The Brutal Truth for Occupied Toronto Photo by Dan Walsh

Photo by Dan Walsh

The Brutal Truth for Occupied Toronto

There was a lot going on at St. James Garden here in Toronto. It was one of the sites of the “occupied movement” occurring around the world confronting the economic crisis. In retrospect, it was part of an even larger movement occurring universally that is addressing the issues that are threatening the fundamental well-being of the world, sometimes referred to as “The Shift”.

Having asked a few people if they knew about what was going on and what they thought of Occupied Toronto, the comments heard were not too surprising. One woman expressed fear of the movement because, as she explained, coming from the old country it reminded her of the Russian Revolution and the resultant deaths. There were a few individuals commenting with criticism, stating the movement would not be successful as they could not state their demands, while others expressed feelings of general futility of the situation. There was even expression that the only solution laid within the killing of the one percent.

I admit I was apprehensive about going down to visit the park to find out for myself. Never mind it was only a hop, skip and a jump away to do so. Honestly, I was scared to go, and why not? — it was only last year when the G20 protests turned ugly. The discontent about the governance of our supposed-to-be democratic society and the officials’ blatant arrogance and misuse of spending was vocalized. There was certainly questionable behaviour on both sides with some suspicion of the authorities’ power to usurp. I did not attend then and thought it might put my personal safety at risk if I attended the present protests.

In spite of my fears, though, I was drawn to check out what was going on. I managed to find a friend to come along with me for my initial visit, as well as some subsequent visits.

The first time I went was a week after day one of Occupied Toronto in the dark of the evening for a couple of hours. The following day I would attend mid-afternoon on my own, taking in some discussions. I would come back again two days afterwards with my supportive friend for an opportunity to partake in the noon-time General Assembly and a jaunt and visit to City Hall. The day held many discussions.

I believe I can shed some light and clarity on what was going on and the good work being done at Occupied Toronto and consequently the other municipalities throughout the world. Firstly a small sidestep would be beneficial to share a bit of background on myself and my organization. It should add some serious credibility to this report on the important work of Occupied Toronto.

I am the author of the feisty non-fiction book The Brutal Truth and founder of The Brutal Truth Organization. Both concentrate on the systemic problem of bullying and misuse of power; the premise being whether one is speaking of bullying in the schoolyard, workplace harassment, misuse of power from judges and lawyers, or otherwise, the problem stems from and is perpetuated by the government through social norms and faulty laws. It is in all levels and facets of our society and in economical, political and environmental crevices (arenas).

According to The Brutal Truth, to remedy the situation certain criteria is required:

• Communication must be loud — reach a large audience.
• The problem must be identified correctly — this is difficult due to the complexity of some issues.
• Solutions must help promote and encourage the collective consciousness — energy that is behind the change.
• The social norms and faulty laws that perpetuate the issue must be identified.

The Brutal Truth endeavours to examine individuals’ experiences of abuses as well as individuals and organizations that are addressing the issue of bullying and misuse of power by breaking the silence and illustrating the scope, regardless of the level, and going at the very roots to find a solution. So in keeping with its objectives and comprehending the complex and serious dilemma the world is in, The Brutal Truth would like to shed some light on Occupied Toronto.

As I see it from a number of visits reflected over time, the tent city developed in its physicality as well in its soul. Interestingly St. James Park has a sign foreshadowing these events. The sign is encrypted with “a city within a park”. It is here too you will find the bust of Robert Gourlay (1778–1823), a political reform activist and writer. The land itself and where it is situated all contributed to the ambiance of the movement. Of course the scattering of tents, large and small, for those who chose to be residents were amid the community’s communal tents that were managed by volunteers. They set up kitchen, legal, media, school, medical, sign-shop and sanitation — with its port-a-potties, among others. A diverse group of people made up the population. Some were in full-time attendance while others only part-time. They organized a city with fundamentals that were meant to be more humanistic than our present capitalistic structure.

Recognizing the importance of communication and need (for all) to be heard, Occupied Toronto used an amazing human PA system where announcements were made with the support of others repeating in unison succinctly and clearly. Occupied had a sign language used to aid in this respect. If one had a question about what a person was saying a hand sign “C” for clarity was used. If one was in agreement with the concept being expressed both hands could be raised in the air and fingers waved. The various signs were reviewed prior to general meetings and were on the communication board.

Participants broke off into groups for discussions to develop questionnaires or lists of the principles and characteristics of the movement or other pertinent topics. Opportunity was given for individuals to suggest discussion topics and/or facilitate a group. People were invited to groups and at times groups merged together. Opportunity was given to bring back notes from discussions to share and to find consensus. This latter was not necessarily an easy matter as for the diversity of the group members and the complexity of some problems. It seemed to me that they managed to point out that it was more than just about the one percent having more than (and abusing) the ninety-nine percent. Albeit the global occupied movement initiated from the anger towards corporate greed.

