The Federal government now admits that Bill C-68 will cost us more than 978,260,000 dollars.  Do you suppose they massaged the numbers so they wouldn't have to say the "B" word, you know the one...BBB...a BILLION DOLLARS; and growing because these figures do not include the long-term maintenance of the program.  We told them that it would cost $1,000,000,000 from the beginning, and Rock's answer was if it gets to 150 million we will scrap it.  Lies, lies and more lies; but alas we are getting used to this kind of abuse from our Government officials.  However, this does not mean we should accept it!

Which brings me to my next point of contention, only this one revolves around the Calvert government.  It is becoming more and more obvious that since Lorne Calvert took over the reins from Mr. Romanow, the firearms issue has taken a back seat, and to date, Mr. Calvert has been unable to find time to meet with the RFC of Sask.  Unlike former Premier Roy Romanow, who met with the firearms community on at least two occasions, Mr. Calvert has not been giving the issue the attention it deserves.  It has also come to our attention that other senior MLA's are playing down the firearms issue, suggesting that it is no longer an issue, except for a few select individuals who are making a lot of noise.  I suppose statements like that are directed at me, so your job is to turn up the heat.

To add insult to injury, the Calvert government has now relieved (a polite way of saying stole!) the Fish & Wildlife Development Fund of 1.6 million dollars without consultation with the Steering Committee that oversees the fund.  They say it is a one time thing, no doubt in my mind, the fund which was originally set up to acquire habitat is now broke!

Consider this - Premier Calvert said in one of his pre-budget addresses that he would not gut Government departments like they had in Ontario and BC; however, for those of you that have been paying attention, SERM was gutted six years ago leaving them with a skeleton staff.  At that time, they said that this was just the beginning of "downsizing" and all other departments would also suffer the same consequences.  Well low and behold, SERM was the only department to be downsized.  Now, we have government using money meant for habitat enhancement (FWDF) to pay wages.  Isn't it ironic that the Saskatchewan Government is so dependent on hunting and fishing license revenues to fund SERM, yet when we ask for legislation to protect our hunting rights, or more help to fight Bill C-68, it falls on deaf ears.  Who is going to support SERM, who look after Saskatchewan's wildlife on behalf of all Saskatchewan residents, when the anti's have destroyed our hunting, fishing and shooting heritage?

RIGHT NOW would be a good time to make your concerns known.  Contact Premier Calvert at:
       Hon. Lorne Calvert
       Premier of Saskatchewan
       Legislative Building
       Regina  SK   S4S 0B3
       Fax: 306-787-0885
       Email: lcalvert@mla.legassembly.sk.ca
And cc your own MLA.

For those of you who are not aware, the Federal Liberal's Terrorism Bill C-42 has been replaced with C-55 and it still includes the clauses on firearms, ammunition and explosives.  For more information on this and other firearm-related issues, go to Garry Breitkreuz's site at www.garrybreitkreuz.com

The RCMP has reported that the CFC has an error rate of 132% on the registry applications.  There is also more than 229,000 firearms in the system already with the same make and serial numbers.  If this isn't enough to make you aware of how poor the system is, I now have it from a very reliable source that an individual who was flagged by police, as a threat to public safety,  received an authorization from the CFC to purchase another firearm.  The police I understand are completely dumbfounded as to how this could happen.  So much for public safety!

On a positive note, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) is moving full speed ahead with their injunction.  If they get it, they will not have to license themselves or register their firearms until after the court case, assuming of course that they lost the challenge.  The court case is not expected to be heard for at least 8 years.  Of course, we would expect equal treatment, anything less would be considered racist!

The RFC of Sask is planning an information night/fundraising supper for October 5, 2002 in Saskatoon.  Tickets should be available soon.  Please make every effort to attend and bring out your family and friends.

As always...
                  Never Forgive - Never Forget