February 2012 - The Senior Times

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Saturdays Senior Residence Fulfi lling Needs at Every Stage Editorial 2 The Senior TimeS February 2012 www.theseniortimes.com Harper pushes slam-the-poor agenda Now that he’s got a majority in the House of Commons, the real Stephen Harper—he of the oft-mentioned “hidden agenda”—is emerging. His Conservative government is beginning to ram through policies that most urban Canadians, especially Montrealers, oppose. We’re talking about the law-and-order agenda and the prospect of stiffer sentences instead of more resources for rehabilitation at a time when the rate of violent crime is steadily decreasing. We’re talking about the debate Harper initiated to increase the eligibility age for the guaranteed income supplement to 67 from 65, which will hurt the most vulnerable and force many to work when they need and deserve to retire in basic dignity. A recent survey by the Canadian Association of Retired Persons found almost two-thirds of respondents opposed the shift. This is understand- able, given that universal old-age security itself is clawed back from higher-income individuals. Harper’s argument, that the cost of old-age security will balloon to more than $100 billion in 2030 from less than $40 billion today, does not take inflation into account, argues economist Monica Townson of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Total annual expenditures on the old-age security programs are expected to increase to $110 billion by 2030, representing 3.1 per cent of gross domestic product, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2007. However, she wrote, “because benefits are indexed to inflation, which is assumed to be lower than the rate of growth in both the GDP and the income of new retirees, the amount of incometested benefits will also be reduced.” To Townson, and other economists, Harper’s socalled “sustainability” crisis really is one of declining benefits for seniors in “real” dollars, not one of paying to maintain the program. There are demographic challenges: Canadians are living longer—average life expectancy for males is 79, compared with 68 in 1966. This means increased health costs, and on paper fewer under- 65 working Canadians to sustain social program. However, as research prepared at Ottawa’s request has shown, Canada spends far less than the average Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development country on public pensions; our relatively high level of immigration will partially offset the distortions of an aging population; a crisis is not as imminent here as among eurozone nations because Canadians tend to save more through RRSPs and workplace pension plans. As Harperite storm clouds darken, it is refreshing to observe the federal Liberal Party rebuilding and renewing itself with such bold policies as one to decriminalize marijuana, passed at the recent Liberal Party policy conference in Ottawa. It signals a willingness to present ideas that contrast with Harper’s destructive omnibus crime bill. Interim leader Bob Rae is performing well and the party could do a lot worse than choose him as the permanent head. Once the New Democratic Party chooses a new leader next month, many of its most articulate spokespersons will be back in the House of Commons to promote alternatives to the unfortunate direction the Harperites are taking the country. Stay tuned.
Toots and his soulful “harp” headline High Lights festival Irwin Block Toots Thielemans, the first and arguably world’s best bebop harmonica player, was on the phone from Brussels asking who is headlining the Montreal High Lights Festival (Montréal en Lumière). “Why, it’s you, sir,” I replied, and the pause in our conversation indicated a degree of surprise—a modesty that belies his incredible talent and a career that started at age 3 when he taught himself to play accordion. He turns 90 on April 29 and enjoys an active performance career with gigs in Europe, Japan and North America. Thielemans plays Théâtre Maisonneuve February 16, part of the annual 11-day festival of music, performance art, exhibits and light shows. Born Jean Baptiste Frédéric Isadore Thielemans—he acquired the Toots nickname in honour of swing-era saxophonist Toots Mondello and orchestra leader Toots Camarata—and taught himself the guitar while bedridden with asthma, picking up the swing style of Roma guitarist Django Reinhardt. Thielemans built his reputation when he picked up bebop after hearing leading players in Paris and on 52nd St. in New York City. He eventually joined the Benny Goodman groups and Charlie Parker All Stars. It was only in the 1950s, when he made an impact on the jazz scene with his harmonica, that it became his favoured instrument. “It’s worth more than words.” —Toots Thielemans “A little man from a small and humble neighbourhood in Brussels,” harmonica player Toots Thielemans headlines the Montreal High Lights Festival this month. Thielemans said that over the years he has lost some agility in his left hand. His asthmatic history hasn’t impeded his artistry on the chromatic harmonica. Photo courtesy of High Lights Festival “I learned the jazz language on the guitar and the harmonica more or less simultaneously,” he said. “The harmonica is almost complete as an instrument, and I’ve played it with and been influenced by some of the great innovators—(pianists) Bill Evans, George Shearing and Oscar Peterson, and (band leader) Quincy Jones. “When I started, Charlie Parker was the guru and we had the same manager, so I ended up playing with his band in Philadelphia. “Dinah Washington was the vocalist and Miles Davis and Milt Jackson were in the band. But Benny Goodman discovered me in Europe. “I never thought I, a little man from a small and humble neighbourhood in Brussels, would end up playing with these musicians.” Thielemans recalled an anecdote from a 1995 jazz festival concert here when he played his version of Jacques Brel’s anthemic Ne Me Quitte Pas. (He first played it in 1982 during a celebration of Brel’s legacy.) “I adapted the harmony along modal lines, and it was a triumph. I still have the cassette,” he said. “When I feel a bit down, when I need a lift, I listen to this. I got a two-minute ovation!” Eat Cookies. Lose Weight. It’s That Simple TM Continued on page 6 * Results may vary. www.theseniortimes.com February 2012 The Senior TimeS 3
Page 1: Help Generations help kids generati
Page 5 and 6: Endocrinologist Hugues Beauregard g
Page 7 and 8: American Dialect Society names the
Page 9 and 10: French heats up political scene - d
Page 11 and 12: Come in from the cold Leave the sho
Page 13 and 14: Ex-smokers work toward recovery thr
Page 15 and 16: Highlights of the 11-day Montreal H
Page 17 and 18: Travel south and west, there Mark T
Page 19 and 20: Don’t let weighty issues stand in
Page 21 and 22: Two musical events celebrate Argent
Page 23 and 24: ARTS Pastel paintings • until Feb
Page 25 and 26: You’re far too young and smart to
Page 27: Clockwise from top: Evdilos village

February 2012 - The Senior Times

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?