Like Stephen Harpers controversial omnibus bill, Ontarios proposed budget legislation is a Trojan horse, one chock full of unexpected surprises.

Under the guise of implementing Finance Minister Dwight Duncans March budget, the Strong Action for Ontario Act would casually whittle away at environmental protection.

More alarmingly, it would appear to give Premier Dalton McGuintys cabinet extraordinary authority to restructure or privatize public institutions such as hospitals and schools without consulting the legislature.

McGuinty and Duncan are furious that the opposition New Democrats, having agreed to the broad strokes of his budget, are balking at this bill a bill that at one swoop would amend or create 69 statutes.

But the real question is why Andrea Horwaths NDP didnt dig their heels in earlier.

So far, most attention has focused on McGuintys threat to call a snap election if his budget bill isnt passed intact.

Given that no party including McGuintys Liberals wants an election, thats a hollow threat.

The more interesting and largely unexamined issue is what happens if the bill is passed.

First, Ontarios budget bill aims to weaken environmental regulations that might interfere with resource activities such as mining and forestry.

It would amend the Crown Forest Sustainability Act to let cabinet exempt timber companies from their current obligation to prepare management plans every five years. And it would give the cabinet broad authority let such companies ignore cutting limits.

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McGuinty’s Trojan horse budget

Like Stephen Harpers controversial omnibus bill, Ontarios proposed budget legislation is a Trojan horse, one chock full of unexpected surprises.

Under the guise of implementing Finance Minister Dwight Duncans March budget, the Strong Action for Ontario Act would casually whittle away at environmental protection.

More alarmingly, it would appear to give Premier Dalton McGuintys cabinet extraordinary authority to restructure or privatize public institutions such as hospitals and schools without consulting the legislature.

McGuinty and Duncan are furious that the opposition New Democrats, having agreed to the broad strokes of his budget, are balking at this bill a bill that at one swoop would amend or create 69 statutes.

But the real question is why Andrea Horwaths NDP didnt dig their heels in earlier.

So far, most attention has focused on McGuintys threat to call a snap election if his budget bill isnt passed intact.

Given that no party including McGuintys Liberals wants an election, thats a hollow threat.

The more interesting and largely unexamined issue is what happens if the bill is passed.

First, Ontarios budget bill aims to weaken environmental regulations that might interfere with resource activities such as mining and forestry.

It would amend the Crown Forest Sustainability Act to let cabinet exempt timber companies from their current obligation to prepare management plans every five years. And it would give the cabinet broad authority let such companies ignore cutting limits.

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Walkom: Ontario budget bill is McGuinty’s Trojan horse

And what is so rare a day in June? wrote the poet James Russell Lowell. Then, if ever, come perfect days. Except in Ottawa, where the fairest month is primarily a time to speculate about the entrails of power. Whos up, whos down and whos out in the cabinet shuffle expected before the fall session?

This season, as in the past, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is holding his cards preternaturally close to his vest. However, he is expected to put a new face on the government beginning in early August with a deputy-minister shuffle, then continuing in late August or September at the ministerial level.

Conservative insiders expect this remix will be substantial, as the government seeks to re-calibrate following a first year in majority during which it was repeatedly buffeted by controversy, ministerial missteps and scandal. Though the final roster will remain known only to the PM and perhaps his wife and chief of staff until shortly before it is unveiled, a few names recur.

TOP DOGS

Jim Flaherty is not expected to budge from Finance, as he remains the mainstay of the Tories economics team. Three other names top Conservatives lists of senior ministers whove consistently outperformed and have earned their pick of jobs: Jason Kenney at Immigration, John Baird at Foreign Affairs and James Moore at Heritage.

Any one of these three could be airlifted into Defence to clean house there. The drawback would be that each is helping the government appreciably now in a key portfolio. Kenney is two-thirds of the way through his overhaul of immigration. Baird is hitting his stride as a foreign minister, having spent the better part of the past year outgrowing his old attack-dog persona. Moore has managed to ride herd on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation without a major upheaval for a Conservative, a feat of ineffable dark magic.

RISING STARS

The acknowledged up-and-comers, in no particular order, are Chris Alexander, Ajax-Pickering; Michelle Rempel, Calgary-Centre-North; Candice Hoeppner, Portage-Lisgar; Kellie Leitch, Simcoe-Grey; and James Rajotte, Edmonton-Leduc.

Rempel is bright, a good communicator and holds Jim Prentices former seat. Leitch, a pediatric surgeon and frequent pinch-hitter in Question Period, holds the seat once held by Helena Guergis. Rajotte, respected in caucus and chair of the Commons finance committee, has long been deemed a shoo-in for promotion, but has been held back by the preponderance of strong Alberta MPs, including the PM, already in cabinet.

ON THE BANANA PEEL

Originally posted here:
MacKay, Oda and Toews lead possible departures as Harper mulls Cabinet shuffle

"And what is so rare a day in June?" wrote the poet James Russell Lowell. "Then, if ever, come perfect days." Except in Ottawa, where the fairest month is primarily a time to speculate about the entrails of power. Who's up, who's down and who's out in the cabinet shuffle expected before the fall session?

