This morning Lorrie Goldstein is accusing Alfred Apps of being a ‘partisan idiot’. He says Liberals are as much to blame for H1N1 vaccine problems.
No kidding!!
In his recent email to “Liberal friends” Apps asked:
…GSK, a UK-based maker of the H1N1 vaccine, is the one and ONLY supplier for Canada. Why? Who made that decision? On what basis? In the US, there are five different suppliers. Shouldn’t we have understood that we are putting the health and safety of Canadians at risk by putting all our eggs in one basket?
Well you might try looking in the mirror for the answer to that one, Alf.
While watching the National last night Graham Richardson disclosed the fact that the single-sourced contract was courtesy of Jean Chretien’s Liberal Government! And the original company (which was eventually taken over by GlaxoSmithKline) also made a hefty donation to the Liberal Party at the time. Canada is stuck with the single-sourced contract until 2011.
Mmmmmm….
Neo at Halls of Macadamia heard the story last night too. Why isn’t this story everywhere???
Clip now up on CTV website.
Of course the Liberals don’t need to worry because they have Peter Donolo now. He’ll make it all go away.
* * * *
Update:
Your Constitution and the flu. Ottawa is responsible for supply while the provinces control the delivery – L. Ian Macdonald. (H/T Frmgrl)
Votes don’t spring from misery - John Ivison (Props again to Frmgrl)
Sandy makes a great catch here – What Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett said 2 months ago re H1N1 vaccine. While at Sandy’s, I noticed that Bec recommended checking out Stephen Taylor’s creative response to Alfred Apps’ disgraceful letter.
Well done, Stephen!
* * * *
And from the Barrie Examiner:
“The role of pandemic planning is backup, backup, backup,” said Liberal health critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett. Noting the U. S. government ordered vaccine from five companies, she asked, “Why did the Conservative government order two different vaccines and limit Canada to just one supplier?”
Afternoon Update:
Single vaccine supplier no handicap, feds say, despite program hiccups – Ottawa Citizen
Notes on a non-crisis - Andrew Coyne:
- Should the government have relied on a single supplier? Maybe, maybe not. But the Liberals are ill placed to make this point, since the contract to supply the flu vaccine was signed with Ste. Foy, Quebec-based Shire BioChem (later bought by GSK) in 2001, by the Chretien government: a 10-year contract worth $323.5-million. CTV reports the Liberals received a $56,000-plus donation from Shire BioChem that same year…
1.8 million doses of H1N1 vaccine to go to provinces next week – Star
Health care worker fired over Flames flu shot fiasco – Globe (H/T Bec)
Absolute MUST-LISTEN segment with Charles Adler and Lorrie Goldstein. Go to CJOB’s audio vault and click on today’s programming for 1 pm.
* * * *
Thursday Update:
Interesting article here explaining some of the rationale behind the original decision to go with the sole-sourced contract – Fears that countries would hoard vaccine in pandemics behind single supplier (CP).
Thank you for putting this on Joanne. I was so mad when I read this info this morning.
After all the bashing of our Health Minister in QP this week, I would expect for some apologies today, especially from Ms. Bennett.
Today should be another good day for Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative Party…First,this revelation that the Chretien Libranos signed this single source contract with the H1N1 vaccine supplier…..and secondly….the abolishing of the long gun registry which has been nothing more than another librano boondogle….Today should represent another 3-4 points in the national polls for the Conservatives..It will be interesting to see what the Librano war room boys come up with next to try and embarrass the government..Yes Mr.Rogers..er Mr.Iffy…it’s a good day in the neighbourhood.
It’s the same in the States, they say.
Line dancing, too:
Music by Johnny Cash: “About 20 nurses walked the line to screen out the ineligible.”
“I keep a close watch on this heart of mine. I keep my eyes wide open all the time. I keep the ends out for the tie that binds”
…-
“A long day and long lines at Glendale swine flu clinic (ObamaCare Preview)
Long lines at public flu clinics — initially intended to primarily serve the uninsured — are now commonplace nationwide as doses of the vaccine remain scarce. Many clinics report seeing large numbers of people who have insurance but have been unable to get H1N1 vaccines from private doctors, who say they have either already run out or have yet to get any.
The line at the Glendale clinic, the first to be held in that city since Los Angeles County received doses late last month, was the longest yet, county Department of Public Health officials said. And the stakes were high, with just 2,400 doses on site when the doors opened.
About 20 nurses walked the line to screen out the ineligible. The county, after facing criticism in the first days of the free clinics for lax guidelines, has focused the limited supply on pregnant women, caregivers of babies younger than 6 months, those ages 6 months to 24 years, healthcare workers and those ages 25 to 64 with health conditions that put them at higher risk of developing complications from the flu.
As they waited, strangers shared food, chairs, umbrellas and portable DVD players. Children played with coloring books and tossed a football on the grass as a dozen police and firefighters looked on.
“I never expected this,” said Anne Benavides, 63, of La Crescenta, who has asthma and came to get the vaccine for herself and her 4-year-old twin granddaughters. “People are scared — just look.”"
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2378177/posts
Here is a good piece by John Ivison.
