Halifax is keeping all the province's money while towns die in NS

Dr. Albert Maroun Follow Me

Posted this 2017-12-12 12:11 PM AST (updated 2018-02-28 3:21 PM AST)

Halifax will receive $1.779 Billion this year from Ottawa in the form of an Equalization payment.

It is supposed to be distributed to the various towns and municipalities in the province but instead they will take only $32 million and divide that amount up to all towns and municipalities combined and then keep the rest in Halifax. That means Halifax will keep $1.747 Billion for themselves.

This has been going on for years and it is time it stops. Halifax is growing a record speed, faster than most big cities in Canada.

All other towns and municipalities in Nova Scotia are almost bankrupt. Help us please…..Email us to get involved at [email protected] and will send you a return email with ways you can help.

For more detailed information, please visit our website HERE

Posted by Dr. Albert Maroun
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Bill Fiander Follow Me 2018-01-13 10:43 AM AST Reply 1 0 How about in the next provincial election have a number of people run under the moniker of NSEF?
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-16 3:56 PM AST Reply 4 0 Thanks to everyone who attended the public meeting on Equalization on Friday past. There was a lot of good questions asked and I think most people left with a clearer picture of the situation and a much better understanding of the political crime in play currently in this province. Most people could not even conceive the amount of money that CBRM is being shorted due to the Equalization situation. Thank you again for your interest and attending. We will email your minutes to you as soon as possible.
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-17 7:16 PM AST Reply 0 0 During the Monday, Jan. 16, Council meeting about the municipal Charter, a number of speakers raised the federal Equalization Payments received by the provincial government and how little of it is distributed to the many economically weak municipalities. Municipal Affairs Min. “MUMBERQUETTE” was present but was mum on commenting on the provincial government’s under funding of all of the eligible municipalities under the government’s $32 million program when the federal government provides $460 million. Sydney businessman Parker Rudderham raised the Equalization distribution calling for “a more equitable distribution of the $1.8 billion in annual federal Equalization payments paid to the province.” Min. Mumberquette this issue is gathering more support and your continued silence on this “longstanding situation” (Parker Rudderham) is being loudly heard by your constituents who pay unreasonably high residential and commercial tax rates.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-18 12:37 PM AST Reply 2 0 I am glad to see the momentum we are gathering with regards to the equalization situation and business men like Parker Rudderham are starting to voice their concerns about the high business tax rates here in CBRM. People like Parker are investing here in this community and creating jobs and there is provisions provided from the federal government to lower the taxes for them. The only problem is the provincial government in Halifax is not giving it out to the areas that need it. More people need to be challenging the politicians on this matter. I wonder who is the bully in Halifax when our own politicians are not able to fix this problem or even address it with the constituents because their hands are tied. If you are a politician and you are unable to get anywhere on this matter because of this, then you need to be public about it. We are the people who vote you in power and this is our concern. If you are hitting a brick wall in Halifax, then let your public know and we can help with this. It will probably come down to embarrassing Ottawa but together we can prevail. The NSEF Group is not going to stop until this injustice is corrected. If the government was waiting for the older board members to get tired of fighting well we have as many younger people now who will continue this fight. People are starting to learn about this political crime and the younger generation are way more upset about this then we were. Why should Parker Rudderham as well as every other business owner here on this Island pay higher business tax rates than downtown Toronto while Halifax pays almost half what we do. It is time for other business owners to get on board and help apply pressure on the politicians. Martha Ross Follow Me 2018-01-18 9:15 PM AST Reply 1 0 Thank you once again Dr Maroun for speaking out........this is what needs to happen to get the attention of the people and hopefully the government of Nova Scotia. There has been many years of letter writing,phone calls and on and on to get the attention of government all levels to look at this EQUALIZATION PROGRAM once for all, and give rightly what the municipalities are entitled to. Instead of continuing to stick their heads in the sand and letting the municipalities go down the tubes,its already happened to some of them.......
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-18 2:31 PM AST Reply 1 0 The CBRM over the last 19 years will have been robbed by the NS provincial government of over $4 billion in federally provided Equalization Payments. That’s because 26% of the federal $1.8 billion is generated because of the weak fiscal capacity of most of the municipal units that cannot raise sufficient revenues from their tax base to provide public services at the national standard at reasonably comparable level of taxes. All the economically weak municipalities have been proportionally robbed of their share of this federal funding. Can this provincial government policy of robbing those municipalities of over $460 million each year be allowed to continue? Five towns as communities were no longer economically sustainable and were forced to dissolve as governing units and joining a larger municipality with much less governing influence. Imagine if that 26% of federal funding over the 19 years had gone to its intended citizens! Do you think HRM would look a bit less prosperous than it does today? An audit would expose this political corruption. Martha Ross Follow Me 2018-01-18 9:04 PM AST Reply 1 0 Charles Sampson you are so very right at what you are saying here. This municipality would so rightly have the many services in place that haven't been here since many,many years, and the tax base would be at a decent level, instead its outrageously to high We are just hanging on by a shoe string.....its about to let go at any given time. I am the last person in the world that would say that if it wasn't true. We have nothing to offer our young people,to want to stay here once they are out of high school/university, We have so many children living in poverty here in Cape Breton, powers to be should hold their heads in shame. I support an audit 100%, this will show the facts we have being talking about for a lot of years. Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-19 11:02 AM AST Reply 1 0 Very True Martha. The only problem is the Federal Government probably does not want to expose many many years of political corruption and political theft. We are looking into a class action lawsuit between the people of this municipality and the provincial government and I am sure the other towns and areas around Nova Scotia would entertain joining as well. The problem is that enough people are questioning the politicians about this situation and they just continue to get away with it. For the past 16 or 17 years the NSEF have tried many things to get the attention of government on both levels but they continue to ignore it. When the protest start in the spring, they will ignore it no more. Media kits are available now and being sent to many political reporters in Ottawa and we are in contact with them currently. They are starting to ask questions from our group and can't believe what is going on here in this province. The provincial government will have to answer for their actions and it will be the biggest scandal. No wonder the people of Cape Breton want to break away from this province. How much more does the government in Halifax want us to take. Enough is enough.....17 years of trying to solve this in a nice way is not working and it is time to be a bit more aggressive.
Bill Fiander Follow Me 2018-01-21 12:18 PM AST Reply 1 0 Equalization was main topic of the most recent session of talks regarding a CBRM charter. http://www.capebretonpost.com/news/local/second-public-charter-consultation-session-held-on-saturday-179161/ Martha Ross Follow Me 2018-01-21 6:10 PM AST Reply 1 0 Yes,Bill you are so right.......equalization was the main topic of the latest session of talks regarding the CBRM Charter. Thank you to three of our group members who nailed it about the EQUALIZATION PROGRAM.........The presentation's they provided and spoke on were excellent and truthful......It is way over do, action must come from the powers-to-be and solve this unfair situation........
