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Debates of April 15th, 1997
House of Commons Hansard #156 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was offenders.
- Government Response To Petitions
- Committees Of The House
- Conscientious Objection Act
- Petitions
- Questions On The Order Paper
- Criminal Code
- Bankruptcy And Insolvency Act
- Criminal Code
- Budget Implementation Act, 1997
- Criminal Code
- An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions
- House Of Commons
- Member For Calgary Centre
- National Volunteer Week
- Vimy Ridge
- Land Mines
- Île Aux Basques
- Gwaii Haanas National Park
- Tourist Industry
- Member For Capilano-Howe Sound
- Toonies For Canada
- Beijing Concord College
- Ballard Power Systems
- Maple Sector
- Reform Party Breakfast
- Member For Sherbrooke
- Lachine Canal
- Vacancy
- The Constitution
- Taxation
- Krever Inquiry
- Taxation
- Human Rights
- Justice
- Helms-Burton Law
- Great Lakes
- War Criminals
- Tariffs On Agricultural Products
- Krever Inquiry
- Organization For Economic Development And Co-Operation
- Presence In Gallery
- Points Of Order
- An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions
- Criminal Code
- Crown Corporations
- Canada Marine Act
- Canada Labour Code
Criminal Code
Government Orders
1:10 p.m.
Bob Kilger Stormont—Dundas, ON
Mr. Speaker, I believe you would find unanimous consent that the members who voted on the previous motion be recorded as having voted on the motion now before the House, with Liberal members voting yea.
Criminal Code
Government Orders
1:10 p.m.
René Laurin Joliette, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Bloc members will be voting yea.
Criminal Code
Government Orders
1:10 p.m.
Chuck Strahl Fraser Valley East, BC
Mr. Speaker, Reform Party members present will vote no.
Criminal Code
Government Orders
1:10 p.m.
Bill Blaikie Winnipeg—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, new Democrats vote yes.
(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
Criminal Code
Government Orders
1:15 p.m.
The Acting Speaker (Mr. Milliken)
I declare the motion carried.
When shall the bill be read the third time? At the next sitting of the House.
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions
Government Orders
1:15 p.m.
Raymond Chan for the Minister of Finance
moved that Bill C-82, an act to amend certain laws relating to financial institutions, be read the third time and passed.
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions
Government Orders
1:15 p.m.
St. Paul's
Barry Campbell Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to present Bill C-82 for third and final reading. The legislation before us has three main objectives: to strengthen protection for consumers of financial services, to ease the regulatory burden on financial institutions, and to fine tune certain provisions of the financial institutions statutes.
This bill is the product of extensive consultations. We started our review of the financial institutions legislation in 1995 by consulting with a range of stakeholders, including consumer groups, industry representatives and other interested parties.
In June 1996 we released a consultation paper entitled "A 1997 Review of Financial Sector Legislation Proposals for Changes". The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance and the Senate standing committee on banking, trade and commerce held hearings on this paper last fall. Their views and the views of other stakeholders are reflected in the measures in the bill before us today.
Since we tabled Bill C-82 on February 14, we have received comments from interested parties imposing some modifications. In addition, the House of Commons finance committee has conducted a clause by clause study of the bill and passed amendments. As a result, there have been several modifications to the bill since second reading. They are largely technical, mostly helping to clarify the language contained in provisions. As a result of the review, the legislation we have before us will ensure that the best interests of consumers in the financial sector are served.
I would like to elaborate on key measures in the bill. I will begin with a subject of tremendous importance to all of us and that is consumer protection measures. There are several.
First, consumers have made it clear they want better privacy protection in their dealings with financial institutions. Accordingly, the bill before us provides authority to require that financial institutions establish procedures governing the collection, retention, use and disclosure of customer information, implement complaints handling procedures and report annually on complaints. Once the legislation is passed, regulations will be introduced to implement these requirements.
Following up on the recent federal-provincial agreement to harmonize the cost of credit disclosure regulations, the bill enhances the disclosure provisions of the financial institution statutes. As a result of these changes in similar amendments to provincial statutes, disclosure practices will be improved and made uniform throughout the country.
Hon. members on all sides of the House are aware of the concerns about the potential for financial institutions to exert undue pressure on consumers when selling financial products. The government takes these concerns very seriously and is taking preventive action. Bill C-82 includes an amendment to the Bank Act to prohibit coercive tied selling. The government intends to bring the amendment into force on September 30, 1998. But before that date, the government wants to see two things achieved. First, it wants all financial institutions to adopt a policy on tied selling.
Under the policy, financial institutions will be expected to ensure that their staff clearly understand and do not engage in unacceptable sales practices. The policy would seek to maintain high customer and staff awareness of procedures for reviewing tied selling complaints. These procedures must be transparent, timely and fair if they are to be effective. In the case of the major banks, they have internal ombudsmen, all of whom will deal with and report on tied selling complaints.
Second, the government will be seeking guidance from the House finance committee. That committee has been asked to review tied selling concerns across the sector and the progress of financial institutions in addressing concerns through their policies. The committee will also consider how to differentiate between beneficial and anti-competitive forms of tied selling. The government has also asked the Senate banking committee to undertake a similar review of the tied selling matter. This process should enable the government to assess how the self-regulatory procedures have been working.
In the consultation paper, the government resolved to work with financial institutions and consumer representatives to improve access to basic financial services for low income Canadians and information about fees for all Canadians.
While the government is not proposing legislative changes in these areas, the major banks have made a number of commitments to address consumer concerns. For example, to improve access they have agreed to ensure that only two pieces of signed identification will be required to open accounts or cash cheques. This is decreased from the current requirement of three.
Also, employment will not be a requirement for opening a bank account and staff will be trained to follow these policies and be sensitive to the needs of low income people. The banks will also ensure that clear and understandable information about products and services, including low cost banking options and ways of minimizing service fees, is readily available in publicly accessible areas in branches.
Moreover, the banks are working with Industry Canada using Industry Canada's Internet site to provide information to help Canadians choose the right financial services for them, minimizing costs.
During the consultation process we heard convincing testimony about regulatory burden. We want to act on what we heard. Bill C-82 contains important changes for foreign banks, changes that will lower costs and improve operational efficiency which will benefit many Canadians. In particular, regulated foreign banks which own a schedule II bank will no longer be required to hold other financial institution subsidiaries through a schedule II bank.
The bill also proposes changes to ease regulatory requirements for near banks. Near banks are those entities which do not generally take deposits, that are not regulated as banks in their home jurisdiction, but do provide one or more banking type services.
The approval requirement for near banks will be reduced. Once they receive an initial approval to enter the market, they will not need further approvals. The condition is that their unrelated activities not include taking retail deposits.
In addition, the government plans to develop a new framework for the entry foreign banks, including a new branching regime. This regime will encourage new banks to enter the Canadian marketplace and allow existing foreign banks greater opportunity to compete. It should be noted, however, that this latter initiative will continue on a separate track from the legislation before us today.
Until the new entry framework is developed, foreign companies offering a limited range of financial services and now operating unregulated in Canada as well as new entrants that meet certain criteria will be allowed to continue operations as unregulated financial institutions.
Another element of the bill recognizes that banks are not all the same. Some do not need the retail deposit insurance offered by the CDIC. This is the case for banks which deal mostly in the wholesale market. The government will permit banks that do not take retail deposits to opt out of CDIC coverage, provided they are not affiliated with another CDIC member. This will reduce their costs and streamline regulatory requirements.
The bill extends the in house powers of financial institutions. Currently financial institutions can engage in certain types of businesses only through subsidiaries. After reviewing the types of business that must be carried out through subsidiaries, the government has decided to permit financial institutions, with the approval of the Minister of Finance, to carry on both information processing and specialized financing activities in house. These changes will reduce the operating costs associated with those activities by promoting effective management. Furthermore, the increased flexibility for specialized financing activities will improve access to venture capital for Canadian small businesses.
A number of changes are proposed to streamline the self-dealing regime. This regime implements control over transactions between financial institutions and persons who are in positions of influence over or control of the institution.
While the government believes that the basic framework remains sound, certain provisions of the regime impose unnecessary costs. Bill C-82 therefore streamlines the operations but the conduct review committee narrows the range of related parties and allows subsidiaries of the federal financial institution to transact with each other.
These are all important initiatives aimed to cut down regulatory burden. The initiative before us does not stop there. We are proposing to fine tune legislation.
Changes have been introduced in the area of corporate governance to encourage financial institutions to adopt appropriate processes to manage risks. For instance, the duties of the audit committee will be clarified. The rights of policy holders of insurance companies will be enhanced. For example, the bill proposes to reduce the number of policy holders' signatures needed to allow for a proposal nominating directors to be circulated in advance of the meeting.
Regulatory adjustments will be made to provide more flexibility to financial institutions seeking to enter into joint ventures. These adjustments will enhance the ability of financial institutions to make alliances, enter new markets and compete more effectively at home and abroad.
The legislation also includes a number of amendments to enhance access to capital for mutual insurance companies. First, such companies will be permitted to issue participating shares and second, flexibility will be added to the demutualization regime and it will be extended to apply to all mutual life companies, not just
the small ones. It should be noted, however, that a large mutual insurance company will be required to remain widely held once it is converted into a stock company.
A few days ago, the opposition raised the issue of transferring policies. This is an important issue and I would like to say a few words about it.
A solution to this problem will require more studies and consultations. The mechanisms of supervision and the contractual rights of those insured must both be taken into account. Consultations are already under way between representatives of the federal government and of the Province of Quebec. Following these consultations with the provinces concerned, we will be able to arrive at a satisfactory solution in the near future.
But I must add that Bill C-82 contains a great number of favourable measures. All major stakeholders and myself want to see this bill passed as quickly as possible.
There you have it, Mr. Speaker, a pretty significant package of changes, important to the well-being of consumers of financial services and that is just about all of us. It is important to the financial sector and this too is significant for all of us because this vital sector underpins the whole economy.
I urge the House to move quickly to pass this important legislation.
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions
Government Orders
1:25 p.m.
Yvan Loubier Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with some pleasure that I debate this bill at third reading. I am also very disappointed by the results of the vote held a few minutes ago in the House.
Let us begin with the few positive notes to be found in Bill C-82. The official opposition is happy to have helped remove two important sectors from this revision of the financial institutions act.
The first of these sectors is the sale of insurance through chartered banks. You will recall that about two years ago the banks asked the federal government, specifically the Minister of Finance and the secretary of state responsible for financial institutions, to allow insurance products to be sold by chartered banks, thus creating undue, not to say unfair, competition with insurance brokers and underwriters in Quebec and in Canada.
The Bloc Quebecois fought very hard to have this provision dropped from the bill before us, and we won. It is, in our view, one of the great victories of the official opposition and of the Bloc Quebecois since the beginning of this term of office.
The second sector of Bill C-82 where there is some cause for satisfaction is the leasing sector.
Once again, the Canadian chartered banks claimed, a few years ago, to be accredited to offer car leasing arrangements to consumers. Car dealerships in Quebec, as in Canada, rose up in opposition to this. The Bloc Quebecois took up arms over this both in the House and in the finance committee on their behalf, and we won the day.
Why did we share the dealers' opposition to the banks' offering car leasing? Purely and simply, because the dealerships did not have the guarantee of the financial institutions, nor of the federal government and the Minister of Finance, that the banks would be prevented from owning fleets of automobiles.
The second major reason for our opposition, and that of the dealers of Quebec and Canada, was competition-related. Let me explain. The banks lend money to dealerships, and if they were also involved in selling car leasing services, the free play of competition would be somewhat distorted.
The banks would have had a major lever for unfair competition with dealers; for instance, they could have cut back on their lines of credit. We had no guarantee on this, and that is why we did not hesitate in the least, right from the first weeks, to support the car dealerships in Quebec and in Canada that were calling for these guarantees, before the banks could be allowed to offer leasing. So those are the two good things about Bill C-82.
On the down side, I have just referred to the vote taken in this House a few minutes ago at the report stage, when the three amendments proposed by the Bloc Quebecois were defeated by the Liberal majority-by the Reformers as well, but that is less important. The Liberal majority defeated our three amendments.
And what were those amendments? The first one objected to a provision in Bill C-82 under which financial planning, which is strictly a provincial matter, will be regulated by federal legislation through the chartered banks.
In other words, the banks may offer financial and financial planning services, which come under provincial jurisdiction, and those which offer these services will not be subject to Quebec law or Ontario law or any other provincial legislation. However, those which offer financial planning services through bank branches will be subject to federal legislation.
This is the kind of intrusion we always felt was entirely unacceptable. In our amendment, which was defeated unanimously by the Liberals, we suggested a form of opting out.
When provincial laws to that effect exist in a province, the provincial legislation applies to financial planning services offered through banks and other institutions. Where such legislation does not exist, the federal legislation applies.
From the outset, the intent of our amendment was to provide for opting out, so that provincial jurisdictions would be respected. The Liberals turned down a reasonable proposal. They said no and preferred to add to the regulatory burden.
From now on, in Quebec, Ontario and the other provinces, there will be not one legislation to regulate financial planning services but two. We have become accustomed to this tendency which, instead of removing or relieving the burden on the financial sector, favours adding more regulations, resources and all manner of things which, in the final instance, merely increase inefficiency and create uncertainty, which includes passing this kind of legislation and turning down reasonable amendments that allow for opting out in areas under the exclusive jurisdiction of the provinces.
The second amendment we proposed concerns tied selling, in other words, putting pressure on the consumer to buy services in addition to those he is seeking from a financial institution. In fact, the issue of tied selling comes under the Consumer Protection Act. The Consumer Protection Act is provincial and covers an area under provincial jurisdiction.
Once again, the Liberals preferred to drop our amendment which suggested opting out as a possibility where the provincial legislation provides adequate protection for the consumer.
I think our colleagues opposite and this government generally do not know the meaning of exclusive. Exclusive jurisdiction means there is only one player, not two or three. Instead of abiding by the definition given in the dictionary, they prefer to add more bureaucracy. They go overboard on regulating, protecting and developing the system, wrapping it in the Canadian federalist flag.
Federalism, according to members opposite, is supposed to be synonymous with greater efficiency, certainty and stable markets. When we talk about the financial sector, stability is important. Instead, in the past two years, and especially in the case of this bill, the government has proved the very opposite is true by trespassing on provincial jurisdictions and adding new levels of regulations.
The federal regime is synonymous with overlap, inefficiency, duplication, over regulation, uncertainty and instability. So much so that the players in the financial sector-and, as finance critic for the past two years I have met people in the financial sector in both Quebec and Canada-do not know whether they are coming or going. They sometimes wonder what sort of crazy world they are in, since everywhere else there are two watchwords: deregulation and performance.
What we have seen in the financial sector for two years is over regulation, administrative sluggishness and reduced ability to compete among the businesses in the various sectors, including finance. Speaking of competition, and the competitive strength of businesses operating in the financial sector, this was the focus of our third amendment, which was roundly defeated by the government for no apparent reason.
I have so much to say, and since you are giving me the time to say it, I must be able to get out my arguments. I was saying that there is a third amendment concerning competitiveness, the ability of a company operating in the financial sector to compete. Under Bill C-82 and federal legislation on insurance companies, which we thought this bill was amending, a provincially chartered insurance company cannot acquire either all or part of an insurance company that is federally chartered.
I will give the example of Quebec, because we have a blatant example of companies being blocked from becoming fully competitive. A Quebec insurance company operating in the Quebec insurance market cannot acquire blocks of insurance policies from another company that is also operating in the Quebec market, if the latter company is federally chartered.
On the brink of the 21st century, when we should be talking about unrestricted competition, free markets and efficiency, this provision in Bill C-82, uncorrected in federal legislation on insurance companies, is incongruous to say the least. I would say it runs counter to the spirit of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which talks of unrestricted competition and economic and financial integration.
It is also contrary to the spirit of the last treaty, in 1993, of the World Trade Organization, which already contained provisions to liberalize the financial sector internationally and which is continuing-starting a few days ago in Geneva-to talk about greater liberalization, a more permissive environment if you like, with respect to international financial transactions, regardless of their nature or the country of origin of businesses operating in the financial sector.
We have here an obvious case of barriers that are not commensurable with the effective operation of the insurance market. It is something that is a bit strange and that has the effect of making it easier for foreign companies-French, Brazilian, German, Italian, Norwegian, Finnish, you name it-to buy operations, in whole or in part, from Canadian insurance companies, something that provincially chartered insurance companies in Quebec are not allowed to do. It is complete craziness.
Like most branches of insurance companies operating in Canada, branches of foreign companies are federally chartered. Federal legislation therefore makes it easier for them to do business in Canada and in Quebec than for Quebec entrepreneurs. This state of affairs is quite simply unacceptable.
I will take the example of L'Entraide. This is a company whose head office is located in Quebec City. It is average in size. It hopes to take advantage of the development of the insurance market and the great rationalization now taking place. It wants to grow and improve its performance and its presence, and it has the chance to do so by buying up a block of insurance policies from a federally chartered company, whose clientele is located entirely in Quebec, for $1.3 million.
This may sound like a huge amount to taxpayers listening today, but in the field of insurance, where certain transactions run in the billions of dollars every week, it is not all that much. Compared to the transaction we saw last weekend in Les Affaires, this is not going to shake up the insurance sector. We will come back to the other acquisition I mentioned, which appeared in
Les Affaires.
So the insurance company L'Entraide, a Quebec company with a provincial charter, wants to acquire a block of $1.3 million of insurance in order to expand, to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness in the broadened North American and international markets. The federal government says it is not allowed to do so. It is not allowed to do so because it is a provincially chartered company, and a provincially chartered insurance company is not allowed to purchase, in whole or in part, the activities of a federally chartered insurance company. Even if this federally chartered company is involved in the Quebec market, has Quebec insurance policies, the provincially chartered company it is not entitled to acquire those $1.3 million in insurance blocks. That is utterly unacceptable. That is discrimination, pure and simple.
This is all the more discriminatory in that most insurance companies, which are Quebec subsidiaries of foreign companies, are federally chartered. The four major Canadian insurance companies, with head offices in Toronto, are federally chartered.
So, by continuing this discrimination and rejecting the amendment we proposed at the report stage, the government is offering the insurance companies and subsidiaries of foreign companies an opportunity on a silver platter to expand in the Quebec and Canadian market, to increase their profits, and their shareholders' dividends, through policy holders in Quebec and Canada.
Moreover, the four major Toronto-based federally chartered insurance companies are allowed to expand in Quebec by acquiring blocks of insurance, and they are entitled to do so because of their federal charters. Yet a Quebec insurance company operating within Quebec cannot do the same. If being ridiculous were fatal, there would be no one alive on the other side of the House. It is a mental aberration to maintain such discriminatory treatment toward Quebec insurance companies.
We heard all manner of things during the debate on continuation of this restriction. One of the arguments presented by the government-I was going to say the opposition, since they are the opposition as far as our amendment is concerned, you understand what I mean-one of the major arguments presented by the Minister of Finance, by the Secretary of State responsible for financial institutions, by the assistant to the Minister of Finance as well, was that consumer protection came first and foremost.
Consumers would not be sufficiently protected if provincially chartered insurance companies were allowed to acquire blocks of insurance from federally chartered companies. They are more protected when the one acquiring such insurance holds a federal charter, even if it is a subsidiary of a foreign company with its head offices way off in God knows what country. In that case, the consumers are properly protected.
On the other hand, if the acquiring company is a Quebec insurance company, regardless of how good the consumer protection is, no way. But the Minister of Finance, the secretary of state and senior officials go into a blue funk when you mention anything that would promote the expansion of the Quebec insurance sector.
Whether they operate under a provincial or federal charter, insurance companies in Quebec must apply annually for a licence to the inspector general of financial institutions of Quebec. Every year, the inspector checks the solvency of all insurance companies operating on Quebec soil before issuing a licence that must be renewed every year. federal body.
Second, the inspector general of financial institutions requires all insurance companies, under provincial or federal charter, to be members of the Société d'indemnisation d'assurance de personne, which is also involved in providing maximum protection for the consumer.
When we have a situation like this where we are watertight as far as solvency is concerned, whether the charter is provincial or federal, and where plenty of checks and balances are provided by the inspector general of financial institutions and the Société d'indemnisation d'assurance de personne, using consumer protection as an argument no longer makes any sense.
If that is the main objection, it no longer exists because whatever their charter and whether they operate in Quebec or Canada, insurance companies cannot be faulted on consumer protection.
Consumers can depend on the system, and policy holders are protected on the Quebec market by the inspector general of financial institutions and within the Canadian context by the Société d'indemnisation des assurances de personne. So what is the problem? Why are they so reluctant to move? They are in such a funk that a golden opportunity was missed for a company like L'Entraide d'assurance-vie du Québec to acquire a block of insurance worth $1.3 million.
They are so reluctant to move, although they have run out of arguments to prevent this kind of company from expanding, from becoming more efficient and a bigger player in a very competitive insurance market and even more so with the liberalization of the financial sector throughout the world.
On the weekend, I read an article I mentioned earlier, in Les Affaires, which said that Royal Life Canada had acquired an interest in Gerling Global. For your information, Mr. Speaker, Royal Life is a branch of a British insurance company. Gerling Global, which sold the blocks of insurance, is a branch of a German company. On the weekend, these two branches of foreign companies operating on Canadian soil, both under a federal charter, concluded a transaction in which Royal Life acquired part of the life insurance portfolio of Gerling Global for $12 billion. Twelve billion dollars, Mr. Speaker.
Two companies, subsidiaries of foreign insurance companies, one British and the other German, were allowed to acquire a block, to carry out a transaction involving a transfer of $12 billion worth of insurance business. Federal legislation permitted this, but it does not permit Entraide, a Quebec insurance company, to buy a $1.3 million block of insurance policies from a federally chartered Canadian company. That is ridiculous.
On the other hand, we keep hearing that we must look out, that there are consumer protection problems. My eye, Mr. Speaker. On April 8, I wrote the Minister of Finance to remind him that there was a problem here. The Quebec minister of finance has also said there was a big problem in this area. I think the government's inertia is hiding something.
It is not that this is a complex issue. It is straightforward. The government had only to accept our amendment today instead of rejecting it, and the matter would have been resolved. The problem is one of pure discrimination against Quebec insurance companies. It is so discriminatory that the Quebec minister of finance even offered to amend the Quebec law on trusts and savings companies, which discriminates to some extent against federally chartered trust companies. But he was turned down.
Mr. Landry said he was prepared to amend the Quebec law on trust companies so long as the federal government were quick to do the same thing to legislation on financial institutions to enable provincially chartered insurance companies to acquire blocks of insurance from federally chartered companies. The Minister of Finance turned up his nose at this attractive proposal, made in the spirit of free trade and aspirations for the future of the financial sector in Quebec and Canada. He preferred to continue to discriminate against Quebec insurance companies.
Two questions arise: First, is this not a way of eliminating provincially chartered companies? Second, is this not a way for the federal government to say: "It is true that insurance comes under the exclusive jurisdiction of the provinces, but we want to change that".
And the backhanded way to change things is perhaps to make it increasingly less profitable to have provincially chartered companies. Insurance companies will need federal charters in order to benefit from globalization, in order to achieve a more competitive position in the insurance market.
Is that it? If so, let the federal government tell us they want to restrict us in a field that supposedly comes under our exclusive jurisdiction, according to the Canadian Constitution that the members opposite say they respect and that they ignore every day. If they want to take this field of jurisdiction away, let them come right out and say so, because that is what it looks like.
But if that is not the case, what is behind this sullen attitude of the government and of the Minister of Finance toward an amendment that is and should have been logical, if the members opposite had indeed been logical?
We think there is perhaps another explanation. I was speaking earlier about the four or five Toronto-based Canadian insurance companies that dominate the market. I would remind members that these companies all have federal charters. The top four companies are being left lots of room so that when another insurance company wants to cease operations they can buy up insurance policies and continue to grow, to make profits and to pay dividends to their shareholders, while our provincially chartered insurance companies in Quebec cannot do what they wish in their own market with respect to Quebec policy holders.
We sometimes wonder if it is not these very companies, Canada Life, London Life, Sun Life Insurance Company of Canada and Manulife Financial, all great contributors to the coffers of your charming Liberal Party to the tune of $50,000-not bad as contributions go-that the government wants to help in future and for which it wishes to maintain privileges that are unjustified and
discriminate against Quebec's provincially chartered insurance companies.
The opposition is sorely disappointed with the government's attitude on this matter, but is, in a way, pleased that the Minister of Finance has, at least, agreed to meet the key shareholder of L'Entraide, the official opposition critic-myself-and a representative of the Government of Quebec, next Thursday in his office for a discussion of this matter.
It is most unfortunate, however, that our amendment, which would have settled this question for once and for all, has not been accepted. Our expectations of the meeting with the Minister of Finance this week, after the rejection of the official opposition amendment, encompass two possibilities.
The first is that he will assure us that he will be prompt in introducing a private member's bill from his department to remedy the injustice and discrimination being experienced by Quebec insurance companies. The second is that he will announce that he will be shortly tabling a notice of a ways and means motion clearly setting out his intention to move quickly, when we are back after the coming election, to pass a bill amending Bill C-82, to ensure that this discrimination toward provincially chartered insurance companies no longer exists, as it does in the current legislation on insurance and the current bill.
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions
Government Orders
1:55 p.m.
The Speaker
My dear colleague, it being nearly 2 p.m., I wonder if you would consider resuming your speech after oral question period, when you would again have the floor.
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions
Government Orders
1:55 p.m.
Yvan Loubier Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC
I was just winding up, Mr. Speaker.
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions
Government Orders
1:55 p.m.
The Speaker
Very well. You have about 15 seconds.
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions
Government Orders
1:55 p.m.
Yvan Loubier Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC
Mr. Speaker, I was saying that it is a sad thing to have to face the music, but I hope that the government will listen to common sense and that, starting Thursday, provincially chartered insurance companies will be allowed to do exactly the same as other insurance companies, that is to have a certain latitude in their areas of jurisdiction and to be able to hold their own in an increasingly competitive field.
House Of Commons
Statements By Members
April 15th, 1997 / 1:55 p.m.
Roger Gallaway Sarnia—Lambton, ON
Mr. Speaker, recently members of the American Congress from both Democratic and Republican ranks spent a weekend together, the objective being how to do their political business and be civil to each other at the same time.
I am not advocating a weekend getaway but there are two important points in all of this. First, other legislative bodies are aware of behavioural problems and, second, they are attempting to do something about it.
Canadians do not want near fist fights or porcine comparisons in the House. They want debate and ideas presented in an atmosphere of civility.
Before Barnum and Bailey take possession of this place, we of whatever political stripe should stop, look and listen, just like those much younger than us, before we engage in classroom antics.
Member For Calgary Centre
Statements By Members
1:55 p.m.
Jim Silye Calgary Centre, AB
Mr. Speaker, as this is my last member's statement I would like to mention things I remember as the MP for Calgary Centre.
It was a chance to get to know MPs from all across Canada; to listen for the melancholy bells which bring us into the House to vote; to play musical chairs in the House of Commons; to work on my tan while playing football on Parliament's front lawn; to be affectionately referred to by the Liberals as the $150,000 man; to have the Speaker rule my definition of a bribe out of order; to need an extra two minutes to finish a 40-minute speech; to refuse, along with 50 of my colleagues, to take the gold plated pension plan as a display of leadership by example; and to represent and vote the wishes of my constituents as opposed to always having to vote the party line, proof that free votes work.
Finally, I will always remember the phrase I used when I was Reform Party whip.
"Mr. Speaker, members of the Reform Party vote yea, except for those who wish to vote otherwise".
National Volunteer Week
Statements By Members
1:55 p.m.
Eleni Bakopanos Saint-Denis, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today on the occasion of National Volunteer Week to pay tribute to the millions of women in Canada who volunteer their time and energy to help others and to support causes dear to their hearts.
National Volunteer Week was first proclaimed in 1943. The leadership role that women's organizations such as the Women's Voluntary Service played back then can still be felt today.
In Montreal, the Centro Donne Italian women's centre continues to work hard. Happily, we are seeing more and more men joining women in volunteer activities, as can be seen from their presence
in organizations such as Moisson Montréal, the Ahuntsic-Sud volunteer centre, the Ahuntsic Lions' Club and the Knights of Columbus.
Let us applaud the efforts of these women and men for the contributions they make to the well-being of our country.