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2182695
Ruth (8:00am) … I doubt we’ll see Ms. Bennett doing the apology thing anytime soon; however, if this incredible gaff by the Lib boss can make the angry, wild eyed, scary Ms Bennett keep her yap shut for a day or two, then I would consider it a real blessing.
Still on the ‘apology owing’ to Health Minister Leona Aglukka front … the disgusting, amateur, bottom feeding, gotcha “journalism” so called interviews by Craig Oliver (CTV’s Question Period last Sunday), and Ms. Bev Thompson (CBC’s Canada a.m. Monday) surely warrant a sincere apology to the hard working Health Minister. I’m not holding my breath though.
Poor Craig is showing us more and more every time he appears on CTV, that he is well past his “Best Before” date.
Another good one.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Your+Constitution/2181340/story.html
Ruth, agree DOCTOR Bennett should apologize, but she appears out of control of her senses sometimes. Given her behaviour as Liberal critic the H1N1 file can only assume her Hippocratic Oath is long forgotten. ALL parliamentarians should be helping in this effort, instead the opposition is busy playing politics for all they’re worth, playing the blame game with nothing concrete to offer.
Just when you think journalism, or what passes for journalism has sunk to it’s lowest we get an offering from Weston in the Ottawa Sun: “Fraser exposes Tories”. Really? Fraser’s findings are being nit picked by the Opposition which includes the MSM and only the part of those findings that suit their agenda are used in their scornful rants and scribblings.
Funny isn’t it,that Graham highlighted on the National last eve,the donation to Lib party by this drug co.,yet…he was just on Canada AM,and conveniently left out a huge portion of this ‘expose’..like the donation part!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hmmmm,Can AM continuing to ‘cover’ for the party.Who got to you Graham? And after last night’s news,here I thot we might FINALLY be getting to some truth.
If it stinks to high-heaven,there’s a lib rotting somewhere in the story.CBC hasn’t even mentioned it.
I would encourage all BLY regulars to keep the heat on regarding Dr. Carolyn Bennett’s own words as well. Feel free to send my URL to media outlets along with this one.
http://crux-of-the-matter.com/2009/11/03/what-liberal-mp-carolyn-bennett-said-2-months-ago/
Because its all about exposing Liberal hypocrisy!
Well there was nothing illegal about the donation at the time, but you’re right Sammy. It stinks.
The amount was shown as $56,000(approx) and was a One Time donation according to Graham. and as Joanne says, it was legal at that time for Corporations to give large sums to the political party of their choice.
Dave, I agree completely – Craig Oliver, or Eaglebeak as he is affectionately known to me, needs to retire.
I published a post the other day regarding our man Craig.
How much was the donation, missed ctv last night. CBC is asking for your POV re -should sakamoto refused to be interviewed, or should he have told of his connection to Iffy and the cbc.
Alf, last known survivor from the planet Separatist Coalition, crash-lands his spaceship in TO’s CBC backporch.
UFO Commander Iffy dubs him “Quebec lieutenant” Hezbollah Coderre.
Alf eats, shoots, and leaves.
…-
“Gun registry boondoggle should die
It’s a good time for the federal gun registry to die.
After 11 years of low-calibre crime-fighting– shooting blanks at bad guys, backfiring financially or taking aim at all the wrong targets–the billion-dollar boondoggle uncovered in 2002 by the auditor general will likely be placed on the de-registration block Wednesday afternoon.”
http://www.calgaryherald.com/columnists/registry+boondoggle+should/2182331/story.html
another worthy comment by Walter Robinson, Ottawa Sun
Working together, that’s leadership
finally common sense from our media
fh
Kudos Mary T on your research on this contract. Also watched Bev Thomson on Canada AM deflect criticism away from Liberal Party to Calgary Flames in interview with Graham Richardson. She definitely showing partisonship to Liberals. She never has a harsh would to say about Ontario Libs.
Hopefully someone in the National Press gallery will pick up on Sandy’s research on Caroline Bennett’s words. I am surprised Bourque’s hasn’t put up CTV’s clip on the GSK contract!
Iffy should have checked with Bennett, he accused the govt of ‘changing the story’ to an end of delivery by Christmas.
But this is typical Iffy, yap off without knowing the facts.
oooooh, the Libs and their media are not gonna like this:
Prop cheques don’t violate guidelines,
bureaucrats say
Presentations on minister’ behalf would be covered
By Kathryn May, The Ottawa Citizen
November 4, 2009
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/todays-paper/Prop+cheques+violate+guidelines+bureaucrats/2181494/story.html
Vaccine shortage?
What shortage, 2/3 of the vaccine is received but not administered:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2180444
I was watching Global Calgary this morning and they interviewed David Taras (left wing ‘thinker’) who put the blame squarely at the foot of the “Harper” government (how come they always say that so disgustingly – why is it not the Conservative government????), for single sourcing the vacine.
Partisan politics takes precedence over the truth….I sent an email to Global Calgary that perhaps they should investigate whether their guests are being truthful and then report their findings to their viewers.
So, the company got paid every year, even when there was no pandemic and they didn’t have to come up with a new vaccine.
OT, but a big blow to O last night, losing 2 govenorships to the republicans, even NJ. Rush was right on in his prediction of how the media would cover a win/loss.
Another blow, SSM defeated in Maine.