This season, as in the past, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is holding his cards preternaturally close to his vest. However, he is expected to put a new face on the government beginning in early August with a deputy-minister shuffle, then continuing in late August or September at the ministerial level.

Conservative insiders expect this remix will be substantial, as the government seeks to re-calibrate following a first year in majority during which it was repeatedly buffeted by controversy, ministerial missteps and scandal. Though the final roster will remain known only to the PM and perhaps his wife and chief of staff until shortly before it is unveiled, a few names recur.

- Top dogs:

Jim Flaherty is not expected to budge from Finance, as he remains the mainstay of the Tories' economics team. Three other names top Conservatives' lists of senior ministers who've consistently outperformed and have earned their pick of jobs: Jason Kenney at Immigration, John Baird at Foreign Affairs and James Moore at Heritage.

Any one of these three could be airlifted into Defence to clean house there. The drawback would be that each is helping the government appreciably now in a key portfolio. Kenney is two-thirds of the way through his overhaul of immigration. Baird is hitting his stride as a foreign minister, having spent the better part of the past year outgrowing his old attack-dog persona. Moore has managed to ride herd on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation without a major upheaval for a Conservative, a feat of ineffable dark magic.

- Rising stars:

The acknowledged up-and-comers, in no particular order, are Chris Alexander, Ajax-Pickering; Michelle Rempel, Calgary-Centre-North; Candice Hoeppner, Portage-Lisgar; Kellie Leitch, Simcoe-Grey; and James Rajotte, Edmonton-Leduc.

Rempel is bright, a good communicator and holds Jim Prentice's former seat. Leitch, a pediatric surgeon and frequent pinch-hitter in Question Period, holds the seat once held by Helena Guergis. Rajotte, respected in caucus and chair of the Commons finance committee, has long been deemed a shoo-in for promotion, but has been held back by the preponderance of strong Alberta MPs, including the PM, already in cabinet.

- On the banana peel:

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Den Tandt: Harper mulls cabinet shuffle — who's getting the axe?

BEIRUT: Metn residents warned Tuesday that they will hold a protest next month if no final decision is made regarding a replacement for the recently dismantled Jal al-Dib bridge.

The organizers apologize in advance to Lebanese and to foreign tourists for what their move on June 10 at 7 a.m. will result in if a final decision is not made based on a proposal with a plan for immediate implementation, a statement by the residents said.

It added that Metn residents were fed up with attempts by some officials to politicize their rightful demand for proper infrastructure.

Residents of Jal al-Dib and its environs have protested over the past two months to demand the construction of a replacement for the recently dismantled bridge, in the process blocking the main coastal highway leading to and from Beirut.

Proposals made by an independent group of engineers representing Jal al-Dibs residents and a number of other proposals by the Council of Development and Reconstruction have so far failed to be included in the Cabinets agenda for discussion.

The protesters also said that during a meeting earlier this month with Deputy Prime Minister Samir Moqbel, whom the Cabinet designated to resolve the issue, the Development and Construction Council agreed to prepare a new study based on European standards for a highway extension to Beirut and Tripoli, with a road leading to Jal al-Dib and the Metn.

In the statement Tuesday, residents urged the Cabinet to approve the plan to build the bridge as agreed with Moqbel.

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Metn residents to continue protests if Cabinet fails to approve replacement bridge

ROXAS WANTS TO RETAIN ROBREDO TO AID SPEAKERSHIP BID

06/18/2012

Infighting in the stables of President Aquino erupted anew with the endorsement of Aquino himself of Sen. Panfilo Ping Lacson for a Cabinet slot when his term expires next year possibly to the post of Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), a prospect that the camp of Aquino trouble shooter Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas wants blocked.

Highly-placed sources from the House of Representatives said that Roxas, president of the Liberal Party, is extremely opposed to the plan of President Aquino to give Lacson a Cabinet post.

The camp of Sec. Roxas is against Lacson because he is not their ally. They want to keep (Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse) Robredo in his post as the latters departure may jeopardize whatever plans that Roxas may have in mind for the coming elections. The post of Robredo is very strategic in terms of harmonizing relations with local governments and national police force, the source said.

The same source said that while Aquino, LP chairman, wants Roxas to remain in his Cabinet, the secretary and former senator is reportedly eyeing the post of House Speaker in place of Feliciano Belmonte by running as congressman of Capiz in the 2013 elections.

There are serious talks in Capiz about his comeback and challenge the speakers post of the next Congress. If Secretary Robredo will be replaced, the replacement must be their ally, the source said.

But the source explained that the last say would be from Aquino who is allegedly weighing his options so as not to hurt leaders of the LP in case he appointed Lacson to a contested post.

The President is weighing intelligently all his available options so as to ensure that his forces are consolidated and united. The last say will be the Presidents. After all, it is his prerogative, the source said.