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-21 2:56 PM AST Reply 2 0 In spite of the many presenters at the CBRM’s two Charter consultations sessions who raised the conspicuous under funding of the economically weak and entitled municipalities of their 26% of the $1.8 billion yearly EqualizationPayments, attending Minister Municipal Affairs Derek “Mumbourquette” refused to acknowledge that under funding. The provincial Auditor General is being requested to do an audit of these federally provided Equalization Payments as the Liberal Party continues to ignore its own Annual General Meeting Resolution that called upon the AG to do such an audit. Is there going to be justice for Nova Scotians living outside the Capital Region of HRM after all these years of blatant political manipulation of these $8 billion of federal funds being stolen from residents in entitled and eligible municipal units in this provinces? Creating a Charter without addressing this intentional political theft will not make make this injustice go away or be forgotten.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-23 11:24 AM AST Reply 2 0 It was a very interesting meeting at Council Chambers on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. Derek Momberquette was asked regarding the $261 million due to CBRM each year for the lowering of residential, commercial & industrial tax rates and to build infrastructure and promote new business startups to parity prevalent in Halifax. Money provided by the Federal Government in the form of Equalization grants to the province for distribution. His reply was the usual political response (to satisfy his political bosses in Halifax). He said he will work for this, but there are many & varied issues involved, etc. etc. In other words....I have to obey them & therefor, you won't get what legally due. Poor Derek!!!! If he does deliver the money, he will lose his job as minister of municipal affairs. If he does not deliver the money due, he won't be reelected. Daryl Dexter knows of what I speak. Rev. Dr. Albert Maroun
Bill Fiander Follow Me 2018-01-24 9:02 AM AST Reply 1 0 CBRM council minutes on CBRM charter talks: A direct question put to the Municipal Minister by Ray Paruch on equalization was evaded. http://archive.isiglobal.ca/vod/cbrm/archive_2018-01-20.mp4.html
Bill Fiander Follow Me 2018-01-24 10:51 AM AST Reply 1 0 The Municipal Minister appears to have been impressed by the presentation of NSEF Albert Maroun in 2009 and that a 'grave injustice has been perpetrated' under the Cape Breton Post title: Financial Research Convincing when he was a sitting CBRM councillor. https://www.pressreader.com/canada/cape-breton-post/20091010/282127812533365
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-24 1:17 PM AST Reply 3 0 The report in the CB POST, Jan. 22, “We need a champion in Halifax” did not mention one of the presenters for some reason. This second Charter session in the CBRM council chamber had Fr. Al Maroun (PhD) speak and he specifically drew attention to the fact he was wearing his white priest’s collar because he wanted to draw the moral significance to that moral failure of ALL GOVERNMENTS to fairly distribute this federal Equalization to all eligible municipalities in this province. The Charter has to acknowledge this and incorporate this fairness in any charter that it seeks from the provincial government. Minister “Mumbourquette” did not respond to Fr. Maroun’s assessment of the government policy all these years as being clearly morally deficient. Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-24 1:57 PM AST Reply 3 0 Thank you Charles. It did not bother me that the Cape Breton Post did not mention me. I am just glad that the counselors seem be absorbing this Equalization issue. It was refreshing to see them challenging Derek "Mum-berquette" (thank you Ray Paruch) It only takes a simple trip to Halifax for anyone from this island to see the injustice at play. The counselors have the power to challenge the government representatives on this issue. Our mission has been to educate the public on the equalization distribution crime that has been taking place all around Nova Scotia for many years. We are now reaching out to the various communities around Nova Scotia to have them stand up with us to fight this wrong doing. The Federal Government has now acknowledged the problem and we now have the various departments in Ottawa looking into the situation. We have a team of four videographers now working on our story as well as a media kit available soon with copies of all the letters and correspondence over the last 15 years to various departments in Government. It will be embarrassing to some people in government that they have allowed this to continue but that is not our problem. I wore my priest collar because of the moral issue. As a priest, I am aware of the daily struggles that people have because Cape Breton is not receiving our fair share of Federally provided monies to help with our economy. Every day we receive more emails from younger people who want to get involved with our movement and we educate them on the numbers and when we do, they are disgusted with our provincial government and rightfully so. As soon as spring hits, there will be protestors everywhere unless we get help now from our government in Ottawa. It will be an interesting ride and it is great to see the younger population engage and fight for their future... Martha Ross Follow Me 2018-01-24 8:33 PM AST Reply 1 0 Hello Dr. Maroun........Just to clarify something.......the Cape Breton Post did mention you Dr. Maroun,about a third of the way down the page,I have a copy of that Post saved. Thank you for a job well done, Maroun & Sampson and Guy.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-25 1:07 PM AST Reply 1 0 Part 1 I read a posting in the Cape Breton Post today by a Jay McNeil about the attitude from some Cape Bretoners and I just wanted to comment on it. I realize that some people can be negative from time to time. I agree with what he says about people need to be more positive but I also realize why people are negative around here. It comes from years of doing without while we watch Halifax flourish. It is sad when I travel to Halifax and see all the goings on in their city and when I return home and see no new growth here in CBRM and we are a part of this province. The norm of a young couple separating so one of the parents can go off to work out west while the other stays at home raising the family is common around here now. Let’s ask ourselves why they choose to do this.....I believe that we all realize what a wonderful glorious place in which we live. There are thousands of people every year who spend thousands of dollars to come here to visit this Island and see our beauty. It is all in our back yard and there for all of us whenever we want it. "Complaining is an easy sport" and I wish more people would get involved in our political playground here on this island because you are right Jay, it is exciting. This is why I feel so strongly about the Equalization problem. For many years now, Ottawa has been providing millions of dollars for us to build a better place economically but we do not see that money. Imaging if we had many industries and jobs available here and people could keep their family units together and live a better life. All of this is possible if we could just win the battle against our provincial government and force them to give us what we are due. This should excite everyone on this island.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-25 1:09 PM AST Reply 2 0 Part 2 Cape Breton back in the day was where people from all over the world came to work. We were the most multicultural place in this country at one time. Whitney Pier was a place where your neighbours were all of all different ethnic origins. Ukrainian, Polish, Irish, Scottish, Italian, Jewish, Russian, Syrian / Lebanese and African just to name a few. Everyone got along and everyone respected the many cultures at play. What we have allowed the Provincial Government to do to us over the years is a crime. What we are today compared to what we were then are night and day. There have been many years of abuse at play here and this accounts for some bad attitudes. People across the country view us a having our hands out all the time but the problem is we do not get what is allotted to us by the Federal Government and if we did, then we would be self sufficient and not need much from Government in the way of equalization. So to expand on what Jay said in the paper......Get excited about this cause and correct the problems we face and make this a better place for everyone to enjoy life. We have it all when it comes to beauty, good people, entertainment, music, culture, arts, innovation, etc, etc. Get positive and join the NSEF (Nova Scotians for Equalization Fairness) and feel good about making positive changes in where you live and play. Email us at: [email protected] and join our ever growing group and show that we will stand no more for the political crime that the provincial government in Halifax is bestowing upon us.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-26 10:49 AM AST Reply 1 0 I hope everyone who reads this page will look at the Cape Breton Post today and read the article by Jim Quigley titled "Island in Desperate Need of Help" Wow, what an article and he nailed it perfectly. We all have to realize that it is time for a major shift in Government in this Province. We need more young people running and it is time to say good bye to all the old politicians who think they are doing a good job. The MP's, MLA's, etc on this Island are not looking out for our best interest and we all need to take a good long hard look at our situation. I will be calling on Mark Eyking and Roger Cuzner to make a comment in the near future and I will post their comments as soon as I reach them. I am sure they will not take my call and of course, I will advise them (or their assistants) that they are public servants and they have to answer to the people who employ them. It is time for change. Just look at a television today and see what is happening in government across this country. Politicians think they can do whatever they want and there is too many back room deals made that negatively impact our economy and future. If we do not send a loud, clear message to the politicians who represent us soon, it will be too late. If you want to make a difference, email us at [email protected] and find out how you can help. We will need many people in the spring to protest and if you want to make this Island a better place, then join us. Together in numbers, we will be heard.
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-26 1:04 PM AST Reply 1 0 Are all Nova Scotians equally entitled to their fair share of federally provided Equalization Payments each year? Why have 5 towns already had to dissolve and join the neighbouring municipal unit with less political representation for its former residents? Why does the federal government continue to provide $460 million each year because of the fiscally poor municipal units in this province when the provincial governments over the many years DOES NOT PASS IT ON TO THE POOR MUNICIPAL UNITS THAT GENERATED THIS FEDERAL AMOUNT OF FUNDING DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THIS UNDER DEVELOPMENT? Minister Derek “Mumbourquette” and Minister Geoff MacLellan explain to your electors how ONLY $32 million - which is all clawed back to the provincial government - and all the federal transfer of $1.8 billion is put in General Revenues how this benefits the CBRM and the other municipal unit? It’s time our auditor general did an audit of this federal Equalization Payments to expose this scandal of a policy to destroy communities outside the capital region.
Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-26 1:28 PM AST Reply 0 0 The problem is that the Subsection 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 apparently gives the province too much flexibility. It does not appear to read that these monies are earmarked for distribution directly to municipal units. However, it can certainly be argued that Nova Scotians obviously live within municipal units, and these MUs are responsible for delivering some of the "reasonably comparable levels of public services at the reasonably comparable levels of taxation" outlined as the purpose of the program. The province can spend these monies in any way it desires. It's possible (though not achieved in practice) that they could keep all of the equalization transfer, give none directly to the municipalities, and still achieve the program's goal. See part II. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-26 1:33 PM AST Reply 0 0 Part II: If data from within our municipal units is significantly different than other areas of the province, we can argue that they are not fulfilling the intent of this program. For instance, if housing and business property taxes are much higher in the CBRM versus Halifax (as they are), then it's not a reasonably comparable level of taxation for the residents of the CBRM. However, if the services (provincially-delivered or otherwise) aren't up to the same standard as the rest of the province, then we are not only paying higher taxes, we're also not receiving reasonably comparable levels of services. The tax benchmarks already exist. We have that data. The services disparity data also exists, though it requires more effort to compile. One of the easier examples I can think of is the disparity in wait times, or the necessity of travel to Halifax for medical services (surgeries, etc). By showing we have a much higher relative tax burden (per $100 of property), and a pattern of quantitatively indicated disparities in the level or quality of services provided to us, we have a strong argument that: The province isn't fulfilling the objective of the equalization program. The solutions are: 1. The province needs to spend more to make sure that both objectives are achieved: service level and tax burden. 2. The province needs to transfer more revenue to the municipal units to invest themselves, moving towards the objectives. The most obvious instant achievement being reduced housing/business tax stress on taxpayers. 3. A combination of both 1 and 2. The easiest immediate solution is to simply focus on #2. Why not double the equalization payments distributed to our municipalities to $64 million per year, and assess the impact after 1-2 years? Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-26 4:42 PM AST Reply 1 0 Joe, where does it state, "The province can spend these monies in any way it desires." Are you implying there is no legal commitment for both levels of government to be in compliance with the Constitution Act,, 1982? Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-26 4:55 PM AST Reply 0 0 Hi Charles, I'm certainly not studied on the Constitution Act, or the legal requirements for Equalization. I've read a lot of material over very quickly, including the NSEF site. It's a huge reading assignment, and a difficult challenge for a layman to get emersed into. I'm taking a look at the purpose of the program as outlined here on this Equalization summary page: https://www.fin.gc.ca/fedprov/eqp-eng.asp "Parliament and the government of Canada are committed to the principle of making equalization payments to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation." (Subsection 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982) This part clearly indicates that the funding is to be committed to the provincial government - not municipal governments. While the province is, in my opinion, failing to meet this goal, what I do NOT see is an indication that the goal must be met via transfers to municipal government bodies. It would appear that once the province has these monies, they can spend them as they choose, although they should be spent in order to fulfil the purpose of the Equalization program in the first place. The same page (link above) also states: "Equalization payments are unconditional – receiving provinces are free to spend the funds according to their own priorities." If the Federal government places no conditions on the transfer to the province, and the province is "free to spend" it "according to their own priorities"... where is the indication that the province is obligated to transfer it to the municipal government units? Now, this requirement may be in the act somewhere. Can you provide a reference to a part of the act that specifically requires the province to send equalization monies to municipalities? Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-26 6:10 PM AST Reply 1 0 The government data is the evidence this equalization funding is not complying with the S.36. Had it been allowed to be judged by a trial judge, the government's own data would have been most embarrassing - the courts had to protect their masters from the public outrage. Also some of the concerns you express is why the legal suit only sought a Declaration from the court that the provincial government was not in compliance with S.36 and offered no advice to the provincial government to rearrange its finances to be in compliance with the Constitution. But even that limited request had to be thrown out for the same reason. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-26 6:26 PM AST Reply 0 0 Agree. I'm suggesting the province is likely not in compliance with the objective of the program, but that there does not appear to be any requirement that they transfer equalization funds directly to municipal governments. The compliance is measured based on the outcome, not the method of spending. Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-26 6:57 PM AST Reply 1 0 But that spending to achieve that compliance is not being done. Whether through a municipal unit or not is irrelevant, the relevant data of the government is that it is not in compliance with the law. Also, the 26% of that transfer or $460 million federally provided because of the fiscal weakness of the many municipal units is never explained by government how its $32 million is addressing that fiscal deficiency the Feds calculate and provide $460 million to address it. None of what the former CBRM ADMINISTRATION did was to urusp any provincial government authority, but the government’s own data shows it is not in compliance with the Supreme Law: the Constitution. The courts played politics because like their earlier denial to Sue Rodriquez for assisted death that the courts now rule is available. This obvious manipulation and injustice from that manipulation by government is not going to go away and eventually the courts will have to enforce the Constitution. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-26 7:19 PM AST Reply 0 0 To clarify, you would be ok with a solution that involved the province making more investment in the CBRM (as well as other municipalities) - and giving no additional equalization monies to our municipal government - as long as they met the objective of reasonably comparable services and taxes? Note: I need to learn more about the 26% allocation. Another problem is the lack of specificity of the language. "reasonably comparable"? What's the quantitative definition of reasonably comparable? The meaning can certainly be distorted. We absolutely know that we (the CBRM) pay more in property tax (per $100 of value), and we can identify metrics that indicate that provincially provided services are not on par with other places in the province. That is a very strong basis. The court approach has been attempted, and I believe it was worth the investment, though I don't believe people fully appreciate the details of the outcome. Most won't simply because we're not lawyers, and such matters are complex. However, we have an MLA that is now Minister of Municipal Affairs. Could we be in a much better position to have an advocate for increasing our equalization transfer (for all municipalities) by a factor of 2-5x? If Momborquette doesn't support it, it's going to be a hard battle. If he doesn't actively advocate for it, I think voters should turf him in the next election. Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-26 9:08 PM AST Reply 1 0 Given the many years of under funding, I think the 26% of the federally provided because of the municipal fiscal deficiency is a good place to start. The remaining 74% cannot be used to wipe out the changes of the 26%. The interpretation of the language is going to be a debatable issue. But the current percentage spread of taxes and services can be said to be too wide. I’m not convinced Mombourquette being the minister of municipal affairs will be of much help. We have had deputy premiers and premiers too and MLAs on the government side but no change. It always was a hard struggle. The group is working on new initiatives that will try to make the politicians even more concerned over their future. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-26 9:28 PM AST Reply 1 0 As a new MLA, Momborquette is the most leverageable political asset at this time. IMO, strategically, absolutely everything about Equalization has to be tied to him and must always point it out if he remains non-committal... until such time as he actually commits. Not careful language. Full and clear verbal commitment. Every press release, every letter to the editor, every goCapeBreton.com posting, every discussion with a journalist, etc, should be tied to him. Complications: There's no leverage with the Province right now, and there isn't likely going to be any in the foreseeable future. Nobody will try a legal path at this stage. People will blow off some steam talking about going for provincial status, but it'll get nowhere. Strategically, a strong lobby combined with an interim goal of getting the province to increase the transfer to the municipalities is potentially an achievable objective. There isn't a party out there whose leadership will support handing over a great deal more in transfers. So the battle will need to be won, inch by inch. As a newcomer to the topic, I say that with respect to all of the members of the NSEF who have been working on this for so long, without whom this issue wouldn't even be mentioned anymore. Your lobby has kept it alive, and as of late (with the help of Dan Christmas) it's starting to show signs of compelling more local politicians to have to make the word "equalization" roll off their tongues - as uncomfortable as that may be for some of them.