And, the WH says he didn’t watch the results. Does that mean he could care less.
Liz J at 8:32 am: “Fraser’s findings are being nit picked by the Opposition which includes the MSM and only the part of those findings that suit their agenda are used in their scornful rants and scribblings.”
Perfect example yesterday was Evan Solomon, who interviewed Sheila Fraser. Despite Fraser telling him repeatedly the audit had been completed before the H1N1 thing, that the audit had not looked at the H1N1 thing, he kept connecting the ‘preparedness’ angle to the flu.
It’s amazing how many so-called ‘emergencies’ or ‘crises’ have emerged since the Conservatives became the government in 2006, isn’t it? To hear the Liberal side tell it, everything pre-2006 worked perfectly well, and everything post-2006 has become a crises of some sort to be solved yesteryear – not to mention the number of ‘experts’ who are called upon to pronounce on those so-called ‘crises.’
That is why I still maintain that watching, listening to, reading the media AND pointing out their inaccuracies, not just complaining about it, but sending emails – polite, but firm – is important. You cannot fight what you don’t know about.
Think of it as “citizen-watch” on the media. I don’t want any of them to be banned or to go under. I just want the media to be ACCURATE and as fair and non-partisan as possible. And we “citizen-watchers” have to keep in mind the difference between columnists, who are paid to express their own opinions, and reporters or analysts, whose role is to lay out the facts for the audience, when we criticize the media.
End of today’s sermonette.
check out Dr. Roy he has a good video catch of Rex Murphy
on Iffy
fh
and once again, the liberals are left with slime on their faces.
[...] why there was a sole-source contract for the vaccine. In response to that badgering, Joanne at Blue Like You and Neo-Conservative have posts up explaining that the single source “ten-year” vaccine [...]
Terrific stuff this morning, everyone. Great post, Joanne.
I also want to point out and we can hammer this one home, the Liberals, would have had us 1 week from the polls right now.
In the throws of this vaccination process, there would NOT have been any QP and photo-ops for Carolyn, Hedy, Bob and the gang to PRETEND that they had an ounce of intellectual credibility on this file.
As far as Auditor Generals report goes, talk about spin. I saw her interview and she clearly stated that the H1N1 pandemic was not included.
These media sharks are unbelievable and yes Alberta Girl, David Taras, is as left as they come.Good for you.
Libs and media have a bad case of Whine Flu!
shared on my facebook… nice catch!
more Librano lies, corruption, and fake outrage… no wonder they are polling even lower than Stephane Dion was! these people have no shame
Recap:
The Federal Government delivered 3 X more vaccine
(Ontario still had not administered 1.8 m doses of the 2.2 m received, on Tuesday) than the Provinces can administer…no shortage of vaccine
in fact, GSK is over producing.
That contract Bennett was screaming about wanting to see,
was a Chretien deal, followed by a legal but stinky $56,000 donation to the LPC
A certain Liblogger is going ballistic over the Gun Registry vote (haha)
CBC and LPC are once again caught getting cosy, trying to smear the cons govt
Cheque-gate is a bust, no guidelines crossed,
Martha is astonished!
Carolyn Bennett has denied that the Liberals are responsible for the single-sourced contract fiasco. I’m reviewing the interview with Jeff Allan now.
Ok – this is realllllyyyy OT, but I just watched a clip on Global Calgary about front load washing machines and moldy gaskets. I was wondering why my machine smelled musty…..look under that rubber gasket (and inside, too) and you will find mold and all sorts of gunk… Best to use a bleach water solution to wipe inside and under that gasket…..just informing all you hard working moms who have Front Load washers.
Carolyn Bennett told Allan that the Liberal Pandemic Plan provided for more than 1 supplier. Then Tony Clement renegotiated the Agreement in 2006 and confirmed only 1 supplier. Carolyn has been stonewalled in her attempts of get a copy of the “New” agreement.
She should be exposed for what she is. An irresponsible mudslinger.
Does anyone have a link to GlaxoKline being named exclusive supplier – other than bloggers? It would be a good supporting document to send to the CTV, Lorrie Goldstein, Christina Spenser, and John Ivison, none of whom mentioned it in their columns.
If the government is being criticized for having only one company supplying the vaccine, it is relevant to point out who made that decision.
It is also relevant to point out that despite having 5 different companies supplying vaccines, the US has not been able to keep up with the demand either.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-me-flu-workers3-2009nov03,0,2512436.story
“Shortage of flu vaccines leaves healthcare workers vulnerable
On the front lines of the H1N1 outbreak, tens of thousands of local doctors and nurses are scrambling to get vaccinated. One nurse says it’s like ‘asking us to fight a war without protection.’”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/02/AR2009110202274.html
” … The government has begun an unprecedented campaign to inoculate millions of Americans against the swine flu virus, which is circulating widely in nearly all states. The program, however, has gotten off to a slower start than officials had hoped, with only about 30 million doses available, causing widespread frustration and anxiety as long lines have formed at clinics nationwide.”
Are opposition critics aware of those facts? Are you listening/reading, Dr. Bennett?
