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Armstrong opposes jail move

Published on December 4th, 2009
Published on Febuary 24th, 2010
Staff ~ The Amherst Daily News
Topics :
Cumberland County , Nova Scotia , OTTAWA

OTTAWA - The province's decision to put on hold the construction of a new provincial jail does not sit well with Nova Scotia's newest MP.

"Premier Dexter's decision to put this on hold after the announced construction in Cumberland by the former government does a disservice to the residents of the County," Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley MP Armstrong said, adding the county has had a provincial jail since the Amherst facility's construction in 1890 and it should continue to have a facility and the jobs that go with it.

"The Provincial NDP government has only been in office since June and already they are taking services out of Cumberland County," said Armstrong, who heard many complaints about the situation from Cumberland County residents during the November by-election. "This provincial jail would employ 70 people and would have a positive economic spin-off for the entire county."

Nova Scotia Justice Minister Ross Landry has used economics as a justification for the decision to build one 100-cell jail between Truro and Antigonish and not two new smaller jails for the province as had been announced by the former government. Armstrong charges that the decision may have more to do with politics than economics.

"It will not be lost upon the constituents of Cumberland County that one of the provincial constituencies located in the proposed new area for construction is that of the justice minister. Regardless of where this facility is eventually built, the fact remains the NDP government made the pledge to honour the previous governments' commitments if elected. This decision violates the spirit of that pledge," said Armstrong.

Comments

  • Username
    Concerned
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:46:12

    Correct me if I'm wrong. But when the jail in Burnside was opened it was double the size of the old Lower Sackville jail. And this was done in order to make up for other jail closures in the province. At that time, the people of NS were told of the cost savings from this move would be significant. However the government soon learned of thier mistake. The Burnside jail has since been riddled with budget over runs, and constant staff increase because of its size. Therefore these savings that they based the decision for closing smaller jails was quickly eaten up and actually cost the taxpayers more.
    Is this government about to make the same mistake?? Just because Landry wants to score political points!!
    How can quadroubling the size and staff of the closing jails save 1.7 million in operating costs?? Something smells here people!!
    Cumberland county! We need to speak up! Yes, a new jail isn't the best economic stimulus. But losing one is most certainly worse!

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  • Username
    d'oh!
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:46:11

    There's a lot to be said for speaking out. At least Armstrong isn't hiding. The voices of the people and their representatives count for a whole lot because it puts pressure on the government to rescind a bad decision and you can bet your a** if enough people stepped up and put pressure on this infant government it would have to step back and reconsider or be seen as short-sighted and uncaring of the people. It would be a huge mistake to ignore the collective voices of the people of an entire region and no amount of spinning and deflecting blame can change that simple reality.

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  • Username
    Confused
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:46:11

    Skabar can't work at the name jail. Don't you have to be creditable to work there!!
    I've been reading Moriarty's comments from a number of articles pertaining to this recent decision. He only seems to comment when Skabar and the NDP are drug through the mud... which leads me to my question. Moriarty, you wouldn't happen to go by the Skabar would you? In a previous article Ken called him out or at least I think it was Ken. And asked for his real name! To which there was no reply??

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  • Username
    Robert
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:46:07

    He hasn't learned what Skabar has? You're pretty much right so far as all Brian can do is obedienty tow the party line no matter what his party does to the area. He should be fighting this tooth and nail. He should be standing up to his party leaders and telling them this is unacceptable for his riding. Instead he sits back and allows it to happen without so much as a whimper...

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  • Username
    Moriarty
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:55

    ..................Ken, thanks for the spelling lesson.

    While we're on the subject of lessons, I wonder why Armstrong, a teacher and principal, doesn't know the difference between provincial and federal jurisdiction.

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  • Username
    D'oh!
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:53

    Moriarty, it may be a provincial issue, but the people it effects are still part of Armstrong's electorate, and how could speaking up for the constituency cost the riding? More likely to lose the riding by not speaking out...

    Is it really a fair trade off to get a Saturn dealership in place of a jail and if so, doesn't that just put us back to square one, nothing gained?

    Good point Confused, how can they claim savings without figuring in the cost of the land!?
    The Springhill proposal already had the land and I'm sure Amherst would've stepped up with some land, too if it meant keeping the jail.

