Sunday, August 24th Victoria, BC
In Adam’s suite at the Empress, the two men were animated kids with battle strategies; Adam laid out the fresh coffee and donuts, Ted laid out the plan.
“Okay,” Ted started. “We need to detail the technology transfer for the island. We need to have everything in place and ready to go for the cut-over to stand alone. You will be working for the Premier, through me, as the technology manager for his new high-tech platform that he announced last week. And, at the same time, preparing the island for its cut-over and cut-away from the mainland.”
“Excellent,” Adam replied. “Let’s get started.”
Ted pointed to his notebook. “There’s a list – you type in the technology details – I’ll do the broad strokes.”
Technology Transfer Notes (Ted/Adam)
1. Set up and retrofit the empty building in Nanaimo. Full network control centre for all communications as well as broadcast centre backup.
2. Implement island-wide communications infrastructure upgrade (coax, twisted-pair, fibre optic cabling), everywhere possible – all homes, all businesses, for universal communications capability – potential of 5 gigabits per second, per end-user.
3. Implement satellite two-way for any areas on the island that do not now have the capability for high-speed internet access (contact producer in Nunavut, and Yukon – they already have a package deal).
4. Install new SmartCard data Readers at all outlets that use card-swipe devices.
5. Install new Pedestals wherever Kiosks now exist.
By mid-morning, they had most items detailed, and realised they would need Hank MacDougall’s help.
As Adam reached for the phone to call him, Ted slipped back into his grown-up mode. He had been asked by Gloria to put forward the name of someone that would make an appropriate first Prime Minister for the Island. Ted waited until Adam was off the phone, then told him that he would be unavailable for a few days. He had something to work out.
~ 28 ~
Monday, August 25th Nanaimo, BC
Adam had reached Hank for a list of contractors, and arranged for a meeting at the new warehouse building, owned by MacDougall Enterprises, in Nanaimo.
After unlocking and opening the cavernous warehouse front door, Adam walked the area, checked the electrical utilities transformer, the telecom links, and the back area that included three large bay doors for trucks. He made a note to arrange the installation of a perimeter fence in the back lot for the new antenna farm of satellite dishes that would be required.
Within a short while the contractors arrived. Adam was impressed that Hank had called each of them personally requesting that they come; he was even more impressed that they had all arranged to be there – undoubtedly to be a part of a MacDougall project. He greeted them in the parking lot where they’d gathered, led them out to the warehouse, and began the meeting.
“Thank you all for coming. My name is Adam Brooks and I have been tasked by Premier Jack Jordan to provide the technical resources that he needs to accelerate his plans for the Province. A large element of that plan is to upgrade the communications infrastructure on the Island. This facility is to be the network control centre for some of the new communications systems. When complete, it will resemble, in many aspects, the CBC Broadcast Centre in Vancouver – a project that some of you are already familiar with since you were involved in that building program. This will be very similar in size and scope, a 30-person compliment of staff and technical support that will work out of this facility on a 24/7 basis.” Adam paused for a moment – the electrical contractor had raised his hand with a question.
“What about Saskatchewan – if they vote Yes – does that change these plans?”
“Good question,” Adam responded. “I guess we all have those questions. The Premier intends to show by example that BC will continue to be a leader among provinces for the benefit of the people. If Saskatchewan were to vote Yes, I think that would make Premier Jordan want this even more. My guess is, it would strengthen his resolve.”
“Well, when do you want us to start, then?”
“Now would be perfect.” Adam replied.
Adam had reached Hank for a list of contractors, and arranged for a meeting at the new warehouse building, owned by MacDougall Enterprises, in Nanaimo.
After unlocking and opening the cavernous warehouse front door, Adam walked the area, checked the electrical utilities transformer, the telecom links, and the back area that included three large bay doors for trucks. He made a note to arrange the installation of a perimeter fence in the back lot for the new antenna farm of satellite dishes that would be required.
Within a short while the contractors arrived. Adam was impressed that Hank had called each of them personally requesting that they come; he was even more impressed that they had all arranged to be there – undoubtedly to be a part of a MacDougall project. He greeted them in the parking lot where they’d gathered, led them out to the warehouse, and began the meeting.
“Thank you all for coming. My name is Adam Brooks and I have been tasked by Premier Jack Jordan to provide the technical resources that he needs to accelerate his plans for the Province. A large element of that plan is to upgrade the communications infrastructure on the Island. This facility is to be the network control centre for some of the new communications systems. When complete, it will resemble, in many aspects, the CBC Broadcast Centre in Vancouver – a project that some of you are already familiar with since you were involved in that building program. This will be very similar in size and scope, a 30-person compliment of staff and technical support that will work out of this facility on a 24/7 basis.” Adam paused for a moment – the electrical contractor had raised his hand with a question.
“What about Saskatchewan – if they vote Yes – does that change these plans?”
“Good question,” Adam responded. “I guess we all have those questions. The Premier intends to show by example that BC will continue to be a leader among provinces for the benefit of the people. If Saskatchewan were to vote Yes, I think that would make Premier Jordan want this even more. My guess is, it would strengthen his resolve.”
“Well, when do you want us to start, then?”
“Now would be perfect.” Adam replied.
~ 29 ~
Monday, September 1st Vancouver, BC
Helen Murphy had been with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for seventeen years. After their children were of school age, she returned to the University and completed her studies. Richard, her husband, had always shared in the raising of their boys, and maintaining the household – which enabled Helen’s return, first to school and then to the workplace. Following graduation, she had secured an entry level position with a small Canadian publishing firm and, after a few years, she’d caught wind of a position opening at the local CBC office.
Having grown up absorbing everything CBC offered its viewing public, her affection for the company was obvious to all. She rose through the ranks the hard way – by working long hours. She’d been at Corporate Headquarters in Toronto for several years when she was tapped for the position of Vice-President, Bureau Chief for Western Canada.
She and Richard decided this would be a good time for him to retire from his technical consulting practice, and come to Vancouver with her. He would take care of the daily living requirements while Helen focused on her new position.
They’d adapted easily to the west coast lifestyle, with one exception. Helen couldn’t bring herself to dress casually at the office; she continued to portray the professional corporate style of Toronto. Once, when her secretary had carefully kidded her about relaxing a bit and perhaps wearing something more comfortable, she had responded, “These are my comfortable clothes.” They were, and she kept wearing them.
The bulk of her job was administrative. She was responsible for all of the regional offices and local affiliates of the CBC family located north of the U.S. border and between Winnipeg, Manitoba and the Pacific Ocean. Though her staff included editors-in-chief and technical directors scattered throughout the region, she would occasionally use the authority of her position to assign a regional office to follow a particular story. In the Vancouver facility, she looked at everything - from the CP wires to the tapes in the editing rooms. Helen would never relinquish the hands-on part of her work. Occasionally, she would travel to the regional offices. Management by walking around, she’d heard it called, and she liked it.
Helen was able to spot real talent. During a visit to the Regina office, she had been introduced to Brian Edwards, a correspondent that had been with CBC for a few years. Within a few months of that visit, she promoted him to Senior Correspondent for the Western Bureau, and moved him to Vancouver.
It was pure luck that Brian was in Regina when the Referendum story broke. He had done a great job on the warship sinking so she had sent him to the Capital of Saskatchewan to begin a series on the drought rescue efforts. Because of his earlier connections, Brian had the paths of access already established. Now it was a matter of filtering the information.
They agreed that the only way to present this was to do what CBC was known for. They would remain balanced, neither for or against, and to let the people, and history, decide which path would be best.
Helen turned on her monitor to watch the start-up:
****
CBC Special: The American Option
Good Evening. I’m Brian Edwards. Tonight’s special will be looking at many issues.
Many people have expressed a concern over Health Care. Currently, it is provided and managed by the Provincial government. We have learned that in anticipation of a ‘Yes’ vote, several American firms have begun negotiations with the Province to buy the medical facilities, and to hire the physicians and staff. We have also learned that for the first three years, all private health insurance premiums will be paid for by the U.S. government. As business and industry grows, health coverage is generally part of the compensation package - and it will always be possible for other individuals to pay monthly premiums on health insurance, just like they do now into the Saskatchewan Health Care Plan.
Another issue of concern is trade. With a U.S. State in the middle of Canada, products leaving eastern Canada travelling to western Canada will have to leave the country, and then re-enter Canada. Apparently, all cargo to and from the provinces that would border the state would travel under ‘sealed bond’ – to avoid customs issues. Products that now originate in Saskatchewan will most likely head south as part of the U.S. market economy…
****
Helen flipped the monitor off. She’d reviewed the broadcast with him earlier, and it had launched without difficulty. They’d all had a few weeks to absorb what was happening, and the real possibility of a Yes vote.
More and more she was cherishing her time away from the office. The Canadian Press wires had shown increasing difficulties and tensions permeating through every aspect in that province. The wire that told of the tens of thousands of horses that had died, because of the drought, really bothered her. She also knew that people were dying and that was always an important story, but for now she had issued the directive that suicide totals were not to be combined and released. Efforts were ongoing from all over Canada, but it just wasn’t enough. “If becoming a State would keep those people alive, then by God, I’ll lead the parade,” she muttered. She knew that Statehood was no magic wand, but they could offer resources, which meant hope, and right now, everybody could use some of that.
Helen Murphy had been with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for seventeen years. After their children were of school age, she returned to the University and completed her studies. Richard, her husband, had always shared in the raising of their boys, and maintaining the household – which enabled Helen’s return, first to school and then to the workplace. Following graduation, she had secured an entry level position with a small Canadian publishing firm and, after a few years, she’d caught wind of a position opening at the local CBC office.
Having grown up absorbing everything CBC offered its viewing public, her affection for the company was obvious to all. She rose through the ranks the hard way – by working long hours. She’d been at Corporate Headquarters in Toronto for several years when she was tapped for the position of Vice-President, Bureau Chief for Western Canada.
She and Richard decided this would be a good time for him to retire from his technical consulting practice, and come to Vancouver with her. He would take care of the daily living requirements while Helen focused on her new position.
They’d adapted easily to the west coast lifestyle, with one exception. Helen couldn’t bring herself to dress casually at the office; she continued to portray the professional corporate style of Toronto. Once, when her secretary had carefully kidded her about relaxing a bit and perhaps wearing something more comfortable, she had responded, “These are my comfortable clothes.” They were, and she kept wearing them.
The bulk of her job was administrative. She was responsible for all of the regional offices and local affiliates of the CBC family located north of the U.S. border and between Winnipeg, Manitoba and the Pacific Ocean. Though her staff included editors-in-chief and technical directors scattered throughout the region, she would occasionally use the authority of her position to assign a regional office to follow a particular story. In the Vancouver facility, she looked at everything - from the CP wires to the tapes in the editing rooms. Helen would never relinquish the hands-on part of her work. Occasionally, she would travel to the regional offices. Management by walking around, she’d heard it called, and she liked it.
Helen was able to spot real talent. During a visit to the Regina office, she had been introduced to Brian Edwards, a correspondent that had been with CBC for a few years. Within a few months of that visit, she promoted him to Senior Correspondent for the Western Bureau, and moved him to Vancouver.
It was pure luck that Brian was in Regina when the Referendum story broke. He had done a great job on the warship sinking so she had sent him to the Capital of Saskatchewan to begin a series on the drought rescue efforts. Because of his earlier connections, Brian had the paths of access already established. Now it was a matter of filtering the information.
They agreed that the only way to present this was to do what CBC was known for. They would remain balanced, neither for or against, and to let the people, and history, decide which path would be best.
Helen turned on her monitor to watch the start-up:
****
CBC Special: The American Option
Good Evening. I’m Brian Edwards. Tonight’s special will be looking at many issues.
Many people have expressed a concern over Health Care. Currently, it is provided and managed by the Provincial government. We have learned that in anticipation of a ‘Yes’ vote, several American firms have begun negotiations with the Province to buy the medical facilities, and to hire the physicians and staff. We have also learned that for the first three years, all private health insurance premiums will be paid for by the U.S. government. As business and industry grows, health coverage is generally part of the compensation package - and it will always be possible for other individuals to pay monthly premiums on health insurance, just like they do now into the Saskatchewan Health Care Plan.
Another issue of concern is trade. With a U.S. State in the middle of Canada, products leaving eastern Canada travelling to western Canada will have to leave the country, and then re-enter Canada. Apparently, all cargo to and from the provinces that would border the state would travel under ‘sealed bond’ – to avoid customs issues. Products that now originate in Saskatchewan will most likely head south as part of the U.S. market economy…
****
Helen flipped the monitor off. She’d reviewed the broadcast with him earlier, and it had launched without difficulty. They’d all had a few weeks to absorb what was happening, and the real possibility of a Yes vote.
More and more she was cherishing her time away from the office. The Canadian Press wires had shown increasing difficulties and tensions permeating through every aspect in that province. The wire that told of the tens of thousands of horses that had died, because of the drought, really bothered her. She also knew that people were dying and that was always an important story, but for now she had issued the directive that suicide totals were not to be combined and released. Efforts were ongoing from all over Canada, but it just wasn’t enough. “If becoming a State would keep those people alive, then by God, I’ll lead the parade,” she muttered. She knew that Statehood was no magic wand, but they could offer resources, which meant hope, and right now, everybody could use some of that.
~ 30 ~
September 2nd Toronto, ON
After World War I, news gathering services, such as CP (Canadian Press), AP (Associated Press), UPI (United Press International), Reuters, would buy strands of information from people known as ‘stringers’, quickly filter out the chaff, and then flash the raw stories over the wires to media outlets, such as CBC, New York Times, London Times, who would then edit the stories for presentation to their audiences.
Of the thousands of stories that come in to CP, AP and UPI, only a few make it onto the wires: those that make it past the front line gleaners. Two such editors for Canadian Press were Len King and Leslie Karlisle.
Vic Rathburn, senior editor of CP Wire Service, called Len and Les into his office that Tuesday morning, after the CBC special on the "SR’, which is what the news media were now calling the Saskatchewan Referendum.
"Okay, you two, here’s the deal. The stringers are going nuts. They’re sending ten times what they usually do. With everything coming in on the SR events – I have decided you two should team up. Your combined by-line will handle the local colour stories that emerge."
"Now, Vic," Len went first, "I’ve covered financial and industrial far too long to go back to folksy stuff. I do the cold heartless stock market slant. It does sound like it would be perfect for Leslie, though."
Leslie barked: "Oh no it doesn’t. First, I work alone. Second, I don’t relate at all to Mr. and Mrs. small town, nothing-story, nobody."
He could have mixed oil and water and obtained better results, but stirring the pot was one of Vic’s little pleasures in life. "Look, both of you. This is a done deal. You either get along and do this gig – or – you sit on the sidelines and edit copy. Am I clear?"
They left Vic’s office, both totally depressed even before their first cappuchino, and grumbled their way to the news room floor. Len sagged into his chair. ‘I don’t need this. I can’t work with miss junior priss.’
Leslie entered her cubicle and leaned against her desk with her head in her hands. ‘This ain’t gonna work at all. What’s the matter with Vic? I can’t work with some over-the-hill loser. Lenny’s gotta be at least 40. Maybe I should just quit.’
Ten minutes later, she stuck her head into Len’s cubicle. He looked up, "Yeah, what?"
"Listen, Lenny, if this has to happen – we can’t keep running over to each other’s space. We need to do this in a common area. Call it neutral ground if you want. You know what I mean?"
He looked at the piles of stuff covering every inch. "Yeah, good idea. I’m going to need lots of wall space for maps, sticky notes…"
Her eyes brightened, "Hey – let’s go tell Vic we need more working space, big desks and some new chairs, lots of supplies and phone/fax/internet stuff. Let’s demand it. Maybe he’ll change his mind about the whole thing."
"Another good idea." Len’s mood improved.
They marched back to the editor’s office and together made their demands.
Vic looked up at them. "Sure, whatever. You can use the small conference room, it seats about 20 people – take out the long tables – we’re not gonna need it anyway. I’ll send a note to Supply and the moving boys downstairs. Whatever you need, go for it. And hey, it’s nice to see you working together already."
Stunned by Vic’s agreement to everything, they left his office. She was disappointed that her plan didn’t work, but Len put it in perspective. "Hey. Last time I asked him for a new phone, he went through the roof."
She agreed, "Yeah, maybe we’re on to something."
It took them only an hour to reach their next agreement: how the by-line would read. The first raw handful of local colour, edited by "LLK", flashed over the wires later that day.
****
Havre, MT CP Wire- LLK- Sask Referendum 02Sep
Farmers and Ranchers from places like Havre, Billings, and Miles City, Montana – from Sheridan, Buffalo, Casper and Laramie, Wyoming – from Weyburn, Estavan, and Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, gathered together over last weekend in an old fashioned town hall meeting to usher in a new era of co-operation and enterprise in support of a yes vote on Saskatchewan’s Referendum on joining the U.S. as the 51st State.
Visiting dignitaries included Mayors, Legislators, and representatives from the agricultural and meat-producing industry. Common interests and goals were brought together including: their western spirit of freedom and independence; new initiatives to re-vamp and re-build rail lines and roads that head north and south, instead of east and west; bold new plans for pipelines that would transport water from the vast lake and river resources in north Saskatchewan to the parched southern half and on down to Montana and Wyoming. When asked if the pipeline would freeze up in the winter, several attending pipeline experts said that could easily be avoided. "All we’d have to do is pump a few hundred tons of wheat through that line – the technology’s easy – it would keep it nice and dry."
"The days of hay lotteries and donations from eastern farmers to ease the plight of Saskatchewan farmers are gone forever," offered one farm co-op (referring to the rail and carload donations of last year). "That was a great gesture of friendship – we know they did what they could – the problem was just too big. We’ll end the drought with massive water irrigation – we have just doubled our size and our economic power out here." The meeting ended with a western cook-out and festive dances that lasted well into the star-filled prairie night.
After World War I, news gathering services, such as CP (Canadian Press), AP (Associated Press), UPI (United Press International), Reuters, would buy strands of information from people known as ‘stringers’, quickly filter out the chaff, and then flash the raw stories over the wires to media outlets, such as CBC, New York Times, London Times, who would then edit the stories for presentation to their audiences.
Of the thousands of stories that come in to CP, AP and UPI, only a few make it onto the wires: those that make it past the front line gleaners. Two such editors for Canadian Press were Len King and Leslie Karlisle.
Vic Rathburn, senior editor of CP Wire Service, called Len and Les into his office that Tuesday morning, after the CBC special on the "SR’, which is what the news media were now calling the Saskatchewan Referendum.