I’m going to email Dr. Bennett those two excerpts from US sources: The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times. I don’t think they’re considered conservative-leaning …
There is something very sick about the liberals waiting for the death of a Canadian from the swine flu, so they can use it as a political attack ad. It reminds me of the failed ploy of the liberals to use Romeo LeBlanc’s funeral as an attack ad against Harper.
I’m still going through this interview. It’s astonishing.
Oct 2009 would have been election time if PMSH had got a majority. Oct would have been election if iffy hadn’t caved.
Plans and strategies take time to formulate. Were some of the thoughts iffy thought during the rain, ok, there will be a whine flu (sorry Skipper, couldn’t resist) outbreak this fall. How can we make it a pandemic and scare the people. I know, get Bennett to attack, then Hedy and Bob Rae. Oh, better make arrangements to have vaccine in short supply. Never mind it is a prov matter, people wont notice.
Then announce Mr Harper, your time is up, and smirk.
Bring down the government, and get a majority due to fear and charges of incompetence.
Great plan, but something happened on the way to the polling booth. TRUTH, appeared, media outed for distortion, blogs told the truth, with links to the truth.
Even as their plans hit the garbage dump we still have Bennett denying the facts.
Waiting for the next round of polls. Libs might have gained a little, but as the truth sinks in they will fall further behind.
And all this happening in the week after the saviour has been hired.
Gabby, google GSK-government contract. Google Glaxcosmithkline.
Amazing what you will find. You will also find a copy of the stmt made to the health committee mentioning the December date for having enough supply.
And yes, it does state they would be the only supplier. No mention, that I found, it was re-negotiated in 2006.
Joanne, can you link to the interview for those of us who don’t get the program.
No mention, that I found, it was re-negotiated in 2006.
Mary T, do you have any more info about that so-called renegotiation? Bennett made some reference to a renegotiated contract in that interview. Thanks.
Another poll gone horribly wrong at http://www.ctv.ca (scroll down to bottom right)
Do you agree with Ignatieff’s criticism of the Conservatives over the H1N1 vaccination program?
Yes 33%
No 67%
Joanne, can you link to the interview for those of us who don’t get the program.
Sadly they don’t archive their shows until several weeks later. Perhaps for legal reasons.
I recorded it but I don’t want to post it (even if I had the technical expertise) because of copyright concerns.
However, I will give a summary here shortly.
Honey Pot 10:45 am
There is something very sick about the liberals waiting for the death of a Canadian from the swine flu,
Very sick indeed, they have reached the point of no return. PANICING people is the ‘worst thing they can do’ and as time goes by and people realize what the liberals have done. the anger will explode and canadians will see to it that they the liberals and their media are held responsible for this PANIC, especially those two doctors DR. CAROLY BENNETT AND DR. HEDY FRYE.
Using Swine Flu to score political points has to be the most despicable thing the Liberal Party has done, the public isn’t falling for their assertion that Harper dropped the ball the Feds are doing everything they can to get the vaccine out. Why didn’t Harper nail Iggy upside the head with the fact that the Libs are the ones who signed the exclusive deal with the vaccine manufacture? It’s time to take the gloves off and expose the Libs for liars and political opportunists who will crawl over the ill and dying to score political points.
O.K. Here is my summary of the interview:
Jeff asks Carolyn Bennett if her party has been happy with the Government. She complained about communication problems.
There will be an opposition day motion today to break open the pandemic reserve fund.
Jeff said there doesn’t seem to be enough vaccine anyway, but Bennett says that the problem is the vaccine for pregnant women stopping production of the other. She continues that hopefully that will improve but the problem is lack of communication about the fact that there is only one company producing vaccine and the one line had to be stopped to start the one for pregnant women.
That’s when Jeff jumped in asking if it was true that the Chretien government set up the contract and she said no and went on to explain.
I’ll try to get the exact wording shortly.
Jo — to you and your readers. I just checked on my Stat Counter to see who has visited my last two posts and, while I won’t give out private details, let me just say that our message is definitely getting out to those that need to know (e.g., what Carolyn Bennett said two months ago).
(Continuation of summary)
Jeff asked Bennett to forgive her but said he had received several emails this morning that said perhaps you can ask Dr. Bennett this morning how the Liberals can blame the Conservatives for short supplies of vaccine by using a single-source supplier when it was the Liberals that signed this contract under the Chretien government which doesn’t expire until 2010 or 2011. Is that true?
She says “No, there was a contract, um, and what we wanted was a domestic supply. And what they did in 2001 was um they helped a company who had a plan in Quebec to build up so that we would build up to have a capacity to have domestic supply of vaccine.”
More to follow.
The only thing I found re the contract is that it was tranferred to GSK when they bought the company.
But, today I read it was signed in 2001-2011, and what I found at google was 2004-2010. Still puts it in Chretains lap.
There is so much info re GSK, hard to get thru it all.
Sheila Fraser on Rutherford now.
AG Fraser on Rutherford (Brekinridge) CHQR 770 9:35 am
It is on NOW.
(Continuation of summary)
Bennett says in the 2004 Pandemic plan we were very clear that we needed at least 2 suppliers in order to make the vaccine. So we needed a domestic supplier and we needed a factory refurbished to make vaccine in Canada.
But back up is always important in an emergency planning so our Pandemic plan in 2004 had specified that there must be at least 2 suppliers.