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- PLEASE NOTE: Because each shoe is uniquely crafted, pattern placement may vary
- Printed eyelet fabric upper
- Sequin trim on platform
- 2" platform, 6" stiletto heel
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
- View more Women's Zigi Soho Shoes
By: LatinGypsy
Location: Northern NJ
March 05, 2013
"I have purchased Zigi shoes before and have never been disappointed. This shoe is so pretty in person, a great addition to any shoe wardrobe. The fit is true to size and always comfortable."
By: LadyRik
Location: Georgia
February 05, 2013
Zigi Soho Awesome shoes
"This show is true to size. I normally wear a 9 1/2 shoe, but because I have wide feet I normally purchase a size 10. I did get this shoe in a 10 and it was a 1/2 size big. The picture does not do the design or colors justice. It is a fab shoe! I am hoping to exchange for a half size smaller. Other than that this shoe is comfortable and gorgeous. It has a rubber/cloth sole which makes it slip proof.Love Love Love Zigi Soho!"
By: Srah
Location: Houston
November 13, 2012
"This is my second pair of Zigi Soho shoes and I love them. Although, these shoes are NOT a match for someone who is not used to wearing heels. They're super cute and I get alot of compliments when I wear them. Bought these with a giftcard that I got from my BFF for my birthday and I LOVE them. They run true to size. Maybe slightly narrow but that's probably because I havent totally broken them in yet."
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
FAQ > Index
Welcome to the Astro-FAQ!
To browse the Frequently Asked Questions at Astrodienst, please use this index page or the navigation at the top left.
Astrodienst Homepage
Birth Data Entry
Free Horoscopes
Short Reports
Extended chart selection
- General
- Shopping - Step by Step
- Products
- AstroIntelligence vs. AstroText
- Online services
- Coupons/Gift Certificates
- Software
- Change Settings
- Orders/Shipping
- Security
- Payment
Understanding Astrology
Swiss Ephemeris
General Issues
Technical Problems
Other sources of information at www.astro.com:
- Green buttons in all interactive areas.
- Articles in the section "Understanding Astrology".
- Astro Wiki, the free encyclopedia of astrology.
- Astro Dictionary of the Matrix Digital Library.
If you can't find the answer to your question in any of these places, please use the "report a problem" link at the bottom of each page.