"Okay, you two, here’s the deal. The stringers are going nuts. They’re sending ten times what they usually do. With everything coming in on the SR events – I have decided you two should team up. Your combined by-line will handle the local colour stories that emerge."
"Now, Vic," Len went first, "I’ve covered financial and industrial far too long to go back to folksy stuff. I do the cold heartless stock market slant. It does sound like it would be perfect for Leslie, though."
Leslie barked: "Oh no it doesn’t. First, I work alone. Second, I don’t relate at all to Mr. and Mrs. small town, nothing-story, nobody."
He could have mixed oil and water and obtained better results, but stirring the pot was one of Vic’s little pleasures in life. "Look, both of you. This is a done deal. You either get along and do this gig – or – you sit on the sidelines and edit copy. Am I clear?"
They left Vic’s office, both totally depressed even before their first cappuchino, and grumbled their way to the news room floor. Len sagged into his chair. ‘I don’t need this. I can’t work with miss junior priss.’
Leslie entered her cubicle and leaned against her desk with her head in her hands. ‘This ain’t gonna work at all. What’s the matter with Vic? I can’t work with some over-the-hill loser. Lenny’s gotta be at least 40. Maybe I should just quit.’
Ten minutes later, she stuck her head into Len’s cubicle. He looked up, "Yeah, what?"
"Listen, Lenny, if this has to happen – we can’t keep running over to each other’s space. We need to do this in a common area. Call it neutral ground if you want. You know what I mean?"
He looked at the piles of stuff covering every inch. "Yeah, good idea. I’m going to need lots of wall space for maps, sticky notes…"
Her eyes brightened, "Hey – let’s go tell Vic we need more working space, big desks and some new chairs, lots of supplies and phone/fax/internet stuff. Let’s demand it. Maybe he’ll change his mind about the whole thing."
"Another good idea." Len’s mood improved.
They marched back to the editor’s office and together made their demands.
Vic looked up at them. "Sure, whatever. You can use the small conference room, it seats about 20 people – take out the long tables – we’re not gonna need it anyway. I’ll send a note to Supply and the moving boys downstairs. Whatever you need, go for it. And hey, it’s nice to see you working together already."
Stunned by Vic’s agreement to everything, they left his office. She was disappointed that her plan didn’t work, but Len put it in perspective. "Hey. Last time I asked him for a new phone, he went through the roof."
She agreed, "Yeah, maybe we’re on to something."
It took them only an hour to reach their next agreement: how the by-line would read. The first raw handful of local colour, edited by "LLK", flashed over the wires later that day.
****
Havre, MT CP Wire- LLK- Sask Referendum 02Sep
Farmers and Ranchers from places like Havre, Billings, and Miles City, Montana – from Sheridan, Buffalo, Casper and Laramie, Wyoming – from Weyburn, Estavan, and Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, gathered together over last weekend in an old fashioned town hall meeting to usher in a new era of co-operation and enterprise in support of a yes vote on Saskatchewan’s Referendum on joining the U.S. as the 51st State.
Visiting dignitaries included Mayors, Legislators, and representatives from the agricultural and meat-producing industry. Common interests and goals were brought together including: their western spirit of freedom and independence; new initiatives to re-vamp and re-build rail lines and roads that head north and south, instead of east and west; bold new plans for pipelines that would transport water from the vast lake and river resources in north Saskatchewan to the parched southern half and on down to Montana and Wyoming. When asked if the pipeline would freeze up in the winter, several attending pipeline experts said that could easily be avoided. "All we’d have to do is pump a few hundred tons of wheat through that line – the technology’s easy – it would keep it nice and dry."
"The days of hay lotteries and donations from eastern farmers to ease the plight of Saskatchewan farmers are gone forever," offered one farm co-op (referring to the rail and carload donations of last year). "That was a great gesture of friendship – we know they did what they could – the problem was just too big. We’ll end the drought with massive water irrigation – we have just doubled our size and our economic power out here." The meeting ended with a western cook-out and festive dances that lasted well into the star-filled prairie night.
~ 31 ~
Tuesday, September 2nd Whistler Ski Resort, BC
Adam, again through Hank, arranged to meet with the CEO’s of BC Electric, BC Telephone, BC Cable, BC Wireless as well as most of the utility, telephone, and cable installation contractors in British Columbia. An all expense paid meeting for the company executives at the Whistler Resort on the mainland was part of the enticement, but it was, again, the call from Hank MacDougall that brought them. This was to be a one day think-tank with the stated objective being the design and rebuild of the communications infrastructure for all buildings and all homes on Vancouver Island.
At the morning briefing, Adam made his presentation. This was to be the island-wide test case and demonstration facility for future capabilities for all of British Columbia; that it was a nine month build program. The participants were divided into teams to develop plans, and then present challenges and solutions at the end of the session. They were handed sheets listing the specifications of the final objectives:
1. A new universal communications system capability including all three forms of cabling to be delivered to each household and each building and each office place at all locations on the island: coaxial cable, twisted pair cabling, fibre optic cabling. At each factory, business, store, office, apartment, house and home a universal outlet would be installed that could be connected to as a "plug and play" feature that anyone could connect to, similar to modular connections used everywhere by phone companies.
2. All of the distribution lines for each city, town, village, and settlement would be centralised within one network control centre facility in each location. Between each network control centre, fibre optic trunk cabling would be installed either underground or on existing power and telephone poles. All trunk cabling from each city, town, village, or settlement would then converge and terminate at the new network control centre for the island, located within the newly converted building in Nanaimo.
***
Mid-day, the teams brought forward their build plans. Each of the proposals underwent critical evaluation by the other teams and by the end of the session, the best plan had been identified.
After the consensus had been reached, Adam issued a blanket standing contract to all of the participants. They were asked to divide their respective areas of installation so all of the existing communication company suppliers and contractors would have a full work-load. Payment for the work would be based on an as-completed schedule; inspection teams were established, to verify the quality of all workmanship.
When the question was raised about when to begin, Adam simply told them that they already had begun.
Adam would handle the only component the participants would not be able to provide. He contacted the President of CanSat2 a company that had provided voice, data, and video communications to remote locations all over the Arctic, including the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. A standing offer contract was awarded to CanSat2 for its distributors to begin the installation of the systems to each community and settlement on the island that did not have prior capacity for high speed communications and broadband television reception.
Adam, again through Hank, arranged to meet with the CEO’s of BC Electric, BC Telephone, BC Cable, BC Wireless as well as most of the utility, telephone, and cable installation contractors in British Columbia. An all expense paid meeting for the company executives at the Whistler Resort on the mainland was part of the enticement, but it was, again, the call from Hank MacDougall that brought them. This was to be a one day think-tank with the stated objective being the design and rebuild of the communications infrastructure for all buildings and all homes on Vancouver Island.
At the morning briefing, Adam made his presentation. This was to be the island-wide test case and demonstration facility for future capabilities for all of British Columbia; that it was a nine month build program. The participants were divided into teams to develop plans, and then present challenges and solutions at the end of the session. They were handed sheets listing the specifications of the final objectives:
1. A new universal communications system capability including all three forms of cabling to be delivered to each household and each building and each office place at all locations on the island: coaxial cable, twisted pair cabling, fibre optic cabling. At each factory, business, store, office, apartment, house and home a universal outlet would be installed that could be connected to as a "plug and play" feature that anyone could connect to, similar to modular connections used everywhere by phone companies.
2. All of the distribution lines for each city, town, village, and settlement would be centralised within one network control centre facility in each location. Between each network control centre, fibre optic trunk cabling would be installed either underground or on existing power and telephone poles. All trunk cabling from each city, town, village, or settlement would then converge and terminate at the new network control centre for the island, located within the newly converted building in Nanaimo.
***
Mid-day, the teams brought forward their build plans. Each of the proposals underwent critical evaluation by the other teams and by the end of the session, the best plan had been identified.
After the consensus had been reached, Adam issued a blanket standing contract to all of the participants. They were asked to divide their respective areas of installation so all of the existing communication company suppliers and contractors would have a full work-load. Payment for the work would be based on an as-completed schedule; inspection teams were established, to verify the quality of all workmanship.
When the question was raised about when to begin, Adam simply told them that they already had begun.
Adam would handle the only component the participants would not be able to provide. He contacted the President of CanSat2 a company that had provided voice, data, and video communications to remote locations all over the Arctic, including the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. A standing offer contract was awarded to CanSat2 for its distributors to begin the installation of the systems to each community and settlement on the island that did not have prior capacity for high speed communications and broadband television reception.
~ 32 ~
Saturday, September 13th Port Alberni, BC
As he drove towards Port Alberni, Hank MacDougall thought about his wife. Mira had left that morning for another shopping trip in New Mexico. She loved sand paintings, adobe dwellings, anything Navaho, and she loved Santa Fe. ‘Well,’ he thought, ‘she’s entitled to.’ She had raised their three children entirely on her own while Hank was building the MacDougall empire. He had doubled the size of the holdings in his first five years of control, and doubled it again by the next ten. ‘She can spend it, she definitely earned it.’
He pulled into the empty parking lot of the Cannery next to the harbour. The plant hadn’t operated on weekends for months, now the catch was down even further. They’d converted to other fish when cod fishing was restricted, but that was dwindling now too. He shook it off. It doesn’t matter. If the meeting goes as they all hoped, the Cannery will be gone. He backed his pickup out of the lot and turned towards the Café.
Hank made some quick notes as he drove, of things he must put in place – maybe he had a year – maybe less:
1. Sell the trucking division on the mainland. Should get a good price, contact personnel about moving the staff to the island.
2. Hire more local help – through Wilma and others – for the projects.
The top of his list though, was occupied solely by today’s meeting. As he neared, he saw the dust still settling around Elliot’s Lexus. Hank was pretty much a lone wolf, but that little fun idea Gloria had so many years ago tied the three of them permanently together. "And now," said Henry Laughton MacDougall the Third, "it’s about to get real serious." He pulled up in front of the New Moon, clicked off the engine, bounded over the steps and walked through the front door.
As he drove towards Port Alberni, Hank MacDougall thought about his wife. Mira had left that morning for another shopping trip in New Mexico. She loved sand paintings, adobe dwellings, anything Navaho, and she loved Santa Fe. ‘Well,’ he thought, ‘she’s entitled to.’ She had raised their three children entirely on her own while Hank was building the MacDougall empire. He had doubled the size of the holdings in his first five years of control, and doubled it again by the next ten. ‘She can spend it, she definitely earned it.’
He pulled into the empty parking lot of the Cannery next to the harbour. The plant hadn’t operated on weekends for months, now the catch was down even further. They’d converted to other fish when cod fishing was restricted, but that was dwindling now too. He shook it off. It doesn’t matter. If the meeting goes as they all hoped, the Cannery will be gone. He backed his pickup out of the lot and turned towards the Café.
Hank made some quick notes as he drove, of things he must put in place – maybe he had a year – maybe less:
1. Sell the trucking division on the mainland. Should get a good price, contact personnel about moving the staff to the island.
2. Hire more local help – through Wilma and others – for the projects.
The top of his list though, was occupied solely by today’s meeting. As he neared, he saw the dust still settling around Elliot’s Lexus. Hank was pretty much a lone wolf, but that little fun idea Gloria had so many years ago tied the three of them permanently together. "And now," said Henry Laughton MacDougall the Third, "it’s about to get real serious." He pulled up in front of the New Moon, clicked off the engine, bounded over the steps and walked through the front door.
~ 33 ~
Saturday, September 13th Port Alberni, BC
Elliot was looking forward to this. He had contacted the Sumi Corporation, a large Japanese trading company, to explore their interest in the project. Sumi was known for their innovative capabilities; he had worked closely with them during his engineering firm’s fuel-cell cycle development. Sumi agreed immediately to Elliot’s suggestion of a meeting, and had sent their petrochemical representative.
Glancing at the ‘closed for cleaning’ sign, he entered the café and was delighted to see his friend.
"Denzio. So very good to see you again." Elliot had known Denzio Tamari from conferences and discussions on fuel-cell development. They had maintained a long-distance friendship over the years through e-mail, frequently exchanging ideas, reviewing papers they had written.
"Thank you, Elliot," he was all smiles. " I look forward to working with you again."
Hank burst through the door and joined the group. Elliot introduced the gentlemen and asked Denzio if he had met Wilma. "Yes, I have. We have been having a very enjoyable conversation and I have had several pieces of raspberry pie – what a treat."
"Wonderful. Let’s get started then," he said. "Here is the situation in a nut-shell, Denzio. We have made a small, by your standards, petrochemical discovery on the island, and in a short while we will have penetrated the crust of an oil deposit, providing us with a resource that could provide the needs of the island, while still enabling some export capabilities. We had considered building a refinery, but the time frame requires us to look at other options. A refinery may evolve at some point, but for now, our primary focus is on export."
Elliot continued, "As you know, we have a deep water port that is large enough for your medium sized tankers. The well-head is only about 12 kilometres from the dockside. What we need are the end components, storage tanks and docking facilities for the tankers."
Denzio waited for a pause, then asked, "How much would you estimate there to be for potential export?"
He looked at his old friend: "We don’t know. We do know it should be very lucrative over time. I would estimate that it will have a better than average flow and that maybe 70% of the output would be available for export. Additionally, as part of the arrangement, we would also wish to purchase back the island’s requirement of refined products – which could be delivered by the same process, only in reverse."
They told him of the newly formed company, and that the agreements would be through Sumi Corporation and H&E Fuels. After reviewing more of the details, Denzio said that he felt the arrangement would be satisfactory.
Hank stated, "Well, then. I guess we have a deal. Is there a time frame you need to get approval from the company back in Japan, Mr. Tamari?"
"Thank you, Mr. MacDougall, but I carry the authority to make this deal with me. In fact, I even brought my favourite pen!" They enjoyed the laugh, Mr. Tamari, in particular. He was beaming from ear to ear.
***
Shortly after returning to Tokyo, Denzio Tamari met with the board of Sumi Corporation. He described at great length his trip to Vancouver Island, the people he had met, and the apparent high-risk, paper-thin venture with H&E Fuels. He also, quietly and with great deference, described that Mr. Stevens and his associates were not quite able to hide the potential – the possible enormity of what this deal might mean for Sumi Corporation, and of course for Japan. That H&E Fuels had emphasised the requirement that the facility be up and running within six months, only confirmed there was much that had not been revealed.
"There were only two reasons I would assign as to why they did not reveal the true size and structure of what they were proposing: (1) We have not yet earned their trust, which we can easily overcome with time; or (2) They were unable, no matter how much they wished, to reveal the full story to me or to anyone at this time."
"In view of the situation in Canada – and in view of what our eyes and ears are telling us, both in Canada and in the U.S. and especially in Washington, it appears this collaboration with H&E Fuels on Vancouver Island was fateful and fortuitous for us, at this point in time."
The Board concurred and instructed him to stay with it.
Elliot was looking forward to this. He had contacted the Sumi Corporation, a large Japanese trading company, to explore their interest in the project. Sumi was known for their innovative capabilities; he had worked closely with them during his engineering firm’s fuel-cell cycle development. Sumi agreed immediately to Elliot’s suggestion of a meeting, and had sent their petrochemical representative.
Glancing at the ‘closed for cleaning’ sign, he entered the café and was delighted to see his friend.
"Denzio. So very good to see you again." Elliot had known Denzio Tamari from conferences and discussions on fuel-cell development. They had maintained a long-distance friendship over the years through e-mail, frequently exchanging ideas, reviewing papers they had written.
"Thank you, Elliot," he was all smiles. " I look forward to working with you again."
Hank burst through the door and joined the group. Elliot introduced the gentlemen and asked Denzio if he had met Wilma. "Yes, I have. We have been having a very enjoyable conversation and I have had several pieces of raspberry pie – what a treat."
"Wonderful. Let’s get started then," he said. "Here is the situation in a nut-shell, Denzio. We have made a small, by your standards, petrochemical discovery on the island, and in a short while we will have penetrated the crust of an oil deposit, providing us with a resource that could provide the needs of the island, while still enabling some export capabilities. We had considered building a refinery, but the time frame requires us to look at other options. A refinery may evolve at some point, but for now, our primary focus is on export."
Elliot continued, "As you know, we have a deep water port that is large enough for your medium sized tankers. The well-head is only about 12 kilometres from the dockside. What we need are the end components, storage tanks and docking facilities for the tankers."
Denzio waited for a pause, then asked, "How much would you estimate there to be for potential export?"
He looked at his old friend: "We don’t know. We do know it should be very lucrative over time. I would estimate that it will have a better than average flow and that maybe 70% of the output would be available for export. Additionally, as part of the arrangement, we would also wish to purchase back the island’s requirement of refined products – which could be delivered by the same process, only in reverse."
They told him of the newly formed company, and that the agreements would be through Sumi Corporation and H&E Fuels. After reviewing more of the details, Denzio said that he felt the arrangement would be satisfactory.
Hank stated, "Well, then. I guess we have a deal. Is there a time frame you need to get approval from the company back in Japan, Mr. Tamari?"
"Thank you, Mr. MacDougall, but I carry the authority to make this deal with me. In fact, I even brought my favourite pen!" They enjoyed the laugh, Mr. Tamari, in particular. He was beaming from ear to ear.
***
Shortly after returning to Tokyo, Denzio Tamari met with the board of Sumi Corporation. He described at great length his trip to Vancouver Island, the people he had met, and the apparent high-risk, paper-thin venture with H&E Fuels. He also, quietly and with great deference, described that Mr. Stevens and his associates were not quite able to hide the potential – the possible enormity of what this deal might mean for Sumi Corporation, and of course for Japan. That H&E Fuels had emphasised the requirement that the facility be up and running within six months, only confirmed there was much that had not been revealed.
"There were only two reasons I would assign as to why they did not reveal the true size and structure of what they were proposing: (1) We have not yet earned their trust, which we can easily overcome with time; or (2) They were unable, no matter how much they wished, to reveal the full story to me or to anyone at this time."
"In view of the situation in Canada – and in view of what our eyes and ears are telling us, both in Canada and in the U.S. and especially in Washington, it appears this collaboration with H&E Fuels on Vancouver Island was fateful and fortuitous for us, at this point in time."
The Board concurred and instructed him to stay with it.
~ 34 ~
Sunday, September 28th Cathedral Grove
Wilma was scheduled to meet with Gloria to give her the details regarding the ownership structure for the transfer of park lands. It was a three hour drive from Port Alberni to Victoria; she gave herself plenty of time for the stop she wanted to make. Climbing towards Arrowsmith Pass, she began to reflect on the meeting her grandfather had called with the leaders.