[but that was still under the Liberals! my note. more to follow]
Carolyn Bennett keeps on saying that the USA has 5 suppliers of the H1N1 flu vaccine yet I believe I heard on 60 Minutes Sunday night that the US only had one supplier and therefore looking forward to countries like Canada to help out with the supply issue once the canadian population was dealt with
My question is….did anybody else watch the 60 Minute segment and how can that claim by Bennett be verified…can it be that the US only has one supplier but with 5 locations..given the population,that could be a possibility…in which case we are in much better shape than our neighbours…
The Liberals appear to be running a gong show over the H1N1 with a very incompetent host, Carolyn Bennett. If she’s going to be their critic on health, she should at least be informed.
IMO, she’s way out of her league.
Thanks MaryT at 11:02.
Have been busy writing a looong email to Dr. Bennett, and must now attend to other non-blog related stuff. Thanks again for the info. Will look into it.
(Continuation of summary)
Bennett continued that when Tony Clement renegotiated the contract in 2007, “we’re not really sure what’s in that new contract but we’re constantly trying to find it and we would really like to look at the contract.”
“In the original contract here was a … declaration .. that they company had to be ready at any time to make pandemic vaccine….”
[Blah blah blah. I found this link but it doesn't mean that Clement was able to overule the one-source part of the contract.]
So to completely summarize, basically what she did was deny that the Liberals agreed to the single-source contract, and then went on to support the fact that they actually did, even though she tried desperately to obfuscate.
Was 2004 when GSK took over perhaps?
Re the interview. It seems funny that at no time in the past couple of weeks did Bennett mention the original contract.
One would think that it would have come up.
Perhaps Bennett was as ignorant of past liberal contracts and actions as Iffy was. Was she an MP in 2001. Have to check Sandy’s post to find out.
Liberal-left/socialism brings you: Gaia. Contributions are tax-deductible.
Gaia eats CO2 wafers, shoots, and stays for supper, says St. Gore.
…-
“It’s official – climate change beliefs now have religious equality status
4 11 2009
While I’ve been avoiding posting on this topic for quite some time, when a UK court makes a ruling like this, and the UK Telegraph makes a headline like the one below, it becomes hard to ignore. We live in interesting times.
“Climate change belief given same legal status as religion”
http://wattsupwiththat.com/
Mary T — Just noticed your comment. Carolyn Bennett was elected in 1997 — in the Chretien gov’t.
http://www.carolynbennett.ca/biography.cfm
So, she should have known about the contract. Have spent time trying to find anything on Tony re-negotiating said contract, nothing shows up.
But, did discover that the excess vaccine will be donated to world org etc. Tried to copy some stmts or paragraphs, but one had to highlight the whole thing.
Did find a stmt that the contract is confidential and can’t be made public, and also GSK is looking at possible legal action re misinformation being used. (from a Star article, from some official of GSK.
As for the Flames getting their shot, how many other team have. How many others have received it when they shouldn’t have. What are they going to do, take the shot out of their arm.
Just heard of 2 deaths of caregivers, in Leth area, 21 and 29 yrs old. Hospital emergency ward only dealing with H1N1.
And libs continue to play politics with our lives.
To all caregivers who continue to go to work, my sincere thank you. Give them all a raise.
OT/ We are about to get even closer in controlling the senate. Looks like another senate vacancy.
N.B. Liberal senator opts to retire
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/846011
Goldstein on Adler now.
Just got back home, and lo and behold, Goodale is wondering why the federal government has not hired another 3000+ nurses etc to administer the shot. How many nurses have been laid off, or fired in Ontario. How many in the other Provinces. How many are in nursing programs across the country.
Contract and donations coming up from the ndp.
Does Goodale want to train all the unemployed to administer the shot. How long would that take.
OT, but funny and politically incorrect, by who else, John Crosby-welcomes the Prince while wearing a sealskin coat.
Why hire more staff, when pharmacists have been giving flu shots for years?
Why aren’t pharmacists being utilized?
2/3 of the vaccine is sitting at health units,
why wasn’t a portion sent to pharmacists?
Not accusing, just wondering if there is some jealous guarding of jobs here?
“train all the unemployed to administer the shot. How long would that take?”
Not very long actually. It would never happen because it would cut into the union strangle hold on health care.
I remember, not all that long ago, when an ‘untrained’ lady would give injections in the local hospital. Years before she had been taught, by a nun, how to give injections and she just kept right on doing it.
In The brandon Health Region retired health workers were asked to volunteer at the H1N1 Clinics to adminster shots.I have not heard of any problems with the unions in NDP Manitoba. All Manitobans realize there is a grave shortage of medical staff in Manitoba and for the benefit all , we must work together to vaccinate our population.
I guess Goodale forgot that hiring nurses was a provincial responsibility.
I can’t believe we’ve fallen for the Liberal smack and twisting of facts…again. I give Gabby credit for suggesting that complaining about it without acting on the imbalance and inaccuracies. Couldn’t have said it better myself and likely did in my previous lives.
Topping off Iffy’s bad day is the snippet of news that has thus far escaped BLY relating to the outraged Liberal BIG CHEQUE SCANDAL. The Ottawa Citizen today reports that “Prop Cheques Don’t Violate Guidelines.”
