FrankTheRabbit

Sorry, my mistake...: "In contrast to that approach, the Conservative government’s then-finance minister, the late Jim Flaherty, surprised his provincial counterparts at a December, 2011, meeting in Victoria by informing them of a new formula. Starting in 2017-18, a Conservative government would bring in a system that would tie the growth rate of health transfers to economic growth, with a minimum guaranteed increase of 3 per cent." Harper did not personally come up with the idea of reducing health and social transfers from 6% to 3% minimum, which would be tied to the GDP of that province. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/trudeau-vows-to-renegotiate-health-transfers-with-provinces/article26606362/ Still, no one whispered a peep when this was brought forth, especially from Harper supporters. Cliff: Politicians are one of the very few people who get away with so many things, that us regular plebs would easily end up in the joint. Duffy, Wallin, Brazeau must had one of those Monopoly Get Out of Jail Free cards in their back pockets. To avoid the argument of who spent more, fraud is fraud...It's black and white, there's no grey in between. Even the white collar lads who caused the whole 2008-2009 kerfuffle, only very few ended up in jail. I think we can agree on that.

Aside from a few negative criticisms, I think that this has developed into a good discussion about misconceptions that some have regarding: salaries of doctors/teachers, who should earn more, how the gov't is to blame for medical cutbacks, etc., the list goes on. I take it that you're not a fan of Wynne with her spending, so I questioned why the double standard when Harper brought forth these cutbacks to physicians and no one batted an eyelash. When Wynne proceeded with these cutbacks, she was called out for doing so. I'm not a fan of everything she has done, but as a general taxpayer, I play the cards that I've been dealt. As for your wife's cardiologist and Landry's physician, I have no clue how much they make, but what they both earn shouldn't be used as a generalization of what all physicians make to validate one's own opinion. It simply isn't accurate. From what I have read, physicians in Ontario are fairly compensated for. Again, over 90% of physicians are incorporated and have taxable benefits that allow them to keep more money than the general taxpayer. To your situation specifically, here's some information regarding cardiologists in Canada that is fairly recent: https://www.cma.ca/Assets/assets-library/document/en/advocacy/profiles/cardiology-e.pdf In comparison with your wife's cardiologist, their compensation can be generally summed by this:

Terry, if you are now acknowledging that some teachers do more than the 9-3:30 shift, why wouldn't you have stated that in the beginning? The comparison you initially made between doctors and teachers, sounded like ALL teachers only do 9-3:30. I don't think it was a valid comparison to begin with. Both professions are important and they rightly deserve what their compensation currently stands. I'm still not sure why you think that "docs should make more compared to teachers" because they already do. Tell me how many teachers have you seen or know own a $1mil home or have a cottage in the Muskokas or send their kids to private school? I've included a few links previously that physicians certainly earn more than what some of us think. They average over $200k easily and I don't think that they need any sideline cheering from us. If we really want to root for the underdogs (and there are plenty!) who are overworked and underpaid...have no further look than our farmers. But that is another conversation altogether.

Nice try again tho. The article you chose to quote your stats from dates back to 2008. And even the article you decided to link includes a paragraph: "In 2006, for the third year running, the number of Canadian physicians returning home was greater than the number who left (238 compared to 207)." https://www.cma.ca/En/Pages/basic-physician-facts.aspx What's worth noting is the physicians migration statistic, the data is from 2014: "Physician migration 198 physicians moved abroad in 2014. In the same year, 208 returned from abroad for a net gain of 10. Net gains have occurred for the past decade. 755 physicians moved to another prov/terr in 2014 (excl. residents). Net gains occurred in QC (25), ON (33), AB (16) and BC (46)." This published article is from 2015: http://globalnews.ca/news/2248012/number-of-doctors-on-the-rise-in-canada-and-payments-hit-24-billion-report/ This article published in 2013: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-has-more-doctors-making-more-money-than-ever/article14562208/?service=mobile Man, I could go on if you'd like.

