13 May 2013

Business journalists go on the attack;
demonize Atlantic seasonal workers

National business journalists and columnists have bought into Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s demeaning view that folks in the Atlantic region are backward and have a defeatist attitude. Framed in disrespectful language, they’re promoting untested economic ideas that, if adopted, would seriously damage the economy – and the people – of the region.

Apparently it wasn’t enough for elite business journalists to applaud how Harper has made life far more difficult for many already struggling seasonal workers by cracking down on employment Insurance (EI). They are advocating the elimination of EI for all 102,000 seasonal workers, people who are employed in the fishery, forestry, agriculture and tourism industries, etc.
 “. . . there is no justification, in logic or in economics, for seasonal EI,” wrote Globe and Mail contributor and former Nova Scotia restaurateur Brian Lee Crowley, “and the dogged pursuit of this policy flies in the face of the interests of Canada and people who become trapped in the cycle of working seasonally and then receiving EI benefits while unemployed.” 


In this era of right-wing ideology, business writers target just about anything that doesn’t fit into their mean-spirited view of what are good economics. Editors fail to question absurd ideas, and it seems to be okay if journalists and pundits are loose and fast with the facts.
http://news.ca.msn.com/local/newbrunswick/seasonal-workers-still-hoping-for-changes-to-ei-reforms
Seasonal workers in New Brunswick picket re: EI changes.
From CBC archives.
Globe and Mail journalist Sean Silcoff, writing about the Atlantic region and EI, is wrong on two counts when he claims to quote the Auditor General as saying: “the federal government needs to do more to collect the $300-million or so it overpays in employment insurance every year, much of it to claimants who misrepresented themselves or committed outright fraud.”

Wrong. The $300-million is not government money. The EI system is funded by contributions from employers and employees. The government has not contributed to the fund since 1990.

Second, it is incorrect, and harmful to the people of the Atlantic region, to say that “much” of the overpayment went to cheaters.
“It is mostly automation induced error, according to the Service Canada backroom staff that I spoke to”, Canadian Labour Congress economist Angella MacEwen told me in an e-mail. “They say that increased reliance on automation has led to an increase in errors calculating benefit levels and duration. Because of staff cutbacks, most of these errors are only caught when integrity checks are done against tax information from the business/individual.” 
Vancouver Journalist Got It Wrong 
Writing in the The Vancouver Sun, Barbara Yaffe, who used to be Globe and Mail correspondent in the Maritimes, also got it wrong:
“Last year, according to Human Resources, integrity officers found $128.7 million in fraudulent EI claims. In addition, they identified $330 million in EI overpayments the department is now trying to recoup. That reflects a whole lot of cheating - not a surprise, human nature being what it is.” 
Even though Human Resources Minister Diane Finley must have known that all the talk about so much fraud was greatly exaggerated, she still pushed the point in the House: “There’s still hundreds of millions of dollars of potential fraud out there,” she said. “The key is to . . . root out the fraud that’s within the system so that EI remains affordable for those who play by the rules.”

Some business journalists are bothered that seasonal workers in the Atlantic provinces pay small amounts into EI but receive considerably more in return when there’s no work.

The Globe and Mail’s John Ibbitson and Darrell Bricker, president of Ipsos Reid Public Affairs, say in their book, The Big Shift, that seasonal workers in Atlantic Canada are economic illiterates because they feel they are entitled to receive more than they pay into the EI fund.

Bricker interviewed EI-recipient focus groups in the region, asking them if it was fair that someone in Oakville worked hard and received only a couple of weeks of vacation while paying into the fund, while Atlantic recipients receive larger amounts.
"Do you think it’s fair that they are asked to pay for somebody down here who collects every year?’” asked Bricker. “For a few moments, the members of the group would look down at the floor. But invariably, someone would pipe up with something like: ‘That’s what it means to be a Canadian. Those who can afford to pay, pay, and those who need the benefit collect it. That’s the Canadian way.’ Karl Marx couldn’t have put it any better”, they wrote.
“The day will soon come when the Oakville worker downs tools when it comes to supporting P.E.I. fishers. Already rebellion is in the air,” wrote Ibbitson and Bricker.
 I’m unaware of any likely rebellion of workers concerning sharing EI payments with other workers.

Governments stole $57-billion from EI account
None of the recent articles mention that past governments “stole” $57-billion from the EI account, which was created from contributions by workers and business. The money was put it into general government revenues to help pay down the debt and support other government programs.  As of March 2012 – after much government fiddling – the account had a deficit of $7.9 billion.