They had unanimously agreed that there would be no communal holding of all the land – that would only perpetuate the system of power and control by a few, but things got a little more complicated after that. It was decided that they would break up into working groups – and discuss for one hour – some of the ways that this could be done, then the groups would tell everyone their ideas. The idea of parsing the lands via population and proximity had surfaced in all the groups, in one form or the other, and they agreed that may be the best alternative.
Harry, anticipating the need, had brought 20 copies of a large map that showed the parks on the island. New groups were formed – geographically. Those from the north part of the island looked at the parks on the north end. Harry had kept them all on the path they needed to be on.
She rounded the curves easily, having travelled these roads so many times in her life. Dropping over the crest of the pass, she pulled into the parking area of Cathedral Grove. The giant thousand-year-old trees that stood watch over Cameron Lake welcomed her as she walked silently between them. Wilma had always found strength in this place, and had come here often to clear her head and listen to the trees; they had always been there for her.
She sat on a fallen cedar and looked around at the park. Her request, her only one, had been that MacMillan Park, in which Cathedral Grove stood, become hers. The park itself was not much bigger than the grove, the whole thing perhaps three square kilometres, but it was what she wanted, and they agreed. She knew that some of the people would have to harvest a portion of the trees on their newly acquired lands – just to survive – until they could build businesses. ‘The giants of the Grove are mine now,’ she laughed to herself, ‘as much as anyone could own these trees, that is.’ As long as Wilma Thorn was alive, those trees would stand.
Again, her thoughts drifted back to the meeting. Three of the smaller groups that lived in one area discussed forming an alliance to hold title jointly. A spokesperson for that alliance had come up to Harry and asked if it was okay to do that. Harry had told him that he didn’t need anyone’s permission to do anything, anymore.
After the ownership issues had been decided, the discussions turned towards survival. The primary concern was, would there be work after the initial build projects were complete? Harry had told them that there would be a shortage of skilled labour in Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River and Port Hardy for some time. If any of their people were interested in pursuing that route they should start working now towards that goal. "How do we suggest they do that without telling them what’s happening?" Simon had asked.
"Find a way," Wilma had replied. "Perhaps start the unlikely rumour that there will be massive U.S. grants if the Province becomes a State. There are enough rumours flying around these days – that one will just be added to the pile. If others think we are silly enough to believe it, that could give us the cover we need to take these necessary first steps." It hit them again; the enormity of what was happening, and the fragility of it all. She knew that it wasn’t possible for everybody to keep this secret, but if the knowledge could be kept in control, for just long enough…..
She looked up at the sun through the barely visible tree-tops. Time to go. She stood and stretched, then returned to her car to continue the journey. By the time she reached Nanaimo for the swing south to Victoria, she looked forward to the meeting. After an hour, Wilma had slowed to the pace of the traffic that always seemed to spawn around Goldstream Park. Families had stopped along the way for picnics on the roadside tables under the towering pines. Family.
Ben Thompson, a leader from Ucluelet, had asked, "What about my sister and her family over in Saskatoon? Can I invite them to come to be part of this?" It was a good question.
The four of them, Hank, Gloria, Elliot and Wilma had discussed the issue for a very long time. What would be the new country’s immigration policy? Would the Island suddenly find itself with 30 million people on it? It was decided that anyone with established ties to the island would be welcome. Along with current island residents, those who worked here but lived on the mainland or those who owned property on the island but lived elsewhere, were welcome to be part of the new country. But - and it was a big but - new residents will need to find work and support themselves, just like the existing residents. In the same manner, any currently on the island that would rather ‘live on the dole’ should exit to the mainland, and quickly. Nations only have the ethics they can afford, Gloria pointed out.
Wilma had answered Ben Thompson’s good question by saying "You can bring in anyone you want or need to help you with your plans. Just make sure you can feed them and take care of them, or that they can feed and take care of themselves. There will be plenty of food to buy – and plenty of housing available – but all will have to be paid for, with money earned through working. This isn’t going to be easy, but we haven’t had it easy for a long time. The harness is off, we can rise to our own potential – and we will have to. We have children to feed and we will be the only provider."
Wilma drove through the security gates of Shoal Point and headed for the guest parking area. She was ready.
Wilma was scheduled to meet with Gloria to give her the details regarding the ownership structure for the transfer of park lands. It was a three hour drive from Port Alberni to Victoria; she gave herself plenty of time for the stop she wanted to make. Climbing towards Arrowsmith Pass, she began to reflect on the meeting her grandfather had called with the leaders.
They had unanimously agreed that there would be no communal holding of all the land – that would only perpetuate the system of power and control by a few, but things got a little more complicated after that. It was decided that they would break up into working groups – and discuss for one hour – some of the ways that this could be done, then the groups would tell everyone their ideas. The idea of parsing the lands via population and proximity had surfaced in all the groups, in one form or the other, and they agreed that may be the best alternative.
Harry, anticipating the need, had brought 20 copies of a large map that showed the parks on the island. New groups were formed – geographically. Those from the north part of the island looked at the parks on the north end. Harry had kept them all on the path they needed to be on.
She rounded the curves easily, having travelled these roads so many times in her life. Dropping over the crest of the pass, she pulled into the parking area of Cathedral Grove. The giant thousand-year-old trees that stood watch over Cameron Lake welcomed her as she walked silently between them. Wilma had always found strength in this place, and had come here often to clear her head and listen to the trees; they had always been there for her.
She sat on a fallen cedar and looked around at the park. Her request, her only one, had been that MacMillan Park, in which Cathedral Grove stood, become hers. The park itself was not much bigger than the grove, the whole thing perhaps three square kilometres, but it was what she wanted, and they agreed. She knew that some of the people would have to harvest a portion of the trees on their newly acquired lands – just to survive – until they could build businesses. ‘The giants of the Grove are mine now,’ she laughed to herself, ‘as much as anyone could own these trees, that is.’ As long as Wilma Thorn was alive, those trees would stand.
Again, her thoughts drifted back to the meeting. Three of the smaller groups that lived in one area discussed forming an alliance to hold title jointly. A spokesperson for that alliance had come up to Harry and asked if it was okay to do that. Harry had told him that he didn’t need anyone’s permission to do anything, anymore.
After the ownership issues had been decided, the discussions turned towards survival. The primary concern was, would there be work after the initial build projects were complete? Harry had told them that there would be a shortage of skilled labour in Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River and Port Hardy for some time. If any of their people were interested in pursuing that route they should start working now towards that goal. "How do we suggest they do that without telling them what’s happening?" Simon had asked.
"Find a way," Wilma had replied. "Perhaps start the unlikely rumour that there will be massive U.S. grants if the Province becomes a State. There are enough rumours flying around these days – that one will just be added to the pile. If others think we are silly enough to believe it, that could give us the cover we need to take these necessary first steps." It hit them again; the enormity of what was happening, and the fragility of it all. She knew that it wasn’t possible for everybody to keep this secret, but if the knowledge could be kept in control, for just long enough…..
She looked up at the sun through the barely visible tree-tops. Time to go. She stood and stretched, then returned to her car to continue the journey. By the time she reached Nanaimo for the swing south to Victoria, she looked forward to the meeting. After an hour, Wilma had slowed to the pace of the traffic that always seemed to spawn around Goldstream Park. Families had stopped along the way for picnics on the roadside tables under the towering pines. Family.
Ben Thompson, a leader from Ucluelet, had asked, "What about my sister and her family over in Saskatoon? Can I invite them to come to be part of this?" It was a good question.
The four of them, Hank, Gloria, Elliot and Wilma had discussed the issue for a very long time. What would be the new country’s immigration policy? Would the Island suddenly find itself with 30 million people on it? It was decided that anyone with established ties to the island would be welcome. Along with current island residents, those who worked here but lived on the mainland or those who owned property on the island but lived elsewhere, were welcome to be part of the new country. But - and it was a big but - new residents will need to find work and support themselves, just like the existing residents. In the same manner, any currently on the island that would rather ‘live on the dole’ should exit to the mainland, and quickly. Nations only have the ethics they can afford, Gloria pointed out.
Wilma had answered Ben Thompson’s good question by saying "You can bring in anyone you want or need to help you with your plans. Just make sure you can feed them and take care of them, or that they can feed and take care of themselves. There will be plenty of food to buy – and plenty of housing available – but all will have to be paid for, with money earned through working. This isn’t going to be easy, but we haven’t had it easy for a long time. The harness is off, we can rise to our own potential – and we will have to. We have children to feed and we will be the only provider."
Wilma drove through the security gates of Shoal Point and headed for the guest parking area. She was ready.
~ 35 ~
Wednesday, October 1st Regina, SK
The streets in an out of the main downtown corridor of Regina were plugged. Media from all over the world had set up their vans, trailers, and tents to cover this event; crews looked like the UN General Assembly.
Everyone in the Province was glued to their television sets and radios. Early poll vote counts were verified by Elections Saskatchewan and forwarded to media outlets. CBC News had graphic presentations with maps of the constituencies and districts across the Province, with extensive running commentary from pollsters, local pundits and the occasional constituency representative brave enough to appear on camera.
The urban areas gave an initial edge to the No vote, but as the later returns came in, the rural Yes votes began to impact on the urban numbers. Finally, at three in the morning, with all ballots returned, the final vote count was tallied and flashed across the Province.
At CBC headquarters in Vancouver, Helen Murphy tore the CPWire stories off the high-speed printer roll, took them into her office and closed the door. She walked over to the windows, to watch the city lights fight against the darkness. Unable to delay it further, she carried the papers to her desk, sat down and read.
****
Regina, SK CP Wire-LLK-Referendum Vote 02Oct
Canada 0 USA 1, That’s what the hockey fans across the province are quoting after this historic referendum vote here in the western heartland of Canada. Bye Bye Canada, Hello USA. It was a close vote, no question about that. What made it close? In interviews with folks on the street most of them say it was the uncertainty of it all – and not any aversion to becoming the 51st State. People in the north and south portions of this Province voted an overwhelming Yes. People in the urban areas were almost 50 – 50 for and against. Voter turnout was approximately 60% of the 400,000 eligible voters. The Yes vote received just over 126,000, the No vote, just under 112,000. It was the farmland, the rural vote that made the difference.
****
Quebec City, QB CPWire-LLK- Ref Announced 02Oct
Almost overnight, in political terms, after the Saskatchewan Referendum Vote, the Quebec government has announced their own Referendum to join the United States as a new State of the Union. Even though the news has just been announced, there is strong reaction from Quebec citizens all across the Province. French separatists say they support the Yes vote to join the United States. When asked about this possible contradiction they stated, "True, we never wanted to be part of Canada, but we never said we didn’t want to be part of America." Other Quebec man-in-the-street commentary: "Now we can really develop our James Bay Hydro Projects – we will have a partner that has enough resources to fully develop that project. They need the clean electric power generation and we can offer all that they would care to have." (electrical utilities worker)
"We can secure our place in history now – as the power supply for all of eastern US, for many, many years to come." (teacher)
"Our auto industries, our parts makers are some of the best in the world – we don’t have to worry about tariffs and fickle trade barrier creators – we will all be Americans – and we won’t have to wrestle with Ottawa anymore." (autoworkers union)
****
Omaha, NE CPWire-LLK Ag Industry Eyes Sask 02Oct
Several closed door meetings have been held this week by agricultural development giants here in the Midwest. Sources indicate that these global companies are positioning to assist the new State with massive irrigation projects. Installing large-capacity pipelines from unlimited water supplies not only helps Saskatchewan but all the parched drought lands in the middle United States.
****
She tossed the paper on her desk. That didn’t take long. Helen Murphy wasn’t surprised.
The streets in an out of the main downtown corridor of Regina were plugged. Media from all over the world had set up their vans, trailers, and tents to cover this event; crews looked like the UN General Assembly.
Everyone in the Province was glued to their television sets and radios. Early poll vote counts were verified by Elections Saskatchewan and forwarded to media outlets. CBC News had graphic presentations with maps of the constituencies and districts across the Province, with extensive running commentary from pollsters, local pundits and the occasional constituency representative brave enough to appear on camera.
The urban areas gave an initial edge to the No vote, but as the later returns came in, the rural Yes votes began to impact on the urban numbers. Finally, at three in the morning, with all ballots returned, the final vote count was tallied and flashed across the Province.
At CBC headquarters in Vancouver, Helen Murphy tore the CPWire stories off the high-speed printer roll, took them into her office and closed the door. She walked over to the windows, to watch the city lights fight against the darkness. Unable to delay it further, she carried the papers to her desk, sat down and read.
****
Regina, SK CP Wire-LLK-Referendum Vote 02Oct
Canada 0 USA 1, That’s what the hockey fans across the province are quoting after this historic referendum vote here in the western heartland of Canada. Bye Bye Canada, Hello USA. It was a close vote, no question about that. What made it close? In interviews with folks on the street most of them say it was the uncertainty of it all – and not any aversion to becoming the 51st State. People in the north and south portions of this Province voted an overwhelming Yes. People in the urban areas were almost 50 – 50 for and against. Voter turnout was approximately 60% of the 400,000 eligible voters. The Yes vote received just over 126,000, the No vote, just under 112,000. It was the farmland, the rural vote that made the difference.
****
Quebec City, QB CPWire-LLK- Ref Announced 02Oct
Almost overnight, in political terms, after the Saskatchewan Referendum Vote, the Quebec government has announced their own Referendum to join the United States as a new State of the Union. Even though the news has just been announced, there is strong reaction from Quebec citizens all across the Province. French separatists say they support the Yes vote to join the United States. When asked about this possible contradiction they stated, "True, we never wanted to be part of Canada, but we never said we didn’t want to be part of America." Other Quebec man-in-the-street commentary: "Now we can really develop our James Bay Hydro Projects – we will have a partner that has enough resources to fully develop that project. They need the clean electric power generation and we can offer all that they would care to have." (electrical utilities worker)
"We can secure our place in history now – as the power supply for all of eastern US, for many, many years to come." (teacher)
"Our auto industries, our parts makers are some of the best in the world – we don’t have to worry about tariffs and fickle trade barrier creators – we will all be Americans – and we won’t have to wrestle with Ottawa anymore." (autoworkers union)
****
Omaha, NE CPWire-LLK Ag Industry Eyes Sask 02Oct
Several closed door meetings have been held this week by agricultural development giants here in the Midwest. Sources indicate that these global companies are positioning to assist the new State with massive irrigation projects. Installing large-capacity pipelines from unlimited water supplies not only helps Saskatchewan but all the parched drought lands in the middle United States.
****
She tossed the paper on her desk. That didn’t take long. Helen Murphy wasn’t surprised.
~ 36 ~
Friday, October 3rd Victoria, BC
"We have about six months to complete this project and your input at the beginning stage is critical," he began.
They were gathered at the hotel – Adam had reserved a large room and had catered in a wide variety of food that was laid out on linen covered tables, the length of one wall. He learned a long time ago that there was no bigger incentive for code-writers. As the programmers and analysts cycled back and forth between their tables and the food, Adam, casually munching from the plate in front of him, explained that he needed them to write and test the software requirements for the Island’s new SmartCard system.
He had prepared general specification booklets for them but they would read the material later, if at all. Eating and listening simultaneously was no difficulty.
"The Pedestals will need to image a person’s face, in colour, scan and digitise a thumbprint, then produce a SmartCard about the size of a credit card or driver’s license." Adam munched on a carrot. "The second part of the project, is the Reader. This will be the interface between the card – and the service provider. When a person puts their SmartCard in a Reader at a hospital, for example, the medical personnel at the computer would be able to access the medical records for that person. Which brings us to the third part of the project." He was at the long table now, filling his plate with brownies. "The programs need to do three things. First, since the SmartCard is universal, that means we need to make sure the medical people can’t access the person’s financial information, that the banks can’t access the person’s police records, and that the police can’t access anything." They stopped eating long enough to laugh; Adam liked making the joke. "Seriously, though, we need to…"
A woman shouted from the back "Hey, just give it to Duane, here. When he writes code, even HE can’t access it." That got a bigger laugh. ‘Programmers,’ thought Adam. ‘Gotta love ’em.’
"Okay, okay." He wondered if maybe less food would have been a better idea. "The next thing to look at is a scaled down version of the SmartCard for visitors to the island." Adam tread carefully here; these people would easily guess the endgame if too much was revealed. "This will function as a debit card – like it does for the residents – but there wont be other encrypted data files on the system for the visitors. We do want a small bit of memory connected to each one – that any SmartCard Reader could access – for non-vital information the visitor may want to put on the card. ‘In emergency contact so-and-so’ That kind of information, or pertinent medical information – like, diabetic." They got the idea. Adam knew that later, the non-vital information would also include length of stay – for the Island to track non-citizens.
Before they slipped into a food coma, Adam told them that after the programs were written, Tutorial CDs would need to be created for the pyramid of training staff that were already being assembled.
"We have about six months to complete this project and your input at the beginning stage is critical," he began.
They were gathered at the hotel – Adam had reserved a large room and had catered in a wide variety of food that was laid out on linen covered tables, the length of one wall. He learned a long time ago that there was no bigger incentive for code-writers. As the programmers and analysts cycled back and forth between their tables and the food, Adam, casually munching from the plate in front of him, explained that he needed them to write and test the software requirements for the Island’s new SmartCard system.
He had prepared general specification booklets for them but they would read the material later, if at all. Eating and listening simultaneously was no difficulty.
"The Pedestals will need to image a person’s face, in colour, scan and digitise a thumbprint, then produce a SmartCard about the size of a credit card or driver’s license." Adam munched on a carrot. "The second part of the project, is the Reader. This will be the interface between the card – and the service provider. When a person puts their SmartCard in a Reader at a hospital, for example, the medical personnel at the computer would be able to access the medical records for that person. Which brings us to the third part of the project." He was at the long table now, filling his plate with brownies. "The programs need to do three things. First, since the SmartCard is universal, that means we need to make sure the medical people can’t access the person’s financial information, that the banks can’t access the person’s police records, and that the police can’t access anything." They stopped eating long enough to laugh; Adam liked making the joke. "Seriously, though, we need to…"
A woman shouted from the back "Hey, just give it to Duane, here. When he writes code, even HE can’t access it." That got a bigger laugh. ‘Programmers,’ thought Adam. ‘Gotta love ’em.’
"Okay, okay." He wondered if maybe less food would have been a better idea. "The next thing to look at is a scaled down version of the SmartCard for visitors to the island." Adam tread carefully here; these people would easily guess the endgame if too much was revealed. "This will function as a debit card – like it does for the residents – but there wont be other encrypted data files on the system for the visitors. We do want a small bit of memory connected to each one – that any SmartCard Reader could access – for non-vital information the visitor may want to put on the card. ‘In emergency contact so-and-so’ That kind of information, or pertinent medical information – like, diabetic." They got the idea. Adam knew that later, the non-vital information would also include length of stay – for the Island to track non-citizens.
