sold 142
deetached 5866
attached 7525
City of Vancouver has launched a new online searchable database of rental buildings to assist renters to make more informed decisions about their housing.
ReplyDeletehttp://app.vancouver.ca/rps_net/search.aspx
ReplyDeletenew 460
price change 142
sold 150
detached 5956
attached 7695
ReplyDeletenew 460
price change 120
sold 142
detached 6018
attached 7753
" A good tip is to weblog about things related to your industry with out giving away something which you could be making cash from. Keep on experimenting but learn form the past mistakes and do not try to implement those in the future plans. - Page 16 -.
ReplyDeleteHere is my web-site :: Internet Marketing Coach
And that is the first rule of keywords - Relevance.
ReplyDeleteOf course if you want an internet marketing plan to actually fulfill its intended function,
then it has to be constructed in a competent manner. Make
sure that your subscription box is very noticeable.
My web site: Internet Marketing Coach
my web page :: Internet Marketing Coach
Those that are not familiar with the area will treasure this information above
ReplyDeleteall else, and it will help them enjoy your wedding more thoroughly.
(Here's the key difference. This is not always something that brides or grooms have time to put together on their own.
Also visit my web-site wedding website about me
It is through urine and feces that we purge our body of infection.
ReplyDeleteImplementing these changes in your life, will be effective remedies
against recurrent yeast infections, when undertaken with a holistic yeast infection treatment program that will kill the yeast infection from the inside out.
Get the answers you're looking for.
My blog ... vaginal yeast infection and yogurt
Using a reliable site to buy Youtube views or buy Google+1's is essential. Buying fans or views is a clean process and delivered to you on time. Even customers are given complete freedom to call their customer support number in case they are facing any problem.
ReplyDeletemy site :: increase youtube views
With the increasing fan base your product sale will also considerably
ReplyDeleteincrease and your marketing objectives will be easily achieved.
Out of all them the best and most used one is to buy Facebook fans.
One way of looking at the cost of the purchase of fans for
fan pages is whether to place an ad, you would have to pay for it.
Here is my web-site: kangwon.ac.kr
My page :: http://socialbears.com/facebook-fans/
I wanted to thank you for this good read!! I definitely loved every
ReplyDeletelittle bit of it. I've got you bookmarked to check out new things you post…
Stop by my site: 1st birthday party ideas
Think about fields that interest you, talents with which you are blessed
ReplyDeleteand needs that are not being met to come up with
your own list of outside the box job ideas self employment.
This will help make navigating the weaving poles a habit for
you dog. Dog Training Using Praise.
My web site dog training and boarding in florida
In looking for the proper collar for the pets, things that you need to consider are safety, the
ReplyDeletetraining process as well as your convenience. Bond With
Your Dog Through Play. Dog Training Using Praise.
Also visit my blog post: dog training accessories uk
" A good tip is to weblog about things related to your industry with out giving away something which you could be making cash from. Robert Riohe is a well-known author, he has been writing different blogs on different topics like health,nutrition,supplements etc. , to all your fans.
ReplyDeletemy page Internet Marketing Techniques
The players would begin as members of the SCA, going to Phoenix for the Estrella War.
ReplyDeleteThe game was released on August 3, and is in stores now, but probably
is where it will remain, sad to say. Play games all night long
in keeping with the twenties theme such as various card games and crossword
puzzles.
Look into my blog post: office furniture
The CDC recommended vaccination program has reduced Hepatitis
ReplyDeletesignificantly in our country, but a trend indicates a slight increase for foreign travelers.
As such, the app is extremely handy for everyone that is forgetful
and frequently boards airplanes. We asked our community of contributors to
tell us their holiday travel stories.
Have a look at my weblog :: one travel airline tickets & hotel
Douching and unique scented bathroom items can upset the pure stability of bacteria in the vagina and make
ReplyDeleteyeast infections much more possible. This will ensure that you treat
the right disease when you take the medication. Apple-cider vinegar diluted in water kills yeast and provides temporary relief.
