Yesterday, Stephen Harper announced the new Federal aide program for the families of victims of homicide and disappearance. It is a start but in my opinion no way near where it should be. The program will help families for a period of 35 weeks who have lost a child under the age of 18 to either homicide or a disappearance. The person applying must have an income of over $6,500.00 per year which would entitle them to receive $350.00 per week and be assured that their job awaits them at the end of the period.
Firstly, the government has forgotten all those who have been victims of homicide or who have disappeared who are over the age of 18. Also the government has not taken into consideration that 35 week is hardly enough to get over the loss, deal with the police and crown. Nor will any court proceeding be held during this period.
I had proposed to government officials a few years ago that a program under the compassionate leave program with the E.I. act include families of those murdered or of disappearance. It would have included all and not just victims under 18 years old. Also, my idea would have give have possibly given more income to the families based on 55% of their salary for a period of one year providing that they would have been contributing to employment insurance benefits. Don't forget, here in Quebec our labour standards allow someone to be absent from their job for up to a year without pay. They also would of had job protection. I felt that the program through E.I. would of complemented our Quebec program.
What Harper does not understand is that families still have to pay bills, feed and take care of the rest of the family members and live through the grief, post traumatic stress, court and eventual return to work.
Imagine a family where the father is the only bread winner. His regular earnings are $80.000. 00 a year and now faces this terrible trauma in his family's life. He is unable to go to work and decides to stay home. He is not going to be able to survive on $350.00 a week. This is where many employers will allow the employee to go on a absence management program. With that, and company insurance benefits accompanied by a doctor's certificate would be far more beneficial to the worker than any government run program.
It is only those families who do not have company benefits that will use the government program. For me, the government is not giving up alot. It is not everyday thank goodness that someone under 18 is murdered or disappears.
I feel that Harper has no choice but to finally step up to the plate and help victims.He has Pierre- Hugues Boisvenu as a Senator and I am sure that Pierre- Hugues has educated Harper regarding victim's rights.
All this being said however, does not influence how I will vote in the next eventual federal election. Harper still has a long way to go before convincing me of his worth.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
New Life, Renewal and Family
It has been a busy winter, with endless projects and transitions. I am forever grateful that the snow has finally disappeared and that the winter boots are cleaned and put away. Easter is upon us, a time for renewal, a time for new life and new beginnings.
Easter will be quiet this year with Kim living out west. However, she texted me several times today as she prepared to create her Easter feast. What is cream of tartar? What is lemon curd? Eventhough we are not together for Easter, I still feel that I am apart of her dinner preparations as I coach her on the how to's. We spoke today on my drive home from work about the technical aspects of preparing lemon curd.
Kelly-Anne is always is on my mind. Somehow,I feel she keeps us all on an even keel. My husband soon will begin a new transition in his career. I have never seen someone so cool, calm and collective about moving forward. He inspires me with his confidence. He continues to support me in my career goals.
Another person in my life is my boss of almost nine months. What a joy and pleasure it is to work with him. He allows me to be me and make the decisions that I need to to in order to keep the place afloat. This man is kind, compassionate towards others and a great teacher. He tells me that I have a soft heart, but in reality he has the softer one. He just won't admit it! Most mornings I feel like a kid again. With my lunch packed, I skip out of the house, hop on the bus with the excitement and anticipation of the day ahead. It's such a good feeling. On days like that, my thoughts bring me back to Kelly-Anne. She,as a young girl skipping her way to school in the morning with that smile and her bouncy curls waving in the breeze. The image of her never leaves me. This job is my renewal and my new life. Seeing expectant mothers with smiles on their faces delights me in ways one cannot imagine.
My,have things ever changed since my days of work accidents,unions and steel capped shoes.....full circle I would say. I told someone recently,that I would never go back to my old career. It seems like another life, another time and another me.
Wishing you all a Blessed Easter!