Before they slipped into a food coma, Adam told them that after the programs were written, Tutorial CDs would need to be created for the pyramid of training staff that were already being assembled.
~ 37 ~
Friday, October 10th Pipeline to Bamfield
The meeting last month with Sumi had gone well, better than they anticipated. Mr. Tamari had suggested that, perhaps, they may want to locate the crude oil storage facility closer to the ocean, perhaps near Bamfield, rather than the tankers having to negotiate the waters inland to Port Alberni.
Hank and Elliot immediately saw the benefit. The pipeline would start at the drill site, pass next to the old Cannery and travel the 80 kilometres to Bamfield. The Sumi Corporation, would build the coastal facility, consisting of three oil storage tanks, and the jetty required for the tankers to dock.
A second agreement had been reached at the meeting. Sumi would also provide a fourth storage tank, placed next to the other three, for the refined products the Island would need, that would be purchased from, and delivered by, Sumi. A second run of pipe would lay in the same trench as the oil delivery one, but this one would deliver the gasoline from the Bamfield Depot up to Port Alberni. The MacDougall cannery would become the H&E Fuel Station for the refined products to be pumped into trucks for island-wide delivery.
The Sumi agreements added to Hank’s exponentially growing task list. First and immediate, the Bamfield site was prepared to Sumi’s specifications; laying the underground infrastructure that would tie into the pipeline, and the foundations poured and ready. Sumi would be sending, by way of cargo ship, the massive fuel storage tanks along with the equipment and materials to construct the docking port for their tankers.
The second project that had been added to his list was the conversion of the MacDougall Cannery. The workers had asked to stay on; Hank was glad to keep them – he would be able to keep them busy for a long time. Wilma had been able to provide crews for the drill site, but many more would be needed. When he sold the trucking company on the mainland, many of those workers came over and were put on the biggest project: the pipeline. Originally 12 kilometres, it was now a 75 kilometre undertaking, and the clock was ticking.
Hank stopped his Excursion on the way to check the Bamfield site. Waving over the foreman, Hank asked him how things were progressing. "Pretty good boss. It was a mess by the Franklin Camp turnoff – but it only cost us a day. Ben’s crew will be above the Sarita Lake in a week – so I’m thinking we’ll be ready to connect the two ends of the pipe by mid-January." Hank asked him if the laying in of the communications cables alongside the pipes had created any difficulties. "Not at all. We sand-filled around them and just kept going." He told him to keep up the good work – and continued down the dusty road that wound towards Bamfield.
Hank walked the whole area, checking every task of the project. Satisfied, he stepped up on the hardened slab and looked west over the Pacific. Everything was ready, it had to be. There was too much at stake to fail now.
The meeting last month with Sumi had gone well, better than they anticipated. Mr. Tamari had suggested that, perhaps, they may want to locate the crude oil storage facility closer to the ocean, perhaps near Bamfield, rather than the tankers having to negotiate the waters inland to Port Alberni.
Hank and Elliot immediately saw the benefit. The pipeline would start at the drill site, pass next to the old Cannery and travel the 80 kilometres to Bamfield. The Sumi Corporation, would build the coastal facility, consisting of three oil storage tanks, and the jetty required for the tankers to dock.
A second agreement had been reached at the meeting. Sumi would also provide a fourth storage tank, placed next to the other three, for the refined products the Island would need, that would be purchased from, and delivered by, Sumi. A second run of pipe would lay in the same trench as the oil delivery one, but this one would deliver the gasoline from the Bamfield Depot up to Port Alberni. The MacDougall cannery would become the H&E Fuel Station for the refined products to be pumped into trucks for island-wide delivery.
The Sumi agreements added to Hank’s exponentially growing task list. First and immediate, the Bamfield site was prepared to Sumi’s specifications; laying the underground infrastructure that would tie into the pipeline, and the foundations poured and ready. Sumi would be sending, by way of cargo ship, the massive fuel storage tanks along with the equipment and materials to construct the docking port for their tankers.
The second project that had been added to his list was the conversion of the MacDougall Cannery. The workers had asked to stay on; Hank was glad to keep them – he would be able to keep them busy for a long time. Wilma had been able to provide crews for the drill site, but many more would be needed. When he sold the trucking company on the mainland, many of those workers came over and were put on the biggest project: the pipeline. Originally 12 kilometres, it was now a 75 kilometre undertaking, and the clock was ticking.
Hank stopped his Excursion on the way to check the Bamfield site. Waving over the foreman, Hank asked him how things were progressing. "Pretty good boss. It was a mess by the Franklin Camp turnoff – but it only cost us a day. Ben’s crew will be above the Sarita Lake in a week – so I’m thinking we’ll be ready to connect the two ends of the pipe by mid-January." Hank asked him if the laying in of the communications cables alongside the pipes had created any difficulties. "Not at all. We sand-filled around them and just kept going." He told him to keep up the good work – and continued down the dusty road that wound towards Bamfield.
Hank walked the whole area, checking every task of the project. Satisfied, he stepped up on the hardened slab and looked west over the Pacific. Everything was ready, it had to be. There was too much at stake to fail now.
~ 38 ~
Friday, October 10th Port Alberni, BC
At their last planning session, Gloria and Wilma decided to meet at the New Moon for the next one. Wilma always enjoyed the drive into Victoria, but Gloria insisted that it was her turn to get out of the rat race for a bit.
They had a lot in common. Even with cultural differences they both were by nature, and had to be by circumstance, very strong women. Wilma, perhaps, was held back at times by prejudice. Gloria, perhaps, was held back at times by her choice to not overshadow her husband’s abilities. For both women, though, that was a long time ago. They were getting to know each other, share stories, chit-chat. Gloria liked straight talk, Wilma did too. It was the first time in years either of them had someone to really open up with.
Wilma told Gloria that she had gone to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver the same time Hank and Elliot had – but it wasn’t until they’d started coming into the café that she began to know them better. She enjoyed working with them on the projects.
"Oh," Gloria said, "They really appreciate the crews you’ve been able to send them. There’s so much to be done. They think they’ll be able to come in on time, but who knows how long we actually have?"
"I hope enough. I heard that Adam finally met with the Programmers, so hopefully I can start teaching the Trainers soon. The first thing they’ll learn is how to leave tips." She smiled at Debbie who was refilling their coffee. Wilma continued, "Hank and Elliot haven’t been in for a while; tell them hello for me next time you see them."
Gloria smiled, "I will. As a matter of fact, I’m meeting Hank tomorrow to look at a warehouse in Port Hardy."
"Oh – you secured the contracts then? Good, good."
Gloria had told her about the long-term contracts she had presented to the mainland growers. The Port Hardy warehouse, 400 kilometres north of the New Moon Café, would be the food distribution centre for the northern third of the island, if it needed to, if things evolved to that point. "They were signed yesterday. Now," Gloria added, "after the island separates from the mainland, the ‘new United States producers’ will continue to supply Townsend Foods on the island."
Wilma thought, ‘And – she controls the Townsend Foods on the mainland. If the growers are at all resistant to meeting their obligations to the Island under these contracts, well, she’ll handle that easily enough.’
Gloria started to ask her how things were going with Harry and his efforts when the bell over the front door of the café tinkled. They turned and watched as Jean Jordan came in. What on earth was ‘she’ doing here?
Wilma sensed immediately that Gloria was not pleased to see Premier Jordan’s wife. From the door, Jean waved at Gloria, and Wilma watched her friend’s jaw tighten as she flitted towards them. Wilma got up to leave. Jean stopped her, and said, "Gloria, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?"
Wilma stuck out her hand. "Hi. I’m Wilma Thorn. And you are?" knowing full well who she was.
She flashed a smile and said, "Jean. I’m delighted to meet you."
"You are? Why is that?"
"Why, because any friend of Gloria’s is a friend of mine. Isn’t that right, Gloria?" It wasn’t a question.
Gloria didn’t play in the game, she rarely spent any more time than necessary in Jean’s vicinity. Rather than answer the non-question, Gloria asked, "What brings you to the New Moon Café?"
"Oh," Jean explained, "I saw your Lincoln, so I knew you must be in here." Gloria made a mental note to trade the car.
"With everything that is going on," she continued, "and everyone is so busy, and of course you know my husband is very busy, Gloria, I thought a nice day trip to the island would be a good diversion for me. I’ve begun looking for the perfect place for Jack and I to build a third summer home. Naturally, it will be on the island somewhere."
Wilma looked away; Gloria said "Naturally."
Mrs. Premier looked around at the décor of the café, "What brings you here, Gloria?"
"The pie. You should try a piece."
"I’ll get it." Wilma quickly added, and she was off.
After Wilma left, Jean leaned closer and whispered, "Seriously, Gloria, what ‘are’ you doing here? Does it have something to do with…", in even more of a whisper, "…you know…"
Gloria saw the opportunity and took it. She nodded towards Wilma in the kitchen and whispered, "Yes. I don’t mean to be rude, Jean, but I need to finish with…you know…"
"Yes. I see. Good. Yes." Jean obviously didn’t see at all and wouldn’t have known good from not good being this far out of her element.
Jean bounced up, and hollered towards the kitchen, "Nice meeting you, Wilma. Good-bye."
"Bye," came a shout from the back. It wasn’t until they heard the bell tinkle that Wilma and Gloria burst out laughing, in perfect harmony.
At their last planning session, Gloria and Wilma decided to meet at the New Moon for the next one. Wilma always enjoyed the drive into Victoria, but Gloria insisted that it was her turn to get out of the rat race for a bit.
They had a lot in common. Even with cultural differences they both were by nature, and had to be by circumstance, very strong women. Wilma, perhaps, was held back at times by prejudice. Gloria, perhaps, was held back at times by her choice to not overshadow her husband’s abilities. For both women, though, that was a long time ago. They were getting to know each other, share stories, chit-chat. Gloria liked straight talk, Wilma did too. It was the first time in years either of them had someone to really open up with.
Wilma told Gloria that she had gone to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver the same time Hank and Elliot had – but it wasn’t until they’d started coming into the café that she began to know them better. She enjoyed working with them on the projects.
"Oh," Gloria said, "They really appreciate the crews you’ve been able to send them. There’s so much to be done. They think they’ll be able to come in on time, but who knows how long we actually have?"
"I hope enough. I heard that Adam finally met with the Programmers, so hopefully I can start teaching the Trainers soon. The first thing they’ll learn is how to leave tips." She smiled at Debbie who was refilling their coffee. Wilma continued, "Hank and Elliot haven’t been in for a while; tell them hello for me next time you see them."
Gloria smiled, "I will. As a matter of fact, I’m meeting Hank tomorrow to look at a warehouse in Port Hardy."
"Oh – you secured the contracts then? Good, good."
Gloria had told her about the long-term contracts she had presented to the mainland growers. The Port Hardy warehouse, 400 kilometres north of the New Moon Café, would be the food distribution centre for the northern third of the island, if it needed to, if things evolved to that point. "They were signed yesterday. Now," Gloria added, "after the island separates from the mainland, the ‘new United States producers’ will continue to supply Townsend Foods on the island."
Wilma thought, ‘And – she controls the Townsend Foods on the mainland. If the growers are at all resistant to meeting their obligations to the Island under these contracts, well, she’ll handle that easily enough.’
Gloria started to ask her how things were going with Harry and his efforts when the bell over the front door of the café tinkled. They turned and watched as Jean Jordan came in. What on earth was ‘she’ doing here?
Wilma sensed immediately that Gloria was not pleased to see Premier Jordan’s wife. From the door, Jean waved at Gloria, and Wilma watched her friend’s jaw tighten as she flitted towards them. Wilma got up to leave. Jean stopped her, and said, "Gloria, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?"
Wilma stuck out her hand. "Hi. I’m Wilma Thorn. And you are?" knowing full well who she was.
She flashed a smile and said, "Jean. I’m delighted to meet you."
"You are? Why is that?"
"Why, because any friend of Gloria’s is a friend of mine. Isn’t that right, Gloria?" It wasn’t a question.
Gloria didn’t play in the game, she rarely spent any more time than necessary in Jean’s vicinity. Rather than answer the non-question, Gloria asked, "What brings you to the New Moon Café?"
"Oh," Jean explained, "I saw your Lincoln, so I knew you must be in here." Gloria made a mental note to trade the car.
"With everything that is going on," she continued, "and everyone is so busy, and of course you know my husband is very busy, Gloria, I thought a nice day trip to the island would be a good diversion for me. I’ve begun looking for the perfect place for Jack and I to build a third summer home. Naturally, it will be on the island somewhere."
Wilma looked away; Gloria said "Naturally."
Mrs. Premier looked around at the décor of the café, "What brings you here, Gloria?"
"The pie. You should try a piece."
"I’ll get it." Wilma quickly added, and she was off.
After Wilma left, Jean leaned closer and whispered, "Seriously, Gloria, what ‘are’ you doing here? Does it have something to do with…", in even more of a whisper, "…you know…"
Gloria saw the opportunity and took it. She nodded towards Wilma in the kitchen and whispered, "Yes. I don’t mean to be rude, Jean, but I need to finish with…you know…"
"Yes. I see. Good. Yes." Jean obviously didn’t see at all and wouldn’t have known good from not good being this far out of her element.
Jean bounced up, and hollered towards the kitchen, "Nice meeting you, Wilma. Good-bye."
"Bye," came a shout from the back. It wasn’t until they heard the bell tinkle that Wilma and Gloria burst out laughing, in perfect harmony.
~ 39 ~
Monday, November 3rd From Toronto, ON
****
Quebec City, QB CPWire-LLK-FrenchVote 03Nov
Canada 0, USA 2 – Today Quebec voted strongly in favour of becoming the 52nd United State. Voter turnout was high for a referendum vote in the province. There was no doubt about this vote. From the Gaspe to the shores of the St. Lawrence River – from the Northern mining towns to the southern farms along the border, from the eastern townships next to New Brunswick to the western towns next to Ontario, the majority voted Yes. They voted yes in large metropolitan areas, and small towns and villages.
Voter turnout was about 65%, Yes vote to join the U.S. was about 2,628,000, the No vote was about 872,000.
From the street, the common folks, the sentiment was universal. They said they saw the handwriting on the wall. When Saskatchewan left, Quebeckers decided that was proof enough for them. They did not want to stick around and watch idly by while others fell along the wayside. Quebeckers, known for their political savvy and instincts, chose to go now, to indicate strong support and a firm resolve to not remain in Canada. The strong resource and energy producing base, along with heavy automobile, aerospace, and parts manufacturing bodes well for their added value to the U.S. economic base. The historic friendliness towards people of French ancestry in the Northeast U.S. and especially in New Orleans and around Louisiana also added to the positive feeling that Quebeckers had expressed in their bold move to becoming U.S. citizens. Vive Le Quebec, U.S.A. Libre!!!
****
Regina, SK CPWire-LLK-Sask Becomes 51st 03Nov
There were parties in the streets today as the former Deputy-Premier, Martin Williams, was sworn in as the first Governor of the State of Saskatchewan. Celebrations, American Flags went up all over town, hanging out of apartment windows, downtown office buildings, and draped over awnings and railings along city streets. Little American Flags were flying from auto aerials from one end of town to the other. Some folks were even singing the U.S. National Anthem, and America the Beautiful. The former Premier, George Balderson, has retired from public life, and was not part of the celebrations.
****
Quebec City, QB CPWire-LLK-FrenchVote 03Nov
Canada 0, USA 2 – Today Quebec voted strongly in favour of becoming the 52nd United State. Voter turnout was high for a referendum vote in the province. There was no doubt about this vote. From the Gaspe to the shores of the St. Lawrence River – from the Northern mining towns to the southern farms along the border, from the eastern townships next to New Brunswick to the western towns next to Ontario, the majority voted Yes. They voted yes in large metropolitan areas, and small towns and villages.
Voter turnout was about 65%, Yes vote to join the U.S. was about 2,628,000, the No vote was about 872,000.
From the street, the common folks, the sentiment was universal. They said they saw the handwriting on the wall. When Saskatchewan left, Quebeckers decided that was proof enough for them. They did not want to stick around and watch idly by while others fell along the wayside. Quebeckers, known for their political savvy and instincts, chose to go now, to indicate strong support and a firm resolve to not remain in Canada. The strong resource and energy producing base, along with heavy automobile, aerospace, and parts manufacturing bodes well for their added value to the U.S. economic base. The historic friendliness towards people of French ancestry in the Northeast U.S. and especially in New Orleans and around Louisiana also added to the positive feeling that Quebeckers had expressed in their bold move to becoming U.S. citizens. Vive Le Quebec, U.S.A. Libre!!!
****
Regina, SK CPWire-LLK-Sask Becomes 51st 03Nov
There were parties in the streets today as the former Deputy-Premier, Martin Williams, was sworn in as the first Governor of the State of Saskatchewan. Celebrations, American Flags went up all over town, hanging out of apartment windows, downtown office buildings, and draped over awnings and railings along city streets. Little American Flags were flying from auto aerials from one end of town to the other. Some folks were even singing the U.S. National Anthem, and America the Beautiful. The former Premier, George Balderson, has retired from public life, and was not part of the celebrations.
~ 40 ~
Tuesday, November 4th Toronto, ON
****
Moncton, NB CPWire-LLK Ref Announced 04Nov
The New Brunswick Legislature announces Join the US Referendum for 01 December. The announcement came out of the blue – but who could blame them – Quebec is gone! With all the focus on Saskatchewan and Quebec, New Brunswick was able to keep its negotiations secret. New Brunswick offers much in value as a State including abundant water and natural resources – a large program for exporting electricity to the eastern U.S. via coastal waterway submarine cabling, a large and fertile agricultural base, and a friendly maritime population base with a large percentage being bi-lingual. Let’s wait and see if they vote as strongly to join the U.S. as Quebec did. The vote, according to pollsters and strategists is not in doubt. Yes – and strongly – but unknown how strong.
****
Vic printed off the latest LLK wire. He hadn’t seen them around lately, which was good, so he’d cut them some slack. But this? There should have been more facts and less tripe. A pep talk was in order.
Rather than call them in, he decided to visit their ‘neutral ground’ as the newsroom staff now called it. They had spent enough of his money setting it up, he figured it was time to see what they had done.