Roxas has been locked in a bitter battle with Vice President Jejomar Binay since the past elections. Roxas protested Binays victory before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

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Noy backing on Ping sparks LP infighting

By Amy R. Remo Philippine Daily Inquirer

Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras

MANILA, PhilippinesAmid persistent rumors of a Cabinet revamp, Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras on Friday said he would stay put at his current post for as long as President Benigno Aquino III wants him there.

In a briefing on Friday, Almendras said rumors of him being assigned to another post likely surfaced because apparently, some people probably want me out of the job or some people think probably I will be better in another job.

It will be the President who will be the one to make that decision, and until such time that the President makes that decision, I think we should all wait. Until that decision is made, I will continue to do my job as best as I can. There is no certainty that I will stay, there is also no certainty that I will leave, Almendras said.

Almendras said he would not stay one minute longer in his position once President Aquino decides to replace him.

I will not do anything to try to hold on to this job. I have no qualms of staying. I also have no qualms of being replaced. There are rumors that I am being demoted and I have no problem with that. That will even be a very welcome relief. It will be up to the Malacaang team if there will be any changes. But as far as I am concerned, I have not been formally advised if there will be changes, he explained.

The energy chief, however, admitted that while there has been no official communication regarding his transfer, he has had informal talks with President Aquino about the things that can be done to improve the way things are being implemented.

Almendras, however, did not say whether these talks involved his possible transfer.

At the National Bureau of Investigation, President Aquino has also yet to find a replacement for former NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula, who was sacked early this year.

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I’m staying–Almendras

Will Troy Buswell return as WA's Treasurer?

The Premier has confirmed he will not remain as the Treasurer beyond the next two weeks following yesterday's resignation of Christian Porter.

Colin Barnett said this morning that he would find a suitable replacement within the Cabinet to take over towards the end of the month.

"Obviously a new Cabinet Minister will come in and I've just got to look at the balance of the Cabinet overall," Mr Barnett said.

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"I don't intend to continue as Treasurer."

The Premier's comments have ended speculation that he would take on the role on a permanent basis, leaving him with the two biggest portfolios.

There are still left several questions unanswered as to which Ministers could take on the position of Treasurer and Attorney General.

The gaping hole in the senior portfolios could see former treasurer Troy Buswell return to the role but that would also leave his present responsibilities of housing, transport and emergency services up for grabs.

Mr Barnett is more likely to promote one of his MPs with some economic and business credentials, such as Liza Harvey or Mike Nahan.

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Ministry question mark

12-06-2012 12:59 This video showcases the hot slide or cut-over procedure to replace an existing 3M(TM) Cross Connect Cabinet 4918 utilizing a 3M(TM) Cross Connect Cabinet 4230VKF with 3M(TM) Quick Connect System Blocks 2810 with 114" block tails.

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Cabinet Replacement for Hot Slide Using 3M(TM) Cross Connect Cabinets - Video

U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson in Mumbai earlier this year. (Rajanish Kakade/AP)

Poor John Bryson! Be honest: How many of you could have coughed up the name of the commerce secretary last week, even if a Jeopardy Daily Double were on the line?

In the year since he was nominated for the job by President Obama, Bryson had never once made it onto the front page of the Washington Post, New York Times or Wall Street Journal until, of course, the bizarre series of traffic accidents in southern California Saturday that prompted him to take a medical leave.

For those who assume a certain grandeur automatically comes with a Cabinet post, the incident suggested otherwise.

Bryson, 68, had what officials described as a seizure while driving his own car, alone. No security? Turns out thats how commerce secretaries roll when traveling on personal business, were told.

White House officials said they were only told about the accidents a day after they happened, and the president said he only learned about it Monday morning. Face it: If this had been, say, Tim Geithner, thered have been a 3 a.m. phone call and an instant cable-news stakeout.

Ron Brown in 1996 (J. Scott Applewhite/AP) Is commerce secretary the low man on the high end of the Washington totem pole? Probably no more so than any of the other Cabinet posts that huddle in the shadow of the Big Four: State, Defense, Treasury and Justice.

Its a hugely prestigious position, insisted Juleanna Glover, a Republican lobbyist and frequent hostess who has observed the Beltway status game over the years. Somewhere, theres a high-dollar Romney donor whos dreaming of being commerce secretary.

Malcolm Baldrige in 1985. (James K. Atherton/The Washington Post) Indeed, the title has traditionally gone to money guys who helped lasso big donors for the president, even if many (remember Don Evans?) tended to fade quickly into the background. Its a job with a broad and somewhat unwieldy mandate the Commerce Department promotes economic growth but also oversees divisions like the Census Bureau and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Georgette and Robert Mosbacher in 1989. (Dudley M. Brooks/The Washington Post) Occasionally, a big personality draws more attention to the job: Reagans pick Malcolm Baldrige, an experienced cowboy who died while in office after a freak rodeo accident. Bill Clintons pal Ron Brown, the first African-American named to the post. Bob Mosbacher, the rich, suave Texan whose third wife Georgette, a glamazon cosmetics exec, took the town by storm in the late 80s.

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John Bryson’s accident brings sudden fame for the unknown Cabinet secretary