Easter will be quiet this year with Kim living out west. However, she texted me several times today as she prepared to create her Easter feast. What is cream of tartar? What is lemon curd? Eventhough we are not together for Easter, I still feel that I am apart of her dinner preparations as I coach her on the how to's. We spoke today on my drive home from work about the technical aspects of preparing lemon curd.
Kelly-Anne is always is on my mind. Somehow,I feel she keeps us all on an even keel. My husband soon will begin a new transition in his career. I have never seen someone so cool, calm and collective about moving forward. He inspires me with his confidence. He continues to support me in my career goals.
Another person in my life is my boss of almost nine months. What a joy and pleasure it is to work with him. He allows me to be me and make the decisions that I need to to in order to keep the place afloat. This man is kind, compassionate towards others and a great teacher. He tells me that I have a soft heart, but in reality he has the softer one. He just won't admit it! Most mornings I feel like a kid again. With my lunch packed, I skip out of the house, hop on the bus with the excitement and anticipation of the day ahead. It's such a good feeling. On days like that, my thoughts bring me back to Kelly-Anne. She,as a young girl skipping her way to school in the morning with that smile and her bouncy curls waving in the breeze. The image of her never leaves me. This job is my renewal and my new life. Seeing expectant mothers with smiles on their faces delights me in ways one cannot imagine.
My,have things ever changed since my days of work accidents,unions and steel capped shoes.....full circle I would say. I told someone recently,that I would never go back to my old career. It seems like another life, another time and another me.
Wishing you all a Blessed Easter!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
It Takes Two to Tango
Today in the news we hear the name revealed of the convicted murdered doing time in prison who gave money as a bride to two Montreal cardiologists. We all remember Valery Fabrikant who murdered many of his colleges some twenty years ago in a Montreal university. Yesterday, the media was not able to reveal the name of the prisoner as he being a patient had his right to confidentiality. Again, my blood curls as I hear that protective word : confidentiality. What changed from yesterday that allows us to know the name of the prisoner today is something I am not yet aware of.
The doctors in question are André Pasternac and Mark Eisenberg. I ask why would two supposedly upstanding cardiologists find themselves in this mess with Fabrikant. How could they think that dealing with this nutbar would not have any repercussions. How could they not of known what Fabrikant was like as he has been in the media often in the past twenty years while trying to stir up trouble.
I blame the doctors for not refusing treatment right from the get go. I know that a doctor's is obligated to help people even criminals, but from the first instance of trouble brewing,the doctors should of sounded the alarm. However, the stuffed enveolpes looked very appealing. THese doctors have lost their credibility. They made bad choices and for that I would not ever be able to trust them with my life or anyone I know as their decision making would always be questionable.
From the responsibility of Correctional Services who govern and house Fabrikant, I question what control are they allowing him to have. Why was he allowed to choose his own doctors? From what I have read, it seems that Fabrikant wanted the doctors to be available to him at his beck and call. Does that mean whenever Fabrikant wanted to see his doctors, Correctional Services would just put him in a van and shoot him off to the doctor. Who's is running our prisons? Is Fabrikant using his manipulative enveoples with others around him to get services as he sees fit? I wonder if Fabrikant has access to the internet which I am told by CSC that the prisoners do not have access to.
The doctors should face the courts and Fabrikant's stuffed envelopes should be going to the familes of the victims he distroyed. Interestng how even from prison he still controlls his wife. What is she afriad of? Why is she still in the picture?
It was reported that Fabrikant had an operation which Pasternac deemed unnecessary, however he still operated. He was paid with a stuffed envelope, plus our RAMQ paid him which we the Quebec taxpayers paid for. How long was Fabrikant on the waiting list? Who did he bypass on waiting list to get the operation? Probably, someone who desperately needed it.....a good law abiding citizen.
The doctors in question are André Pasternac and Mark Eisenberg. I ask why would two supposedly upstanding cardiologists find themselves in this mess with Fabrikant. How could they think that dealing with this nutbar would not have any repercussions. How could they not of known what Fabrikant was like as he has been in the media often in the past twenty years while trying to stir up trouble.