When he opened the door to their communal workplace he wasn’t sure he was still in the same building. The normally pristine conference room was a wreck. Every wall had been covered with news articles on their work and maps with tape and pins covering most of those. There were hand made bubble charts showing events – stringer names – lead in stories – background material. Two desks had been pushed together to form a large flat surface so the two LKs could face each other as they worked. At least Vic thought those were desks under the piles of stuff, but before he could decide, he saw the motorcycle helmets and backpacks along the wall next to an overstuffed couch and chair and a tv/dvd/stereo roll-around entertainment centre.
Finally, he saw his two editors looking at him. He’d missed them the first time, they blended in so well. Len was reading something and Leslie was writing something and each had their back against an arm rest of the couch with their legs intertwined.
"Hey boss – what’s up?"
"Gee, Len, I don’t know. Do you two still work here?"
"Well," Lenny said through a grin, "we wanted to talk to you about that. Things change boss, sometimes you gotta just go with the flow. Ya know?"
The only thing Vic did know was they would lose what they’d both worked hard for if they quit.
If there had been a large enough horizontal surface to do so, he would have sat to talk with them about their choice. There was little more to be said, but he was curious. ‘Wait,’ he thought. ‘I’m not that curious.’
"Stop at personnel on your way out. They’ll need your forwarding addresses." He closed the door and left.
****
Moncton, NB CPWire-LLK Ref Announced 04Nov
The New Brunswick Legislature announces Join the US Referendum for 01 December. The announcement came out of the blue – but who could blame them – Quebec is gone! With all the focus on Saskatchewan and Quebec, New Brunswick was able to keep its negotiations secret. New Brunswick offers much in value as a State including abundant water and natural resources – a large program for exporting electricity to the eastern U.S. via coastal waterway submarine cabling, a large and fertile agricultural base, and a friendly maritime population base with a large percentage being bi-lingual. Let’s wait and see if they vote as strongly to join the U.S. as Quebec did. The vote, according to pollsters and strategists is not in doubt. Yes – and strongly – but unknown how strong.
****
Vic printed off the latest LLK wire. He hadn’t seen them around lately, which was good, so he’d cut them some slack. But this? There should have been more facts and less tripe. A pep talk was in order.
Rather than call them in, he decided to visit their ‘neutral ground’ as the newsroom staff now called it. They had spent enough of his money setting it up, he figured it was time to see what they had done.
When he opened the door to their communal workplace he wasn’t sure he was still in the same building. The normally pristine conference room was a wreck. Every wall had been covered with news articles on their work and maps with tape and pins covering most of those. There were hand made bubble charts showing events – stringer names – lead in stories – background material. Two desks had been pushed together to form a large flat surface so the two LKs could face each other as they worked. At least Vic thought those were desks under the piles of stuff, but before he could decide, he saw the motorcycle helmets and backpacks along the wall next to an overstuffed couch and chair and a tv/dvd/stereo roll-around entertainment centre.
Finally, he saw his two editors looking at him. He’d missed them the first time, they blended in so well. Len was reading something and Leslie was writing something and each had their back against an arm rest of the couch with their legs intertwined.
"Hey boss – what’s up?"
"Gee, Len, I don’t know. Do you two still work here?"
"Well," Lenny said through a grin, "we wanted to talk to you about that. Things change boss, sometimes you gotta just go with the flow. Ya know?"
The only thing Vic did know was they would lose what they’d both worked hard for if they quit.
If there had been a large enough horizontal surface to do so, he would have sat to talk with them about their choice. There was little more to be said, but he was curious. ‘Wait,’ he thought. ‘I’m not that curious.’
"Stop at personnel on your way out. They’ll need your forwarding addresses." He closed the door and left.
~ 41 ~
Thursday, November 6th Port Alberni, BC
It had been two and half months since David’s life changed. There hadn’t been time to miss Nova Scotia. Life on the island was more active, those excess pounds were gone. Good life, he thought, and good people too. Hank had been instrumental in providing his trucks and crews, but Elliot’s contributions had been crucial – lending expert knowledge of where and how to obtain the necessary equipment, boring heads and generators.
His firm, Stevens Engineering, had thrived on the success of their fuel-cell conversion systems. With things going smooth, Elliot had made himself available to help David set up the operation at Cherry Creek, and was there at every opportunity. They had commissioned to have a full gravel overburden spread and compacted over the entire build site to eliminate mud, dust and dirt build-up; the pipe runs leading away from the site had been laid and buried. Later, after they punched through, the oil would be capped off until the full run of pipe to Bamfield was complete.
Near the well-head, they had constructed a 10 metre derrick and tower that would provide the stability for the diamond/carboloid boring head and the pipe extension insertions, as the well drilling depths increased. They were using the latest dual-pipe technology allowing for an outer sleeve/pipe of larger diameter and then a smaller pipe with the boring apparatus. This gave them constant water pressure extraction and earth/rock removal using a treadmill excavator belt to move material out and away from the well-head area. From there, the material could easily be hauled away without disrupting the drill site.
Around the perimeter, David had drilled and installed three concentric circles of seismic measuring pins. The pins were wired back to the construction trailer that had been brought in. The trailer provided him with an on-site laboratory as well as a fully computerised seismic measuring workstation to receive both analogue, white paper real-time readouts as well as digital information from the pins. David knew Vancouver Island was connected to the Seattle Ridge and fault line, and that periodically during the drilling operations, he would record tremors, but he was able to differentiate between earth tremors and those created by the drilling process.
So far, a big bonus had been offered up by the site. There had been no granite or hard rock contact by the drill heads, which accelerated progress and extended the life of each drill head.
Another great bonus was the crews Wilma put together. They had experience, she’d said, but for water well installations. He was delighted. Expert teams would have been nice, but what he needed were dedicated crews that would take the time to learn the techniques, and then proceed slowly, allowing their knowledge and expertise to grow as they penetrated deeper and deeper into the soil and layered crusts.
Ben Thompson, who had many years of well drilling experience, brought his people in and provided two shifts of workers. Whenever David could break away from the site, he went to the New Moon, for the home cooking, to say hi to Wilma, and to thank her, yet again, for Ben and his crews.
It had been two and half months since David’s life changed. There hadn’t been time to miss Nova Scotia. Life on the island was more active, those excess pounds were gone. Good life, he thought, and good people too. Hank had been instrumental in providing his trucks and crews, but Elliot’s contributions had been crucial – lending expert knowledge of where and how to obtain the necessary equipment, boring heads and generators.
His firm, Stevens Engineering, had thrived on the success of their fuel-cell conversion systems. With things going smooth, Elliot had made himself available to help David set up the operation at Cherry Creek, and was there at every opportunity. They had commissioned to have a full gravel overburden spread and compacted over the entire build site to eliminate mud, dust and dirt build-up; the pipe runs leading away from the site had been laid and buried. Later, after they punched through, the oil would be capped off until the full run of pipe to Bamfield was complete.
Near the well-head, they had constructed a 10 metre derrick and tower that would provide the stability for the diamond/carboloid boring head and the pipe extension insertions, as the well drilling depths increased. They were using the latest dual-pipe technology allowing for an outer sleeve/pipe of larger diameter and then a smaller pipe with the boring apparatus. This gave them constant water pressure extraction and earth/rock removal using a treadmill excavator belt to move material out and away from the well-head area. From there, the material could easily be hauled away without disrupting the drill site.
Around the perimeter, David had drilled and installed three concentric circles of seismic measuring pins. The pins were wired back to the construction trailer that had been brought in. The trailer provided him with an on-site laboratory as well as a fully computerised seismic measuring workstation to receive both analogue, white paper real-time readouts as well as digital information from the pins. David knew Vancouver Island was connected to the Seattle Ridge and fault line, and that periodically during the drilling operations, he would record tremors, but he was able to differentiate between earth tremors and those created by the drilling process.
So far, a big bonus had been offered up by the site. There had been no granite or hard rock contact by the drill heads, which accelerated progress and extended the life of each drill head.
Another great bonus was the crews Wilma put together. They had experience, she’d said, but for water well installations. He was delighted. Expert teams would have been nice, but what he needed were dedicated crews that would take the time to learn the techniques, and then proceed slowly, allowing their knowledge and expertise to grow as they penetrated deeper and deeper into the soil and layered crusts.
Ben Thompson, who had many years of well drilling experience, brought his people in and provided two shifts of workers. Whenever David could break away from the site, he went to the New Moon, for the home cooking, to say hi to Wilma, and to thank her, yet again, for Ben and his crews.
~ 42 ~
Wednesday, November 19th Nanaimo, BC
Gloria watched as the heavily laden trucks rolled off the ferry at Duke Point, just south of Nanaimo. She liked the looks of "Townsend Foods" in the big black lettering on the sides. For the last two months, she had purchased warehouses in Port Hardy, Campbell River, Comox, Port Alberni, Nanaimo of course, Duncan and Victoria. The island is just under 600 kilometres, tip to tip, with 750,000 people. That may change, she thought to herself. No one dared venture a guess what the net difference would be after everything settled down. No taxes would be incredibly attractive, but, being a part of the United States would be equally attractive.
"How am I supposed to plan for numbers that we can’t calculate?" she had asked the others. They told her she had their full confidence. "Thanks," she’d said, "but I’d rather have your crystal ball." So, she did what she thought was enough, and then she did more. She had moved most of the surplus inventory over from her mainland stores – not only food products, but paper products and dry goods as well. No one had questioned her decisions, not that they ever did. People seemed to be shopping more, stocking up a bit more, since Saskatchewan had become a state. Quebec had voted Yes, and now New Brunswick too.
Gloria thought back to her childhood days. She grew up on the Atlantic. Different than the Pacific. Older, steeped in the fishing industry, fished out now. She had deep affection for New Brunswick. "It will be a loss," she said.
"What was that ma’am?"
"Nothing Eric – never mind." Gloria watched as her young worker finished unloading the truck. He swung the fork-lift around and moved the pallets of canned corn to the back of the warehouse.
Gloria watched as the heavily laden trucks rolled off the ferry at Duke Point, just south of Nanaimo. She liked the looks of "Townsend Foods" in the big black lettering on the sides. For the last two months, she had purchased warehouses in Port Hardy, Campbell River, Comox, Port Alberni, Nanaimo of course, Duncan and Victoria. The island is just under 600 kilometres, tip to tip, with 750,000 people. That may change, she thought to herself. No one dared venture a guess what the net difference would be after everything settled down. No taxes would be incredibly attractive, but, being a part of the United States would be equally attractive.
"How am I supposed to plan for numbers that we can’t calculate?" she had asked the others. They told her she had their full confidence. "Thanks," she’d said, "but I’d rather have your crystal ball." So, she did what she thought was enough, and then she did more. She had moved most of the surplus inventory over from her mainland stores – not only food products, but paper products and dry goods as well. No one had questioned her decisions, not that they ever did. People seemed to be shopping more, stocking up a bit more, since Saskatchewan had become a state. Quebec had voted Yes, and now New Brunswick too.
Gloria thought back to her childhood days. She grew up on the Atlantic. Different than the Pacific. Older, steeped in the fishing industry, fished out now. She had deep affection for New Brunswick. "It will be a loss," she said.
"What was that ma’am?"
"Nothing Eric – never mind." Gloria watched as her young worker finished unloading the truck. He swung the fork-lift around and moved the pallets of canned corn to the back of the warehouse.
~ 43 ~
Friday, November 28th Port Alberni, BC
David ran out of the trailer towards Ben Thompson and his foreman: "Stop the drilling!" Ben hit the kill switch, the generator powered down. There was a deafening silence after all the months of drill site noise. Hank and Elliot had followed him out of the trailer – they watched, grinning, as David instructed Ben.
"The last readings say we’re close. Put your hand on the pipe – you’ll feel it..."
Ben pulled off his glove and felt the tremor through the shaft. He looked at David, "What’s next?"
"Okay, gear down the RPM’s on the drill head, keep the mud coolant moving down. Is the cement perimeter around the shaft solid from overnight?"
"Yeah, it should hold."
"Okay – proceed at about one tenth speed." David went back in to check the readouts.
For the next few hours, everyone watched and waited. Then, almost effortlessly, the drill head penetrated the hemispheric bubble. The derrick shuddered at the impact of the pressure, and then, through the spill gap of the dual piping system, the fluid condensation from the cycles of growth and decay that had occurred over a hundred million years, shot out - high over the derrick, and rained on them.
They moved fast. Ben and his crew pulled away the drilling apparatus, the crane moved the well-cap over, ever so slowly the men positioned it in place, then threw the winch clamps and bolted it down.
Hank and David began hugging and laughing; Elliot watched the vibrations around the well-cap distribute then settle. Ben’s foreman had his digital camera ready and captured a continuous run of pictures.
Everyone was smiling through the oil.
David ran out of the trailer towards Ben Thompson and his foreman: "Stop the drilling!" Ben hit the kill switch, the generator powered down. There was a deafening silence after all the months of drill site noise. Hank and Elliot had followed him out of the trailer – they watched, grinning, as David instructed Ben.
"The last readings say we’re close. Put your hand on the pipe – you’ll feel it..."
Ben pulled off his glove and felt the tremor through the shaft. He looked at David, "What’s next?"
"Okay, gear down the RPM’s on the drill head, keep the mud coolant moving down. Is the cement perimeter around the shaft solid from overnight?"
"Yeah, it should hold."
"Okay – proceed at about one tenth speed." David went back in to check the readouts.
For the next few hours, everyone watched and waited. Then, almost effortlessly, the drill head penetrated the hemispheric bubble. The derrick shuddered at the impact of the pressure, and then, through the spill gap of the dual piping system, the fluid condensation from the cycles of growth and decay that had occurred over a hundred million years, shot out - high over the derrick, and rained on them.
They moved fast. Ben and his crew pulled away the drilling apparatus, the crane moved the well-cap over, ever so slowly the men positioned it in place, then threw the winch clamps and bolted it down.
Hank and David began hugging and laughing; Elliot watched the vibrations around the well-cap distribute then settle. Ben’s foreman had his digital camera ready and captured a continuous run of pictures.
Everyone was smiling through the oil.
~ 44 ~
Monday, December 1st From Toronto, ON
****
Moncton, NB, CPWire-HD-Referendum Vote 01Dec
Canada 0 – USA 3 – Today New Brunswick voted strongly, like Quebec, in favour of becoming the 53rd State of the U.S.A. Voter turnout, again like Quebec, was high with rural and urban areas – both producing strong yes vote results.
Voter turnout was about 70%: Yes vote to join the U.S. was under 269,000 – the No vote just under 115,000.
With Quebec gone, it was just a matter of when, not if – they would leave. With a small population base for its size, and with their French/English origins New Brunswick will fit in rather nicely with their new neighbours to the West (Quebec, U.S.A.) and to the south in Main and New Hampshire. Welcome New State New Brunswick!
****
Akron, OH CPWire-HD-Flag Makers Revolt 01Dec
At 12:00 Noon today, here in Akron, Ohio, there was a revolt at one of the country’s largest Flag production facilities. At noon all the workers and foremen gathered out in the parking lot and protested the jerky jump shift, stop and starts, in their efforts to produce new Stars for Provinces in the field of Blue on our National Flag.
****
Montreal QB CPWire-HD-Quebec Celebrate 02Dec
If you thought the parties and celebrations in New Brunswick were big – wait til you see what went on across Quebec today. The Fleur de Lis flew alongside the Stars and Stripes everywhere. People tied the Provincial Flag together with Old Glory and drove around the streets of Montreal, all night long, celebrating the 52nd state - Quebec. Above the Citadel and the Quebec National Assembly buildings, in Quebec City, the Stars and Stripes were seen flying next to the Fleur de Lis. A special session of the National Assembly voted unanimously to dissolve Parliament and Inaugurate Statehood. The Premier of Quebec by proclamation became the Governor of Quebec.
****
Moncton, NB, CPWire-HD-Referendum Vote 01Dec
Canada 0 – USA 3 – Today New Brunswick voted strongly, like Quebec, in favour of becoming the 53rd State of the U.S.A. Voter turnout, again like Quebec, was high with rural and urban areas – both producing strong yes vote results.
Voter turnout was about 70%: Yes vote to join the U.S. was under 269,000 – the No vote just under 115,000.
With Quebec gone, it was just a matter of when, not if – they would leave. With a small population base for its size, and with their French/English origins New Brunswick will fit in rather nicely with their new neighbours to the West (Quebec, U.S.A.) and to the south in Main and New Hampshire. Welcome New State New Brunswick!
****
Akron, OH CPWire-HD-Flag Makers Revolt 01Dec
At 12:00 Noon today, here in Akron, Ohio, there was a revolt at one of the country’s largest Flag production facilities. At noon all the workers and foremen gathered out in the parking lot and protested the jerky jump shift, stop and starts, in their efforts to produce new Stars for Provinces in the field of Blue on our National Flag.
****
Montreal QB CPWire-HD-Quebec Celebrate 02Dec
If you thought the parties and celebrations in New Brunswick were big – wait til you see what went on across Quebec today. The Fleur de Lis flew alongside the Stars and Stripes everywhere. People tied the Provincial Flag together with Old Glory and drove around the streets of Montreal, all night long, celebrating the 52nd state - Quebec. Above the Citadel and the Quebec National Assembly buildings, in Quebec City, the Stars and Stripes were seen flying next to the Fleur de Lis. A special session of the National Assembly voted unanimously to dissolve Parliament and Inaugurate Statehood. The Premier of Quebec by proclamation became the Governor of Quebec.
~ 45 ~
Sunday, December 21st From Toronto, ON
CBC Christmas Special
Good Evening to you all and welcome to our annual Christmas Special. In previous years, this special has included a wrap-up of the events of the year. This year, we decided to break from that tradition. Instead, we bring you the messages of two leaders. A few weeks ago, the Chairman of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation received a very unusual phone call – from the President of the United States. He asked if we could air a brief message to Canadians tonight on our Christmas Special. Of course we are delighted to now show you this pre-recorded message from the President of the United States, in the Oval Office of the White House.
****
Good evening to all of you and thank you for letting me share some thoughts with you tonight. I have been looking forward to talking with you, and sharing my wishes for a happy and joyous season to all Canadians and all of our new citizens in Saskatchewan and Quebec.
Although you have not yet, as new citizens, had the opportunity to vote for me or for any other candidate for President yet, I would like you to know that your vote to join in statehood with the United States of America, brought with it my responsibility to support and protect your rights and freedoms under our constitution. I am proud to be your President – in your new country.
What is important for us all to remember is that, with the Prime Minister’s help and support – which we have had throughout this historic time of change – our mission and our goal is to insure the safe, and secure transition to state-hood for our new neighbors and citizens.