The H1N1 spin by the Liberals is simply more of the same because they have no ideas and no leader to speak of.
RN shortages? Not in Alberta. We are the only jurisdiction in North America where the government is claiming an excess of RNs.
Could it be that Alberta is right and everyone else is wrong? Sarc off
Fay,
I heard a similar story coming out of the North Bay Ontario region and it just warmed my heart.
The NB story involved an early setback but then they regrouped, booked the hockey arena,rounded up volunteers, brought in retired nurses and set up an efficient system.
The folks were warm, concessions open and a good old time, hanging out.
We never hear this stuff!
Senior Health care official that approved the private vaccination of the Flames, FIRED!!
Maybe now the ranters, will BE QUIET?? I wonder how indignant they are about inmates being vaccinated before kids?
Wow. Thanks Bec.
Oh my God, Bennett is again “debating” the issue of H1N1.
I await with bated breath to see whether she responds to my email to her, cc’d to Minister of Health Aglukkaq
I plan to email Michael Ignatieff tomorrow after Hansard becomes available online. Today he repeated the misinformation that other countries have managed to get their populations vaccinated earlier and faster, without any shortages, that Canada. That information is clearly incorrect, as supported by information I posted here at BLY in the previous thread at:
Nov 2, 11:21 pm
Nov. 3, 12:54 am
Nov. 3, 1:04 am
Good for you Gabby! Please let us know if you get any replies. Thanks.
It’s astounding enough that the Liberal health critic would be so misinformed but it’s doubly astounding the leader of the Opposition would be so out of the loop on the facts regarding H1N1 here as compared to other countries. PM Harper did give Iggy Poo the info in an answer in the HOC but selective hearing seems to have kicked in to fit their agenda.
Hi, my name is Tommy Douglas, from the PET Cemetery, CanCancer Div. The Boss flu me here on a socialist Mission Band fact-gathering reccy ratrol.
…-
“Battling Cancer, Canadian Mom Comes To Pittsburgh For Help
…a 25-year-old Canadian stricken with cancer, is in Pittsburgh for a grueling procedure that she hopes will help save her life and allow her new daughter to know her.
…Hudon said the only procedure that may help in her fight was pioneered at the Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside and is not offered in Canada”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2378585/posts
Welcome to The “”resistance”". C’mon in. Put on yer hoods and sashay over to Iffy’s place.
There’s lots of +++++’s to burn, eh Hedy?
…-
“Ignatieff opens door to gun registry changes
Liberal leader says “resistance” in rural Canada undermining law’s legitimacy, as Commons appears set to approve bill targeting long-gun registry”
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/720988–ignatieff-opens-door-to-gun-registry-changes
Meanwhile:
“Tamil Tigers look to regroup in Canada”
(nnw)
BTW Jo in the first headline you mention Alf. You are talking about that fuzzy little TV character who thought getting lucky was eating a cat sandwich? You know the guy that would sooner collect lint than gold. The guy who blew himself through the wall when he forgot to light the gas oven when cooking duck a la ronge? Its that Alf right? I mean no one else could be that drop dead funny and stupid at the same time!
I’ve been visiting … today it’s Sweden, since I believe it was mentioned in the growing list of countries the Liberals claim are WAY ahead of Canada in vaccinating their populations.
http://tinyurl.com/y8cmtnl
“SWINE FLU
Vaccination is different depending on the county
Published 2009-11-02 12:30
… The vaccination unit of Sweden’s population is in full swing, but when, where and how to be vaccinated depends on where you live.
In Stockholm, vaccination began in city public schools during this week. Around 95,000 students and staff will be offered vaccination in the coming weeks.
Students, parents and staff will get a leaflet about the vaccination on Monday 2 November. In order for children to get their dose, their legal guardians must complete a health declaration and a consent form.”
Since I don’t speak Swedish, I cannot make all corrections needed in the English translation provided by Google Translate. But one can get the gist of it.
I think I’ll go to Norway next.
Alf here. Get me outta, here, Iffy. I’m goin’ stir crazy; no visitors; no cell phone; no pizza; no e-mail ….. jammed in here with O yelling in his cell …
Here’s my advocate: “Craig Jones, the executive director of the John Howard Society of Canada, says convicts aren’t necessarily health-conscious to begin with and live together in crowded conditions.”
…-
“Give prisoners priority H1N1 vaccine: supporters”
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/11/04/11636946-cp.html
Prisoners’ rights advocates want inmates to get priority treatment with the H1N1 flu vaccine
If you thought that Carolyn Bennet was hysterical, when she asked the question, as supplied by OLO staff, “Why does the government have only a single source for manufacture of vaccine?”
she went completely ballistic, with the Opposition leader’s staff ( welcome to the OLO Peter Donolo) when informed that the truth is that it was Jean Chretien that negotiated and signed the single source 10 year $323 million, beginning in 2001. She was pacified and came down of the ceiling, when she was informed that the upside was that the Liberal Party got a $56,000 donation ( some would say kickback) from the firm.
Is it time for Judge Gomery to begin an investigation of the Liberal Party, on kickbacks to the party, for government contracts, as the Liberal way of doing government business – this could make the sponsorship scandal of theft of Canadian taxpayer’s money, look like peanuts in comparison.