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-28 11:43 AM AST Reply 1 0 Report of Auditor General of N.S. NOVEMBER 2015 Canso Dissolved. 2012 Bridgetown. Dissolved. 2015 Hantsport. Dissolved. 2015 Springhill. Dissolved. 2015 Mulgrave. In Process Initiated 2015 New Glasgow. In Process. Initiated 2015 Parrsboro. In Process. Initiated 2015 Pictou County. In Process. Initiated 2015 Stellerton. In Process. Initiated 2015 Town of Pictou. In Process. Initiated. 2015 Minister Municipal Affairs Derek Mombourquette must acknowledge these communities would not be seeking dissolution if the federal funding from Equalization Payments had been provided to all of the eligible municipalities over these 18 - 19 years. Minister Mombourquette, how many more communities will your government just stand by until they too are dissolved so that the Capital Region can be economically sustained with federal Equalization Funds generated by a government policy of impoverishing its municipalities? Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-28 12:03 PM AST Reply 0 0 What is the process of dissolution, or rather the outcome of dissolution, Charles? Are they then absorbed into another neighbouring municipality or the province takes over on tax collection, provision of services/infrastructure, etc? How does it work? Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-28 12:59 PM AST Reply 2 0 In regard to the process of dissolution I am no more informed than others who have not been directly involved in this process. Neverthelesss, dissolution appears to be an end to the communities former political structure. Seems seeking to join an existing neighbouring municipal unit is what is happening. Whether the residents of the former dissolved political unit can get comparable representation to what they had before dissolution is highly unlikely. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-28 1:02 PM AST Reply 0 0 So I'm up to speed on the basics, the precursor to dissolution is always when these municipal units can no longer afford to continue providing required services due to declining property tax incomes? Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-28 1:19 PM AST Reply 2 0 When the government’s program is to deliberately ignore the 26% or approx. $460 million provided by the federal government because of the fiscal weakness and, instead, grossly under fund these units with $32 million that is all clawed back, the focus has to be what is the future vision of this government, and those of the past, for Nova Scotians living outside the designated growth area of HRM? Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-28 4:20 PM AST Reply 0 0 I'll need to search your NSEF site to try to understand the 26%. Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-30 10:01 AM AST Reply 2 0 Joe. We have an informational video starting soon that will help explain the numbers a little easier. It will highlight the differences between the two regions and show the totals of money being received by the provincial government as well as the disbursements to the towns and municipalities. This video will highlight the improvements and exences made in the capitol region and what the various towns and municipalities have done without due to underfunding. It will be simple for everyone to understand then. The NSEF Board has some pretty smart cookies and if you try to follow the politics and numbers with people like Charles Sampson you will be informed quickly. He is very smart politically and we'll informed. We have many like that on our board. We have four amazing video producers gathering content now and we can't wait to release our first video soon. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 11:14 AM AST Reply 0 0 I'm looking forward to seeing the video. I've been following this for quite some time, and I don't think the numbers are actually very clear, even to a layman who is paying attention. A big part of the origins of this confusion (outside of NSEF membership) is likely the vagueness of the legislation at the Federal level. However, the small amount available to the municipalities from the provinces Federal transfer is quite clear, as are clear indications that we're not experiencing "reasonably comparable" provincial services at comparable levels of taxation. At least not by my personal notion on what defines "reasonably comparable". The video is an excellent move as it should be a more effective medium for people to understand what this is all about, and how strong your argument actually is, and what it would mean if the formula for allocation was changed. Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-30 11:33 AM AST Reply 1 0 Our first video will inform people of the shortages in funding being provided. We will touch on the differences between the town's and various areas of the province and HRM. It is our intention to inform the country of how thier tax dollars are being hoarded by one area. The country views us as having our hands out all the time. Well they don't know that we don't actually receive the Equalization transfer we are entitled to . Once we start getting our fair share, then we will develop CBRM to the great place it should be with regards to business and development.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-30 10:19 AM AST Reply 2 0 since it is a snow day here on our beautiful island.....I would like to know what people think of Cecil Clarke running for PC party leader and leaving as mayor of CBRM. Any thoughts? Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 11:06 AM AST Reply 0 0 I'm in full support of him resigning as mayor. I'm in full opposition to him pursuing the PC leadership without resigning. Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-30 11:14 AM AST Reply 1 0 who do you think a good candidate for mayor would be? I have my favorites. Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-30 11:20 AM AST Reply 3 0 my concern is if Cecil did not fight for us for better funding when in power here, what will he do from Halifax. We have had many politicians in power over the years who were in a position to fight for us but did not. When we see a politician from here who will stand up and fight for us? Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 11:28 AM AST Reply 0 0 Cecil won't fight for us in Halifax. He worked against equalization in the past, according to all the references I say about his statements while an MLA/minister. We'd be lucky if he'd actually champion his own charter for the CBRM after arriving in Halifax. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 11:33 AM AST Reply 0 0 Rankin MacSween would make an outstanding transitionary mayor upon Clarke's departure. Councillor Amanda McDougall is a hard-working, community-minded, politically-educated, progressive, who fights for transparency, doesn't fold when she's targeted, is willing to work with all community group efforts, and has a genuine desire to live here and make the place better. She would be a great fit for the mayoral role, and would simply have to make sure that she leads council to keep the CAO in line. She would represent a new era for CBRM politics. Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-30 11:45 AM AST Reply 2 0 Yes. Kendra Coombs would do well also. Thank God we have some good choices at this time. Whoever runs should make Equalization the main focus and the NSEF would stand behind them and lobby for their success. It is time for a major shift in politics here on this island. All the MP s and MLA s who have not fought for our fair share should not be re-elected. We have good representation both Provincial and Federal and yet we are shorted hundreds of millions in funding that we are entitled. If our own politicians will not fight then replace them with people who will fight. Its long over due. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 11:58 AM AST Reply 0 0 The only problem with swapping out MLAs is that you trade one who isn't fighting for anything with another who (typically) hasn't been and won't be either. However, I still support the idea of ousting them for non-performance, so they always know there is a real risk to interruption of their careers and loss of income. This is something that should be made apparent to Minister Momborquette. He's a very nice guy and the community is at risk of allowing him to coast. Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-30 2:11 PM AST Reply 1 0 The lack of effective representation by our elected politicians to secure the benefits we should be receiving is reflective of how undemocratic our form of parliamentary dictatorship has evolved into. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 2:40 PM AST Reply 0 0 As Devil's Advocate, as long as the public, by majority, do not fully understand the equalization program, or its deficiencies as it relates to transfers to the municipalities, etc, and they do not demand it, it can easily be argued that our democratic system is working, but there has been insufficient public demand for elected officials to elevate it back to a showcase issue again (as happened during the mayorship of John Morgan). Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me 2018-01-30 3:03 PM AST Reply 0 0 What is needed is an equalization-equalization, the very program federally supported but now under a provincial umbrella. I think if you look at the steps taken that initially brought equalization into effect, it might map a proper path on how to execute it on a provincial level. The only problem that I can see is this is not an equalisation issue - this is a fiscal capacity/disparity issue. Taking money from Halifax at this stage might not be in the federal government's best interest because they are the population/growth centre of our province. Do we really want Cape Breton to be hustling and bustling like Halifax? Or do we need to exploit fiscal capacity where it is not being exploited - in terms of self-sustainability. Technological advancements now support cooperative economic systems yet we're not openly embracing this enrichment. The CBRM would be an excellent launch pad for such a movement in terms of our size and isolation. We don't need another Halifax in NS. We needing thriving small towns that are sustainable long-term and do not need constant population increases to be viable. The Ubuntu Movement is making strides in North Frontenac, Ontario. Mayor Ron Higgins is perhaps setting an example to be followed. Is this what is needed in municipalities that suffer from the same fiscal capacity woes we experience? These ills just simply don't go away, nor can they within this economic system. Major cities drain resources from neighbouring communities and to stop that, strategic planning on sustainability has to be in the forefront of all thought. http://michaeltellinger.com/ubuntu/ Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 3:34 PM AST Reply 1 0 I don't necessarily think our goal is to try to compete with Halifax, in the sense of becoming them. Though some may feel that way. I hear more talk of modelling ourselves after PEI. However, we're having issues with sustainability, with outmigration, a declining tax base, and a demographic shift that may accelerate it long term (less young people; more community members shifting into retirement age). If equalization didn't exist, we'd certainly need to look at how to become sustainable on our own, and that's still a good way to structure brainstorming. If we ignored equalization and there was no more funding to fight for, what would we do? And now, if we introduce the possibility that we could do that while simultaneously accessing additional revenues from equalization, we could be even more effective (in theory). I.e. maintaining an innovative, entrepreneurial, problem-solving mindset, but also discovering new resources to fund those efforts. One could argue that Halifax's success may be partially about them being able to sustain themselves, but additionally, because the cash windfall that is represented by Federal equalization may give the Province the ability to invest there (as a province, and though invested there, not considered a municipal transfer on the books). Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me 2018-01-30 4:17 PM AST Reply 1 0 For business developers, volume is everything - crazy little thing called planned obsolescence - so whether our goal is to compete with Halifax or not, we are now about to enter competition with them in terms of federal equalization "bang-for-the-buck". Should all that money just sit and provide Halifax with opportunities? If we were self-sustaining, we wouldn't even bother to ask that question. Sustainability should not be an issue here. Does CBU now have sustainability issues since they are cash-flow positive as an institution with their own energy production ($400,000-$500,000 yearly). Out-migration is surely curbed in an economy where residents are share-holders in their own energy production, or is that just a utopian dillusion? I'm all for equalization-equalization but could the resources and energy that process requires be easily spent on how to circumnavigate the system immediately? So the question for everyone is if you had one choice to either direct resources towards fighting for equalisation or establishing the sustainable systems that counteract our fiscal capacity woes, which would you choose. Hint : "Why not do both?" is not an answer. Which is more important? Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 4:30 PM AST Reply 2 0 I think the Equalization proponents would argue that it's not supposed to be a competitive process for Equalization, it's supposed to be distributed based on fiscal capacity, and an expectation of reasonably comparable provincial services delivered at reasonably comparable levels of taxation within the province. Sustainability perhaps shouldn't be an issue here, but it is an issue here. That's what the quantitative look at the regions says clearly. People are leaving. The tax base isn't growing. CBU had and continues to have sustainability challenges. Absolutely. Our school system is producing fewer graduates eligible for the university on an annual basis. A failure to continue recruiting or maintaining current levels of International students puts them in jeopardy. And the changes to the Saudi government's sponsorship of students studying abroad did impact CBU (and sets a precedent for how we may not be able to rely on these enrollment numbers since we can't control all the factors that impact them). Visions of utopian systems usually amount to wonderful-sounding delusions. :) For rhetorical purposes, we can say we can't do both options you presented. But in real-world scenarios, there's no mutual exclusivity. Smart business goes after every resource available. Look at any corporation (say, perhaps, the banking industry) who can certainly afford to set up shop in any province, and yet they still negotiate tax incentives, etc. I.e. we should try to be sustainable with what we have, and also try to claim additional resources (from every source possible). Others will if we don't. Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me 2018-01-30 5:49 PM AST Reply 2 0 Everything competes in this current economy, even programs designed to lessen disparity, apparently. I understand what the base principles are and also understand how section 36 doesn't really account for equalization-equalization. So the uphill battle started with John Morgan and now how far does it go? In a fair world where equalisation is distributed equally, would that make Nova Scotia more likely to be a greater recipient of equalization or less based on our population decline (which is an apparent confidence issue within families in this current system)? Please don't equate sustainability with economic viability. Nothing is economically viable, in theory, in a system where population is in decline. When I talk in terms of sustainability, it is in respect to how we are depleting natural resources and looking towards long-term ecological balance. CBU took a step in the right direction claiming their self-sufficiency because of the factors you are talking about. Does this prevent these factors from accelerating? No but they have one less thing to worry about now. Smart business finds where there is a need and concentrates its effort in producing something to fill that necessity, first and foremost, in markets best suited to its business. It then tries to go after every available resource to provide for its own self-sufficiency in areas that it can (minimizing overhead). Economic viability depends on people arriving and a growing tax base. Sustainability has nothing to do with these factors. Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-30 3:10 PM AST Reply 1 0 How can a public understand what the government does when it does its best to keep that information difficult to access or not make it available t all to the public? We elect “representatives” who supposedly take on that responsibility during election time but after decide representing the party’s agenda instead. This is not only happening at the local level. When the agenda of political parties is to manipulate the electorate, elections become a fraud. The public that is intentionally kept in the dark about the specifics of their manipulation does question the legitimacy to claiming its democratic. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 3:39 PM AST Reply 1 0 The NSEF exists because it recognizes everything you just said. If the government was doing an adequate job, your group would never have formed. In Rumsfeld-like phrasing, I'd suggest: So you can't expect the government to do what you expect the government not to do. It's circular logic. In other words, it's your job as a group. With that said, your upcoming video campaign may be a significant pathway forward toward that end. For instance, search for Equalization on youTube right now and see if you can find something that will keep the general public engaged long enough to (1) make them understand the problem, and (2) persuade them to do something about it (or at least keep it top of mind). Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-30 4:21 PM AST Reply 2 0 "As Devil's Advocate, as long as the public, by majority, do not fully understand the equalization program, or its deficiencies as it relates to transfers to the municipalities, etc, and they do not demand it, it can easily be argued that our democratic system is working, but there has been insufficient public demand for elected officials to elevate it back to a showcase issue again" Nice try to pass on the responsibility to an electorate of that for an elected full-time politician who is NOT doing the job of informing constituents but intentionally the opposite. Perhaps you can explain how a system that is deliberately manipulating the people it claims to represent can still be argued. as you claim, that our system is democratic? I know you used the word "working" but that avoids what I am saying. "So you can't expect the government to do what you expect the government not to do. It's circular logic." Where did you arrive at that conclusion from what I have been saying? Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 4:54 PM AST Reply 1 0 I'll refer back to your question to explain what I meant better. You asked: "How can a public understand what the government does when it does its best to keep that information difficult to access or not make it available t all to the public?" The answer is: The general public cannot understand... unless someone from outside of government explains it to them. Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-30 5:17 PM AST Reply 1 0 "How can a public understand what the government does when it does its best to keep that information difficult to access or not make it available t all to the public?" But that only says the government is not doing its job. I expect the government to do its job - not someone from outside of government. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 5:20 PM AST Reply 1 0 So how do you get them to do so - if they aren't on their own? Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-01-30 5:37 PM AST Reply 1 0 When the system is corrupt, it's difficult.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-30 12:56 PM AST Reply 2 0 I have invited our Reddit followers to read our story on Go Cape Breton. Reddit is not followed by many Cape Bretoners but it is on the mainland and other areas of the province. There is some great comments and questions being asked on that platform. If you follow Reddit and have questions about this story, you can email us at [email protected] and a board member will answer any questions you may have or a board member will call you if you leave your phone number. Thanks for your interest and support.
