Marc Bellemare Going Down in Flames

It seems that Marc Bellemare's credibility at the Bastarache Commission is sinking faster than the Titanic. The inquiry is looking into his allegations that Liberal party fundraisers put political pressure on him to name certain people to the bench.
Jean Charest always claimed that Bellemare's allegations were full of crap, but since the Premier himself is no longer perceived as particularly trustworthy, his denial of the influence-peddling allegations, fell on the deaf ears of a jaundiced public, already battered by all sorts of scandals.

That being said, most experts agree that once Charest called the inquiry, it augured poorly for Bellemare, Charest knew full well what, or what not could be revealed. That is why to this day we don't have an inquiry into the construction industry.

In my last post about Bellemare, I warned that although he was riding high, with a whopping 68% of the public believing his testimony, he was in for a Humpty-Dumpty-like fall.

It happened Monday, as the wheels fell off the Bellemare express.

The two witnesses that Bellemare promised would back up his story, unequivocally denied the ex-Minister's story.

"Two former aides of Marc Bellemare, Quebec's justice minister in 2003 and 2004, contradicted the key witness's testimony at a provincial inquiry into judicial nominations in Quebec City Monday." Read the CBC Story

Michel Gagnon, Bellemare's former chief of staff, gave testimony that was so devastating, that Bellemare's lawyer jumped up and down with objection after objection, trying to break the momentum. At one point, he asked the witness if he was perjuring himself. The judge was not amused!

Gagnon testified that he never heard of, or saw any attempts to influence the appointment of certain candidates as judges, nor had Bellemare ever mentioned to him, anything about it. He was unequivocal about it.

As well, he directly contradicted other Bellemare testimony concerning the alleged influence peddlers, who Bellemare denied meeting with after he left office.
Gagnon told the inquiry that Bellemare did indeed meet with them in a Quebec city restaurant in an effort to raise money to fund his mayoral campaign. Link(French)

Jacques Tétrault, Bellemare's former press secretary denied that Bellemare never informed him of any inappropriate pressure being applied to the Minister, once again, in direct contradiction to what Bellemare testified, another crushing blow.

On Tuesday, the then deputy minister Michel Bouchard, delivered another stinging blow to Bellemare, indicating that he wasn't up to the job as Justice Minister and ran a 'tense' office. He became emotional when he described the way Bellemare removed Pierre Legendre from his longtime post in the Justice Ministry, all because his brother had been elected as an opposition PQ  member of the National Assembly. Link(French)

To make matters worse, the commission is calling for an expert to look at the note Bellemare placed in evidence, one that he wrote in cryptic shorthand that purportedly documented his feelings about the so-called influence peddling. The suspicion among some commission lawyers is that the incriminating part, complaining about that pressure, was added to the note at a later date. LINK
The handwriting expert will testify today and tomorrow Bellemare is going to testify again at the commissions request.

For Bellemare it is likely a case of "Lucy, you got some 'splaining to do!"

The headlines and stories in yesterday's newspapers weren't particularly kind to Bellemare, even though he has enjoyed a somewhat free ride until now.

Montreal's Le Devoir daily, no friend of Mr. Charest, described the day's testimony as "dévastatrice," no translation needed. It also added that his two former employees "demolished his allegations"

Jean-Jacques Samson in the Journal de Quebec, described Bellemare as being "manhandled'  and called the day's testimony a "demolition derby"

The only person rushing to Bellemare's defence was the PQ leader Pauline Marois who claimed that the commission was rigged against the ex-justice minister. 

Trying desperately to cast aspersions on the testimony of the two ex-employees, she hinted at perjury  cleverly, in that old tried and true backhand manoeuvre ; (I'm not saying he's lying but....)

"Obviously, we cannot accuse anyone of perjury.... but the evidence that both provided is very similar. The words were the same... " she analyzed.  Link(French)

If Bellemare doesn't counter the damage caused Monday, in his Thursday testimony, his goose is cooked.
He may as well start settlement talks in the $700k Charest defamation lawsuit that is looking more and more like a slam/dunk.