text:
Something that's not disappointing.. xD
Something that's not disappointing.. xD
I'm willing to bet that theres a polyglyph in there. The one piece that ties it all the history together.
From it's name One Piece is maybe just one and only stuff, Roger said that he see it at the end of line, it can be:
1.The ultimate weapon that encrypted on the poneglyphs
2.The record of the lost history
3.Or maybe it's the experienceand friendship of all crew mates of pirate that have become one piece and can't be seperated
But it will be nice if it is a ultimate swimsuit, and says one piece is literally refer to swimsuit like two piece/bikini.....
The anime has such a corny sense of humor. Its bound to be something goofy.
i think one piece is the lost history..the truth about the void century.maybe,roger's death was intentional bcoz of the one piece treasure,as far as i remember,robin says that every message in a ponyglyph has a meaning that if you connect all together then the true message of the lost history would be revealed. and that's when you can say the whole message connected together is a piece or as we can say it One Piece.
i think roger was flat broke so its only 1 coin
http://dragonsas.mybrute.com/ fight
manga's and anime i follow or followed
battle club
battle vixens
cowboy bebop
satan 666
samurai champloo
afro samurai
no bra
one piece
fairly tail
tengo toppe gurren lagann
full metal alcamist
magic ban removal hyde and closer
When I imagine One Piece, I think of the treasure room at the end of the first National Treasure movie, where the room goes on and on and just disappears into a golden haze off in the distance.