[comment deleted] Posted 2018-01-30 3:40 PM AST Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 3:48 PM AST Reply 1 0 Creating an engaging discussion is the group's intent, Michael, and for a small group of participants, they've certainly done that quite successfully. I don't think anyone would ever be expected to discontinue a discussion simply because other topics are not getting the same level of engagement. The site has a flow of new content from the best local sources and contributors coming in daily and is then promoted on Facebook to our goCapeBreton members. Each member can choose what they are most interested in. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 3:55 PM AST Reply 1 0 Comments have moved over onto page 2, Michael. You can access them here: https://goo.gl/y3LWc4 Note: While logged into goCapeBreton.com, and visiting a topic you are receiving email notices for (when new comments are posted), you can disable that by clicking the "Following" button at the top of the post. That will stop additional notices from arriving in your inbox. Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me 2018-01-30 4:45 PM AST Reply 0 0 I'm sorry Michael. I didn't realise that this post was being moderated for excessive comments or likes. I'll stop receiving updates on it - my apologies to the staff of gocapebreton. goCapeBreton.com Team Follow Me 2018-01-30 6:18 PM AST Reply 2 0 We would like to clarify that the goCapeBreton.com Team does not moderate topics for "excessive comments or likes". We welcome, encourage, and appreciate all active, highly engaged discussions like this one among our members, on the topics of your choosing. When individual members no longer wish to participate in a given topic, and do not wish to receive email notices of new comments, they can UNFOLLOW. The instructions for how to do so are provided here: https://capebreton.lokol.me/follow-feature-notifies-you-of-likes-dislikes-and-comments The comments that have been deleted today were removed upon request by the member who posted them. Please feel free to continue your discussion.
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Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-30 8:13 PM AST Reply 2 0 Thank you go cape Breton team. The purpose of our discussion is to educate the public and we encourage the chatter and everyone's views are important. If anyone is upset that we are talking about this too much then we are sorry but NSEF has been fighting for over 17 years now and we need people to understand this subject. Thanks to all for your participation and input. Bill Fiander Follow Me 2018-01-30 8:24 PM AST Reply 2 0 I think that whatever the topic of conversation is at the time is allowed in GoCapebreton. Currently it's an equalization debate. Tomorrow it could be something else, and comments regarding other topics appear and all one has to do is scroll through the comments to view them. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-01-30 8:56 PM AST Reply 2 0 At almost 32,000 views, you're hosting an excellent discussion with a lot of great information being shared. I've been personally learning more about the topic from all those willing to share. Thank you!
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-01-31 11:14 AM AST Reply 2 0 Thanks Joe. We (NSEF) are engaged now in a full on project to inform the public of the equalization situation. We understand that from time to time, people will not agree with us on certain topics. However, our fight has been a long one and the only way to engage the public is to inform them. The topic of equalization is deep in numbers but we must simplify it for the general public and that is what our videos will achieve. It is simple to understand when it is quick and to the point. The Nova Scotia provincial government will receive $1.933 billion in equalization this year and they should be passing out $518 million (26%) to the various towns and municipalities. They will only provide $32 million and everyone is shorted by $486 million. As for the rest of the transfer, HRM is not entitled to any of it based on their tax rates and economic standing, growth, etc. So where is all this money going? The Government is accountable to the people who employ them and why should all the towns and communities across this province suffer while Halifax flourishes. We have seen enough towns dissolve recently and more to come. This needs to stop and the provincial government needs to fix this now! Martha Ross Follow Me 2018-01-31 1:30 PM AST Reply 1 0 We have come a long way......yes, we have a lot yet to do,but we are up for the challenges whatever comes our way. I am grateful to be apart of a wonderful group of people who have being involved long before I came along.I have learned a lot over these last number of years about the equalization unfairness.We are preparing many things in the up coming days,weeks and months to bring the awareness to Cape Breton and the rest of the province of Nova Scotia.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-02-01 1:31 PM AST Reply 2 0 We are currently in production for our video series regarding the equalization situation. It is our intention to show the differences between Halifax and Sydney. We have lots of footage and interviews are currently being conducted but we thought we would put it out there for the public to have input as well. If there is an area in CBRM that you would like to see included in the video that shows the inequality in services being provided by government, we want to know about it. An example would be a part of our infrastructure that has not been maintained due to lack of funding like the BayPlex or an area that has fallen in disarray. The purpose of this video is to prove to the Federal Government that CBRM and other areas of the province are declining due to lack of funding provided by the provincial government in Halifax. This is your chance to be heard and provide more information on the decline in this area. Although there are many issues to cover, we must remain focused on the Equalization Transfer issue that we have been living with for many years. The differences between Halifax and every other area of this province is the focus so that we can show that one area of the province is benefiting while the rest is not due to under funding. Thanks and we look forward to your input and all information will remain confidential. Your thoughts may be emailed to [email protected]. Together we will fix this political crime and hold the government accountable for their actions. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-02-02 1:29 AM AST Reply 0 0 Footage examples: * Abandoned buildings in downtown Sydney (demonstrating tax rate disparity) * Excess people waiting in Emergency (insufficient doctors) * A sign on the door of the Glace Bay Hospital after a closure due to lack of staffing * A provincially maintained road after a storm (like the mess today) * The Mira Gut bridge that has broken the Marconi Trail with no immediate plans for replacement ### I have a question about the NSEF.ca website. Is there a reference you can direct me to for this information: "Recently it was learned that the federal Finance Department allocates approximately 26% of the Nova Scotia payment in 2012-2013 due to the province’s relative weakness in property tax fiscal capacity." I would like to know what is the source of that information. It's a very important factor, as outlined by the NSEF.ca materials. Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-02-02 10:28 AM AST Reply 1 0 Thanks you Joe. Very good suggestions for the video. I am looking into your question. I do believe that in the constitution act of 1982 states that at least 26% of the federal equalization transfer must reach the economically weak regions of a province. I will get in touch with our Political advisor, Dr. Jim Guy and get back to you with an answer. Thanks again for the footage ideas as all of the ones you mentioned were not on our list except the abandoned buildings. Good job. Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-02-02 12:15 PM AST Reply 1 0 JOE: The 26% was provided in a letter by Fin Min Maureen MacDonald and I recall it was 26.8% in her reply. John WHALLEY used 25% in his article to the Cape Breton Post when he was still with the CBRM as Economic Development Manager. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-02-02 12:33 PM AST Reply 0 0 Is there a copy of that letter available online anywhere, Charles? It's definitely very important and I understand why it's such a major factor in the equalization fairness argument. Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-02-02 1:34 PM AST Reply 1 0 There may be but I will have to check. Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-02-02 1:39 PM AST Reply 1 0 It would be the hard copy if I can locate it. The 26% was also provided by a finance dept. Ottawa but that person did not want his/her identity revealed. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-02-02 5:19 PM AST Reply 0 0 Having this copy, or a reference to any other source of this information from a government official is vital. It appears that an argument for hundreds of millions of dollars could hinge on this information. Dr. Maroun said: "I do believe that in the constitution act of 1982 states that at least 26% of the federal equalization transfer must reach the economically weak regions of a province." Is this correct? The 26% or a specific reference to it is provided in the Constitution Act as it relates to equalization? Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-02-02 1:16 PM AST Reply 1 0 JOE: You were asking for the source of Cecil Clarke's comments about Morgan and Equalization. Well the source is the Cape Breton Post, March 20, 2004. Title of the report of a press conference by Clarke: CBRM getting its share: minister Clarke says, "I don't think there's any number that I could present to you right now that would give you the confidence, other than if I came in with the three-by- six piece of paper, a big cheque, because that's all I've heard." He is quoted to say by Nancy King that he thinks the wider issue to the CBRM isn't about the size of the transfer BUT ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT OF THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE. (my emphasis) She also quoted Clarke saying, "it has got nothing to do with numbers, it has everything to do with attitude." Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-02-02 6:27 PM AST Reply 0 0 JOE: The letter from Finance Minister Maureen MacDonald stated the municipal deficiencies in fiscal capacity related to property tax was federally 26.8% in 2011-12. The date of her letter was March 8, 2013. The REF: FIN-2012-0352 Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-02-02 6:32 PM AST Reply 0 0 Thank you. Where can I view a copy? Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-02-02 7:20 PM AST Reply 1 0 Our meeting is Feb 9 at 6 p.m. Sydney Sobeys Myles Burke Room. On Prince Street Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-02-02 7:34 PM AST Reply 0 0 Hi Charles, I won't be attending. However, if that letter is available online anywhere, please send me a link. I'd be interested in writing more about Equalization at some point. Just want to make sure I'm equipped with access to fundamental reference material.