For Charest unfortunately, any vindication comes without political reward. Those who were convinced that Charest is a liar, won't jump back on his bandwagon. It's like being acquitted of child-molestation, the stink just doesn't wash off.

For some background information, see;

The Curious Case Of Marc Bellemare

French versus English Volume 14

Montreal Coach chastised over golf tournament
The Canadians head coach, Jacques Martin, was subject to a rather vicious rant by a reader who was outraged that he organized a golf tournament outside Quebec.

"Why did this man hold his golf tournament in Rockland, Ontario, Canada. Are we missing golf courses in Quebec, or is it just because some people prefer English Canada and fuck you francophones!!"

Hmm.... Perhaps the tournament was held there because Mr. Martin is a Franco-Ontarian and Rockland is his home town? LINK


Montreal Blacks deserve to be profiled by police
It wasn't a great surprise that an internal study conducted by the Montreal police themselves, found that the police force systemically targets Blacks for random stops at a rate up to eights times higher than whites. LINK
For columnist Richard Martineau, the fault lies with the Blacks themselves. "Do Blacks wearing a suit and tie get hassled?" he asks in his blog. According to him, Blacks deserve to be stopped because of their hip-hop dress. Link 
I wonder if Mr. Martinaeau would care to comment on the incident involving two Montreal Alouette football players who were stopped in the their late model SUV for the crime of "DWB"(driving while black.)  LINK  
Or how about a Black school teacher who was roused by police for no reason while waiting in a car for his friend who went into a restaurant to pick up pizza. LINK
Every time an incident like this occurs, the police invariably make up an excuse about the victim. He was "aggressive," uncooperative," "suspicious," "driving badly," "tail light." blah, blah, blah.. In the case of the school teacher, the police said that the car had no license plate, but the temporary tag was pasted in the window of the car where it was supposed to be. 
When the police act so stupidly, it's fair to attack their credibility under oath. I'm surprised that no defence lawyer hasn't tried to discredit a cop's testimony on the basis of their general untrustworthiness. Targeting Blacks is a fact of life, lying about it is another. The Montreal police need a cultural change and they need to start telling the truth.

Worst language complaint about a sign
Over the years, I've seen and heard a lot of complaints about English signage, but alas this one takes the cake.

"Cimetière Côte-des-Neiges, 31 juillet 2010.

"One of the many reservoirs for watering flowers placed at the disposition of those visiting the departed.
"Even in a cemetery, the predominance of French must be respected!!!" 

Mouvement Montréal français

Letter encouraging students to visit national parks branded propaganda

Bloqhead MP Carole Lavallée branded a letter sent to students by the Prime Minister as propaganda. Prime Minister Harper sent high school students, across Canada  a letter encouraging them to visit Canada's national parks.

The separatist MP branded the invitation as abuse of government money and an intrusion on provincial jurisdiction.  LINK

McGill university sticks it to French language militants

Ever since the famous McGill Français demonstration, forty years ago, where militants marched on the school, demanding that it convert itself to a French language institution, McGill has earned the undying enmity of jealous French language radicals.

The school's success continues to rankle those who see the school as a symbol of anglo dominance.  They complain bitterly about 'over-funding' and the largess displayed by alumni in greasing it's endowment fund, which is bigger than all francophone schools combined.
This week McGill was the only Canadian school to crack the list of the best 25 best universities in the world, another stab in the heart, but nothing compared to the school's decision to launch its Mordecai Richler writer-in-residence program.
To militants, Richler represents one of the most hated historical Anglo personalities, one who personfies the concept of Quebec-bashing. The idea of honouring him by naming a program after him will serve as another painful irritant for years to come!

Return of Nordiques not popular with everyone 
It seems that not everyone in Quebec is excited about the potential return of the Quebec Nordiques to the NHL, especially if it means spending public funds to secure the team's return. That being said at least one commentator has a completely different reason for rejecting the Nordiques project.
Denis Julien wrote;

 "What are the the benefits of  the Quebec Nordiques to Quebec?