The business journalism set know very little about rural and seaside life in Atlantic Canada. It is unlikely that any of them – with the possible exception of Yaffe – have even spent any working time in a rural setting. None of them offered any suggestions as to what might be done in any of these communities.

The region’s 100,000 seasonal workers support the livelihood of perhaps another 250,000 people and hundreds of large and small businesses – a value of billions of dollars.

Hundreds of communities and businesses would collapse if the EI program for seasonal workers were cancelled and not replaced with a meaningful program. Considering Harper’s attitude toward the region, it is highly unlikely the government would bring in programs to support rural communities.

Those capable of holding skilled jobs – mostly men – would head for other parts of the country. Families would break up. Thousands of people would be forced to live in poverty on welfare, which pays much less than EI.

The social and financial costs to the country would be absolutely huge compared to the EI payments now shared by workers. None of the articles I found suggested any alternative ways of

The bitterness of some journalists concerning this issue is hard to understand.

An angry New Brunswick NDP MP Yvon Godin told an Ottawa forum that, without subsidies, there would be no lobster for anyone in Ontario. In their book, Ibbitson and Bricker, seemingly not caring about the lives of people, wrote that fundamental laws of supply and demand ensure that, even without subsidies, potatoes and lobster are available in Toronto – and perhaps as far away as Winnipeg.

After describing the EI changes in an article, National Post journalist Jesse Kline added: “This is meant to be a kick in the region’s derriere. But it is only a start.”

We should eliminate 'business journalism'
What motivates these journalists to be so mean-spirited?  Maritime academics Karen and Brian Foster believe they have the answer:
“The only reason these writers and pundits and politicians have their knickers in a knot is because of the refusal to sell one’s labour for minimum wage is an affront to their middle-class Tory sensibilities, and therefore a threat to the middle-class Tory privileges around which this moral order is built.” 
Business journalism seldom acknowledges the importance of the human condition. In this era of neo-liberalism and its selfish values, journalism is much harsher than at any time in memory. Business writers glamourize the Canadian mining companies that destroy the environment and the lives of poor people around the world. The business pages carry articles by people who support the development of the tar sands and question whether global warming is caused by human endeavour.

Because of this kind of journalism, the powerful men who run our economy are let off the hook and are never confronted with the consequences of their abuses. Personally, I’m in favour of abolishing so-called business journalism. We should hold all journalists to the same moral and ethical standards.

-30-

If you haven't already, please subscribe

31 comments:

  1. It's quite clear that the term "business journalism" is an oxymoron. One has only to watch the "Lang and O'Leary Exchange" on CBC News Network to see hypocrisy and greed packaged so engagingly.

    ReplyDelete
  2. When did we Canadians begin to begrudge helping each other out when time and tide shift against us? Never.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Is the best way to pay for this "subsidy" is through a program that is funded by a regressive premium, rather then general revenues?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Harper's merry band of half-witted sycophants reduce corporate taxes and let wealthy Canadians evade billions of dollars in taxes using offshore tax havens and then needs to make up the budget shortfall by stealing from the EI fund and blaming seasonal workers. Half-witted business journalists who seldom seem capable of critical thought when it comes to examining the claims of authority are too happy to join the chorus of vilification. Truly pathetic.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Posted on behalf of daP:

    Nick:
    Great piece of journalism!

    It never ceases to amaze me that journalists, the scribes of history, can take it upon themselves to put into words, the mean spirited poison of targeting precarious workers, whether they be the fishermen or farmers of this great land.

    Nothing any better then kicking or stepping on the fingers of those just barely hanging onto the lowest rung on the economic ladder of our GDP.

    Many years ago, there was a small soft covered book, entitled "Now that we have burnt our boats", described in vivid detail, the plight of fishermen who work in the inshore fisheries of the East Coast.

    Not much of anything has changed since that novel was written, if anything, it has probably gotten even worse for these same workers. The one thing that has changed from my perspective, is this bully mentality generated from Ottawa and praised by the media, because it is a sexy subject matter for journalists who have no connect to the larger issues facing our country.

    As always, I really enjoy your writing style and approach to what is naturally common sense, it is rather unfortunate that others who have this gift of putting scenarios into words don't take the time to write the real story behind the ills that beset our country.