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|1 result
This National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) site provides classroom resources about the Moon. A teacher's guide contains basic detailed information about the Moon, such as the lunar landscape, craters, and Moon rocks. The lesson plan and activities sections cover phases of the Moon, lunar landforms, a Lunar Prospector model, and orbits.
Choosing & Using this resource...
Educational standards associated with this resource:
National Science Education Standards (NSES): Read
Pedagogical help
Misconceptions: Read (1)
Related resources and collections
This resource is included in the following collections:


text:
We loved this deal too, but it's no longer available. Check out our other awesome deals here.
First In
$19 for a Vibration Speaker
Delivered within: 20 days
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- Great stocking fillers
- Wow all your friends with how this works
- Grab a Vibration Speaker for only $19 today
- Uses vibration and natural resonance to turn anything into a speaker
- Perfect for beach use as no sand gets into the speaker
Sand, Sun, Sea - the beach is pretty perfect, but is missing only one thing - sounds. Alright, you can take down a stereo, but you just end up covering it up so no sand gets into the speakers - not fun! Today, squash all these worries with an Vibration Speaker for $19.
Simply hook your MP3 Player, phone, or CD Player (anything that uses a 3.5mm headphone jack) into this, and place the sticky pad onto a box, cup, bowl, or even window and switch on - charge before you leave with the USB 2.0 cord, or place two AAA batteries in.
The vibration speaker uses - you guessed it - vibration to project sound. The results are amazing, and a lot of fun finding the right object for the best sound.
- Freq range: 300Hz-10000Hz.
- Input DC voltage: DC 5V
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 3.6 x 8.5 cm
- Total weight: 165 g
- Powered through USB 2.0 port or x 2 AAA batteries
- To clean sticker pad, wipe clean, allow to dry and use again
- Stick onto surface to play music
- USB 2.0 Cord included for charging, or place two AAA batteries in (not included)
First In
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ConditionsSupply address details when purchasing . Pay $6.00 for delivery for the first item & $3 for each subsequent purchase of the same option. No refunds, no cash back, no exchanges. Actual colours may vary slightly from images due to monitor calibration.
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For example, if you buy a bungy jump deal but don't use it before the expiry date, you can still use the amount you paid for the voucher towards a bungy jump, for another 30 days.
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text:
Clairol Jazzing Temporary Hair Color is shiny sheer semi-permanent hair color. Use Temporary color to enhance, refresh, brighten, shine and condition. Jazzing Temporary Hair Color is perfect for permanent waved or relaxed hair.
• Use immediately after relaxer service
• Enhance, refresh, brighten, shine
• Semi-permanent (heat)
• Temporary (no heat)
• No ammonia
• No peroxide
Clairol Jazzing translucent hair color shades spice up colored, perm and relaxed hair with temporary or semi-permanent results. Dramatic shades add sizzling, vibrant color to African American hair. Soft shades are subtle, adding richness and depth to natural hair color. Shines, conditions and all that jazz! For natural, colored, perm, or relaxed hair.
Heat is not recommended when used immediately following a chemical service.
Apply directly from bottle to towel-dried hair. Use protective cream around hairline and keep off scalp. Process 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse and shampoo. can be used immediately after relaxing.
Additional Information
|Product Model