English will be the working language of the team. They will still allow Ontario beer companies to get rich by taking our money. The English-speaking players will open bank accounts at the TD Bank and Scotia Bank or outright in U.S. accounts. They will build several million dollar castles in Lac Beauport which will raise taxes of the residents of this suburb of Quebec. Finally, they will send their children to Quebec English schools. These are the vile benefits of Quebec hockey's return. Something to be proud of, right?"LINK(FRench)

Montreal Canadiens-Instrument of federalism? 
According to Pierre Curzi, a Parti Quebecois member of Quebec's Parliament, the Montreal Canadiens have become an instrument of federalism;

"The Canadiens have changed from being an asset for (Quebec) nationalism to an asset for federalism, said the actor-MP. I think there are people in this organization, that are deeply federalist and they are very aware that hockey is a very strong  tool for creating identity. I think they are quite happy to be able to use it for that." LINK(French)

(Thanks to reader 'STEVE' for the link!) 

B.C. sign irks French language militant
This poster in a Vancouver hospital, annoyed a self-proclaimed Quebecoise exile in British Columbia.

 Advising people to wash their wands in seven languages, French was omitted. 
While common courtesy would dictate that French would be added, notwithstanding that less than 2% of British Columbia speak French, it wasn't. LINK

However complaining about the lack of respect for French is a bit hypocritical, because Quebec hospitals (other than Anglo institutions) exclude ALL languages except French!

The French have a great saying - "Deux poids et deux mesures" (Two weights, two different standards) 
 
Intellectuals for Sovereignty?

A most bizarre exchange took place before a Parliamentary committee in Quebec City, that was debating the proposed law that would replace Bill 103, the law struck down by the Supreme  Court of Canada in relation to English language schooling.

One of the groups opposed to the law that creates guidelines whereby children ineligible for English education can carve out a path, is called  "Les Intellectuels pour la souveraineté" (Intellectuals for sovereignty)
In English culture, it sounds a bit bizarre and self-aggrandizing to refer to oneself as an 'intellectual.'  Similarly I always thought it strange to see a room at the Montreal airport labelled as a 'Salon VIP ,'
but I always put it up to a language thing. I can't imagine a reception at Pearson airport named as such.
 
At any rate, Gilbert Paquette, president of this group was making a presentation when the Minister responsible for the language laws, Christine St-Pierre, started asking some uncomfortable questions.

"Who are these  'intellectuals" exactly?" she asked.
"Why have only 15 of the 150 purported members identified themselves?" 
"Who is financing your organization?' 

It fell to Pequiste Pierre Curzi to come to the rescue, accusing the minister of a witch hunt....... 

Maxime Bernier's Sweet Revenge

A while back I wrote about the incredibly rough ride Maxime Bernier received in Quebec over a speech he gave in which he blasted his fellow Quebeckers over their uncontrolled spending and penchant for big government.
See: Maxime Bernier Burns His Bridges  and  Read the speech.

As you can imagine, it went over like a lead balloon and Bernier was chastised and even labelled  a "Quebec-basher' by no less than the Liberal finance Minister Raymond Bachand, himself. The ad hominem attacks failed to address the issues he brought up, which is typical of those who have no arguments to put forth.

“I was flabbergasted to hear his false, contemptuous declarations,” said the former separatist premier,  Bernard Landry

While the speech was received negatively in most of Quebec, it got the opposite reaction amongst traditional conservatives across the country and all of a sudden, Maxim Bernier was lifted from obscurity to someone on everyone's radar.

To refresh everyone's memory, Bernier was a rising star in the Harper cabinet until a silly indiscretion, where he left some confidential documents at his then girlfriends house. It turns out that the girlfriend had some dubious contacts with bikers and the press and the opposition had a field day playing up the story as a national security issue, when in fact it was her boobs and her 'hotness,' more than her dubious contacts that made her interesting.