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  • Username
    Confused
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:53

    How can Ross Landry spit out numbers of money saved. When they haven't even done a site selection? Or have they... no... they wouldn't try and deceive us? Would they?

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  • Username
    Moriarty
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:51

    ................You'll notice that I also said this move was cynical.

    It's cynical exactly because Armstrong knows that it appeals to the ignorant and under informed who say *this has nothing to do with jurisdiction*

    If jurisdiction doesn't matter what do we suppose Scott's answer to this question would be:

    *What are you going to do about it??!!*

    He can't do a DARN THING, except call up the Amherst Daly News again to spout off about something that has nothing to do with his job!

    Get to work Armstrong, and stop trying to score political points off of underinformed people.

    Like I said, we're not as stupid as you think, and we'll remember what you think of us in the next election (that's a FEDERAL election Scott, in case you were confused).

    His statement is a red herring, and he better watch it. If he goes to war with the provincial government, Harper's not going to risk his hide to back up a rogue MP who doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut.

    I'm not surprised frankly. Armstrong is a knee-jerk kind of guy. He showed it during the campaign when he got into debates in the mdiea with that fringe candidate Hnaituk.

    He hasn't learned the political lesson that Skabar obviously has...choose your battles carefully.

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  • Username
    Cesar
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:51

    Then Mr. Armstrong do something for the area....You are the BIG MAN ON CAMPUS now. You are the guy with the power... show us what you are made of. It is quite easy for a federal MP to meddle into Provincial affairs but another thing to put up some bucks when it comes to Federal affairs.

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  • Username
    Another 2 Cents
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:48

    One political party is just as bad as the other.

    Vote independent next time people - that way our elected politicians won't have to tow the party line as some put it. They will actually stand up for their constituents.

    Let's behave children...attacking someones spelling in a forum like this is just silly...as is attacking someones character because of their beliefs.

    Agian, I am not an NDP fan, nor a Tory fan like most of you here.

    In case you haven't noticed we are a very poor county, what have the Tories done for us...seriously?

    Like I said in a post the other day, we need some real economic development here...not just government hand me outs which is what they would be doing by building a second jail here. Put the one jial in Truro!

    By the way, I spelt, or is it spelled, jail wrong on purpose!

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  • Username
    Ken
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:48

    Moriarty its spelt S.P.E.A.K. Speak. Not sepak! Once again you have failed. LOL!!

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  • Username
    Moriarty
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:47

    ......................I'm amused that you folks are spending time *investigating* me...makes me smile.

    Wish that I were Brian, I'd come on here and give you a piece of mind if I was, but unlike our friend Mr. Armstrong, Brian's a tactful, respectful and honest person.

    I'm not, in case ya haven't noticed... Think of me as a *truth teller*.

    I'll tell you when you're being stupid, or being treated like you're stupid...and guess what?!

    YOU ARE!!

    Yes I only started coming on here during the election campaign...duh!

    I guess you folks have been voting Tory long enough to believe what they say about our region, because it would never occur to you that someone may want to MOVE HERE!

    So the big scandal is this:

    I love politics, I only ever comment on politics, I'm a New Democrat and I'm new here.

    And why the the H-E double hockey sticks would I (or anyone else for that matter) want to say my real name on here?!

    Online commentary is the modern day version of shouting at the TV News, except that it's anonymous and interactive because the TV shouts back (thanks Confused and Ron ;-) )

    The bottom line is that Scott Armstrong is totally out of line here.

    I intend to write the PM and the Speaker of the House of Commons to voice my concern over his interference in a provincial matter for his personal political gain.

    Get to work Scott!!!

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  • Username
    In the know!
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:47

    Moriarty the difference between provincial and federal politics means nothing in this matter.
    Mr. Armstrong is sticking up for the people he represents. Period!
    Something Skabar has failed or unwilling to do!
    So hats off to Armstrong, who obviously hasn't forgot who voted for him.
    As for Skabar, he might as well move with the jail to Pictou and apply for one of those new jobs. Because his job here is coming to an end!

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  • Username
    Moriarty
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:44

    ..............Who said anything about science??

    Or degrees?