I blame the doctors for not refusing treatment right from the get go. I know that a doctor's is obligated to help people even criminals, but from the first instance of trouble brewing,the doctors should of sounded the alarm. However, the stuffed enveolpes looked very appealing. THese doctors have lost their credibility. They made bad choices and for that I would not ever be able to trust them with my life or anyone I know as their decision making would always be questionable.
From the responsibility of Correctional Services who govern and house Fabrikant, I question what control are they allowing him to have. Why was he allowed to choose his own doctors? From what I have read, it seems that Fabrikant wanted the doctors to be available to him at his beck and call. Does that mean whenever Fabrikant wanted to see his doctors, Correctional Services would just put him in a van and shoot him off to the doctor. Who's is running our prisons? Is Fabrikant using his manipulative enveoples with others around him to get services as he sees fit? I wonder if Fabrikant has access to the internet which I am told by CSC that the prisoners do not have access to.
The doctors should face the courts and Fabrikant's stuffed envelopes should be going to the familes of the victims he distroyed. Interestng how even from prison he still controlls his wife. What is she afriad of? Why is she still in the picture?
It was reported that Fabrikant had an operation which Pasternac deemed unnecessary, however he still operated. He was paid with a stuffed envelope, plus our RAMQ paid him which we the Quebec taxpayers paid for. How long was Fabrikant on the waiting list? Who did he bypass on waiting list to get the operation? Probably, someone who desperately needed it.....a good law abiding citizen.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Traditions Old and New
It is hard for me to believe that Christmas is shortly upon is. Where did the year go to! We decorated the house in all its splendor over a week ago. It was another bittersweet day as we placed the precious ornaments which Kelly-Anne had made some years ago on the tree. Along with them were the newer ones which Kim,Jules and I had made a couple of years back.
That day I reflected on Christmases past as I looked at decorations that were given to me by people who were close to me and have passed on. I cherish the ornament from my friend Heather. She was my mentor and helped me alot in my career. I think of her often, but each Christmas as I look at her special ornament which she gave me on her last Christmas with us, it just fills my heart with happiness, sadness and appreciation. I often thank her for helping me be the person I am today.
Christmas this year will be different. Kim is in her new home out west with the love of her life. She will have a taste of home as the baking has all been shipped out by FedEx. We spoke last week and I said to her that now was the time for her to start her own traditions. Funny how I received a text today from Kim telling me that she can't find ground veal in the grocery stores. She was wondering how she would make my tourtière recipe without it. I did laugh as we were at the FedEx desk sending off the baking when the text came. I said to Jules that it was too late to send out ground veal! We had a good laugh about that. It did warm my heart that she would make our Quebecois traditional meat pie with her great pie crust and show the Westerners just what they have been missing.
Christmas this year for us will be filled with hope,joy and peace. We will enjoy our family,the four footed guys and friends over the holidays and continue the traditons which we have created together. As always, there will be a candle lit on the table for Kelly-Anne.
Jules and I look forward with excitement to the new year ahead. Good things will be happening for us in our careers and personal life. We look forward to traveling to visit Kim and to meet all the people who have become her second family.
From our home to yours, we wish you health,happiness and peace that will last throughout the year to come. Enjoy your families and your traditions and let the fond memories of Christmases past warm your hearts as those of ours will.
That day I reflected on Christmases past as I looked at decorations that were given to me by people who were close to me and have passed on. I cherish the ornament from my friend Heather. She was my mentor and helped me alot in my career. I think of her often, but each Christmas as I look at her special ornament which she gave me on her last Christmas with us, it just fills my heart with happiness, sadness and appreciation. I often thank her for helping me be the person I am today.
Christmas this year will be different. Kim is in her new home out west with the love of her life. She will have a taste of home as the baking has all been shipped out by FedEx. We spoke last week and I said to her that now was the time for her to start her own traditions. Funny how I received a text today from Kim telling me that she can't find ground veal in the grocery stores. She was wondering how she would make my tourtière recipe without it. I did laugh as we were at the FedEx desk sending off the baking when the text came. I said to Jules that it was too late to send out ground veal! We had a good laugh about that. It did warm my heart that she would make our Quebecois traditional meat pie with her great pie crust and show the Westerners just what they have been missing.