Feel free to visit my web page :: male yeast infection antibiotics
By dividing up the party at several peoples houses you make it easy on yourself.
ReplyDeleteYou make different challenges like scavenger hunts, food challenges, mazes and races.
That is the new craze in on the internet gaming, and numerous girls and teens are possessing a blast.
Look into my web page :: clubic
My site :: blue
The irritation could then spread in the baby's buttocks and upper thigh area, as well as the genitals. Drinking a lot of water, eating plain yogurt, and drinking unsweetened cranberry juice as part of her daily diet can help maintain a woman's natural p - H, if she
ReplyDeleteis prone to yeast infections due to constant p - H imbalance.
Apple-cider vinegar diluted in water kills yeast and provides temporary relief.
Feel free to visit my blog - yeast infection antibiotics yogurt
My web site > symptoms of yeast infection antibiotics
Password protection is an ideal way to protect sensitive information you prefer only
ReplyDeletethose authorized have access to. What is even more exciting is that
you will be able to keep this wedding website for
one year, at no cost to you. So even though it's been annoying at times that I've had to do most of the planning of this wedding myself, it's been good for the same person to have an understanding of everything that's going on.
Here is my weblog :: wedding website affiliate programs
my web site: free wedding website advertising
There are features that allow you to keep track of vendors that you like
ReplyDeleteand keep notes so you know why they are listed. (US).
With the advantages that technology is affording for us now planning
that special day is a lot easier and simpler.
my weblog - free wedding website advertising
My website > the knot wedding website amanda isgate and brandon hicks
Some models are even outfitted with a child seat that is
ReplyDeleteremovable. Saturn inflatable kayaks are also an affordable option with many
kayak models starting at $500. Most websites are
filled with information regarding various boats for sale with cost details, manufacture date, manufacturer's name as well as pictures uploaded of various makes for a more detailed approach to sales.
Look at my page ... projectors
My website: mesothelioma
Hola! I've been reading your blog for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the great work!
ReplyDeletemy weblog ... legal ecstasy
Do short, higher-intensity workouts -- Several times
ReplyDeletea week, as recommended by the Paleo Diet provided more nutrition compared to grains, dairy and processed foods from your diet.
Is this the iPhone 4 look stunning.
Here is my blog post :: paleo diet bread
Fruits, Nuts, and the paleo dietby Loren Cordain, Ph. 7
ReplyDeletemillion years our species has been in use for centuries in Asian countries,
though not in the mood for something and make sure to give him/her
some walnuts! On the Tour, Bradley will eat porridge in the
morning sounds delicious but I can't survive on that. When you're in the
same way as regular pancakes. The Merganser diving I love
the" Elvis" haircut. The diabetes diet was designed to increase the omega-3 in our diet for survival and good health.
My page; free Paleo recipes
The paleo is based on foods humans ate during a major period
ReplyDeleteof our evolution: the Paleolithic period.
Feel free to visit my web site paleo chicken recipes
These are meat, poultry, fish, fruit, and juice are
ReplyDeletethe essentials to a complete robb wolf diet and balanced breakfast.
True : The Robb Wolf Diet is a low-carb diet, but there are still no good solutions for glanceable information on the iPhone.
These are foods such as grains don't survive unless hard objects were used to eat a healthy breakfast. In any case, by taking this approach, all you have to stick to your temporary caloric restriction that will allow you to mobilize unwanted fat and get skinny.
Feel free to visit my web page; list of foods for the paleo diet
Later on, among the continued practice ending up will continue to be auxiliary accustomed
ReplyDeleteburning the various chords. The sooner you memorize some chords, the easier will be for you to perform plenty of
styles of music. Best Regards.
Here is my web-site :: piano chords amaj7
This will most likely happen if you have to
ReplyDeletebecome good at spotting the best small methods of website linking ideas for college students.
methods of website linking Accounting Software and
General LedgersManagement system software should
have good general ledger flexibility.
Here is my page ... http://forums.google-scraps.com/profile/ElvisE13