To help guide group discussion it was suggested as useful to think in terms of need for changes to the entire system, or perhaps changes to people acting inappropriately within a working functional system. I contributed that it was not an either/or but rather a combination. There was much emphasis on process and promotion of free-flowing conversation to address the issues as well as the functioning of day-to-day activities of tent city.

During my visits, I participated and witnessed to get a real sense of what was going on. I happened to be there the day a group of Occupied Toronto residents went down to City Hall to observe the city councilors vote on whether they were in support of  the “demonstration” at St. James Park. The vote was 24 yeas to 18 nays, but as it required a two-thirds majority it was not sufficient and would lead the issue to go forward to the executive council where it would likely not be supported by the unenlightened souls.

It would be amiss for me not to mention while during my visits to tent city, although for the majority of my experience I was respected for the contribution I offered, there was  rejection from a couple of individuals. One would not let me have shelter from the rain in a communal area stating it was for kitchen volunteers only — regardless that it was not being used and the group I was conversing with consisted of various volunteers. The other individual was from the media tent and when I enquired as to writing my Occupied Toronto article in the tent among the editors set up there, I was told to go elsewhere (again in the rain).

In spite of being personally rejected and the other flaws and perceived shortcomings of the new organization, significantly positive contributions were made, even though tent city did not remain long in its physicality. The complaints about the smell from the port-a-potties and disorderliness from individuals might have been genuine. It is true that it was not so pretty but the situation at hand was ugly and it did smell but it was not really the occupant’s s–t or their self-medication that was the problem.

Our society prefers denial and hiding the truth of the matter at hand, sweeping it under the rug and having a victim-blaming mentality. This is seen throughout history and is a primary issue that The Brutal Truth addresses. Occupied Toronto was very much about being loud and reaching a large audience, and communicating the very real problem at hand that is threatening the well-being of society. It is a complex problem and solutions are not so easily stated and executed. The organization brought a good number of individuals together to work together to make a greater noise that cannot be silenced — the human mic.

The physical presence of the tent city aided the many people who are visual learners — who need to see to understand.  It provided a platform for people to speak and be heard and listen and reflect and consider and learn and belong. Even if you did not come out and get that which was offered, the opportunity was there and other such opportunities will come along.

The growth in the collective conscience was not limited to tent city nor to Toronto nor to Ontario nor Canada, but globally. The growth is more than the sum of its parts. The shift is happening. There are many waking up. Some may understand only bits of the problem and even less may understand the changes humanity is making and must make. Occupied Toronto may not have provided the full answer to the world’s problem but it certainly brought our world closer, if only in the trying. There is hope. We are moving closer.

There are many individuals and organizations working towards identifying and resolving the “world power” crisis (not referring to gas). Many reference the collective consciousness and state various propagandas and ideologies as facts alongside. Please be mindful that although most share some elements and details, some hold faulty cognitions and unhealthy ramifications within. Please execute caution and critical thinking in your enlightenment.

It is important to understand the problem of bullying; whether it is in the schoolyard, workplace harassment, wife abuse, elder abuse, or otherwise, it is all much the same issue — it stems from and is perpetuated by the government and its legal system through faulty laws and social norms.

It is important to be very loud on the issue, sharing the various individuals’ incidents of misuse of power by the initial perpetrator and then the continued abuse that occurs by society’s bureaucracy. As the founder of the organization, I am interested in hearing from others. I was very pleased to be contacted by a brave, strong woman, Zabia Chamberlain, in order to share information regarding her workplace harassment and the subsequent dealings.

I was provided with incredible bits of details that clearly made evident the absurdity and corruption of the system and bureaucrats involved. How Zabia has been assaulted is quite apparent. And it is obvious just how WRONG the system is.

The details were not merely provided by Zabia but by a number of individuals, some of whom are experts in the field. It is necessary to understand that in order to bring about the very much needed changes it will require the synergy and work of all. It will require good to take a stand against evil. It may not be easy but it must happen and thankfully it is. I express gratitude to those who have worked on Zabia’s case to date and will credit them accordingly further on. In helping one helping many occurs, and indeed the whole of society.

To foster change it is best to write an article prior to the completion of Zabia’s lengthy series of trials. It is hoped to have some positive effect on the outcome for Zabia. Doing such will allow an opportunity for the participants to act with more integrity as a mirror is given to them to see themselves and their actions. The effort is not merely to alleviate damages to Zabia but to society. This is not Zabia’s problem. The effects on society are numerous even to those who do not fall as direct victims to bullying.

There is much to say on Zabia’s ordeal. It is important to understand the workplace harassment she endured.