From time to time, I may ask you to permit me to come into your homes again, should there be a need to provide clarification and assurance to all Canadians and Americans, as these historic changes unfold.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you, tonight, and again I wish you the very best of a joyous and happy season. God Bless America and God Bless Canada.
****
We thank the President for his message, and we extend our wishes to him and his family as well. We are now honoured to go to Ottawa, where the Prime Minister is about to deliver his Christmas Message.
****
Good evening my fellow Canadians. There are so many things that could be said about this past year and the historic and unprecedented events that have occurred since my Christmas message last year. So much has changed, but wishes that I have for you this Christmas Season, are the same as always: Good Health and Happiness for you and your families in all of your future endeavours, and may God bless you and keep you safe. That is my wish to you.
As for the events that caused our country to change, all are there for all to see, and for history to be the final judge. For me, as your Prime Minister, I will continue to do what I have always done. I will continue to represent you, the people of Canada, to the world.
Now, we have a different map to look at – and one that is changing still. But, no matter how much change there is, we still have this country called Canada, to protect and support, no matter what the future may bring. This is the message I want to leave with you tonight. Together, we can endure whatever comes our way if we remember the foundation of our Constitution – Peace – Order – and Good Government. We have always been known as one of the most peace loving nations in the world. We have defended and protected Peace here at home and in many corners of this world at the request of the United Nations. This is an honourable goal – Peace is a great and honourable thing for human beings to pursue and we will continue to do that.
Over this coming year – you can be sure that I will be here to do the job that you sent me here to do so many years ago. My government and all of the members of my party will continue to cherish and uphold the values of our country. I pledge, that I will continue to make every effort, by whatever means that I have, to support, protect, and enhance your life, and the lives of all my fellow Canadians, for as long as you need me to do so.
Good night and the best of wishes to you and your family for this holiday season.
****
That concludes our Christmas Special for this year. From the CBC News Staff we want to wish you a wonderful, joyous, and happy holiday season. Good bye for now.
CBC Christmas Special
Good Evening to you all and welcome to our annual Christmas Special. In previous years, this special has included a wrap-up of the events of the year. This year, we decided to break from that tradition. Instead, we bring you the messages of two leaders. A few weeks ago, the Chairman of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation received a very unusual phone call – from the President of the United States. He asked if we could air a brief message to Canadians tonight on our Christmas Special. Of course we are delighted to now show you this pre-recorded message from the President of the United States, in the Oval Office of the White House.
****
Good evening to all of you and thank you for letting me share some thoughts with you tonight. I have been looking forward to talking with you, and sharing my wishes for a happy and joyous season to all Canadians and all of our new citizens in Saskatchewan and Quebec.
Although you have not yet, as new citizens, had the opportunity to vote for me or for any other candidate for President yet, I would like you to know that your vote to join in statehood with the United States of America, brought with it my responsibility to support and protect your rights and freedoms under our constitution. I am proud to be your President – in your new country.
What is important for us all to remember is that, with the Prime Minister’s help and support – which we have had throughout this historic time of change – our mission and our goal is to insure the safe, and secure transition to state-hood for our new neighbors and citizens.
From time to time, I may ask you to permit me to come into your homes again, should there be a need to provide clarification and assurance to all Canadians and Americans, as these historic changes unfold.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you, tonight, and again I wish you the very best of a joyous and happy season. God Bless America and God Bless Canada.
****
We thank the President for his message, and we extend our wishes to him and his family as well. We are now honoured to go to Ottawa, where the Prime Minister is about to deliver his Christmas Message.
****
Good evening my fellow Canadians. There are so many things that could be said about this past year and the historic and unprecedented events that have occurred since my Christmas message last year. So much has changed, but wishes that I have for you this Christmas Season, are the same as always: Good Health and Happiness for you and your families in all of your future endeavours, and may God bless you and keep you safe. That is my wish to you.
As for the events that caused our country to change, all are there for all to see, and for history to be the final judge. For me, as your Prime Minister, I will continue to do what I have always done. I will continue to represent you, the people of Canada, to the world.
Now, we have a different map to look at – and one that is changing still. But, no matter how much change there is, we still have this country called Canada, to protect and support, no matter what the future may bring. This is the message I want to leave with you tonight. Together, we can endure whatever comes our way if we remember the foundation of our Constitution – Peace – Order – and Good Government. We have always been known as one of the most peace loving nations in the world. We have defended and protected Peace here at home and in many corners of this world at the request of the United Nations. This is an honourable goal – Peace is a great and honourable thing for human beings to pursue and we will continue to do that.
Over this coming year – you can be sure that I will be here to do the job that you sent me here to do so many years ago. My government and all of the members of my party will continue to cherish and uphold the values of our country. I pledge, that I will continue to make every effort, by whatever means that I have, to support, protect, and enhance your life, and the lives of all my fellow Canadians, for as long as you need me to do so.
Good night and the best of wishes to you and your family for this holiday season.
****
That concludes our Christmas Special for this year. From the CBC News Staff we want to wish you a wonderful, joyous, and happy holiday season. Good bye for now.
SECTION THREE
That which shrinks, must first expand
That which fails, must first succeed
That which is lowered, must first be raised
Before receiving there must be giving
Tao Te Ching
That which fails, must first succeed
That which is lowered, must first be raised
Before receiving there must be giving
Tao Te Ching
~ 46 ~
Monday, January 26th Washington, DC
On the 16th of January, Manitoba announced that its Referendum to join the United States would take place in early February.
The first sign of trouble hit the White House immediately after the Referendum was announced. Trusted members of the House and the Senate warned the President; they were hearing loud noises from their voters and supporters: ‘too much burden on the economy if we bring in Manitoba - we can’t keep carrying all these new province-states on our backs.’ Over the weekend, the noise got louder, the pressure increased. By Sunday night, the President decided to address the issues with these congressional leaders, head-on. He called in his specialist.
"I need some help with the Manitoba issue, and I need it very quickly. It would be helpful if we could arrange a briefing for a select few. Invite the leaders on both sides of this issue, so everybody has the same information. I want the core facts presented – they need to know what is at stake with Manitoba – and the remaining provinces as well. If it comes to that point, I don’t want to have to do this nine more times."
Within the hour, Pontiac had sent a memorandum of understanding and briefing request to selected legislators and the committee chairmen involved in steering state-hood legislation through Congress.
A week later, they’d all arrived. Closing the doors of the White House situation room, Pontiac began.
"Ladies and Gentleman, thank you for coming this morning. I know that you are aware of the sensitive nature of the issues at hand, and I appreciate your discretion on what we are about to review."
"The President has asked me to provide some background information regarding the Manitoba Referendum, and the potential impact of a Yes vote on our economy, and our ability as a nation to take on the burden of another new state."
"With your indulgence, I have put together some illustrations that we can view on the screen, that may help to clarify the situation we now have before us."
The projector switched on – the images appeared – the presentation began.
"As you may already know, since last summer, the President has tasked our best strategic planning groups, military, civilian, educational institutions and the private sector to provide impact studies on these historic events."
"When Saskatchewan became a state, our water experts were delighted - but when Manitoba announced its Referendum, they were ecstatic. I’m sure you realise that if Manitoba were to become a state that, in tandem with Saskatchewan, with the right planning, our water shortages can be eliminated. If similar investments are poured into water movement, as have been poured into gas and oil movement, water shortages will become a thing of the past – for every part of the country."
He paused, changed views and continued with various State areas overlaid.
"You are already aware of the Administration’s initiatives on water projects now being planned for Saskatchewan. Let’s now add the potential water resources of Manitoba."
"Manitoba is about 250,000 square miles. That’s bigger than North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska."
The next shot showed the underwater areas – versus – no-water areas of the States .
"The State of Saskatchewan has about 20,000 square miles under water, Manitoba would bring into the equation another 40,000 square miles of fresh water. The magnitude of the combined fresh water resources have begun to overwhelm even our water experts. Manitoba has more water resources than all of Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, North Dakota and South Dakota."
"Manitoba water, like the water in Saskatchewan, has virtually no pollution, the area is basically unpopulated. There are more people here in the greater Washington area then there are in Manitoba, and there’s even fewer in Saskatchewan."
Normally, questions would wait until the opportunity to ask was offered. Whether it was because the Senator was new, or because he was unsettled from the presentation, he didn’t refrain. "Why has it gone untouched? Why didn’t they use it?"
Pontiac, undisturbed by the interruption, explained. "Money. It takes big money to pipeline it. They didn’t have the money to do it." Continuing, he produced the next image.
"Before last October, Canada’s economy and population were smaller than southern California with natural resources 100 times larger than the U.S. What remains of Canada today is still larger than the lower 48 – in terms of resources and land area."
He clicked the next image.
"Look at Quebec. Our 52nd State brought with it enough hydro-electric power capacity to supply most of the eastern seaboard, including all of New York City, forever. British Columbia brings the same resource, it has been providing electricity to southern California for many years."
"As far as oil and gas resources, we gained a few in Saskatchewan, yes. Consider, however, the offshore Hibernia oil deposits near Newfoundland and Nova Scotia – and the oil and gas reserves of Alberta and British Columbia. The potential is under study right now, but it may come in larger than Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE combined."
He could feel them squirming. He suppressed a grin as he clicked to the last picture.
"In Canada, trees are as perennial as the grass is in the United States. There are now 20% more trees through reforestation than have been cut down and processed since the beginning of the lumber industry. They had the potential to supply global wood requirements, forever. Now that we have Quebec, we can meet our own needs, but if events happen to evolve to include the forests in the western part of the continent, we become the hardware store to the world."
He turned to face them.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, if it were to occur that the remaining provinces were to become part of the United States, our population base would increase by ten percent which, without the wealth of resources, would be a very hefty burden on the economy – and your concerns would be valid."
"Because of the situation, however, that is not the case. Our resource base would be increased a hundred-fold, and – not to be overlooked – other than depleting the oil and gas reserves, which will now take a hundred years or more – the rest are all renewable resources."
"One other small point to consider. This kind of wealth, if used un-wisely, could cause global depression, not for the U.S. since we will have an abundance of everything – but for the world – that really has nothing even close by comparison. The combined wealth of the North American continent dwarfs the sum of Asia, Russia, and all of the European Economic Union."
He turned the projector off, and sat down. There was an extended period of silence, then the Chairman of the Joint Committee spoke. "I want to personally thank you for a most interesting and bold presentation, and thank the President for us, as well."
****
On February 1st, Manitoba voted overwhelmingly to become part of the United States. Immediately upon the announcement of the vote results, the President of the United States, along with a majority Congressional vote, proclaimed Manitoba as the 54th State.
Manitobans were delighted in the rush to statehood. Spring floods would soon be on them and The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were ready, with all of their resources to tame the Red River, once and for all.
On the 16th of January, Manitoba announced that its Referendum to join the United States would take place in early February.
The first sign of trouble hit the White House immediately after the Referendum was announced. Trusted members of the House and the Senate warned the President; they were hearing loud noises from their voters and supporters: ‘too much burden on the economy if we bring in Manitoba - we can’t keep carrying all these new province-states on our backs.’ Over the weekend, the noise got louder, the pressure increased. By Sunday night, the President decided to address the issues with these congressional leaders, head-on. He called in his specialist.
"I need some help with the Manitoba issue, and I need it very quickly. It would be helpful if we could arrange a briefing for a select few. Invite the leaders on both sides of this issue, so everybody has the same information. I want the core facts presented – they need to know what is at stake with Manitoba – and the remaining provinces as well. If it comes to that point, I don’t want to have to do this nine more times."
Within the hour, Pontiac had sent a memorandum of understanding and briefing request to selected legislators and the committee chairmen involved in steering state-hood legislation through Congress.
A week later, they’d all arrived. Closing the doors of the White House situation room, Pontiac began.
"Ladies and Gentleman, thank you for coming this morning. I know that you are aware of the sensitive nature of the issues at hand, and I appreciate your discretion on what we are about to review."
"The President has asked me to provide some background information regarding the Manitoba Referendum, and the potential impact of a Yes vote on our economy, and our ability as a nation to take on the burden of another new state."
"With your indulgence, I have put together some illustrations that we can view on the screen, that may help to clarify the situation we now have before us."
The projector switched on – the images appeared – the presentation began.
"As you may already know, since last summer, the President has tasked our best strategic planning groups, military, civilian, educational institutions and the private sector to provide impact studies on these historic events."
"When Saskatchewan became a state, our water experts were delighted - but when Manitoba announced its Referendum, they were ecstatic. I’m sure you realise that if Manitoba were to become a state that, in tandem with Saskatchewan, with the right planning, our water shortages can be eliminated. If similar investments are poured into water movement, as have been poured into gas and oil movement, water shortages will become a thing of the past – for every part of the country."
He paused, changed views and continued with various State areas overlaid.
"You are already aware of the Administration’s initiatives on water projects now being planned for Saskatchewan. Let’s now add the potential water resources of Manitoba."
"Manitoba is about 250,000 square miles. That’s bigger than North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska."
The next shot showed the underwater areas – versus – no-water areas of the States .
"The State of Saskatchewan has about 20,000 square miles under water, Manitoba would bring into the equation another 40,000 square miles of fresh water. The magnitude of the combined fresh water resources have begun to overwhelm even our water experts. Manitoba has more water resources than all of Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, North Dakota and South Dakota."
"Manitoba water, like the water in Saskatchewan, has virtually no pollution, the area is basically unpopulated. There are more people here in the greater Washington area then there are in Manitoba, and there’s even fewer in Saskatchewan."
Normally, questions would wait until the opportunity to ask was offered. Whether it was because the Senator was new, or because he was unsettled from the presentation, he didn’t refrain. "Why has it gone untouched? Why didn’t they use it?"
Pontiac, undisturbed by the interruption, explained. "Money. It takes big money to pipeline it. They didn’t have the money to do it." Continuing, he produced the next image.
"Before last October, Canada’s economy and population were smaller than southern California with natural resources 100 times larger than the U.S. What remains of Canada today is still larger than the lower 48 – in terms of resources and land area."
He clicked the next image.
"Look at Quebec. Our 52nd State brought with it enough hydro-electric power capacity to supply most of the eastern seaboard, including all of New York City, forever. British Columbia brings the same resource, it has been providing electricity to southern California for many years."
"As far as oil and gas resources, we gained a few in Saskatchewan, yes. Consider, however, the offshore Hibernia oil deposits near Newfoundland and Nova Scotia – and the oil and gas reserves of Alberta and British Columbia. The potential is under study right now, but it may come in larger than Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE combined."
He could feel them squirming. He suppressed a grin as he clicked to the last picture.
"In Canada, trees are as perennial as the grass is in the United States. There are now 20% more trees through reforestation than have been cut down and processed since the beginning of the lumber industry. They had the potential to supply global wood requirements, forever. Now that we have Quebec, we can meet our own needs, but if events happen to evolve to include the forests in the western part of the continent, we become the hardware store to the world."
He turned to face them.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, if it were to occur that the remaining provinces were to become part of the United States, our population base would increase by ten percent which, without the wealth of resources, would be a very hefty burden on the economy – and your concerns would be valid."
"Because of the situation, however, that is not the case. Our resource base would be increased a hundred-fold, and – not to be overlooked – other than depleting the oil and gas reserves, which will now take a hundred years or more – the rest are all renewable resources."
"One other small point to consider. This kind of wealth, if used un-wisely, could cause global depression, not for the U.S. since we will have an abundance of everything – but for the world – that really has nothing even close by comparison. The combined wealth of the North American continent dwarfs the sum of Asia, Russia, and all of the European Economic Union."
He turned the projector off, and sat down. There was an extended period of silence, then the Chairman of the Joint Committee spoke. "I want to personally thank you for a most interesting and bold presentation, and thank the President for us, as well."
****
On February 1st, Manitoba voted overwhelmingly to become part of the United States. Immediately upon the announcement of the vote results, the President of the United States, along with a majority Congressional vote, proclaimed Manitoba as the 54th State.
Manitobans were delighted in the rush to statehood. Spring floods would soon be on them and The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were ready, with all of their resources to tame the Red River, once and for all.
~ 47 ~
Wednesday, February 11th Victoria, BC
Ted Underwood woke that morning thinking he would have the whole day to attend to other matters. On the television in the main area of his suite the announcer broke into the regular programming with a ‘…live breaking story out of Ottawa…’ Now what, thought Ted. He finished shaving quickly and walked in to listen.
‘…..yes, that’s right. We are expecting a comment from Ottawa soon - apparently the Provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island have announced that they have formed an unusual alliance - all three Provinces will be holding a Referendum on the same day, March 15th , and in anticipation of a Yes vote, will all become US States – the 55th 56th and 57th – for those of you keeping track – and that will pretty much take care of the eastern seaboard of what used to be a large country called Canada. Let’s reflect for a moment….’
"No, let’s not." Ted clicked off the television.
Events were moving faster than he had anticipated. His sources had mentioned nothing of a combined effort by those Provinces, but with everything happening, he felt lucky anybody was talking to anybody about anything. He made a few notes, then picked up the phone and dialed.
"You have reached the offices of Elliot Stevens. Please leave a message, Mr. Stevens will return your call." After the beep, he quickly said, "Elliot, this is Ted. Please give me or Gloria a call. Thanks."
Ted next made contact with Hank’s secretary, who said that Mr. MacDougall would be gone until evening. Ted left the message that he should call Gloria Townsend.
"Third time’s a charm." He quickly dialled Gloria’s private number; she picked it up on the second ring.
"Good morning, Ted. Yes, I was watching it. Yes, I thought we’d have more time too. Oh – all right, good. If I don’t hear from either of them shortly, I’ll find them tonight….England? Oh God, Ted. Are you sure we are at that point? Is there nothing that can be done to stop the collapse?….Yes, I agree. How long will you be gone? That should be fine. See you in a week."
Gloria hung up the phone, clicked off the television and sat down. The full impact of what was happening had finally settled in. She, Hank and Elliot had enjoyed their think-tank sessions over the years, exploring various world scenarios. One of their favourites had been, ‘What if the States totally assimilated Canada?’ It was Elliot that had quickly offered, "Hell, we could just start our own Canada – here – on the island," and the game of the day was set. None of them had ever dreamed it would actually happen, nor would they ever want, or work towards those events occurring. Privately, Gloria was horrified that some kind of cosmic karma was causing Canada to fall – like they had staged it in their debates.
After booking his flights, Ted went down to use the secure phone in the car for his next call. "Hey Adam, did you watch TV this morning?"
"Yes, what does that do to scheduling?"
"It means we have to accelerate. We’ll need everything up and running in three months, tops. I think we have that much time, maybe more, but we can’t count on it."
