Cheers &Jeers

CHEERS: to a win for city taxpayers.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court ruled that the City of St. John’s must release the amount of money it paid to Deacon Sports and Entertainment after the Newfoundland Growlers hockey team was kicked out of the former Mile One Centre in 2021. An arbitration in the case was settled and the city paid out money but refused to release that amount to a Saltwire reporter. The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner then told the city to release the information, but the city took the matter to court. The court’s 26-page decision outlines a number of reasons the city must release the information, but noted the basic principle that taxpayers have the right to know how the city (through the centre) spends taxpayers’ money.

JEERS: to the ongoing health-care crisis.

You don’t hear the word “crisis” mentioned as often in relation to the province’s health-care system, but it surely is still in crisis. From staffing shortages and excessive money spent on travel nurses, to a lack of family doctors and access to medical professionals, to incredibly long waits for such important tests as MRIS and over-crowded emergency rooms, the list goes on and the stories grow of people suffering and enduring hardship trying to obtain good health care. It’s a monumental task to fix it all. The provincial government has implemented measures that are helping, but it’s going to take a lot more work, creative approaches, proper consultation, and co-operation all around.

CHEERS: to Pride in curling.

The St. John’s Curling Club will host the Canadian Pride Curling Championships for the first time from Thursday, March 14 to Sunday, March 17. Sixteen of the country’s greatest teams from 2SLGBTQIA+ curling leagues will be competing for the national title. The Fourth Annual Big Jib Draw, the local queer curling bonspiel, will also be held on the weekend. So from Thursday morning to Sunday evening, there will be a total of 40 teams, over 150 curlers, 17 draws, and two champions declared. Sounds like an exciting weekend of curling! Welcome, everyone!

JEERS: to hecklers and interrupters.

Crab harvesters came to the House of Assembly last week to protest and seek meetings. They brought with them legitimate concerns regarding their fishery. Also, about a dozen people who still call tent city near the Colonial Building home attended and sat in the public gallery. All good so far — but wait. Some chose to behave inappropriately, interrupting the House sitting, yelling insults or accusations, causing a ruckus and having to be escorted out. What purpose does that serve? No one listens and it weakens your case. If you want to show up in numbers, yes, that shows strength, as long as it is peaceful and by the rules. If you select well-informed representatives from your group to do reasoned talking to politicians and media, that will go further than outbursts. Proper conduct will gain you a lot more respect from the public and a better route to having your issues resolved.

JEERS: to disrespect for the departed.

On Wednesday, March 6, CBC News reported that dozens of dead bodies are being stored in outside freezer containers behind the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. The bodies are unclaimed, and not always because there’s no next of kin. Some families can’t afford funerals. CBC cited reasons including rising cost-of-living and inflation. While the government seems to find money for many other programs, the amount of government assistance to help families with cremation and burial costs hasn’t changed in 20 years. This is an issue concerning dignity and respect, and solutions should be found as soon as possible.

CHEERS and JEERS:

Cheers to all the neighbours helping neighbours and people coming together to help clean up the huge dump of snow that fell between Thursday and Saturday, and that includes a big cheers to all the city and municipal crews putting in long hours to open roads. Jeers to drivers who just won’t slow down. With all the high snowbanks jutting out into the streets blocking views, it makes for a dangerous situation for people walking and vehicles trying to exit driveways and parking lots. Slow down, be alert, and keep the roads safe for everyone.