Luckily, that won't happen to many of us. There has never been more practicing physicians today than ever before. Despite what you have mentioned about doctors leaving Canada, you seem to have left out that we're also seeing an influx of doctors coming to Canada or doctors who have previously left, to return. So, your attempt to paint a dire situation is moot. Nice try though!

I think the teachers that I know should speak with the teachers you know. The ones that I know, arrives to the school by 7:30, leaves around 5pm, and still works a few more hours for marking papers/assignments/quizzes...PTA meetings, etc. More than 90% of physicians are independent contractors and are incorporated, allowing them certain taxable benefits: lower taxes, income splitting, and tax deferral payments. The overhead, depending on the specialist, can range from 10%-38%, but the average seems to be around 26%, which is self-reported. Average case scenario: Physician bills $360,000-$93,600 (26% overhead) nets $266,400 with a take home income of $169,297 after taxes, with the ability to defer taxes around $86,000, which stays in the corporation. I think back in 2013, 252 physicians billed around the $1 mil mark, equating to $252 mil. If general taxpayers are to be held to the same standards of living within your means, why should doctors be exempted? But this has gotten a bit off topic...my main point is why the double standard when there are cutbacks?

Are you saying that teachers get planning time during the 6.5 hours of work they do during school hours? Teachers do work hours outside of regular school hours to mark assignments, etc. So, they don't just work 6.5 hrs a day and get to go home afterwards. This I know. Doctors already make more than teachers. Avg salary of a doctor in Ontario is $360,000. I don't recall claiming that you were advocating for teachers to make less.

I think you may have left out the part where teachers spend a few more hours marking homework, tests, exams, and then having to do lesson preps for the following day. As well as coaching a sports team. Dealing with 30+ kids in a room certainly isn't a walk in the park. And when they are off for the summer, they don't collect any pay checks and some decide to teach in summer schools. If the quality of our children's education takes a back seat, how comfortable will you be when they eventually become pratictioners of medicine? And if doctors are going south of the border to cash in for a bigger paycheque, doesn't that say more about their character than their desire to improve the health and well being of the general public? I thought that was why doctors wanted to pursue that profession for, as opposed to looking for a higher salary so they can afford that $1mil cottage in the Muskokas or add a Porsche to their garage.

I simply don't understand the double standard some people have and then trying to apply a political POV on the issue. if doctors are overbilling taxpayers to cover their overhead, perhaps they should live within their means and be more efficient with their spending. Why do they get a free pass when everyone else is held to the standard of watching one's budget?

I don't recall anyone speak up when Harper decided to scale back federal health transfers to provinces from a 6% annual increase to a rate that was to be tied with the GDP, with a min of 3%. This was back around 2011/2012. Harper decides to scale back, no one bats an eye...Wynne decides to follow through with those cutbacks and all of a sudden, she's a hack.

Average doctor's salary in Ontario is $360,000. Lemme know if you make close to that or makes your head spin. Many doctors were over billing to make even more than that average, hence for the cutbacks.

So, the provincial gov't imposed cutbacks to the medical sector because of the earmarked $11 billion budget was creeping higher and higher, yet you want to blame them for wasteful spending. I thought Cons would be all for reducing wasteful spending. Guess you really can't win'em all. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Ya, personally, I'd allocate money to buying a new reel, instead of fixing the Mitchell, especially in that price range. There are some clearance items under the $50 mark that probably just takes a few minutes of browsing, instead of spending an hour trying to fix the reel. Daiwa or Shimano would certainly have smaller reel sizes to replace your Mitchells. Sienna or Sonora both come in 1000 sizes and would be a decent upgrade. It's never fun to have equipment failing on you when you try to land that biggun'.

Haha. It's been a while since I've seen it. It deserves a little refresher hah: https://youtu.be/lYKpoY47p2Q

And shipping items via eBay from the States nets you a stupid Global Shipling Charge of like $20 minimum. Costs more than the shipping. Cash grab for sure.

Has it changed now? I tried to GoogleMap it and gave me Caledon Family Restaurant. I've had Superburger and Champburger, but didn't feel that impressed. Superburger went through big renos, but I wish they could have kept the old TTC bus/streetcar. I've tried Weber's too and thought it was ok. Maybe because they end up serving so many people, their quality goes down?