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G'day all,
did I see right, a 16m and 18m Fuse 2013. See page 2 on :http://www.iksurfmag.com/issue37/
What do you think Toby, possible compitition for the good old 2011 Dyno 18m???
Intersting indeed!
Toby wrote:guess why they made it?
Have an 18 for testing waiting in Germany...I hope mid of March I will know how it performs...hoping for a better version of Dyno 2011...not performance-wise, but some other, small things.


text:
A wastewater treatment facility in Florida
CST Covers provide custom designed aluminum structures and covers for industrial, commercial, recreational, transportation and many other applications.
CST Covers is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and construction of custom aluminum covers and structures for architectural, environmental and industrial applications.
CST Covers has supplied over 18,000 covers in more than 90 different countries and offers multiple structural, high strength aluminum design solutions including domes, vaults, extruded flat covers, formed flat panel covers, truss supported covers, space frames as well as custom products specifically designed for customers unique vertical and overhead applications.
The company maintains manufacturing facilities and technical design centers in Gardena, California; Conroe, Texas; and Rincon, Georgia. The company is headquartered out of the Conroe, TX location.
CST Covers was created by merging the proud traditions of Temcor and Conservatek, the two leading aluminum structure companies in the world. CST Industries acquired these companies in 2009 and 2010.


text:
The Mount Sinai Hospital, ranked 7th in the country for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report, has been a pioneer in the field of cardiac electrophysiology and the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms for more than a century. The newly created Mount Sinai Health System's Arrhythmia Services now encompass both the Helmsley Center for Electrophysiology at The Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Al-Sabah Arrhythmia Institute at Mount Sinai St. Luke's. Read More
Our News
The pioneering arrhythmia specialists test the latest therapies in clinical trials and are go-to experts for the media.Read More
Patient Stories
Patients from all around the world choose Mount Sinai Heart.Read More
About Atrial Fibrillation
Dr. Reddy explains atrial fibrillation, including symptoms and new treatments.
Contact Us
Hemsley Center for Electrophysiology
1190 Fifth Avenue, 1 South
New York, NY 10029
Tel: 212-241-7114
Al-Sabah Arrhythmia Institute
1111 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10029
Tel: 212-523-2400


text:
Kelly & Katie Claire Double Zip Satchel
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Item # 272227
Classic and chic with a modern twist the Kelly & Katie Claire Double Zip Satchel has it all! Take this fabulous handbag to work or out on the town!
- Faux leather satchel
- Top tab with snap closure
- Double top zip compartments
- Rolled handles with 8" drop
- Two front zip pockets
- Printed fabric lining with zip pocket and two slip pockets
- Dimensions 14" x 5½" x 11"
- Imported
- View more Kelly & Katie Handbags and Accessories
By: TonicARTistry
Location: Miami
March 14, 2013
Great Briefcase
"I know its a purse, but I use it as a briefcase. It is awesome! all my stuff fits perfectly!. So much space, you wouldn't think it when you first see it. Great buy!"
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youtube has removed the video, has anyone got another link?
youtube has removed the video, has anyone got another link?
"Little Dude, I was born to do this."
i agree with akama getting really tired of naruto an his rasengan
Q. Will you still be subbing the Naruto movies?
A. We're not sure. It depends on how Viz decides to handle the release of the movies in the US, how the staff feels about it, and on a couple of other factors. You'll know in April by whether or not we release it. Until then, please stop asking. Every second we spend reading your question takes away from time we could be spending reading mail we care about.
Well, I can't wait to see.
Ava & Sig created by Maxv Credits to IIDX v
The raw for this movie got released ^^
It doesn't really matter if it's DB, does it? If it isn't them, then someone else will just do it, probably Taka.
Fire type
What chakra type are you?
Why do i get the feeling of Pearl Harbor at the beginning of this move


text:
Climate Change LectureEvent Details: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., December 06, St. Louis Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road
Lucas Sabalka, Ph.D., of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, will speak at "Change: The Science, Why We Must Act and the Solutions at Hand," held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the St. Louis Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road.
The lecture will be presented by Sabalka; Larry Lazar, analyst; and Brian Ettling, a ranger with Crater Lake National Park. An open forum will follow.
The three speakers are part of the Climate Reality Project, whose goal is to create a global movement to demand action on the climate crisis. This talk will focus on three aspects of climate change: the overwhelming scientific evidence and consensus showing humans are the cause; the moral, economic and self-preserving imperative to act now; and the affordable technology that already exists to address climate change and the actions each of us can take to build a better world.
More information can be found at the event's web page.


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This might be a little off-topic but we do "shop" for food right?
Krispy Kreme is celebrating its 75th birthday. Imagine that! And together with their celebration this year, they will be offering the Krispy Kreme Birthday Doughnuts – White Chocolate Iced Glazed, Dark Chocolate Iced Glazed and Strawberry Iced Glazed.
On the other hand, another doughnut company is establishing itself here in the Philippines – J.Co Donuts and Coffee, Philippines. And although I haven't tried it out yet, I heard that the it tastes pretty good. Looking at the pictures of their doughnuts in their Facebook Fan Page makes me hungry. (Click here.)
Continue reading Krispy Kreme, Celebrating 75 years of Joy, J.Co Donuts Coming In…


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Kick A Goal Between Melbourne and Adelaide24/03/2001
Fly To The Footy With Flexible $66 Fares
Virgin Blue Airlines has announced plans to launch direct services between Melbourne and Adelaide, giving loyal footy fans in Victoria and South Australia a low fare opportunity to support their home team at away games, with $66 fares that don't have the cumbersome restrictions of the other airlines.
To celebrate the impending launch of the route and the opening of the AFL season this weekend, anyone booking over the Internet for travel until midnight Saturday March 31, will be encouraged to fill in an on-line entry form to win a VIP trip for themselves and a friend to barrack for their home team at an away game in the respective state capitals.
The Melbourne winner and friend will be flown to Adelaide and provided with accommodation, dinner and tickets to the game. The same applies for the lucky South Australian winner.
Virgin Blue will begin with three return flights a day, with more to follow later in the year.
Concurrent with the May launch, the airline will also ramp up frequency on its Melbourne-Brisbane service to six direct flights a day and up to four direct daily flights between Sydney and Adelaide, providing business travellers with more flights to suit their busy schedules.
The decision to close the gap between Melbourne and Adelaide was made following strong public demand for Virgin Blue to begin offering its flexible low fares and unique service on the overpriced route.
Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey said, "We've had tremendous support to date from both South Australian and Victorian travellers and they have made it clear they want affordable flying to more destinations. Until now, it cost more to fly between Adelaide and Melbourne, than from either city to Brisbane. People had no choice but to go by car or rail. We believe airfares from $66 one way will change the way people travel".
He continued, "Both Adelaide and Melbourne are great cities when it comes to footy, food, fashion, wine, culture and rest and relaxation. We are hopeful once again that bringing fares down to a fair level will mean more people will travel between the two destinations whether it be to visit friends and family, enjoy a winery weekend, go to the theatre, do business or barrack for their favourite footy team".
Virgin Blue has kept its commitment to create a second focus city in Adelaide and the airline is hopeful that commitment will be met with enthusiastic support.
For Melbourne, it's another destination option that comes with a promise to look at more new routes in and out of the Victorian capital.