You may recall that the girlfriend raised eyebrows by showing up to Rideau Hall for Bernier's investiture into cabinet, wearing a dress with a decidedly plunging neckline. Ever since then, reporters were on her case and when the incident over the documents occurred, they went to town.

Stephen Harper could have easily backed his minister and ridden out the storm, but back then, he was riding high on his morality horse and dropped Bernier from the cabinet over the indiscretion.

Bernier had no choice but to accept the demotion with dignity, but felt betrayed. When after a suitable period in purgatory and he wasn't returned to cabinet, he realized that the writing was on the wall for him, as far as Harper goes. 

And so Bernier retired to the back benches, quietly plotting his return. It isn't an uncommon phenomenon, just ask Quebec Liberal Pierre Paradis who is now plotting to overthrow Jean Charest,  after a similar falling out and banishment.
It's all about timing...

Last week Bernier struck and did so with a vengeance.

Stephen Harper was flirting with the idea of helping Quebec City finance a new arena in the hope that it would boost Conservative prospects in Quebec. It isn't clear whether this was a legitimate offer or just a gambit to hold a carrot out to the Quebec electorate, before a possible Fall election.

Although a majority of Harper's Conservative party caucus were aghast at the idea of federal money being spent in support of private industry, Harper was confident that he could hold everyone in line with the promise of a majority government.

Of course, helping Quebec City get a new arena would mean that the feds would have to help Edmonton, Regina and other Canadian cities realize their stadium or arena dreams, but no matter, the whole commitment would cost under two billion dollars, a fair price to pay,  in his estimation, I imagine, for a majority government.
After all, Harper had no qualms about blowing a billion dollars on the G20 conference in Toronto, with zero long-term return.

Plans were going along neatly with Quebec federal Conservative MPs posing for the media in Nordiques jerseys, giving the media and the public, a not so subtle message that help might well be on the way.

But conspicuous by his absence was Maxime Bernier and he was soon questioned by the press as to why he didn't appear in the picture.

At first Bernier played it coy, offering a terse 'NO COMMENT' to reporters, but as the pressure built and a Conservative backlash developed, he finally unloaded in his blog. 

"...I too share the dream of again seeing a professional hockey team come back to play in our region and I sincerely hope that a way will be found to make this dream come true. But dreaming does not make the hard financial reality go away. It’s nice to have dreams, but when you use borrowed money to achieve them and act as if money grows on trees, you may have a brutal awakening. For all these reasons, I cannot in good conscience support this project." Read the blog piece in English

His pronouncements served to act as a 'tipping point' in the Conservative caucus, Bernier saying openly, what so many wanted to, but were afraid to voice in fear of the inevitable Harper retribution.
It seems that Bernier has effectively destroyed Harpers's plans and the 'arena gambit' is dead.

Support for Bernier in the Conservative party is slowly and quietly building. He is now being perceived as an attractive package and a viable alternative to Harper, who is more and more being seen as a sell-out to traditional conservative values and like the biblical Moses, he seems unable to deliver the ultimate prize.

For Harper it's another bitter lesson that punishing foes and adversaries by banishing them, may not be the best prescription.
Like Helena Guergis, who was also thrown under the bus prematurely and who is coming back to haunt Harper now that she has been exonerated, Bernier is now more than a thorn in the side and is launching a legitimate challenge.

Lost on Harper is the old "Art of War" quote;

"Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer" -Sun Tzi

Bernier remains safe in his Beauce Parliamentary seat. The region is atypically federalist, and fiercely entrepreneurial. Nothing will unseat him. Although unpopular for his stand on the Quebec arena now, the press is begrudgingly respectful.
Should he ever become leader of the federal Conservatives, his good looks might even trigger a modern Trudeaumania effect. If he can deliver between 30-35 seats in Quebec, the Conservatives might well achieve a true 'Big C' Conservative majority, something Harper is unlikely to ever produce. It's not impossible, Brian Mulroney once delivered 58 seats. Things change quickly in Quebec.

For Bernier, revenge is sweet.
Not only has he destroyed Harper's "arena gambit," he has raised his profile and stature.

