Saturday, July 29, 2006

So Much for the "Luck of the Irish".

Today's Hamilton Spectator includes a scathing commentary by columnist Susan Clairmont regarding the sudden resignation of OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface, who has accepted a position in a newly established three-person panel that will provide oversight of Ireland's 13,000-member National Police Force.


Clairmont chastises Boniface severely for her missing-in-action method of leadership:

Leadership isn't about hiding. Or saving face. Or getting others to do your dirty work. Or having a wait-and-see attitude. It's about stepping up and taking control with confidence.

It's about standing by your decisions. Being accountable.

Leadership, like justice, should not only be done, but should be seen to be done.


Are you listening Dalton McGuinty????

Oh, and good luck to the Irish. They're going to need it.


* * * * *

More Blogging Tory links to this story:

Steve Janke - Gwen Boniface has already Left the Country

SDA - Is there a Justice in the House?

I like this comment from Kate's site, by 'Revnant Dream', 12:05 -

I think Harper is just letting Socialism run its vigilant course until no one in Ontario cannot but see how dangerous & weak these fools are.


Now there is an interesting perspective.


* * * *


Sunday Update: Can anyone out there please tell me what the heck 'Side tables' are? From the Spectator.

To me it just looks like another attempt to obfuscate the tension and make-believe that progress is actually being made.

20 comments:

trustonlymulder said...

Luck of the Irish is still there. In this case it's just bad luck.

Unless you're Irish living in Ontario. Then it's all good.

Sara said...

I wish he was listening but he has never listened to anyone but the little man in his head

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Mulder - Rumour has it that the likely replacement won't be much better.

Sara - lol! Sad but true.

Sara said...

sry off topic but go check out Nics blog and look at what she has under her heading on top!!!!!!!!!!! hahahahhahaha

Mac said...

I heard there's a nation-wide search underway for her replacement. Hopefully, the new Commish has a spine.

By the way.... I'm back from Sacramento where it was 48C. Didja miss me?

Joanne (True Blue) said...

By the way.... I'm back from Sacramento where it was 48C.
Whew! I guess we shouldn't be complaining here in Ontario with the temp around 30.


Didja miss me?

Big time, buddy. ;)
Welcome back!!!

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Mac, BTW, I have heard that the OPP as a police force is taken less than seriously by others, including the RCMP. What is your take on that?

Also, does any other province have its own police force?

Red Tory said...

Also, does any other province have its own police force?

Manitoba.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Red - Thanks. Any idea what the name is?

Red Tory said...

MPP, I believe.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Seems logical, Red. I guess I'm wondering why we have all these different levels of policing, but I suppose that the highways and rural areas have to be covered, where they are outside of city boundaries.

But can't the Caledonia police handle this dispute?

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Thanks, Tango. So, I guess it's not just an Ontario thing.

Mac said...

There is a bit of a "pecking order" in policing but it's so informal & grossly generalized that it's almost meaningless as it has more to do with jurisdiction than anything else. My experiences with the OPP have been very positive.

The current provincial forces are the OPP, the Sureté du Québec and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Most of the provinces had provincial forces over the years but those are the only three left.

There were also limited forces like the New Brunswick Highway Patrol and the Cape Breton Regional Police but again, most of those forces are gone. The reason is simple. RCMP contracts are less expensive because they're partly funded by the Feds.

Speaking of which, BC's contract with the RCMP as provincial police is coming up for renegotiation. Theoretically, BC could choose to dump the RCMP and start a new force. Imagine the ramifications of that!

The dispute in Caledonia presents an interesting problem since the disputed land, if recognized as reserve, would be federal jurisdiction, meaning RCMP. If part of the municipality, that would mean whatever municipal force has jurisdiction, likely meaning the OPP.

OMMAG said...

"""Also, does any other province have its own police force?

Manitoba."""

...figures!
OMMAG

Sara said...

Quebec has the First Nations!

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Mac, all that about the various police forces and their jurisdictions is very interesting.

The dispute in Caledonia presents an interesting problem since the disputed land, if recognized as reserve, would be federal jurisdiction, meaning RCMP. If part of the municipality, that would mean whatever municipal force has jurisdiction, likely meaning the OPP.

So are you saying that if the disputed land is eventually seen to be reserve land and given to the natives, that then the RCMP would be in charge?

Mac said...

Exactly. Until it's added to the reserve, it's either municipal or provincial.

Caledonia is policed by the OPP, right? Here's the reason why...

Small municipalities often make contracts with the provincial police for police services. Doing so ensures a cost-sharing with the province whereas raising a dedicated municipal force means going it alone with little or no provincial imput.

If the municipality is small enough (ie: less than 5000) the policing service is automatically provided by the province.

The only exception is federal land. If it's native reserve lands, it's the RCMP. If it's DND property, it's the Military Police.

Mac said...

I just thought of an exception... the RCMP gives way when/if there is a tribal police force on the reserves but we're are always available for assistance.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Thanks as always, Mac. Good to have an expert resource such as yourself!

Mac said...

I'm not much of an expert but I've seen a bit more than the average citizen, I guess!