"That’s what I figured. It should be close but okay. The Control Centre’s ready – I’m headed there now. It’s all tested out and good for cut-over. The installations in the north were done last fall, ahead of the bad weather so they’re ready. The programmers just finished with the software for the SmartCards – I should have the Training CDs to Wilma in a few days. The new blade servers are up and running. Other than that, except for the usual odds and sods, we are go for a 90-day Island communication separation."
"Good stuff, Adam. Keep on it. Throw any resource you need onto whatever you think needs doing. I’ll be out of the country for about a week."
Ted hung up and went to pack his Brolly. It was time to earn his pay; time to do what he had been hired to do, if it became necessary, which it had.
Ted Underwood woke that morning thinking he would have the whole day to attend to other matters. On the television in the main area of his suite the announcer broke into the regular programming with a ‘…live breaking story out of Ottawa…’ Now what, thought Ted. He finished shaving quickly and walked in to listen.
‘…..yes, that’s right. We are expecting a comment from Ottawa soon - apparently the Provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island have announced that they have formed an unusual alliance - all three Provinces will be holding a Referendum on the same day, March 15th , and in anticipation of a Yes vote, will all become US States – the 55th 56th and 57th – for those of you keeping track – and that will pretty much take care of the eastern seaboard of what used to be a large country called Canada. Let’s reflect for a moment….’"No, let’s not." Ted clicked off the television.
Events were moving faster than he had anticipated. His sources had mentioned nothing of a combined effort by those Provinces, but with everything happening, he felt lucky anybody was talking to anybody about anything. He made a few notes, then picked up the phone and dialed.
"You have reached the offices of Elliot Stevens. Please leave a message, Mr. Stevens will return your call." After the beep, he quickly said, "Elliot, this is Ted. Please give me or Gloria a call. Thanks."
Ted next made contact with Hank’s secretary, who said that Mr. MacDougall would be gone until evening. Ted left the message that he should call Gloria Townsend.
"Third time’s a charm." He quickly dialled Gloria’s private number; she picked it up on the second ring.
"Good morning, Ted. Yes, I was watching it. Yes, I thought we’d have more time too. Oh – all right, good. If I don’t hear from either of them shortly, I’ll find them tonight….England? Oh God, Ted. Are you sure we are at that point? Is there nothing that can be done to stop the collapse?….Yes, I agree. How long will you be gone? That should be fine. See you in a week."
Gloria hung up the phone, clicked off the television and sat down. The full impact of what was happening had finally settled in. She, Hank and Elliot had enjoyed their think-tank sessions over the years, exploring various world scenarios. One of their favourites had been, ‘What if the States totally assimilated Canada?’ It was Elliot that had quickly offered, "Hell, we could just start our own Canada – here – on the island," and the game of the day was set. None of them had ever dreamed it would actually happen, nor would they ever want, or work towards those events occurring. Privately, Gloria was horrified that some kind of cosmic karma was causing Canada to fall – like they had staged it in their debates.
After booking his flights, Ted went down to use the secure phone in the car for his next call. "Hey Adam, did you watch TV this morning?"
"Yes, what does that do to scheduling?"
"It means we have to accelerate. We’ll need everything up and running in three months, tops. I think we have that much time, maybe more, but we can’t count on it."
"That’s what I figured. It should be close but okay. The Control Centre’s ready – I’m headed there now. It’s all tested out and good for cut-over. The installations in the north were done last fall, ahead of the bad weather so they’re ready. The programmers just finished with the software for the SmartCards – I should have the Training CDs to Wilma in a few days. The new blade servers are up and running. Other than that, except for the usual odds and sods, we are go for a 90-day Island communication separation."
"Good stuff, Adam. Keep on it. Throw any resource you need onto whatever you think needs doing. I’ll be out of the country for about a week."
Ted hung up and went to pack his Brolly. It was time to earn his pay; time to do what he had been hired to do, if it became necessary, which it had.
~ 48 ~
Thursday, February 12th London, England
From the very first night six months ago, Ted knew if things evolved as they’d predicted, he would need to arrange an audience with the Queen of England. Hank, Gloria and Elliot had seen this as the most difficult component of their idea. It was the reason they had approached him – before making their decision to try.
They were right, the Queen had to be consulted; history demanded it - the long history of England’s role in Canada, from the war between England and France waged on the plains of Abraham in Quebec, to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. This meeting must take place before more time passed or more events occurred.
Before leaving, Ted had made sure of the proper protocols to approach such a meeting. He knew from his contacts he must first speak with Colonel Nigel Bailey, Principal Secretary to the Monarch, at Buckingham Palace in London. Ted prepared a brief resume, and a short list of personal references, that he would present to Col. Bailey. He had also prepared a one-page summary as to the purpose of his meeting. Reaching under his seat, he retrieved his valise, lowered the aircraft cabin window shade to cut the glare, and pulled out the packaged information he had prepared for Col. Bailey to review, on the Queen’s behalf. He looked over the summary once again.
Reasons for this Request for an audience:
1. To provide the Crown with a brief summary of the events in Canada this past year.
2. To provide the Crown with a projection of anticipated events over the next six months.
3. To provide the Crown with information regarding the wishes for a New Canada.
As he reviewed his three points, Ted was sure of one thing. The Queen must be informed of these events, regardless of the final outcome.
After landing at Heathrow Airport, he took a London Cab downtown to an American hotel, where the suite sizes were more to what he was accustomed back in the States. From his room, Ted called the Palace, indicated who he was, and asked for Col. Nigel Bailey. After a short while, he came on the line.
"Yes, Mr. Underwood. May I ask the reason for your telephone call?"
"Col. Bailey, yes, thank you," Ted began. "I represent several parties in Canada and in the United States. With your permission and direction, I would like to present a brief outline of privileged information for your inspection, as well as several documents I would like you to review. After which, if I have your approval, I would like to offer some suggestions to you about a further meeting."
"Well, yes, I see, and I think I understand your request. Would it be possible for you to have the documents brought round to me, here at Buckingham Palace? I would like a chance to review the information in advance of any future discussions."
"Sir, that would be most appreciated. I will have them delivered to you as soon as possible, today."
After closing the conversation, Ted freshened up a bit, grabbed his valise and hailed a cab for Buckingham Palace. He delivered the package to Security at the main gate; they had been expecting it. Ted wearily returned to the hotel suite to wait.
The call came the following morning. Colonel Bailey could meet with Ted at two o’clock that afternoon, would that be suitable? Ted agreed immediately.
Arriving at the Palace ten minutes early, Ted was expected and was ushered into a magnificently ornate waiting room. Within a few minutes, Colonel Bailey appeared. "Ah, Mr. Underwood, please follow me."
Ted walked down the vaulted ceiling hallway to Colonel Bailey’s office. "Please have a seat. Would you like any kind of refreshment?"
"No, thank you. I’m fine," replied Ted.
"Very interesting reading, Mr. Underwood. Quite remarkable, all that is happening – everyone over here is watching with great interest. But let me not digress. If I may make an assumption, sir, your request is to have a private audience with Her Royal Highness – would that be correct?"
"Yes, that’s correct."
"Very good, then. I have had the opportunity to present your information and it was decided that you would be granted this opportunity. If you are ready – Her Majesty will see you now."
Ted nodded in agreement, suddenly lost for words.
Colonel Bailey escorted him down another hallway. turned and came to a small alcove and door. "This is the sitting room, there are two quite comfortable chairs, the one on the left as we go in – the one without the foot stool – will be yours."
As they entered, Ted smiled at the perfection of the room, tastefully done, old furnishings, warm polished wood; it had the relaxed atmosphere of a living room somewhere in the countryside of 19th century England. He pointed to the proper chair for Ted, and then asked him if he would like some tea.
"Yes, please, that would be very nice," he replied. Colonel Bailey went over to a small, what seemed very old, perfectly white tea pot with a cosy over it to keep it warm. "Milk or sugar, Mr. Underwood?"
"Neither, just the tea, thank you." After bringing Ted his tea, Colonel Bailey excused himself and left the room. Ted took a few sips, tried to gain his composure, and waited. After a few short minutes, the door opened and he looked up to see Her Majesty. Ted stood and bowed his head in acknowledgement.
Immediately the Queen said in a relaxed and quiet voice, "Good day to you, Mr. Underwood. Please, sit down. Are you quite comfortable? Thank goodness the weather is holding, it’s been very pleasant this winter."
Ted knew the Queen’s opening casual words were designed to make him feel at ease, he appreciated the gesture. "Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you."
She walked to her chair. "Well, very good then. Shall we begin?"
He told her of recent events, all of which she was fully aware; he told her of anticipated events, most of which she had suspected; then he told her the primary reason for his request for an audience with her.
Ted described the idea. He described the three people that loved Canada and their desire for it to not be lost to history. He described, in brief detail, the things they had done, had put in place, with the extreme hope that they would succeed if the worst became inevitable - the loss of their Canada. He told her that he had been engaged to explore her willingness to remain Head of State for this new Canada, and that without it, they would fail.
As the Queen listened to his words, the delicate feeling of joy flowed through her. She had always loved Canada, and knew what Canada had meant to her parents. ‘If there is a way I can help this new nation,’ she thought, ‘I will.’
The Queen looked at Ted and smiled. "As you know, We have a great fondness and love for Canada. We remember the love and warmth that has always been extended to the Royal Family, especially during the war years. Mother and Father gained strength from the outpouring of love and affection shown during their visits. The importance and weight of your statements have not gone unnoticed."
"Thank you, your Majesty."
She continued, "Well then, Mr. Underwood, is there anything that We can do to help you to go forward with this plan?"
Ted took a deep breath, nodded and with a big smile on his face said, "Yes, Your Majesty, there is."
From the very first night six months ago, Ted knew if things evolved as they’d predicted, he would need to arrange an audience with the Queen of England. Hank, Gloria and Elliot had seen this as the most difficult component of their idea. It was the reason they had approached him – before making their decision to try.
They were right, the Queen had to be consulted; history demanded it - the long history of England’s role in Canada, from the war between England and France waged on the plains of Abraham in Quebec, to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. This meeting must take place before more time passed or more events occurred.
Before leaving, Ted had made sure of the proper protocols to approach such a meeting. He knew from his contacts he must first speak with Colonel Nigel Bailey, Principal Secretary to the Monarch, at Buckingham Palace in London. Ted prepared a brief resume, and a short list of personal references, that he would present to Col. Bailey. He had also prepared a one-page summary as to the purpose of his meeting. Reaching under his seat, he retrieved his valise, lowered the aircraft cabin window shade to cut the glare, and pulled out the packaged information he had prepared for Col. Bailey to review, on the Queen’s behalf. He looked over the summary once again.
Reasons for this Request for an audience:
1. To provide the Crown with a brief summary of the events in Canada this past year.
2. To provide the Crown with a projection of anticipated events over the next six months.
3. To provide the Crown with information regarding the wishes for a New Canada.
As he reviewed his three points, Ted was sure of one thing. The Queen must be informed of these events, regardless of the final outcome.
After landing at Heathrow Airport, he took a London Cab downtown to an American hotel, where the suite sizes were more to what he was accustomed back in the States. From his room, Ted called the Palace, indicated who he was, and asked for Col. Nigel Bailey. After a short while, he came on the line.
"Yes, Mr. Underwood. May I ask the reason for your telephone call?"
"Col. Bailey, yes, thank you," Ted began. "I represent several parties in Canada and in the United States. With your permission and direction, I would like to present a brief outline of privileged information for your inspection, as well as several documents I would like you to review. After which, if I have your approval, I would like to offer some suggestions to you about a further meeting."
"Well, yes, I see, and I think I understand your request. Would it be possible for you to have the documents brought round to me, here at Buckingham Palace? I would like a chance to review the information in advance of any future discussions."
"Sir, that would be most appreciated. I will have them delivered to you as soon as possible, today."
After closing the conversation, Ted freshened up a bit, grabbed his valise and hailed a cab for Buckingham Palace. He delivered the package to Security at the main gate; they had been expecting it. Ted wearily returned to the hotel suite to wait.
The call came the following morning. Colonel Bailey could meet with Ted at two o’clock that afternoon, would that be suitable? Ted agreed immediately.
Arriving at the Palace ten minutes early, Ted was expected and was ushered into a magnificently ornate waiting room. Within a few minutes, Colonel Bailey appeared. "Ah, Mr. Underwood, please follow me."
Ted walked down the vaulted ceiling hallway to Colonel Bailey’s office. "Please have a seat. Would you like any kind of refreshment?"
"No, thank you. I’m fine," replied Ted.
"Very interesting reading, Mr. Underwood. Quite remarkable, all that is happening – everyone over here is watching with great interest. But let me not digress. If I may make an assumption, sir, your request is to have a private audience with Her Royal Highness – would that be correct?"
"Yes, that’s correct."
"Very good, then. I have had the opportunity to present your information and it was decided that you would be granted this opportunity. If you are ready – Her Majesty will see you now."
Ted nodded in agreement, suddenly lost for words.
Colonel Bailey escorted him down another hallway. turned and came to a small alcove and door. "This is the sitting room, there are two quite comfortable chairs, the one on the left as we go in – the one without the foot stool – will be yours."
As they entered, Ted smiled at the perfection of the room, tastefully done, old furnishings, warm polished wood; it had the relaxed atmosphere of a living room somewhere in the countryside of 19th century England. He pointed to the proper chair for Ted, and then asked him if he would like some tea.
"Yes, please, that would be very nice," he replied. Colonel Bailey went over to a small, what seemed very old, perfectly white tea pot with a cosy over it to keep it warm. "Milk or sugar, Mr. Underwood?"
"Neither, just the tea, thank you." After bringing Ted his tea, Colonel Bailey excused himself and left the room. Ted took a few sips, tried to gain his composure, and waited. After a few short minutes, the door opened and he looked up to see Her Majesty. Ted stood and bowed his head in acknowledgement.
Immediately the Queen said in a relaxed and quiet voice, "Good day to you, Mr. Underwood. Please, sit down. Are you quite comfortable? Thank goodness the weather is holding, it’s been very pleasant this winter."
Ted knew the Queen’s opening casual words were designed to make him feel at ease, he appreciated the gesture. "Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you."
She walked to her chair. "Well, very good then. Shall we begin?"
He told her of recent events, all of which she was fully aware; he told her of anticipated events, most of which she had suspected; then he told her the primary reason for his request for an audience with her.
Ted described the idea. He described the three people that loved Canada and their desire for it to not be lost to history. He described, in brief detail, the things they had done, had put in place, with the extreme hope that they would succeed if the worst became inevitable - the loss of their Canada. He told her that he had been engaged to explore her willingness to remain Head of State for this new Canada, and that without it, they would fail.
As the Queen listened to his words, the delicate feeling of joy flowed through her. She had always loved Canada, and knew what Canada had meant to her parents. ‘If there is a way I can help this new nation,’ she thought, ‘I will.’
The Queen looked at Ted and smiled. "As you know, We have a great fondness and love for Canada. We remember the love and warmth that has always been extended to the Royal Family, especially during the war years. Mother and Father gained strength from the outpouring of love and affection shown during their visits. The importance and weight of your statements have not gone unnoticed."
"Thank you, your Majesty."
She continued, "Well then, Mr. Underwood, is there anything that We can do to help you to go forward with this plan?"
Ted took a deep breath, nodded and with a big smile on his face said, "Yes, Your Majesty, there is."
~ 49 ~
Sunday, February 15th Port Alberni, BC
Harry Thorn fired up his computer around two-thirty that afternoon. Checking e-mail first, he was pleased to find the letter from George Luke on the north end of the island. They had developed a viable plan for the park that could soon come under their ownership and management. The existing provincial park staff would be kept on, if they wished, but the changes would create 15 additional positions. That, Harry calculated, should almost cover the number of people in George’s area that will need work. Good, they’re starting.
Of the two hundred messages he’d received over the last six months, each asking for Harry’s input, most had proposed some workable ideas. The real test, he knew, would be after they were in place. It would take time for any new venture to establish, and some will fail because they just weren’t a good idea to begin with, but he felt optimistic about most of them. The best part of this, he breathed, was that finally they had something to do. "Not everybody can carve or paint," he said to Wilma’s childhood attempts that adorned his shelves. "And not everybody can create a new country." It was difficult for Harry to find words when he wanted to tell his granddaughter how incredibly proud of her he was. But, she knew.
He had watched Wilma closely over these last few months. Along with keeping the New Moon alive, she had found work for many people. Townsend Foods was adding warehouses all over the island, most of which needed upgrading, and Hank MacDougall had stepped up production in the lumber mills – even retrofitted and opened one that had been closed down since early 2002, a casualty of the lumber trade wars. "No more of those," Harry chuckled. He rose from his desk and walked over to the small wood stove in the corner. Winters this close to the ocean were always like this. Chilly and wet. ‘Which,’ he thought as he tossed in another log, ‘a good stick of pine can quickly fix.’ Just this morning, he had attacked the cord of pine logs piled up behind his house. They were already cut to stove length, but the bigger ones still needed to be split and stacked. Working up a sweat, he had barely noticed the chilly rain. "Wood warms you twice," he had said to the axe, "once in the making, once in the burning."
Harry latched closed the stove’s cast iron door, brushed the wood chips off his jeans, and walked over to the small window on the east side of his kitchen. Looking out, he could now see the tall rigging that was in place over on the H&E drill site. Ben and his crew have been busy. Another example of Wilma’s magic.
He sat down on the chair by the table under the window and thought about the ancient mounds in the Appalachians of Pennsylvania, the Petroglyphs and Pictograms in the caves along the waters of great rivers in canyons in the south-west. He thought about the Statues of Easter Island, the remains of Syria, Sumaria, Mesopotamia, and the great medicine wheels that had not turned to dust.
Great things may happen here too, he felt, especially with the new financial system that Gloria Townsend had devised. Harry was glad Wilma and Gloria had become friends. ‘Wouldn’t want to tangle with either of them separately, and together? Not in this lifetime.’
Wilma had told him of the new economic structure, and Harry wished that he could tell the others of it. It would benefit their planning efforts, but it was not a critical part. The situation would become critical, however, if it were known this new country will have no taxation. The masses would come to establish residency before the island became its own country. No, he’d decided, this stays secret.
It was quite simple. Every transaction made on the island would be charged a ten-percent handling fee, deposited instantly and directly into the general funds account of the new government. There would be no income tax, no withholding taxes, no property taxes, no PST or GST, nor would there be special taxes on this product but not on that. There would no longer be the need for the forms or reporting. Business and individuals would be suddenly free of the time-consuming paperwork and filing requirements.