    I just call it like I see it, and what I see on this board is a bunch of sour grapes.

    Hunter and Fage started this little spat over the jail.

    It wasn't even on the NDP's radar until Hunter started flapping his gums about it.

    If Hunter hadn't tried to score political points during the campaign by accusing Fage of *losing* the jail...we wouldn't have this problem.

    Skabar responded to what Hunter had put on the agenda.

    And he did so in a way that was sensible and level headed.

    I'm holding my breath and my judgement on Ross Landry. He better have some pretty darn good reasons for pulling out of Cumberland.

    The kind of *point scoring at all costs* poltics that Scott Armstrong is showing is the same kind that Hunter used (uses).

    People like Armstrong, Hunter and Murray Scott are what is wrong with our province.

    They blame everyone else for the mess they created!!

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  • Username
    Moriarty
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:42

    ........What a cynical and iditotic move by this rookie.


    To Mr. Harper:

    Rein this chucklehead in, before he costs you this seat again.

    To Scott:

    Attempting to start a feud with the provincial government shows how old school your politics is. Sorry, we're not as stupid as you think we are, and with the 16% of the vote you got...you don't have the right to sepak for ANYONE!

    Especially on a PROVINCIAL MATTER!!

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  • Username
    Ron
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:41

    I dont like to personally attack anyone's opinion but Confused read my mind. Seems like Moriarity came out of nowhere when the election began. So it is obvious that Moriarity has some personal interest with respect to the NDP or he wouldn't engage in such political war of words. And Moriarity would be singing a different tune if he was one of the employees who has an established family in this area affected by this. It is all fine and dandy to make decision that will save a few pennies if lucky enough.

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  • Username
    In the know!
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:37

    I spoke with Mr. Skabar about the above issue. And he doesn't know why people are so mad! After all... he's opening a new office in Amherst! What more do you people want?
    Come on down and have some cake at his opening. Its really good! He picked it up on his way home from Pictou!

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  • Username
    haha
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:36

    Moriarty you are a fine and shining example of the what the NDP will be to Nova Scotia. Which is nothing. You are also an example of why political science (like those two words should be used together) is pretty much a worthless degree. Maybe you should be telling Skabar to get to work and make the most of his one term.

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  • Username
    Robert
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:35

    What I want to know is why isn't Skabar openly opposing this as well. Yeah yeah... I know *I tried. It was a done deal. Yadda yadda*. That was his official stance but he should be standing up to the people taking away from his constituants! He should be demanding the NDP party stop this theft of revenue, and jobs, from the people in his riding instead of towing the party line like some sort of lemming.

    So I ask you Brian, as I know your spin doctors read these forums, Why aren't you standing up for your riding? Why aren't you demanding a halt to the blatent theft of jobs and revenue from this area? Is it you're afraid of making your boss mad like Casey did and getting turfed? Remember... having a spine can be risky. Stand up for the people who voted for you. Earn the respect MLA's require. Fight for us Brian instead of simply bending over for the party like in National Lampoon. *Thank you sir may I have another*

    Realistically I know you're not going to reply to this... but seriously... shouldn't you be fighting for us?

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  • Username
    What a joke!!
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:35

    Since when did N.D.P. stand for Non dependable People??
    On a serious note though. I'm sure Skabar is working on something to replace these jobs. I've heard he's working on bringing a Saturn dealership to town!!

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  • Username
    haha
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:28

    While we are on the topic of lessons, why doesn't the NDP know the difference between blowing hot air and actually serving the people....oh wait I'm on the payroll moriary will tell us

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  • Username
    obeau
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:26

    Mr Armstrong has enough on his plate to fill his election promises his first priory should be to fix the sea wall in Advocate and them the problem at the Amherest marsh .If not the populations of the communities in the high ground will be growing

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  • Username
    rather
    - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:21

    Moriarty from Amherst, NS writes to Armstrong Sorry, we're not as stupid as you think we are, and with the 16% of the vote you got...you don't have the right to sepak for ANYONE! - glad someone gave you a spelling lesson, now how about math - Armstrong got 45.8% of the vote, he got 16% of the eligible vote. There is a difference. Oh and by the way the NDP got 9% of the eligible vote. He has every right to sepak for us.

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