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Fort Worth, Tex.
Fort Worth, seat of Tarrant County, is situated in the north-central part of Texas on the Trinity River.
The city was founded by Maj. Ripley Arnold in 1849 as a military outpost on the Trinity River to protect settlers moving westward from frequent Indian attacks. It was named after Gen. William J. Worth, the commander of the Texas army. Fort Worth was incorporated in 1873. Its growth was stimulated in the 1870s by its proximity to the Chisholm cattle trail. It prospered as a meat-packing and shipping center when the Texas and Pacific Railway arrived in 1876 and later experienced a new boom when oil was discovered nearby in 1917. The establishment of military installations in the area during both world wars also spurred the economy.
Fort Worth has traditionally been a diverse center of manufacturing and is not dependent on the oil or financial sectors. The city's industries range from clothing and food products to jet fighters, helicopters, computers, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. Fort Worth is a national leader in aviation products, electronic equipment, and refrigeration equipment. It is home to a multitude of major corporate headquarters, offices, and distribution centers.
See also Encyclopedia: Fort Worth.
Selected famous natives and residents:


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Who doesn't love treats around Halloween?
As the name implies, Halloween 13: Daily Spooky Surprises scares up 13 days of free iOS apps, leading up to All Hallow's Eve on October 31st.
While not all of the apps are spook-tacular, Halloween 13 – which is also free to download -- is still a fun way to discover new apps, and play some Halloween-themed minigames, too.
When you first launch the app you'll tap on the first of 13 tombstones, which starts a short game. On your first day, you'll be challenged to tap as many bouncing pumpkins as fast as possible. Another minigame has you dressing up vampires. Based on your score, you'll earn one, two or three stars. Or you can skip the minigame altogether, if you like.
Once you're done, the app will unveil your first of 13 downloads. Here, you'll be able to read a synopsis of it, tap to expand the five screenshots, share your accomplishment via Facebook or Twitter (or email) or download the app to your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.
Without giving much away, the first app was Spooky Booth from Blue Panda Apps Limited. This app lets you take a picture of your face -- or import a photo of you, friends, family or pets -- and then superimpose a scary face on top of them with various stickers. You can add vampire teeth, werewolf ears, Frankenstein stitches, devil horns, a witch's hat, and more. You can save your funny photos and then share them over social media or email.
One of the apps you have access to might be a macabre game, such as G5 Entertainment's The Secret Society, a "hidden object" adventure where you must scour a busy scene and select the items listed at the bottom of the screen.
Note: The extra apps you opt to download show up as a separate icon on your iOS device.
Each day, Halloween 13 will give you a minigame to play and a free Halloween-themed app to try as a reward. But remember, it all ends on October 31.
Other features include some hidden interactive elements inside the eerie graveyard and GameCenter integration with support for global leaderboards, challenges and achievements to earn.
MagicSolver's app is rated 9+ for "infrequent, mild horror and/or fear themes." Be sure to check the recommended age ratings for the 13 apps you're downloading, too.
Happy Halloween!


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Pros: Good sound quality, two carrying cases, plenty of tips included
Cons: Build quality suspect, picky about fit/insertion depth
I got these about a year and a half ago as a Christmas gift, and they've been my companion for some time until the left earpiece one day began outputting a significantly lower sound level than the right. The build quality in general had always worried me, with the drivers rocking a little in their outer casing, the stress relievers at the earpieces actually coming off and sliding down the wire, and other weirdness. However, they did last me for over a year, and Monster's warranty should cover it.
With that out of the way, the sound quality is rather excellent for an IEM, as is the isolation. With the proper tips, most outside noise fades away, and you're left with good, tight bass and highly detailed mids and somewhat sharp highs. Overall they tend to particularly excel at faster-paced music, such as rock and metal, which also happen to be what I listen to most often.
Comfort-wise, they can be a pain. It seems one of my ears doesn't like having an IEM in, though I had no trouble with the Shure SE-215's I'd been using prior. The plethora of tips that came with them never really seemed to match up with my ear type, and as a result, I'd often have to fidget with them to keep them properly seated. Still, that's more a product of my ears' shape than the IEM's themselves, and Monster did a great job of packing in as many types of tips as possible to work around that. It's worth noting that they are moreso than any other IEM I've used very sensitive to insertion depth, and inserting too deeply or too shallow will negatively affect their performance, from loss of bass (too shallow) to loss of volume or near complete silence (too deep).
Overall, they're a pretty good pair of IEM's, though they'd certainly rank lower with me if they didn't have their great warranty.


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Not Rated Western Dream Flat Sandal
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Item # 275486
Slip on the Not Rated Western Dream flat sandal for the perfect summer style! With a gorgeous beaded design, these embellished slides will make your casual look shine all season long.
- Metallic faux leather upper
- Beaded detailing
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
- View more Women's Not Rated Shoes
By: LyssiLou2
Location: Woodbridge nj
August 22, 2014
"This shoe is perfect for work, but it runs a bit short so I would go a half size up."
By: EvaMaria10
Location: Missouri
August 20, 2014
"These shoes are adorable!! I wear them a lot and get many compliments!! I would order a half size bigger than your regular shoe size though."
By: smhoho
Location: boston, ma
September 01, 2013
so sparkly and pretty!
"LOVE LOVE LOVE and totally worth the money!"
By: Jul4
August 18, 2013
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Saucony Kinvara 3 Boys Toddler & Youth Sneaker
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Item # 270087
The Saucony® Boys Grade School Kinvara 3 running shoe offers all the cushioning and support he needs for the schoolyard and beyond! FlexFilm™ overlays in the upper provide support without weighing him down. A compression molded EVA midsole delivers lightweight cushioning, while the Grid System maximizes comfort with each step. The triangular lug outsole will keep him on his feet all day with awesome grip and durability.
- FlexFilm™ overlays offer lightweight support in the upper
- Compression molded EVA midsole provides responsive cushioning
- Grid System cushions with every step
- Triangular lug outsole for excellent traction and durability
- Imported
- View more Saucony
- View more Saucony
- Online Exclusive!
By: LCNYC
Location: nyc
January 19, 2014
Good look and fit
"Good supportive shoe for a very active toddler. My only issue is why are the laces for toddler shoes always so long?Love the colors too!"
By: LOVEABARGIN
Location: SUNSHINE STATE
August 13, 2013
Saucony Kinvara 3 Boys Toddler & Youth Sneaker
"My son loves these! They are very comfortable and colors are vibrant!"
By: Rher
Location: Virginia
July 12, 2013
Not true to color
"I bought this shoes for my son, honestly the colors look better in the picture. I really didn't see them as colorful in person. Other than that, the shoe is perfect."
By: Run4Shoes
Location: Tampa
April 05, 2013
Boys Shoes
"My son who's 4 loves these shoes! So far very durable, true to size... he picked them out and believes they make him "super fast" as a personal fan of Saucony Kinvara I would recommend these shoes to anybody big or little."
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Geoffrey Bartlett was born in Melbourne in 1952. He obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in Sculpture from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in 1976, and from 1983 to 1985 was a Harkness Fellow, completing a Master of Fine Arts (Honours) at Colombia University, New York. Bartlett has taught at Deakin University, RMIT, Monash University and the Victorian College of the Arts. From 1990 to 1994 he was Senior Lecturer in Sculpture at Monash University. Bartlett has had numerous individual exhibitions including Sculpture: 1977-1994, touring to regional galleries in 1994-95; and Geoffrey Bartlett: Silver cloud, at Deakin University and University of Technology Sydney in 2001. His works were selected for the Mildura Sculpture Triennial in 1978 and 1982; and for the Australian Sculpture Triennial, Melbourne, in 1981, 1987 and 1990. In 1982 Bartlett won the Ian Potter Foundation Sculpture Award, and in 1994 was awarded residence at the Australia Council studio in Italy. He has completed major sculpture commissions for the City of Melbourne in 1997; the City of Newcastle in 1998; and the Australian National University in 2000. Geoffrey Bartlett lives and works in Melbourne.
|| Home | Artists | Director | Exhibition | Judges | Prize | Macquarie Bank | Credits