Thought of a couple more: The Flying Chestnut (great rustic location featuring local produce): Flesherton Capt'n John's (I was so relieved when I found out that they moved to a different location...for a while, I thought they closed down): Owen Sound Casero Diner (good selection of tequila and tacos!): Owen Sound Casero Taco Bus: Sauble Beach Root's (nice dine-in restaurant): Meaford Amici (great pizzas, salad, and really enjoyed their French onion soup): Meaford Bridge's Tavern (their ribeye steak was soooo good!): Thornbury Simplicity Bistro (had their burger sliders and beef tartare): Thornbury New Orleans Pizza (cheap and easy!): Many locations Queen's Bar & Grill (10oz dry aged NY Striploin $21 or 12oz dry aged rib eye $25...can't go wrong!!!): Port Elgin South Viet Thai Restaurant (pretty good bowl of Pho in Orangeville. I was skeptical at first, but when you have a craving for some noodles and hot broth, this place is good!): Orangeville Bualai Taste of Thai (legit Thai restaurant in Port Hope!): Port Hope Black Beans Steakhouse & Lounge (steaks are legit here): Port Hope Truffles Burger Bar (LOTS of burger varieties including their signature $100 Truffle Burger): Cornwall Golden Fish n Chips (sadly, it has closed...the FnC was great and the price was more than reasonable): Thornbury The Lighthouse Restaurant (good portions with their all-day breakfast): Southampton Ted's Range Road Diner (a little on the pricier side, but they have some daring dishes): Meaford Black Angus (it's a butcher shop, but their pepperettes are awesome to bring with you to the river when you're feeling the hunger pains): Thornbury Man, I so love/enjoy eating a great meal. Nothing can be a better compliment when you're out fishing the day and you're starving! I try hard to avoid the usual McDs/Timmies/etc. They have their time and place, but when you want a GOOD meal, fast food just can't fill that void! The above places have been frequented by me more than twice. Some new restaurants have popped up here and there and can't wait to try them out!

Been fortunate to have had a chance to hang with some local fellas in Deer Lake who were so accommodating sharing the capelin and boil up experiences. Such a warm and friendly bunch that would add a bright spot to anyone's life. Ive been lucky to visit there twice and hope to add a few more down the road.

Yorkies BBQ in Cobourg is good when driving up towards Rice Lake. Wilno Tavern, in Wilno, was good too! Their buffet is a must if you have a cavernous belly and are wearing stretchy pants lol.

I can relate with lower number of fish. But I'm gonna say that it might have to do more with fish moving to different spots on a body of water. Underwater composition or structure could change. Perhaps, more or less weed growth that would affect bait fish and in turn affect where fish will be. Sure, fish have been known to congregate in certain spots, but they are capable swimmers and can go anywhere.

I would have suggested vinegar and a spray bottle too and rinse it off with hot water. Anyone try baking soda and some water? I've had some great success removing stains on the seat when stain remover products, from Canadian Tire, didn't work. Baking soda is cheap and Au naturelle, so maybe that will be easier on the paint job.

Ahhhh ok. That looks like what I came across and ur right, it does remind me of a cicada, come to think of it. Thanks for the clarification. ?

Was fishing out and around Brighton area when I was walking down a slope with dry grass and I heard a rattling noise. It was a snake that was coiled up rattling its tail. I didn't think we had rattle snakes and I certainly did need to take a closer look. lol I walked by it several times, from a distance, to double and triple check that I wasn't just seeing/hearing things. It was my first time coming across one. Anyone else?

They don't break when hooked up to salmon on the rivers. On the lake, never tried.

Some great knot suggestions connecting braid with leaders. Good tip on the swivels or snap swivels. So key when tossing any kind of spoons or spinners, especially with mono. Line twists sucks and can give nightmares on spinning gear. I had so much line twist on a spinning reel that when I opened the bail, all this mono just jumped off the spool lol. Cursing ensued for being lazy and not tying on a swivel. Lesson learned.