Cheers & Jeers
JEERS: to an incredible lack of due diligence by government.
It’s almost unbelievable what happened behind the scenes of the apparently rushed approval of Redsea Riding’s ride-sharing licence in January. Records obtained by Saltwire show it took only about 27 hours for the provincial government to approve Redsea’s ride-sharing licence, even though the company’s director is facing a number of sex-related charges against two youth — charges that have been working their way through the courts for some time with that information publicly available. And though that is eye-raising in itself, there are other areas of concern — that simple questions and checks, and following stated processes, should have uncovered. For example, proof of insurance wasn’t asked for until after the application was approved, even though the motor registration website says companies must provide proof of insurance with their application. There is also nothing in the records showing criminal records check information was obtained for the drivers hired and company policies appear to be abruptly copied from other established companies. Shaking your head? We are, too.
CHEERS: for funding to help coastal communities better protect themselves from a storm surge.
What post-tropical storm Fiona did to Port aux Basques and other communities on the southwest coast of Newfoundland is still fresh in our minds. With the severity and frequency of such storms increasing, measures have to be taken to protect homes and community infrastructure as much as possible. An announcement last week will see the federal, provincial and municipal governments spend $4.3 million on 10 projects to improve shoreline protections and erosion controls. It’s a good start, and this kind of work needs to continue.
JEERS: to exorbitant spending on travel nursing.
A Globe and Mail report found the N.L. government spent $35.6 million on staffing agency nurses in a three-month period last year, and even more money on a variety of other expenses, including travel nurses’ training, meals and cable bills. Health Minister Tom Osborne said that without travel nurses, there would have been more emergency department closures and cancelled procedures and services. The Registered Nurses Union, however, said the news was infuriating to its members who are routinely mandated to work extended shifts. Calls have been made for the auditor general to look into this. And, as all this plays out, many graduating nurses in the province say they are only being offered temporary jobs upon graduation. What a mess.
CHEERS: to kindness and support.
When St. John’s resident and business owner Dave Penny was diagnosed with non-hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system, his whole life changed. And that included having to shut down his business, Deadly! Mini Donuts at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market while undergoing treatment. Penny is scheduled for a stem cell transplant in the coming weeks and is finding it tough with the financial strain. Coming to his aid, friends and family started a fundraiser, and those helping out include his friends at the farmers’ market. Emily Hunt, owner of The Waffle Lady at the farmers’ market, donated a full day’s proceeds to Penny. “When I saw the donation from The Waffle Lady I was very touched,” Penny said. “I visited her at the market this past weekend and it was emotional.”
JEERS: to continuing to be crabby over crab.
After last year’s chaotic crab fishery — that started with a price dispute, causing a nasty six-week delay in getting boats on the water — you’d think the controversial waves would have settled by now and we’d be in line for smooth sailing this year. But don’t hold your breath. A review committee struck by the province after last year’s dispute recommended both sides (the Association of Seafood Producers and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union) agree to a pricing formula by the end of January 2024. We’re late into February and still no sign of a pricing formula agreement. Instead, the old dispute has surfaced again with an arbitrator’s recent ruling that the union breached the collective agreement when its members refused to commence the snow crab fishery on time. The ruling opens the door for the association to pursue damages for losses processors incurred as a result of the tie-up. And that could be quite costly to the union. B’y’s o’ b’ys.
CHEERS: to a fitting tribute.
The family of the late Derrick Bragg joined Premier Andrew Furey at Confederation Building on Thursday, Feb. 22, to unveil a new highway sign that will be erected in the Bragg’s memory. “Derrick Bragg Way” will be the new name for a section of Route 320, which turns down to Bragg’s hometown of Greenspond, where he worked as the town clerk and manager for 30 years and as fire chief for 28 years. Bragg was elected MHA for Fogo Island-cape Freels in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2021, serving in a number of cabinet portfolios. Bragg died on Jan. 22 at age 59 after a battle with cancer. “We decided ‘Way’ instead of ‘road’ or ‘route’ because Derrick definitely had a way about him,” Furey told reporters. “He had a way about him that put you at ease. He had a way about him that made you laugh. He had a way about him that really allowed for the most diplomatic approach to some tense situations.” We agree.