Christmas this year for us will be filled with hope,joy and peace. We will enjoy our family,the four footed guys and friends over the holidays and continue the traditons which we have created together. As always, there will be a candle lit on the table for Kelly-Anne.
Jules and I look forward with excitement to the new year ahead. Good things will be happening for us in our careers and personal life. We look forward to traveling to visit Kim and to meet all the people who have become her second family.
From our home to yours, we wish you health,happiness and peace that will last throughout the year to come. Enjoy your families and your traditions and let the fond memories of Christmases past warm your hearts as those of ours will.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Happy Birthday Kell
This picture was taken on November 28th 2003. It was Kell's 24th birthday and the last one that we were able to celebrate with her. Shelooks so happy and beautiful in this picture.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Living the Dream
I felt last night that I have come full circle since the devastating lost of Kelly-Anne seven years ago.Each year the cocktail fundraiser is bittersweet but somehow last evening it was different.I was thrilled that the master of ceremonies chosen was a former swimming teacher of Kelly-Anne. In more recent years he participated with her in competitive living guarding and became a close friend.
What touched me the most was that a couple of lifeguards spoke how the fund was helping them. These young women never knew Kelly-Anne, but today they are able to live Kelly-Anne dream of travel,training and competition. Bravo! Seven years ago, I intended to make a difference in other people's lives. Now Kelly-Anne's foundation is doing just that.
With close to $12,000 raised last evening,the fund will help competitors reach their goals. I must thank Aquam and McDonald's Canada for their generous support. Also thank you to my family and friends and the many others who I do not know personally who continue to support the foundation.
It was also reaffirmed to me last night that the memory of Kelly-Anne and how she touched her colleagues in the sport will never fade. I also realize even more so than before that reaching goals does take time, but the importance is that we never give up. Kelly-Anne's example of perseverance,implication and dedication are the key factors which I hold to.
I feel that I have moved mountains with my "making a difference project" within my career and with Kelly-Anne's fund. My life just doesn't stop here. It's now about continuing and growing all in those baby steps. I look forward in anticipation of my future and what lies ahead for my family. Kelly-Anne's foundation is touching many young adults within the competitive life guarding milieu. They can live their dreams and that excites me. It also excites me that many more lives can be saved by the continued training and dedication of our lifeguards. Our waters will be safer.
I toast my precious daughter, Kelly-Anne on the eve of her 32nd birthday. I love you and I thank you for continuing to inspire me from afar.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Another Struggle
Yesterday,the harsh reality of my cousin's medical condition hit me straight in the face. I am emotionally exhausted from crying and thinking of her. She is still alive but her condition worsens.I am angry that again 7 years later I feel the same way today as when Kelly-Anne was fatally attacked. There is no medical solution to stop her disease. I am frustrated that in 2011 with the money invested into research,the training of medical professionals and the multi- million dollars of pharmaceuticals available,there is very little that can be offered to my 39 year old cousin.
She has agreed to an experimental operation to see if this may help her. I fully support her going forward with this operation and I believe that she will get through it. I also believe that Kelly-Anne will help guide her doctor. Ironically or not, my cousin's doctor was Kelly-Anne's doctor. She could not save Kelly-Anne's life, but I know is is going to help my cousin.
My cousin's deep faith in God has brought her to a better place. This is what she had to say to me yesterday in an email.
" After everything you've been through, I know how upsetting and horrific this is to hear and I am so very very sorry. I wish with all my heart that I had something better for you. I hate the fact that you are upset. All I can say is that you must know that I believe with all my heart in God and that I know he will not forsake me. No matter WHAT happens, He will always be holding my hand and He is the all powerful to ensure that I don't suffer.