For Bernier, his star is rising, having "passed GO and collected his $200 successfully"

Inspirational Posters Volume 3

 

See    Inspirational posters Volume 2

See    Inspirational posters Volume 1

Please have an EXCELLENT weekend!
BONNE fin de semaine!

 

NDP Joins Forces with Separatists in Anti-English Rally

The NDP, led in Quebec by the indomitable "UNCLE TOM" Mulcair is joining forces with separatist forces to protest the Quebec government's proposed Bill 103, the law that will replace Bill 104, struck down by the Supreme Court as illegal.
That law closed a 'loophole' whereby students who didn't qualify for English education could skirt the law by attending an unsubsidized private English school for as little as one year, thus earning qualification for public English education, the next year.

The law that closed this loophole was deemed too harsh and the Quebec government was given a year's reprieve to write a kinder and gentler law.
That they did, but Bill 103 can hardly be labelled kinder and gentler, it is, if anything, much harsher and just as likely illegal.

That being said, for militant language and separatist groups, it's not enough. They are pushing for the use of the "Notwithstanding Clause" to nullify the Supreme Court's decision, something the government is loathe to do as it might present Quebec internationally as repressive.

"They ask us (PQ) to do what they did not want to do when they were in power, aware of the impact on the international stage. When you say you want to make a country, you're not going to walk around saying you're going to bully, in some cases, fundamental freedoms. The whole debate is here. It is the protection of the image of Quebec abroad, "she said.

-Christine St. Pierre Minister of Education  LINK(French)

Nowhere in the NDP literature or any web site (that I could find) is there any mention that they are taking part  in this coalition, but as you can see, the NDP logo appears prominently under the advertisement for the big 'spectacle' to be held to protest Bill 103 on September 18th.

I wonder if any journalist will put the question of whether the NDP supports the use of the Notwithstanding Clause, in relation to Bill 103,  directly to Mr. Layton?
We don't need to ask Uncle Tom, he is always front and center, when it comes to shafting Quebec Anglophones..

In joining the coalition, the NDP shares company with the Bloc Québécois, Parti Québécois and Québec Solidaire.  Federal separatists, provincial separatists and communist separatists. Wonderful company!

What's more interesting is that the NDP has placed its logo besides the Réseau de Résistance Québécoise and  Jeunes Patriotes du Québec, two radical organizations who have either engaged or hinted at violence.

Going down the list we can find the usual suspects of sovereignists, unionists and language militants, not many surprises except for the NDP, who's logo, complete with the Canadian flag, seems a bit out of place.

By the way, I was a bit put off by the inclusion of the Commission scolaire de Montréal, A PUBLIC ORGANIZATION, paid for with tax dollars.

Here is the complete list of members of the the "coalition against Bill 103"
Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Montréal
Mouvement national des Québécoises et Québécois

Commission scolaire de Montréal

Bloc québécois

Parti Québécois

Québec solidaire

Nouveau parti démocratique

Conseil de la souveraineté

Revue de l’Action nationale
Les Intellectuels pour la souveraineté
SPQLibre
Rassemblement pour un pays souverain
Mouvement souverainiste du Québec
Réseau de Résistance québécoise
Jeunes Patriotes du Québec
Mouvement pacifique pour l’indépendance du Québec
Comité action indépendantiste et culturelle québécoise du Cégep du Vieux-Montréal
Mouvement Montréal français
Mouvement Montérégie français
Mouvement Laurentides français
Mouvement Lanaudière français
Impératif français
Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec
Confédération des syndicats nationaux
Centrale des syndicats du Québec
Syndicat de la fonction publique du Québec
Fédération autonome de l’enseignement
Union des artistes
Mouvement des cégépiens pour le français
Comité souverainiste de l’UQAM
Mouvement des étudiants souverainistes de l’UDM
Mouvement étudiant pour le français-UQAM

I wonder how Canadians outside the province of Quebec, feel about the NDP's decision to join in this anti-English, coalition of separatists.

How low can the knee-dippers sink, trolling for votes?