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Mia Limited Edition Fandango Boot
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Item # dsw12prod4040070
Fringe is in and adds western flare to any outfit. Pull on the Mia Limited Edition Fandango Boot, and you'll be stylin' with every step!
- Suede upper
- Woven chain detail on harnessed strap
- Side fringe and kiltie tassels
- 14" shaft height, measured from back
- 15" calf circumference
- 3¾" smooth wooden heel
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
By: LeopardLady
Location: SIoux Falls, SD
January 14, 2013
"These are the boots that broke my heart. They are GORGEOUS~ I bought them in the olive color and they are absolutely beautiful~ even better than expected in person. I was seriously in love as soon as I opened the box. Unfortunately, I could not even stand to walk in them on my carpet for 10 minutes. The heel to ball of foot ratio was devastating...a little platform would have made this spectacular boot a total knock out! Sad to see them go :("
By: beautycall911
Location: Detroit, MI
December 16, 2012
"Wish I'd found these soon enough to get both colors in my size! These are SO great with my skinny jeans. I spend all day saying "Thank You" every time I wear them. I'd pay full price if I could find another pair in my size"
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Was: $
Free Shipping!
Lowest Price Guarantee
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The Reebok 28K Pump Ice Hockey Skates offer solid value at a reasonable price. The 28K utilizes the RibCor Quarter Package with an HD Foam Core for explosive agility. Reebok incorporated the new SpeedBlade 4.0 Holder that sits 4 mm taller in the front and rear post for an aggressive angle of attack.
The 28K RibCor Hockey Skate carries on Reebok's traditional design but brings with it new technological updates. The most notable is the SpeedBlade 4.0 Holder that allows a player to get over even further on their edges without bottoming out, making for one of the tightest turning radius' in the game.
- Model Number: SK28KP
- Heritage: 16K Pump / 8K Pump
- Level of Play Guideline: Performance
- Fit Guidelines: General fit aspects of the Reebok boot are low-medium volume; narrow heel pocket, narrow across top of foot, forefoot and toe box.
- Sizing Guidelines: Reebok skates generally fit 1 1/2 sizes down from your regular shoe size
- Quarter Package:
- RibCor Flex+ with a HD Foam Core
- Offers solid support for quick agility
- Fully thermoformable for a personalized fit
- The Pump™ Feature:
- Increases heel lock, ankle support, forward flex and comfort
- SkateLock™ - Allows for custom support by tightening the top 3 eyelets independently of the forefoot
- Liner:
- Heavy-Duty Dual-Zone Microfiber Liner
- Helps to lock in the heel, providing great comfort and maintaining a good level of durability
- Tongue Construction:
- 7mm Two-piece White Felt Tongue
- EVA Foam reinforcement for lace-bite and impact protection
- Footbed:
- Reebok F.I.T. System
- Offers support and comfort
- Outsole:
- Fiberglass Low Profile Outsole with Exhaust Vents
- Provides stiffness and rigidity for responsiveness and feel
- Blade Holder and Runner:
- Speed Blade 4.0 Holder
- The front and rear post sit 4 mm taller than previous Reebok holders, allowing for one of the most aggressive angles of attack in the game
- SpeedRibs utilize a triangular design that increases torsional resistance which in turn helps get the most speed and power possible out of the holder
- SpeedBlade Stainless Steel Runners
- Weight of a Size 9D Skate:
- 881 grams


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MeMoi Ribbed Sweater Tight
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Item # dsw12prod4130221
Look to MeMoi to always bring you exciting legwear in fun colors, patterns, and prints. The Ribbed Sweater tight does not disappoint and looks great with your favorite boots.
- Ribbed sweater knit tight
- 75% cotton, 20% nylon, 5% spandex
- Small/Medium 4'10" - 5'6" 90-135 lbs
- Medium/Large 5'4" - 6'0" 130-175 lbs
- Imported
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Norman 1" Premium Aluminum Blinds from American Blinds are offered
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made from steel. With the waterproofing upgrade, your headrail and
bottomrail will be upgraded to aluminum, and all of the components will be
made of stainless steel, extending the life of your blinds in high-moisture
Got Kids or Pets? Click Here for important information to maximize safety.


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By PATSY STODDARDEditor
The Huntington citizens turned out in force to voice their opinions at a public hearing to receive input on changing two streets in Huntington to one-way avenues for safety reasons. The streets proposed were 100 North Main to 100 East and 400 West 400 North to SR-31. The first road is the one that runs directly in front of the Huntington Elementary School and the Huntington Post Office. The other is the one that runs past the Canyon View Junior High and Huntington Cemetery and connects to the Huntington Canyon Road, (SR-31).
The reason stated for looking at these roads was the safety of the school children involved in accessing the Huntington Elementary and the Canyon View Junior High. The city proposed parallel parking in front of the elementary school along with the one way street.
Councilman Robert Mills said he was asked to look into the matter of safety and these two streets. He thought it might be safer if it was a one-way street.
Ted McCandless is a home owner on the 400 West 400 North corner. He said he takes his grandchildren to the elementary school and he knows there is a problem there. The cars all park weird. He suggested they paint lines along that street to organize the parking in a more functional manner. He opposed any parallel parking. He suggested a double yellow line also be painted down the center of 100 North Main to 100 East.
In regards to the 400 West 400 North road he suggested the city contact the cattlemen's association to see if anything could be done to purchase their property to bring another access to the junior high. He objected to a one-way road on 400 West 400 North.
Curt Collard, representing Canyon View Junior High read a letter from the school to the Huntington city council addressing their concerns. They adamantly opposed the one-way road idea by their school and listed four main objections to the proposal. They stated a one way street would be inconvenient to those using the junior high. One-way traffic would increase traffic in the residential areas surrounding the junior high. When Canyon View hosts events it would bring a large influx of traffic into the residential areas. A lot of the visitors to Canyon View now use SR-31 to access the junior high and that traffic would then have to flow through the residential areas. There are bus stops along 400 North and a one-way street would not eliminate safety concerns in the area. The road to the junior high is narrow, but Collard stated a curb and gutter and sidewalk should be installed for those students walking to the junior high. The guard rail currently in place now, needs to be removed because the students don't use it. When it is snowy or muddy, the students walk in the road to avoid the mud. The junior high volunteered to do snow removal on a sidewalk should one be installed. Collard also mentioned the need for more signage in the junior high area with speed limits clearly posted. "Safety is our main concern and we appreciate the opportunity to offer input," said Collard.
Duane Collard, a resident near the junior high said he has been a voice crying for 20 years to get a sidewalk in there for the junior high students. He said they have been very fortunate no accidents have taken place there to date. He said he has watched as thousand of dollars has been spent on curb and gutter around the city where no one lives and even Ray Grange's pig pens got curb and gutter before the area surrounding the junior high. "A one way street would be a rash decision. We need to look at it and design it. We need to solve this issue, but not make it a one way street," said Collard. He invited the city council to come up and he would walk over the area with them to look for possible solutions.
Sharon Earl spoke next, she said there are tons of kids who cut through the field across from her home to access the junior high. If the 400 West 400 North road were made one way it would increase the traffic on her street where the road is narrow with no curb and gutter or sidewalks.
Courtney Guymon who lives on the corner at 400 North said that intersection needs to be realigned and the stop sign stops the traffic too far back and people can't see the cars that are stopped or they don't know when it's their turn. On the road in front of the elementary he said one way traffic there would just push the traffic down the street towards the school and impact the school more than now. He thinks that street should be painted. "A one way street is not the answer and all those stop signs impede the traffic. As a property owner I am against it," said Guymon.
Dan Johnson spoke and said he lives in the 400 North area and he appreciates the concerns for the safety of the school children. He didn't feel that any more rules needed to be added. "Enforce the laws we have now and make them effective," said Johnson. He voiced his opposition for parallel parking at the elementary school saying that children would then be forced to maneuver around vehicles in a dangerous way; putting them behind cars backing into parking spots.
Becky Jorgensen said that kids have a tendency to walk in the street and not watch for cars. She feels there are too many cars parked at the elementary and another parking lot should be found for the teachers to park. She said the old maintenance building of the city's could be torn down and a parking lot could be placed there or the empty lot across from the elementary could be purchased for additional parking for the elementary school.
Ray Rowley said as he has observed the traffic around the school and the post office, most of the traffic goes in and gets their mail and then back out to Main Street, if the street is one way it would force all the traffic to pass in front of the school and force the traffic into the area where the school kids are. "A one-way street won't accomplish anything," said Rowley.
Julia Foote said her daughter was hit by a car by the ball field and she commends the city for putting up stop signs in the areas surrounding the elementary school. She thinks it slows the people down. She too agreed that a one-way street along the school would result in bringing the flow of traffic deeper into the school area.
Roger Swenson who is the transportation supervisor for the Emery School District said he had been in the area at the junior high to observe and on Tuesday morning he had observed four students walking in the morning and nine walking in the afternoon along 400 North. If this road were one-way it would force more vehicles onto SR-31 which is already a busy road. He said the situations at both schools need to be addressed and the school district wants to work with the city to address the safety concerns.
Sheriff LaMar Guymon said they must look at creative ways to make the areas in question safer. He stressed the need for people to stop at stop signs and obey all the traffic rules and laws. Everyone needs to work together to protect the children.
Marie Johnson, school board member said they have met before on the safety issues and nothing has come of it. She disagreed with any parallel parking in front of the school. She said the school board has been in contact with the cattlemens association and with the property owner across from the elementary school. She said long term solutions are needed and ideas and comments should be considered.
Natalie Collard said she was concerned with the parents at the elementary stopping in the middle of the road to drop off children and ignoring the traffic laws. "Parents need to be responsible for the safety of their children," said Collard.
Denise Chapman, teacher at Huntington Elementary said the school has a drop-off zone at the rear of the school on the gym and lunch room side. That has been in place and ignored for years by parents. Numerous letters have been sent home specifically telling parents where to drop students off. The kindergarten kids have been dropped off and picked up on this side for years. The bus unloading and loading was moved several years ago to the south side on Center Street to avoid any conflict with student drop-off by parents. "If parents would pull around there wouldn't be a problem. Students can access the school through that lunch room door," said Chapman.
Vee Guymon said another issue is people accessing the cemetery. A lot of older drivers visit the cemetery and then would have to leave by the canyon road and she thinks that would present a bigger problem that what there is now in that area.
Several speakers mentioned the need for ticketing of drivers disobeying the traffic laws, especially the parking in the road to let out children in front of the elementary school and ignoring flashing red lights on the school buses.
After taking public comment the city council discussed the comments made and will make recommendations at a future time.
Those attending the public meeting spoke against the one-way street idea, but would support other safety measures to make the areas surrounding the schools safer for all involved.