Please know that God will take care of this: in His own way and according to His will and that I am completely trusting of Him. He has NEVER let me down and He never will.
I've always told you that I know it for a fact that one day we will all be together again, with no more tears, suffering or death. So no matter what happens in this life, it is a test. We must prove our faith in God and Christ and we will be rewarded for doing so with eternal life, peace, and love with one another for always, if we follow the example Christ set out for us.
I assure you that this life is just a passing thing,full of trials and tribulations: but that one day we shall all reap what we sowed. I know it's going to be okay - one way or another.
Please don't be sad. I love you too much to think that you are sad, although it's obviously normal to feel that way, but please know that I am not alone and that I am not scared.
Please don't be scared either. And I promise to give you my surgery date and we'll talk before then.
I love you "
I cannot get over her faith, conviction and trust in the Lord. I am so proud of her and how she is dealing with all of this. I ask each and everyone of you irregardless of your beliefs that you pray for my cousin and her family.
It's hard for me as most of my adult years I have always been faced to find solutions to problems and different issues whether in my personal life or work life. I have convinced myself that there is a solution for everything. It's when medical situations like that of Kelly-Anne and now my cousin's battle do not allow for concrete solutions,I have a hard time dealing with all.
My own faith is now being tested again. I never blamed God for Kelly-Anne's passing and I do not blame Him for my cousin's illness. I do however question what is it that we all have to learn from this present situation? What message will our family and all her friends receive? For me,I am reminded that I have to continue to trust God more and not be afraid.
My baby cousin who I love has now reminded me as God is working through her to convey His message of putting our trust in Him.
And now, I pass the same message to you.
She has agreed to an experimental operation to see if this may help her. I fully support her going forward with this operation and I believe that she will get through it. I also believe that Kelly-Anne will help guide her doctor. Ironically or not, my cousin's doctor was Kelly-Anne's doctor. She could not save Kelly-Anne's life, but I know is is going to help my cousin.
My cousin's deep faith in God has brought her to a better place. This is what she had to say to me yesterday in an email.
" After everything you've been through, I know how upsetting and horrific this is to hear and I am so very very sorry. I wish with all my heart that I had something better for you. I hate the fact that you are upset. All I can say is that you must know that I believe with all my heart in God and that I know he will not forsake me. No matter WHAT happens, He will always be holding my hand and He is the all powerful to ensure that I don't suffer.
Please know that God will take care of this: in His own way and according to His will and that I am completely trusting of Him. He has NEVER let me down and He never will.
I've always told you that I know it for a fact that one day we will all be together again, with no more tears, suffering or death. So no matter what happens in this life, it is a test. We must prove our faith in God and Christ and we will be rewarded for doing so with eternal life, peace, and love with one another for always, if we follow the example Christ set out for us.
I assure you that this life is just a passing thing,full of trials and tribulations: but that one day we shall all reap what we sowed. I know it's going to be okay - one way or another.
Please don't be sad. I love you too much to think that you are sad, although it's obviously normal to feel that way, but please know that I am not alone and that I am not scared.
Please don't be scared either. And I promise to give you my surgery date and we'll talk before then.
I love you "
I cannot get over her faith, conviction and trust in the Lord. I am so proud of her and how she is dealing with all of this. I ask each and everyone of you irregardless of your beliefs that you pray for my cousin and her family.
It's hard for me as most of my adult years I have always been faced to find solutions to problems and different issues whether in my personal life or work life. I have convinced myself that there is a solution for everything. It's when medical situations like that of Kelly-Anne and now my cousin's battle do not allow for concrete solutions,I have a hard time dealing with all.
My own faith is now being tested again. I never blamed God for Kelly-Anne's passing and I do not blame Him for my cousin's illness. I do however question what is it that we all have to learn from this present situation? What message will our family and all her friends receive? For me,I am reminded that I have to continue to trust God more and not be afraid.
My baby cousin who I love has now reminded me as God is working through her to convey His message of putting our trust in Him.
And now, I pass the same message to you.
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