    Thank you for straight up insight into the world of Yellow Dog Journalism.
    regards
    daP

    ________________________________________

    ReplyDelete
  6. Posted for Jasmine Jones
    God this makes me so mad.. and I have had to resort to profanities. Let those "business journalists" try and survive on EI here in Cape Breton where we are bleeding humans..

    Our men go out to fort Macmoney by the planeload because no government has seen fit to create any meaningful jobs here or help our economy grow in any way.

    Actually, let them try and survive anywhere but Cape Breton, for at least here one can count on one's neighbours and communities to lend a helping hand. I know those godforsaken souls in Bay St. Lawrence who have been denied EI have received all kinds of help from the rest of the Island.

    No lobster dinners for you, you scumbags masquerading as journalists, and bad cess to you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Criminal, unethical. This garbage would be tossed where it belongs. As to the journalists. Never happen under a socialist government. I do not mean the NDP!

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. s better to use whole foods made from scratch for good health.
    Anyone who dares to make a closer inspection will find the underlying difference.
    Who does not need that little bit of elevation when trying to diet.


    Feel free to visit my webpage - simply click the following internet page

    ReplyDelete
  10. We're a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You've done a formidable job and our whole group might be thankful to you.


    My site :: france school holiday calendar

    ReplyDelete
  11. You have to give a tube radio at least 20 to 30 minutes just to
    warm up and then you decide what frequency you want to
    be on and load the plate and tune them up. Regular
    workshops ensure that the staff at PVM Radio subdivision
    is not only up to date with the latest technological innovations, but also ensures that the
    customers from diverse backgrounds are offered the best possible services to suit their tastes.
    What s more is that 2G phones can come in a tinier and slimmer package, even its batteries.


    Feel free to surf to my web page; radio kiss fm jember

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you find it a bit maddening to follow
    the daily fluctuations of the scale even though you are eating properly,
    pick three days of the week on which you will always weigh yourself (for example, Monday, Wednesday,
    and Friday). Cucumber contains sterols which can help to
    lower cholesterol and prevent carbohydrates from converting to body fat.
    When you're about to start on your weight loss plan, it's
    a good idea to think about your end goal and chunk it down into smaller goals.



    my web-site ... Click on www.5-10kgabnehmen.de

    ReplyDelete
  13. As long as poets continue to write poetry new ones will be created to categorize the
    person's poems. Apart from the above said love and poems of war there are other genre too. On the other hand children spend most of their time with their mothers, who love deeply, scold harshly, they worry extremely but in the end they make you what you are.

    my homepage - poems :: ::

    ReplyDelete
  14. It iis based on computer with electrographic sensor technology.
    It combines RPG elements and strategy for a very interesting game where you must stop
    the rows of pirates ship from making their way down the river.

    In this addictive puzzle game, catch that damn fly and avoid those tricky obstacles.


    Also visit my website :: Marietta

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi, I read your blog daily. Your writing style is awesome, keep it up!



    Take a look at my webpage ... vakantiehuisjes frankrijk

    ReplyDelete
  16. I think what you published was very logical. But, what
    about this? what if you wrote a catchier title?
    I ain't saying your information isn't good.

    , but what if you added something that grabbed folk's attention? I mean "Business journalists go on the attack; demonize Atlantic seasonal workers" is a little plain. You could peek at Yahoo's home page and note how they create post titles to
    grab viewers to open the links. You might try adding a video or a
    related picture or two to get people excited about what you've written. In my opinion, it could bring your posts a little livelier.

    Feel free to surf to my page; Instant income blog

    ReplyDelete
  17. For any kind of luxury item of consumption, MAD (Money, Authority and Desire) is required.
    It was an entertaining radio program that played the music people wanted to hear combined with his groovy upbeat personality.
    Many people will be happy with replaceable batteries for home use and occasional outings.


    Review my web page radio Boss dvd

    ReplyDelete
  18. Much like Safari, the Camera app, the App Store and i - Pod, Game Center has no option to be deleted when editing your apps.
    It should come as no surprise that i - Tunes is loaded full of
    pirate apps for i - Phone, i - Pod Touch, and i - Pad.
    In this addictive puzzle game, catch that damn fly and avoid
    those tricky obstacles.

    My web page ... 진행중인 행사 - 상명인과 함께 하는 2013 캘린더 만들기

    ReplyDelete
  19. For any kind of luxury item of consumption, MAD (Money, Authority and Desire) is required.

    Regular workshops ensure that the staff at PVM Radio subdivision is not
    only up to date with the latest technological innovations,
    but also ensures that the customers from diverse backgrounds are offered the best possible services to suit their tastes.

    Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Duke Red Matter (Part One; CBS, 1956)'Abbott Stables's
    Duke Red is a thoroughbred destroyed over a serious injury in an accident,
    and Dollar (Bob Bailey)'asked to review a $65,000 insurance claim on the horse'smells trouble when the stable's business manager is dismissed after filing the claim, and its veterinarian may have destroyed the horse a little too swiftly.

    Have a look at my web page ... radio france international french

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dominion: Intrigue is a standalone expansion for the award-winning
    Dominion card game that shook the gaming world in 2008.
    Understanding video gaming is a must tip on how to run a game store.
    This classic game integrates all-out entertainment with vocabulary enhancement in one amazing game.


    Stop by my site - Matthew - -

    ReplyDelete
  21. I do not create many comments, but i did some searching and wound up here "Business journalists go on the attack; demonize Atlantic seasonal workers".
    And I actually do have 2 questions for you
    if it's allright. Is it just me or does it seem like a few of the responses come across like written by brain dead visitors? :-P And, if you are writing at other social sites, I would like to follow everything new you have to post. Would you list of all of all your community sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

    My web-site; frankrijk vakantiehuizen

    ReplyDelete
  22. It bears mentioning that there are also games and simulations available to those wanting to learn to trade stock index futures.
    Imagine never having to worry about what to
    wear to work, and even the infuriating traffic jams that never seem to end.
    If you want to be able to hit the ball further
    and harder, you should keep in mind to keep your grip on the bat loose, your swing
    should begin with your legs and hips, and finally, you must always follow
    your bat through.

    Feel free to visit my website; wayne state university **

    ReplyDelete
  23. Similar to the cue ball that is shot in pools; this game involves coins and strikers that are essential
    to play carrom game. All spaceship game leveling systems are designed slightly
    differently, but there are some general concepts that apply to
    all games in this genre. For the purposes of this game, a "set" is
    at least three cards of equal value such as three Jacks or
    three fours and a "sequence" is made up of at least four cards that
    are of the same suit and run sequentially such as three, four, five,
    and six of spades.

    My web site; Bernd - www.westmearnschurch.org ()

    ReplyDelete
  24. That Halloween, right after she turned four, she told the story
    over and over, to anyone who would listen, delighting in making them jump when
    she yelled the spooky ending. Friendship Collection:
    a beautiful selection of friendship audio poems to
    share with your closest friends. On the other hand children spend most of their time with their mothers, who love
    deeply, scold harshly, they worry extremely but in the end they make you what you are.

    ReplyDelete
  25. As long as poets continue to write poetry new ones will be created to categorize
    the person's poems. Choosing to focus on sound as a restriction increases a poet's powers of observation in melodic structure and
    the inherit oral aspects of a poem. Your mother would be overwhelmed to find something so beautiful and interesting.


    Here is my blog post - poems ()

    ReplyDelete
  26. It was a really wonderful to see that a journalist was starting a business activities it was a really great news.thank you.
    business services

    ReplyDelete
  27. we offer the information about the business any topics and other new tricks business and tips
    and you can share the information any topics related business.we provide best plateform..

    knowledge sharing

    ReplyDelete
  28. Seemingly it wasn’t enough for elite business ideas to applaud how Harper has made life much more difficult for many currently struggling seasonal workers by cracking down on work Insurance (EI). They're promoting the removal of EI for several 102,000 seasonal workers, individuals who are used in the fishery, agriculture, forestry and tourism sectors, an such like.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think thia demonize Atlantic seasonal workers seems to be threat for us as we know that the workers are to be not obeyed at all . . . you may visit us

    ReplyDelete
  30. This post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work! You completed certain reliable points there. I did a search on the subject and found nearly all persons will agree with your blog.http://www.mentomori.co.uk |

    http://www.agilitty.co.uk |

    http://www.lettrader.co.uk |

    http://www.dtas-diamonds.co.uk |

    http://www.bodwennursery.co.uk |

    http://www.runhamsweddingcars.co.uk |

    http://www.im16.co.uk |

    http://www.ralphandrusso.co.uk |

    http://www.alaniles.co.uk |

    http://www.acenet2000.co.uk |

    ReplyDelete

  31. Finance and investment cannot give improvement. It depends on business ideas. e for exploring.eHow-why,will show you insights of new trends for success. Read More

    ReplyDelete