My trip to Norway was faster than to Sweden, since the city of Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, generously provides an English version of its notices.
BTW, Norwegian appears to be more difficult than Swedish, i.e. harder to connect to similar-looking English words.
Please note the dates of these reports, again contradicting what the Liberals have been saying about the preparedness and roll-out in other countries being faster than in Canada.
https://www.bergen.kommune.no/svineinfluensa?articleId=55368&artSectionId=4943
A(H1N1) – SWINE FLU:
Information in English
“The City of Bergen has begun vaccinating higher risk groups and health care personnel against the A(H1N1) virus.
Tekst: Elisabeth Farstad Publisert: 27.10.2009 Oppdatert: 30.10.2009
[I assume this means “first published” and “updated” - Gabby]
“The city has run out of vaccines, as have many doctors. We do not know exactly when new vaccines will be in place, but according to national health authorities it will be some time next week.
Until all members of higher risk groups have acquired the vaccine, they and remaining health care personnel will have priority. …”
https://www.bergen.kommune.no/bk/multimedia/archive/00065/29_10_2009__Informat_65348a.pdf
To: Parents and guardians of children in day care and schools
Vaccination against A(H1N1) – swine flu
Norwegian authorities have ordered the vaccine Pandemrix against the A(H1N1) – swine flu for the entire population of Norway. The first doses of the vaccine have arrived, and we may now begin vaccination of higher risk groups and health care personnel.
If you belong to any of the higher risk groups listed below, you may contact your doctor or appear at Fyllingsdalen sykehjem to get your vaccine. 29 October 2009
Hmm, maybe I’ll head to warmer climes … either Spain or Greece. I’ll have to think about it.
Gabby – This is fascinating. Enjoy your next trip.
when she was informed that the upside was that the Liberal Party got a $56,000 donation
Peter, don’t forget that it was legal at the time.
votes on gun bill yeas 154 nays 134
Mary T – Yeah! Big coup for rural Canada and law-abiding citizens. It’s also very good for the CPC.
Gabby, are you piling up air miles or calluses on your fingertips. Good work.
Watching the vote on the opposition motion on H1N1
yeas 156 nays 146 (I think:) carried
Vote on E I next.
Some sanity from Andrew Coyne:
Notes on a non-crisis
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/11/04/notes-on-a-non-crisis/
EI motion passes. Iffy and Rae voted against the gun bill.
It’s beginning to look like this is not a Canadian problem, and not even an Ontario problem but a Toronto problem.
There was a piece in the National Post this morning, here which shows the rates of actual delivery of the vaccine by province. Of the 8 provinces reviewed, all except Ontario had rates that varied from 60% to about 90%. Ontario so far has delivered 300,000 of the 2.2 million doses it has received, or a massive 14%.
Given that we have heard success stories from such disparate locations as North Bay, Thunder Bay and the Soo, I can only conclude, given the media coverage that it is the big GTA that is falling down on delivery.
As Christina Blizzard says :“When you look at the shambles that happened with the roll-out of the swine flu vaccine, you shake your head and wonder just what it is that makes it so difficult for this province to deal with public health emergencies.
We saw it in 2003, with the outbreak of SARS. Ontario ground to a halt, while British Columbia managed the outbreak quite well.”
Here on the wild west coast it is basically a non-story. High risk groups are getting priority this weeks and seniors have been told specifically they should not show up as they are not at risk. I would be interested to know what other provinces are saying on their websites.
As a lifelong Oilers fan, it pains me to support the Flames, but to be fair, Premier Stelmach himself said last week that ALL Albertans should get the vaccination, so there was no reason for them not to do it. The private clinic was apparently to avoid any fuss with the team lining up at a regular clinic.
I don’t know what makes me more disgusted, the fact the the old libs took $56,000 in return for a $325,000,000 contract, or the fact that they didn’t ask for more. Makes them seem kind of cheap and tawdry doesn’t it?
Well Greg, you’re implying cause and effect which hasn’t necessarily been proven. And it’s all moot now anyway.
I decided to delete your second comment because it was over the top.
Joanne at 4:08, I didn’t yet, and I probably won’t get a reply from Bennett, judging from past experience with some MPs.
MaryT at 6:10 pm, LOL!
I have to say that I am very impressed with Candace Hoeppner. A strong, well-spoken conservative woman. Well done, Ms. Hoeppner!
Gabby, hope you’ve had your virtual H1N1 shot before your virtual fact finding travels.
When looking at and listening to the likes of Dr Bennett, Iggy et al in action I’d hate to say what I think there ought to be a vaccine developed against.
re jad’s comment @ 6:32 pm
What’s the story in Ontario/Toronto?? anyway??
That percentage is horribly out of whack in comparison to the other provinces.
Soccermom at 7:22 pm, I agree. No hemming and hawing from Ms. Hoeppner. I hope she gets more exposure.
=====
Liz J, unfortunately researchers apparently haven’t developed a vaccine for this disease: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/05/12/f-health-hand-foot-mouth-disease.html
And yes, I have been inoculated – virtually. The virtual vaccine protects me from straying onto sites populated by too many liberals.