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-02-03 6:45 PM AST Reply 1 0 With Cecil Clarke’s coming out to seek the N.S. PC leadership and will not resign the mayor’s office indicates he is not that confident he will win that leadership. And, if we continue to support politically individuals who have a proven history of fighting against this area and if he wins, how do these people justify their actions to support a person who’s record is opposed to working to ensure federal Equalization is distributed to more than the Capital Region? Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-02-03 7:39 PM AST Reply 1 0 Cecil Clarke as the N.S. Energy Minister said, “CBRM GETTING ITS SHARE: MINISTER” was the headline in the CB POST, MARCH 20, 2004, by Nancy King. He also said, “I don’t think there’s any number that I could present to you (directed to former mayor John Morgan who attended this press conference) right now that would give you confidence, other than if I came in with a three-by-six piece of paper, a big cheque, because that’s all I’ve heard.” Nancy King writes, “He later said he thinks the wider issue in the CBRM isn’t about the size of the transfer, BUT ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT OF THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE...”(my emphasis) Later he said, “it has got nothing to do with numbers, IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH ATTITUDE.” (My emphasis) Clarke’s “attitude” has cost the CBRM over $4 billion, which is what it hasn’t received had the 26% of the yearly $billions in Equalization Payments been distributed to those identified fiscally weak municipalities over the past almost two decades. So he wants to ship out to Halifax again to represent that part of the province as in his past political history.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-02-07 2:52 PM AST Reply 1 0 The NSEF group will be meeting at the Sobeys store on Prince Street this Friday, February 9th at 6pm up stairs in the Myles Burke Boardroom. All are welcome to attend and we have started to prepare protest lists for the spring and the feed back has been overwhelming. Thank you all for getting in touch with us and together we will do what our local politicians are being paid for but are not doing......looking after our interests. We should be seeing around $300 million per year in CBRM but are only seeing $15 million. The fact that we have one of the highest child poverty rates in the country and Halifax has hundreds of child psychiatrists and we have 2 should tell you where our provincial governments priorities are. They do not care about anywhere but Halifax and shame on the local politicians for not fighting for the funding that Ottawa sends us every year. The NSEF is growing in strength and numbers and we will fight for the future of this island even though our politicians are not. It is time to challenge every last one of them and ask why they are allowing the Provincial Government in Halifax to bully them. Stand up, be strong and fight for us or get out and let someone who will represent us properly have a chance. Martha Ross Follow Me 2018-02-07 3:49 PM AST Reply 0 0 Excellent.......This meeting is open to the public.......lets take a stand together to fight to stop the Equalization Unfairness to the CBRM.....and the other many municipalities......See you Friday evening........
Cora MacNeil Follow Me 2018-02-11 9:55 PM AST Reply 1 0 I went to the last meeting and I was not dissapointed. I did notice that the venue is too small. Especially if people invite others to attend. I've personally invited some people, if the ones who are interested actually show up, there will be an additional 10 to 20 more people at the next meeting March 9th.
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-02-13 11:16 AM AST Reply 3 0 On the federal government website, Equalization payments to this province increases again for 2018-19, but the distribution within this province does not because it remains capped at $32 million. The amount received will be over $1,800,000,000. I have emailed the provincial auditor but no reply. Remember 26% of the $1,800,000,000 is federally calculated because of the municipal fiscal property deficiency to raise sufficient revenue to provide reasonably comparable public services at reasonably comparable rates of municipal taxes. That approximately $460,000,000 is nowhere to be seen in the many poor municipal units of this province. Governments at all levels are responsible for this theft and regardless of this entitlement being enshrined in OUR CONSTITUTION governments continue to break the supreme law and provide this benefit to one area of this province: the HRM. This policy will continue until the politicians are held accountable BY THE PUBLIC. Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-02-13 2:09 PM AST Reply 1 0 Good point Charles. Very true. I wonder why our provincial capital thinks it is alright to ignore the Constitution of Canada and do what they want when it comes to the funding allocation in this province. We are meeting with many clubs and organizations in the CBRM and educating these groups with the numbers and they all ask the same thing....."why is this happening"? The answer is simple. Ask your politicians!!. If the politicians on this island are not challenged about this mess, then it will never be fixed. Before we vote again, we must ask them why the Province of P.E.I. with a population of 146,283 will get $720 million in Equalization and Cape Breton Island with a population of 132,010 will get $15 million. Is that equalizing the economies? I think not. When people hear this, they get very upset. How can we grow and develop our economy on peanuts? The NSEF is gaining a lot of support from the public and spring is just around the corner. When the protest start, everyone will be educated on this crime. Good luck to the politicians then. Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me 2018-02-13 5:40 PM AST Reply 0 0 Oh, if there is an omega statistic, that's the one. That certainly drives it home, Charles/Dr. Maroun. While the disparity is atrocious, when we look at the corporate responsibility (and there is one), it is fixed when completing the first stage of going "self-sufficient" as Dan Christmas and Terry Paul recommend. Unbelievably exciting times we live in where these injustices can be put right, aren't they? How do you apologise or be forgiven for such systemic abuse? Never letting it happen again would be a start. Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me 2018-02-13 11:36 PM AST Reply 1 0 Well the plastics issue is telling us to go green and embrace hemp. The fiscal capacity is in a round-about-way telling us to go green and embrace self-sufficiency. The First Nation elders are telling us plain and simple - it is the only way forward, ever. The kids are looking at us like we have 10 heads because we still haven't put two and two together. If Cape Breton can set the 130,000 person cooperative mark for a municipality, do you know what that would mean for the rest of Canada? We've got someone in Ontario trying to do it with 3000 yet skilfully making his way. It would be nice to show the guy some support I guess. Fiscal capacity can easily be replaced by fiscal self-sufficiency - our forefathers would be ashamed of us for not having figured this out sooner - but luckily for us you'd have to go a few years back. Innovation plays a massive role but application of innovation will always be the money earner. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/contributionism-volunteers-frontenac-1.4497313 Bill Fiander Follow Me 2018-02-15 8:07 PM AST Reply 0 0 Great concept - contributionism. I shared your link with some friends. Thanks!