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|Posted by Linda K. on March 26, 2002 at 11:27:54:
Hi I live in modular home that was built in 1973. It has 2 full bathrooms, and a full basement. There are 3 or 4 vents on the roof. One for the kitchen sink, one for each bathroom, and I think there is one for the laundry area, which is right next to the main bathroom. Everytime I do my laundry, and the water drains out of the washer, it also sucks the water out of the nearest toilet, and the next day or two after the laudnry is done I have a strong gassy sewer smell coming from the drain pipe in the laundry area, (Which is right next to my dining table) It is awful, and I am afraid it might just blow up some day!! We have tried getting on the roof and running water down the drains to free them of any debris, but nothing seems to be working. Does anybody have any ideas as to what to do nextr or what our problem is?
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Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # 228796
Dare to be trendy in this wedge bootie from Steve Madden Luxe! Adorable and feminine, this looks is hot this season!
- Cuffed suede upper
- Up front lacing
- 4" covered wedge
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
By: jumperchic
Location: Minnesota
January 19, 2013
Comfy 4" Wedges
"I own these in black, and I wear them with everything: boot leg jeans, skinny jeans, dresses. They are very comfy for 4" wedges, and are easy to walk in. I always get complements on them. Suede is getting a bit "worn" and faded looking."
By: PinklEmpress
Location: Rhode island
January 02, 2013
"These shoes were great in the store but home they seemed very high. they are comfy if you are great at walking in 4inch heels."
By: JLovesSexyShoes
Location: The Dalles, OR
November 23, 2012
These run very small!
"I love the shoe itself, but these run very small. I normally wear 8.5 for regular shoes and order 9's for tennis shoes and boots. I ordered a 9 in these and could barely get my foot in them, and it was super tight over the bridge of my foot at the base of the laces. Very disappointed. I would order a full size or size and a half bigger, especially if you plan on wearing socks with these."
By: styleoverfashion
Location: Florida
October 08, 2012
Very stylish!
"It is a very cool pair of boots. This is the second time I bought them. First, I chose black color and somehow the seam on the inside of one boot was too thick and it created discomfort when I tried them at home. I had to return them even that I liked them so much. This time the pair seemed a bit stretched/loose. Maybe someone like me tried them before and returned them. Since they are genuine suede, they should normally stretch a bit. Luckily, there was nothing bothering me this time. I can easily wear socks or stockings if it gets really cold here, in Florida. I highly recommend them as the picture does not give them justice. The heel/wedge is high, and that may be the only issue if you do not wear high heels often. I have not walked in them outside, but for now they feel very comfortable."
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Shannon Shay >> See More Cybergirls
Galleries in Full HD!
Galleries in Full HD!
Looking Shannon Shay's long, toned legs will have you reminiscing of Sharon Stone in the 1992 film, Basic Instinct. Miss Shay stands tall at five feet, nine inches –and she loves movies that portray tough and cunning women like Sharon Stone's character in the film. "...
Get this complete pictorial in stunning resolution & HD video! View Full Gallery!


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b.o.c Beale Ballet Flat
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # 266465
Stay comfortable while looking great in this b.o.c. The Beale is perfect for days at the office to dinner with ladies!
- Fabric upper
- Patent leather cap toe and heel cap
- Comfort cushioned insole
- Flexible synthetic sole
- Imported
- View more b.o.c
By: Pinque003
Location: Boston MA
November 06, 2013
Cute flats for work and play!
"Love these shoes! I bought them in black to go both with work outfits and with skinny jeans or leggings for evenings out. Although they are flats they have padding so my feet don't hurt even after wearing them for hours, and they are super cute! I'm a 9.5 and found them to be true to size."
By: Debbie62
Location: WA
July 14, 2013
"I love b.o.c and Born and can usually count on them to fit well and feel good. These shoes were surprisingly uncomfortable and I could tell that no amount of breaking in would make them better. They are going back."
By: Shonix
Location: FlorIda
June 14, 2013
C & C - Cute & Comfy
"Wore them to work today. Very cute and very comfortable. Love the iridescent look of the leather (purchased the navy ones). Great shoe."
By: awestgate27
Location: Plymouth, MA
May 27, 2013
Perfect Black Flat
"Hands down, the most comfortable flats I've bought. I did get some blisters when I first wore them, but after they broke in, they are perfect! I have them in black, and I don't usually like the patent look, but there's just enough that it dresses up an outfit without being too shiny. B.o.c. is definitely a brand that I'm going to keep an eye out for now."
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I wish I had a large house and my old tree. I'd have to pay someone to set it up for me though.
I wish I had a large house and my old tree. I'd have to pay someone to set it up for me though.
Last edited by Merry Christmas Darling; 09-20-2013 at 02:57 PM.
"Hail him who saves you by his grace,
and crown him Lord of all."
when I first joined ATC, you had a large tree and I remember it being one of my favorites. however, I understand how difficult it is to set one up, and if you don't have the income to pay someone to set it up, than what can you do? but, if you do, of course, it might be worth it, if it means that much to you. would your grandkids be able to help decorate it? or would decorating it be too much for you? and I think you do a great job with your little trees; you are very creative and you have great taste. I know your grandchildren helped with at least one of the smaller trees and they all looked great.
it's beautiful but still I think you bring the best of what you have and what you can Happiness is served in small portions
When it seems the magic slipped away...
We find it all again on Christmas Day.
*Seeing isn't believing.Believing is seeing.*
It was beautiful Merry - and I know how you feel. It gets harder and harder to decorate the way I want. It's not so much the decorating - but the moving things around and bring boxes up from the basement. This year I am being more insistant with help from my daughters and husband. I also know that I'm a little too controlling when it comes to the way things are decorated - so I need to work on that as well!
I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
Okay, I've had my whine. Thanks for lettin' me cry on your shoulders. My new desk and sofa have taken up more of my living room and there's no place for a large tree.


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By Adam Ganucheau/NEMS Daily Journal
Lawhon Elementary School student Maury Johnston put her creativity to work and won a national design contest. Maury, 11, entered seven animal drawings into the Garnet Hill catalogue's Slipper Boot Contest, but her snail design was chosen as one of three national winners.
"When I found out I won, I got really excited," Maury said. "I was so excited I wanted to scream, but I couldn't because I was at school."
Each year, Garnet Hill allows children to submit drawings on an application for the national contest. Maury's mother Carley Johnston said that three of her four daughters submitted designs, but Maury took it a little more seriously than the others.
Johnston received an email from Garnet Hill in December informing her that Maury's design was selected as a winner, and Johnston immediately emailed Maury's teacher.
"Her teacher announced it to the class and that was the first time (Maury) had heard about it," Johnston said. "She was so thrilled."
As a reward for winning the contest, Maury received the first pair of snail boots ever manufactured and a $100 gift card to Garnet Hill.
"The boots are really comfortable, and I really love the design," Maury said. "The design really looks like what I drew."
According to an email Johnston received from Garnet Hill, Maury's boots will go on sale at the end of October. They will also be highlighted in the catalogue, on their website and on their social media platforms.


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Ahnu Paris II Sport Flat
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Item # 277506
Sporty and stylish! Get the best of both worlds with the Ahnu Paris II flat. This comfortable skimmer is ready for adventure!
- Mesh upper
- Stretch topline
- Round toe with bumper
- Neutral Positioning System encourages healthy body alignment
- Comfort cushioned insole
- Flexible synthetic sole
- Imported
- View more Women's Ahnu Shoes
By: ESofMD
Location: MD
March 16, 2014
"Disappointed. I merely put on the shoe to walk across the living room to see if they fit, and they pinched my feet across the toes. The material also felt very stiff, so I can't imagine they'd be comfortable for walking. Cute, but will be returning for something more comfortable."
By: Momof4Noodles
Location: Orlando, Florida
February 11, 2014
A ballet fit with a durable shoe
"If you are looking for a feminine but durable all day walking shoe, this is it. You can wear this with a skirt for dressy casual look, or with shorts to the park. The toe box is not as wide as I would like for my wide foot, but it works. The back of the shoe turns in a little which can cause for some rubbing on the back of the ankle. But once broken it, the problem was gone."
By: PattiCS
Location: Wisconsin
January 30, 2014
"Love these shoes and I can't wait to wear them. That is if the snow ever melts!"
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