Standing, Harry went to check the fire to see if it needed pushing around, and then crawled onto his bed to spend the next few hours consumed by fantasy, visualising what Pictograms these actions would leave; this beginning of the new times, this new country.
Harry Thorn fired up his computer around two-thirty that afternoon. Checking e-mail first, he was pleased to find the letter from George Luke on the north end of the island. They had developed a viable plan for the park that could soon come under their ownership and management. The existing provincial park staff would be kept on, if they wished, but the changes would create 15 additional positions. That, Harry calculated, should almost cover the number of people in George’s area that will need work. Good, they’re starting.
Of the two hundred messages he’d received over the last six months, each asking for Harry’s input, most had proposed some workable ideas. The real test, he knew, would be after they were in place. It would take time for any new venture to establish, and some will fail because they just weren’t a good idea to begin with, but he felt optimistic about most of them. The best part of this, he breathed, was that finally they had something to do. "Not everybody can carve or paint," he said to Wilma’s childhood attempts that adorned his shelves. "And not everybody can create a new country." It was difficult for Harry to find words when he wanted to tell his granddaughter how incredibly proud of her he was. But, she knew.
He had watched Wilma closely over these last few months. Along with keeping the New Moon alive, she had found work for many people. Townsend Foods was adding warehouses all over the island, most of which needed upgrading, and Hank MacDougall had stepped up production in the lumber mills – even retrofitted and opened one that had been closed down since early 2002, a casualty of the lumber trade wars. "No more of those," Harry chuckled. He rose from his desk and walked over to the small wood stove in the corner. Winters this close to the ocean were always like this. Chilly and wet. ‘Which,’ he thought as he tossed in another log, ‘a good stick of pine can quickly fix.’ Just this morning, he had attacked the cord of pine logs piled up behind his house. They were already cut to stove length, but the bigger ones still needed to be split and stacked. Working up a sweat, he had barely noticed the chilly rain. "Wood warms you twice," he had said to the axe, "once in the making, once in the burning."
Harry latched closed the stove’s cast iron door, brushed the wood chips off his jeans, and walked over to the small window on the east side of his kitchen. Looking out, he could now see the tall rigging that was in place over on the H&E drill site. Ben and his crew have been busy. Another example of Wilma’s magic.
He sat down on the chair by the table under the window and thought about the ancient mounds in the Appalachians of Pennsylvania, the Petroglyphs and Pictograms in the caves along the waters of great rivers in canyons in the south-west. He thought about the Statues of Easter Island, the remains of Syria, Sumaria, Mesopotamia, and the great medicine wheels that had not turned to dust.
Great things may happen here too, he felt, especially with the new financial system that Gloria Townsend had devised. Harry was glad Wilma and Gloria had become friends. ‘Wouldn’t want to tangle with either of them separately, and together? Not in this lifetime.’
Wilma had told him of the new economic structure, and Harry wished that he could tell the others of it. It would benefit their planning efforts, but it was not a critical part. The situation would become critical, however, if it were known this new country will have no taxation. The masses would come to establish residency before the island became its own country. No, he’d decided, this stays secret.
It was quite simple. Every transaction made on the island would be charged a ten-percent handling fee, deposited instantly and directly into the general funds account of the new government. There would be no income tax, no withholding taxes, no property taxes, no PST or GST, nor would there be special taxes on this product but not on that. There would no longer be the need for the forms or reporting. Business and individuals would be suddenly free of the time-consuming paperwork and filing requirements.
Standing, Harry went to check the fire to see if it needed pushing around, and then crawled onto his bed to spend the next few hours consumed by fantasy, visualising what Pictograms these actions would leave; this beginning of the new times, this new country.
~ 50 ~
Friday, February 27th Ottawa, Canada
The last woodwork carvings on the wainscoting around the office had been finished for several months. Each carving, each figure, told the story of Canada. It had taken four generations of the family to complete all the work. The great-grandson of the first carver was polishing the last of the figures when the Prime Minister came through the door. "Hello, my friend. Are you finally finished with it?"
"Yes, yes sir, it is done, and it was a good job, it was done well." The lad’s statement contained no conceit.
"Tell your Dad that I will miss seeing his tool pouch and workbench and his careful carving with his knives. Thank you for your good efforts."
"Yes sir, I will. Thank you, good day to you."
The Prime Minister watched the young carver leave, then turned and looked at all the finished work and recalled a time so long ago, when he was a new cabinet minister, and had been in his first strategy session in this office. He had noticed then, the carvings that had been completed, the ones that had been started and how much remained to be done. Now, 35 years later, it was done and done well. The carver was right.
Joe Thibeau stuck his head in the door. "Good morning, Sir. There’s a call – Ted Underwood. He wonders if he could speak with you for a moment."
"Yes, I can take his call." The PM picked up the phone and listened, then agreed to a brief meeting.
On Saturday, February 28th, Ted entered the room slowly, cognisant of the pressure that the PM was enduring. After they were seated, Ted gently spoke.
"Prime Minister, I know these are incredibly difficult times for you. Please forgive my bluntness in this matter. You did not remain in power for this long without being aware of the likelihood of future events. It is not possible that you have not considered the complete end of Canada. Sir, I may have an option for you. I can’t stop the progression of events any more than you can, but, if you wish, there may be a way that you can control the ending – the landing, the final flight of this great plane, rather than sit and watch the parts fly off."
Expressionless, the last Prime Minister of Canada said, "What do you propose."
The last woodwork carvings on the wainscoting around the office had been finished for several months. Each carving, each figure, told the story of Canada. It had taken four generations of the family to complete all the work. The great-grandson of the first carver was polishing the last of the figures when the Prime Minister came through the door. "Hello, my friend. Are you finally finished with it?"
"Yes, yes sir, it is done, and it was a good job, it was done well." The lad’s statement contained no conceit.
"Tell your Dad that I will miss seeing his tool pouch and workbench and his careful carving with his knives. Thank you for your good efforts."
"Yes sir, I will. Thank you, good day to you."
The Prime Minister watched the young carver leave, then turned and looked at all the finished work and recalled a time so long ago, when he was a new cabinet minister, and had been in his first strategy session in this office. He had noticed then, the carvings that had been completed, the ones that had been started and how much remained to be done. Now, 35 years later, it was done and done well. The carver was right.
Joe Thibeau stuck his head in the door. "Good morning, Sir. There’s a call – Ted Underwood. He wonders if he could speak with you for a moment."
"Yes, I can take his call." The PM picked up the phone and listened, then agreed to a brief meeting.
On Saturday, February 28th, Ted entered the room slowly, cognisant of the pressure that the PM was enduring. After they were seated, Ted gently spoke.
"Prime Minister, I know these are incredibly difficult times for you. Please forgive my bluntness in this matter. You did not remain in power for this long without being aware of the likelihood of future events. It is not possible that you have not considered the complete end of Canada. Sir, I may have an option for you. I can’t stop the progression of events any more than you can, but, if you wish, there may be a way that you can control the ending – the landing, the final flight of this great plane, rather than sit and watch the parts fly off."
Expressionless, the last Prime Minister of Canada said, "What do you propose."
~ 51 ~
Sunday, March 1st Iqaluit, Nunavut
Flying north, as he listened to the jet engines purr, Ted thought about Wilma. After his return from England, they all had met to discuss the outcome of his trip and what the next steps may be. Wilma had been unusually quiet. When asked why, she just shrugged and said, "It’s hard to watch Canada fly apart. If it has to happen, why can’t the rest all just go together? It would be more honourable." Her words had startled them, but the more Ted thought about it, he felt there may be a way. After discussing it with the others, they agreed he should try.
The meeting with the Prime Minister had been difficult, these were not easy times. The PM was not overly confident that Ted would be able to make this happen, it hinged on so many pieces, but he had no objections; Canada would be no worse off from the attempt.
Later, Ted had been able to lift his spirits a bit. After hearing of the idea for the island nation, and the Queen’s approval of the idea, the Prime Minister of Canada agreed with it. "It would be a living history, at the least," he’d said. "And, at the most, it would perhaps be a continuation of the best of what Canada was." He had expressed concerns for the residents of the island, "Would they want to do this? What if they wanted to become U.S. citizens?" Ted had assured him those concerns would be addressed, and that the whole plan was not yet complete; it would still require the agreement of the U.S. President. The PM laughed and told him, "Mr. Underwood, if you can obtain that, maybe you can give me my controlled landing."
Ted looked out the cabin window and saw the vast white landscape, horizon to horizon. As the plane came closer to the airport at Iqaluit, he began to feel overwhelmed by the stark beauty and majesty of this land. It may be the newest Territory of Canada, but it was where the Inuit had lived and developed their culture for tens of thousand of years.
He had called ahead and made arrangements to meet with the Commissioner of the Territory, Roy Qamutik. As the plane taxied closer to the air terminal, Ted wondered if what he was bringing to the table would be enough for Commissioner Qamutik and the Legislative Assembly to base decisions on. He was unsure of himself – in this Arctic land, so very different from everything to the south.
At the terminal, he was met by a legislative assistant who greeted him and suggested Ted accompany her in the car; she would be his guide.
As they approached the Legislature Building, Ted was impressed with the beauty of its architecture. She told him the massive building was designed without a foundation so it could shift on the permafrost ground and withstand the winds and snow throughout their seasons. As they entered the large lobby, she explained the building served two functions. It was the seat of government, containing the Legislative Assembly Hall and the offices of government – and, more importantly, it was the centre to showcase the ancient ancestry of Nunavut people and customs. It was the home of the official Nunavut Art Collection, a magnificent presentation of Inuit art, history and culture.
As Ted slowed to look, he faintly heard something he had never before experienced. Smiling, his guide agreed to show him. She led Ted down a narrow corridor that opened up into the back of a small empty auditorium. Two elderly Inuit women, dressed in traditional hooded furs, were on the stage, facing each other, nose to nose. The ancient guttural sounds that came from them were a dance, intermingling. First one, then the other. Separate voices, but woven. Ted watched in silent amazement for a few minutes, then quietly backed out. Walking down the corridor towards the offices, the guide said, "Throat singing. They’re practising for the big show here tonight."
She led Ted to the Commissioner’s office where Roy Qamutik was waiting to greet him. "Hello, hello, please come in." The Commissioner thanked the guide and he and Ted entered his office. "Would you like some coffee, Mr. Underwood?"
"Coffee would be great, and please, call me Ted."
As they sat down, Ted got right to the point. He told the Commissioner the reason he was there was to try and find out what Nunavut would do in the event that the government in Ottawa, and the nation of Canada, no longer existed.
Roy listened, and then spoke: "We have been watching events unfold with a great deal of interest and intensity. We also know that, no matter what happens, we will survive quite nicely. We may have to change our focus a bit, but we will survive – and here is why."
"Nunavut is just under 2 million square kilometres, that’s about a fifth the size of what Canada used to be; we stretch across four time zones. We have over 40 Inuit words for snow. If I’m not mistaken, that’s more than you have for describing grass." They both laughed, Roy continued.
"The 25,000 people that live across Nunavut earn their livelihood two ways. By subsistence – hunting, fishing, providing food and shelter for their families. Over 40% of our people do that. The rest participate in a wage economy, primarily government jobs, mining and construction. And," he said proudly, "we have a thriving arts and crafts industry that brings in about $30 million a year. Our tourist industry has just begun – and it has doubled each year for the last five years."
"So, as you can imagine, Ted, we don’t doubt our survival. What we might loose in government and construction industry dollars – we will make up for in mining, tourism, and in our artists and crafts people."
Ted thought for a few minutes, then asked: "Is there anything you would like to see happen, something you feel you can’t make happen? I mean, is there anything that perhaps Ottawa could request on your behalf – if and when things evolve?"
Roy understood the question and wondered if Ted had that kind of power. No harm in putting it out there, he decided. Roy looked at him and said, "Yes. Here is what we want to insure for all our people. We wish for our boundaries to remain as they are established. We wish for the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Nunavut Act to remain intact. Our Legislative Assembly makes decisions for our people using a simple majority vote in the Legislature, and we want it to stay that way." Roy leaned back "Basically, Ted, we want to keep things as they are, just with a different national flag on the pole. That’s about it."
Ted exhaled and looked across at him. "Commissioner, with as much confidence that I can give you here today, from those who direct me in these negotiations, your request for your people will be upheld."
"What will be expected in return?" he knew there had to be a catch.
"Only to let the Prime Minister arrange the timing with Washington. The details will be to your satisfaction; but the schedule will be his."
"We can agree fully to that." He could barely believe this turn of events. Nunavut would indeed survive.
Roy walked out of the offices with him to where the legislative assistant waited. ‘What a pleasant man,’ the Commissioner thought as he left Ted in capable hands. He returned to his office, but before closing the door, he heard Ted ask her if it would be possible to make the last flight of the day to Yellowknife. Roy smiled, knowing that Ted would be an overnight guest, sat down behind his desk and reached for the phone.
Flying north, as he listened to the jet engines purr, Ted thought about Wilma. After his return from England, they all had met to discuss the outcome of his trip and what the next steps may be. Wilma had been unusually quiet. When asked why, she just shrugged and said, "It’s hard to watch Canada fly apart. If it has to happen, why can’t the rest all just go together? It would be more honourable." Her words had startled them, but the more Ted thought about it, he felt there may be a way. After discussing it with the others, they agreed he should try.
The meeting with the Prime Minister had been difficult, these were not easy times. The PM was not overly confident that Ted would be able to make this happen, it hinged on so many pieces, but he had no objections; Canada would be no worse off from the attempt.
Later, Ted had been able to lift his spirits a bit. After hearing of the idea for the island nation, and the Queen’s approval of the idea, the Prime Minister of Canada agreed with it. "It would be a living history, at the least," he’d said. "And, at the most, it would perhaps be a continuation of the best of what Canada was." He had expressed concerns for the residents of the island, "Would they want to do this? What if they wanted to become U.S. citizens?" Ted had assured him those concerns would be addressed, and that the whole plan was not yet complete; it would still require the agreement of the U.S. President. The PM laughed and told him, "Mr. Underwood, if you can obtain that, maybe you can give me my controlled landing."
Ted looked out the cabin window and saw the vast white landscape, horizon to horizon. As the plane came closer to the airport at Iqaluit, he began to feel overwhelmed by the stark beauty and majesty of this land. It may be the newest Territory of Canada, but it was where the Inuit had lived and developed their culture for tens of thousand of years.
He had called ahead and made arrangements to meet with the Commissioner of the Territory, Roy Qamutik. As the plane taxied closer to the air terminal, Ted wondered if what he was bringing to the table would be enough for Commissioner Qamutik and the Legislative Assembly to base decisions on. He was unsure of himself – in this Arctic land, so very different from everything to the south.
At the terminal, he was met by a legislative assistant who greeted him and suggested Ted accompany her in the car; she would be his guide.
As they approached the Legislature Building, Ted was impressed with the beauty of its architecture. She told him the massive building was designed without a foundation so it could shift on the permafrost ground and withstand the winds and snow throughout their seasons. As they entered the large lobby, she explained the building served two functions. It was the seat of government, containing the Legislative Assembly Hall and the offices of government – and, more importantly, it was the centre to showcase the ancient ancestry of Nunavut people and customs. It was the home of the official Nunavut Art Collection, a magnificent presentation of Inuit art, history and culture.
As Ted slowed to look, he faintly heard something he had never before experienced. Smiling, his guide agreed to show him. She led Ted down a narrow corridor that opened up into the back of a small empty auditorium. Two elderly Inuit women, dressed in traditional hooded furs, were on the stage, facing each other, nose to nose. The ancient guttural sounds that came from them were a dance, intermingling. First one, then the other. Separate voices, but woven. Ted watched in silent amazement for a few minutes, then quietly backed out. Walking down the corridor towards the offices, the guide said, "Throat singing. They’re practising for the big show here tonight."
She led Ted to the Commissioner’s office where Roy Qamutik was waiting to greet him. "Hello, hello, please come in." The Commissioner thanked the guide and he and Ted entered his office. "Would you like some coffee, Mr. Underwood?"
"Coffee would be great, and please, call me Ted."
As they sat down, Ted got right to the point. He told the Commissioner the reason he was there was to try and find out what Nunavut would do in the event that the government in Ottawa, and the nation of Canada, no longer existed.
Roy listened, and then spoke: "We have been watching events unfold with a great deal of interest and intensity. We also know that, no matter what happens, we will survive quite nicely. We may have to change our focus a bit, but we will survive – and here is why."
"Nunavut is just under 2 million square kilometres, that’s about a fifth the size of what Canada used to be; we stretch across four time zones. We have over 40 Inuit words for snow. If I’m not mistaken, that’s more than you have for describing grass." They both laughed, Roy continued.
"The 25,000 people that live across Nunavut earn their livelihood two ways. By subsistence – hunting, fishing, providing food and shelter for their families. Over 40% of our people do that. The rest participate in a wage economy, primarily government jobs, mining and construction. And," he said proudly, "we have a thriving arts and crafts industry that brings in about $30 million a year. Our tourist industry has just begun – and it has doubled each year for the last five years."
"So, as you can imagine, Ted, we don’t doubt our survival. What we might loose in government and construction industry dollars – we will make up for in mining, tourism, and in our artists and crafts people."
Ted thought for a few minutes, then asked: "Is there anything you would like to see happen, something you feel you can’t make happen? I mean, is there anything that perhaps Ottawa could request on your behalf – if and when things evolve?"
Roy understood the question and wondered if Ted had that kind of power. No harm in putting it out there, he decided. Roy looked at him and said, "Yes. Here is what we want to insure for all our people. We wish for our boundaries to remain as they are established. We wish for the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Nunavut Act to remain intact. Our Legislative Assembly makes decisions for our people using a simple majority vote in the Legislature, and we want it to stay that way." Roy leaned back "Basically, Ted, we want to keep things as they are, just with a different national flag on the pole. That’s about it."
Ted exhaled and looked across at him. "Commissioner, with as much confidence that I can give you here today, from those who direct me in these negotiations, your request for your people will be upheld."
"What will be expected in return?" he knew there had to be a catch.
"Only to let the Prime Minister arrange the timing with Washington. The details will be to your satisfaction; but the schedule will be his."
"We can agree fully to that." He could barely believe this turn of events. Nunavut would indeed survive.
Roy walked out of the offices with him to where the legislative assistant waited. ‘What a pleasant man,’ the Commissioner thought as he left Ted in capable hands. He returned to his office, but before closing the door, he heard Ted ask her if it would be possible to make the last flight of the day to Yellowknife. Roy smiled, knowing that Ted would be an overnight guest, sat down behind his desk and reached for the phone.
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