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-02-16 10:17 AM AST Reply 1 0 The following is a copy of a letter sent to Mark Eyking & Rodger Cuzner. Part 1 of 2 Dear Mr. Eyking & Mr. Cuzner We are writing you to inform you that the NSEF group in Sydney, Nova Scotia is very soon in a position to protest widely in the streets of downtown Sydney about our major concern regarding the unfair equalization distribution in this province. The people of Cape Breton Island are disgusted with the differences between CBRM and HRM and with the amount we are being shorted every year by the provincial capital in Halifax. The $15 million we receive from the $1.933 billion sent to Nova Scotia is a slap in the face to our citizens and we are going to be heard on this issue. Towns are dissolving at record speed around Nova Scotia and we will not stand by and become a fatality in Sydney. Over the past 17 years, we have contacted every level of government from the Prime Minister to the Auditor General’s office of Nova Scotia and have copies of all the related correspondence in media kits that will be distributed to the various news outlets. We have over 40,000 people following us on social media locally and are currently producing a series of videos showing the people of Canada how we are being treated by our Provincial Government and how the provincial capital is keeping all of the provinces money. The constitution act of 1982 states that 26% of this transfer must reach the impoverished area of the province but this is not happening. Part 2 below
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-02-16 10:24 AM AST Reply 1 0 Letter to Mark Eyking & Rodger Cuzner part 2 The people and board members in our group are wondering why we are not getting any help from the Federal Government in Ottawa. The province of PEI has less than 10,000 more people than Cape Breton and they receive $420 million in equalization. We are not able to operate on the $15 million that Halifax sends us as this figure should be in the $300 million range. Equalization is designed to equalize economies across this country, so why does CBRM pay twice the tax rate (residential and commercial) that HRM pays? Why do we see zero infrastructure growth in CBRM and HRM is the fastest growing city in Canada with construction cranes littering their skyline? Why does CBRM have one of the highest child poverty rates in the country? This is a planned decline of our island by our provincial government and even our local municipal politicians will not meet with us or even discuss the issue. What are we to do? More people on this island are being educated on this issue everyday and most want to break away from the province. Class action lawsuits are being looked into and we have been educated by lawyers on our rights to protest. This will be very embarrassing to all levels of government as the equalization system is designed to help places like us not for us to hear every day of something else that Halifax will receive with our money while our residents suffer and have to leave to get employment. The word is spreading that we need a complete change in governmental representation in this region because no one will stand up for us, including you. When the protests start in the near future, do not pretend you are unaware of this issue. Our next step will be to ask Andrew Scheer to bring this issue up in the house as we do not seem to have any other choice. Thank you for taking the time to review this letter. Dr. Rev. Albert Maroun
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-02-22 12:29 PM AST Reply 1 0 Copy of letter/email sent to all CBRM Councillors (PART 1) Good Afternoon: This is a courtesy email from the NSEF (Nova Scotians for Equalization Fairness) group in Sydney. We are currently organizing a major protest in downtown Sydney over our concern of the Equalization distribution in this province. Currently, our fight is falling on deaf ears as far as government representation is concerned. We, the people, elect government representation and we will be heard on this issue no matter what. Currently, we are reaching over 40,000 people on social media and now have so many people attending our monthly meetings now that we have had to move to a larger venue. The infringement on our Rights and Freedoms is a political crime and will be dealt with accordingly. The Constitution Act of 1982 states that no Canadian citizen will be burdened with over taxation and Equalization will be provided by the Federal Government to prevent this. The fact that Halifax (Provincial Capital) is not disbursing the Equalization grant properly to the various towns and municipalities will be looked at on a federal level. We urge all politicians to get educated on this situation and fight to save Cape Breton Island from this injustice. Cape Breton Island has a population of 132,010 and receives $15 million yearly from this grant. PEI has a population of 146,283 and they receive $420 million from the grant. We are being shorted hundreds of millions here in CBRM every year. Stop the Government of Nova Scotia from killing towns and communities across this province. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-02-22 12:42 PM AST Reply 0 0 Hi Dr. Maroun, I recommend posting your open letter as a new post on goCapeBreton.com. That will ensure that more people have an opportunity to read and/or share it.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-02-22 12:31 PM AST Reply 1 0 Copy of Letter/Email sent to all CBRM Councillors (PART 2) As a politician, we expect you to fight for the people you represent and look after our best interests. We currently have one of the highest child poverty rates in the country here in CBRM and pay almost double the taxes (Commercial & Residential) than that of Halifax. If you are unaware of the Equalization Grant program, then educate yourself and become informed as the fact of the matter is that most politicians do not understand the Equalization Grant system. If you wish to meet with us or attend our next meeting, please respond to this email and we will advise you in advance of the next meeting/rally. Thank you and have a good day. The Nova Scotians for Equalization Fairness Group Sydney
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-03-08 8:19 PM AST Reply 0 0 The yearly federal Equalization includes approximately 26 per cent of the total Equalization Payments that is generated by the province’s deficiency in fiscal capacity related to property tax and miscellaneous revenues that forms a significant part of the total Equalization program in most receiving provinces. Finance Minister Maureen MacDonald in her March 8, 2013 letter stated that amount at 26.8 per cent in 2011-12. That is 26.8 per cent of $1.147 billion, which amounts to $379,756,000 that should have been distributed to the struggling municipal units. The government distributes ONLY $32 million. That per cent of approximately 26 was confirmed in a letter dated April 30, 2012 from the Dept. of Finance, Canada. Next year the federal Equalization will increase again to $1.838 billion but the provincial government will again distribute $32 million to the economically struggling municipalities when it should be $477,880,000. This is why rural Nova Scotia is in economic trouble. Call for an audit of these yearly Equalization Payments. Call your MLA AND Councillor.
Dr. Albert Maroun My Post Follow Me 2018-03-09 1:41 PM AST Reply 2 0 Here is a copy of our first of many videos on equalization. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqf8y1pNFsg
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-03-10 11:52 AM AST Reply 1 0 The provincial government receives from the federal government each year now $1.8 BILLION DOLLARS and distributes the tiny portion of $32 million, which is clawed back to the provincial government. WHERE IS THIS HUGE SUM OF FEDERAL EQUALIZATION ENDING UP IF IT IS NOT IN THE RURAL PART OF NOVA SCOTIA? Time for the provincial government to do an audit of the federal Equalization it gets from the federal government. The NS LIBERAL PARTY in 2011 passed a resolution calling for such an audit at its ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. IT IS TIME FOR IT TO ACT AND DO THIS AUDIT NOW. Martha Ross Follow Me 2018-03-10 4:13 PM AST Reply 0 0 Thanks Charles.....What you have said it is 100% right. We here in Cape Breton have to step up and speak out about the injustic that has being done to our municipalities over the many years, we can't afford to sit back any longer and allow this to continue to go on, while our young families / single young men and women leave our Island of Cape Breton.......it is dying faster and faster every day. I am one of many now will not remain quiet, while this goes on with our very own government of Nova Scotia letting our Island die. Shame, Shame on those in power who sit by and see this great land of Cape Breton die!
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-03-12 11:27 AM ADT Reply 1 0 Each year the provincial government receives $1.8 billion in federal Equalization but only distributes $32 million to fund struggling municipalities. In year 2018-19, the provincial government will receive $1.838 billion again and ONLY distribute $32 million, which it claws back to the government. Premier McNeil, when is your government going to do an audit of this yearly Equalization billions to officially expose where all this money is being spent? Time to come clean and be accountable for these public paid for Equalization Payments that you are politically spending on the Capital Region at the expense of rural Nova Scotians. DO THE AUDIT OF THE FEDERAL EQUALIZATION AND WHERE IT IS SPENT IN THIS PROVINCE.
Charles Sampson Follow Me 2018-04-05 9:51 AM ADT Reply 0 0 How much longer can the municipal units outside the Capital Region afford to subsidize the Capital Region? Equalization $1.838 BILLION enters this provincial capital each year and ONLY $32 million each year is taken from that amount to starve the rest of this province’s municipal units. Taking the past 20 years, the Capital Region received OVER $30 BILLION BUT ONLY ABOUT $640 million was distributed to residents outside the Capital Region. As the Capital Region prosperous, 5 towns have already vanished and at least 5 more are in the dissolution process and the others are struggling financially to survive. If this government police continues, eventually we will become the province of Halifax. Contact the premier and demand an audit as his party promised when it was in Opposition.
Cora MacNeil Follow Me 2018-04-11 2:23 PM ADT Reply 0 0 Is this video no longer available? I tried to share, but it's unavailable. https://capebreton.lokol.me/halifax-is-keeping-all-the-provinces-money-while-towns-die-in-ns Richard Lorway Follow Me 2018-04-11 2:38 PM ADT Reply 0 0 Hi Cora: There was no video associated with this post that we are aware of. Could it be a different post?