Eureka! I found this site very quickly
http://www.athensnews.gr/articles/13362/01/11/2009/3803
“ … The health ministry announces it will launch a nationwide vaccination effort (photo) against swine flu on November 15. The first to be vaccinated will be doctors and nurses and vulnerable groups like pregnant women, diabetics and the chronically ill.
ATHENS NEWS 02/11/2009”
Maybe Spain or Portugal next, and then Ireland?
Gabby – Wow! They are really behind in Athens!
And please be careful you don’t push yourself too much. I’m worried about jet-lag.
Young Blue Eyes.
…-
“Blott said what impressed her most from her visit with Harper was the prime minister’s blue eyes.
“They are so beautiful, they can’t be real,” she signed.”
…-
“Teen wins chance to job-shadow Harper
OTTAWA – Chandler Blott was granted what many covet but few are awarded — one-on-one time with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Blott, who is deaf, won a photo contest on the Internet. The 14-year-old from Claresholm, Alta.’s prize was a trip to Ottawa and a chance to job-shadow Harper.”
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2009/11/04/11638521-sun.html
Thanks jad. I believe you are correct. Looks like the Liberals have achieved their desired diversion using the H1N1 issue to take away from all else that’s going on that’s positive for Candaians.
Awesome research Gabby! This is so interesting, a relative of mine lives and works in London, England.No one is even talking about the H1N1 vaccine in London !!
When best blog voting comes up let’s make sure we have a winner for Joanne
Joanne deserves a Nobel prize
Outstanding work
fh
Thanks fh.
With the new grandson I’ve been really busy, but it is fun to keep up this blog as well.
When does the PM leave for China and India. Be prepared for major faux scandal attempt. Will he lose his luggage, will he go to the bathroom, what will the media and liberals come up with.
Who will go with him from the media to ask the tough questions.
Craig went to China with Chretain, canoed with PET, and stays home when PMSH travels.
Give us your ideas of the next faux scandal when the PM is out of the country.
Last trip …
Here I am in the Iberian peninsula
First, in Spain http://tinyurl.com/y9jdphw
The vaccination against the new flu begins on Nov. 16
There are two vaccines, one for pregnant women and another for the rest of the population
EMILIO DE BENITO – Madrid – 23/10/2009
The Ministry of Health and the communities cleared another hurdle, reaching a consensus in the debate over the new flu. The Interterritorial Council agreed that vaccination will begin everywhere on the same day: Nov. 16. … “
Next, on to Portugal http://www.the-news.net/
“Swine flu vaccine here 24/10/2009
… swine flu vaccinations which are set to commence next week. Hundreds of thousands of children will only be given their jab next year after being excluded from the Government’s priority list while concerned parents were amongst those responsible for this week depleting the nation’s stocks of the seasonal flu vaccine.
As of next Monday [Oct. 26, same day Canada began to vaccinate] 54,000 doses of the A H1N1 flu jab will begin to be administered to the nation. The population has been divided into three key groups defined by national health authorities.
Children and the elderly have been placed in a later priority group set to be vaccinated next spring. …
It is hoped that by the end of April 2010 all three million people in the three key groups will be protected as they can be against Swine Flu.
I think I made my point. The Liberals have been yapping that the government’s response was not fast enough.
Well, it just so happens that many other countries have been experiencing slow delivery of the vaccine, thus some shortages, and in some cases the same kind of panicky line-ups induced by the excessive media coverage. So, Ms. Bennett, put a cork in it!
And Joanne, you’re right: time to take care of the jet-lag. No more travels for a while.
Aren’t the nominations for best blog out now, seems I read that somewhere. Yes, make BLY a winner, and how about Sandy for Educational blog.
“Children and the elderly have been placed in a later priority group set to be vaccinated next spring. ”
That’s disturbing. The most vulnerable and the least vulnerable, being lumped together. Maybe this country is run by ‘Liberals’……
when she was informed that the upside was that the Liberal Party got a $56,000 donation
Joanne you wrote at 5:51
“Peter, don’t forget that it was legal at the time.”
Canadians have to decide was it a party donation or a kickback by the company. ( to help you decide – do you think there would have been a cheque for the Liberal Party for 56 thousand dollars if there was no 326 million dollar contract.)
I report the facts you decide.
In case you miss it this morning. The next Liberal scandal is setting up. A read of Don Martin’s column gives us a clue.
Richco, again, great minds think alike, see my comment in above post. And remember, the PM will be out of the country.
Mary T. – they’ve probably got a long list of ways to waste out time because there’s nothing else for them to do at the bottom of the barrel.
He is not the only one suffering foot and mouth disease.
Pat Martin, NDP, has issued a letter of apology to Gary Lunn over his off the deep end remarkds re the Torch run. OOPS, it will be in his Winnipeg riding in January.
More proof opposition MPs talk and rant before finding out the facts. NNW.
How many will discover Pat was lying, and how many other lies are being spread in the HofC.
Travers is again telling the liberals how to recover from the vote to abolish the gun registry.
Shouldn’t all his articles come with a disclaimer, I am for the liberals, regardless of what they have done or will do.
I am a liberal shrill.
[...] why there was a sole-source contract for the vaccine. In response to that badgering, Joanne at Blue Like You and Neo-Conservative have posts up explaining that the single source “ten-year” vaccine [...]