The initial assaults were committed by her boss, a director general (DG) at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). The assaults Zabia has described as “unstoppable aggressive, physical, and distasteful harassment.”  If you were a fly on the wall you would have witnessed such things as the director general excessively yelling at Zabia, rubbing her, and making unrealistic workload demands. The abuse has been validated as such through documented evidence of intimidation, directly related to Zabia’s case, by executives working in the same workplace as the aggressor as far back as the fall of 2007 and as recently as late 2010. One witness, a former colleague of Zabia’s, testified that she also faced similar workload pressures and verbal bullying and physical aggression from the same director general. One of the testimonies of the abuse that Zabia endured comes from another witness who suffers from a medical condition that made witnessing the abuse unbearable. It was decided by this witness’s manager to relocate her work station to eliminate exposure to the abuse. Unfortunately, as was explained to me, when the witness asked about Zabia, she was told to mind her own business. There are numerous aspects of the events to include.

It would be advantageous to understand that senior management overseeing the director-general had Zabia managing a labour market program budget of over $2 billion during the entire period of the violent abuse.  As well, Zabia had a strong performance history with French-speaking skills and a respectful 20-year career, but really it is not imperative information for nobody has the right to abuse another regardless how much or how little abilities, status, or what-have-you the person possesses. There is no reason to find it acceptable for Zabia to be subjected to sexual, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse. And the perpetrator must cease such behaviour and be held accountable for his criminal acts.

Here is a link to a wonderful documentary about Zabia prepared by Julie Ireton, a CBC reporter who investigates issues in the federal public service. It will help understand further the harassment Zabia has endured and its effects on her:  http://www.cbc.ca/ottawa/features/investigations/2011/05/knowing-when-to-talk.html

The effects of the abuse on Zabia are many. She suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. This can be considered brain damage caused from the assault and is very disabling. Understanding this condition is imperative to understanding the effects of misuse of power. There is information available from the medical field on this, and it is an element on which the Brutal Truth Organization strives to educate. Zabia’s loss of work and finances are extensive issues to consider. The continued and expanded abuse that Zabia is subjected to from others has been caused by this director general. Not only has the abuser not been prosecuted; he has been rewarded within his career, and legislation established for such issues as Zabia’s protection has been blatantly disregarded. It is this element of how the issue is managed that is so much of the problem. Not only does the abuse come from the initial perpetrator but from a mob of others including the very individuals that are supposed to be protecting Zabia’s well-being and rights. The disgusting behaviours are difficult to believe, but I can assure you from my and others’ experiences how disgusting they are. The abuse from these authorities in positions of fiduciary responsibility is akin to a father having an incestuous relationship with a daughter or a priest sodomizing an alter boy.

There is support available for Zabia’s case. Mme Sonia Dufour is directrice-générale of Victimaide (www.victimaide.org, 450-332-7878, or cell: 514-704-5325), the non-profit in Quebec that helps workers who are victims of these types of psychological and sexual harassment in the workplace. “Our budget is not high” she says, “but we do our best to travel to many regions in Quebec helping victims in their mediation meetings and labour tribunal hearings.”  In her experience at the provincial level, Mme Dufour questions, “How can we accept these consequences without doing everything in our power to change legislation?  We need to ensure that all complaints of psychological and sexual harassment are no longer treated by the employer with conflict of interest, where they end up doing all they can to protect their actions, their reputations, and even the harasser.”

“It takes years for victims to recover,” says Mme Dufour. “In my profession, I see the financial consequences, the hypervigilence and psychological trauma suffered by victims. They are disastrous on their lives and their family. As a society, we need to take this matter seriously and find serious solutions.”

Professor Razack, Ph.D at University of Toronto’s OISE Institute, states firmly the seriousness of the matter. She says, “When violence against women is ignored, all women learn that they are not equally valued members of society. Employers understand that it is permissible to discriminate against women workers in all matters, from pay to working conditions. There is a great deal at stake then, when one lone woman, faced with no other option, sees that she must fight back by bringing a complaint against her harassers.”

Zabia also has support from Ontario’s public sector — Sid Dean, manager of environmental and occupational health and safety. Working under the provincial safety legislation, Ms. Dean says, “Regarding the qualification for workplace safety and insurance benefits, it appears that the employer wanted Mrs. Chamberlain [Zabia] to sign a document stating the abuse was perpetrated by a third party to the employer. I cannot understand why such a request would be made. To my knowledge the abuser is an employee of the federal government, a director general. My understanding of the Workplace Safety and Insurance legislation is that a third party is a person who caused the accident (in this case violent gender-abusive acts) and who is not an employee of the employer.”

Ms. Dean expresses her own disappointment with the Treasury Board as an employer. “The province of Ontario has only recently added workplace violence to its Health and Safety Act, while the Canada Labour Code has had this language in that legislation quite some time now. The fact that this workplace abuse (towards Ms. Chamberlain) was acknowledged but not properly addressed leads me to question the meaningfulness of such legislation.”

Indeed, for over 10 years, Canada’s Labour Code has had provisions for the protection of employees against workplace endangerment and violence, and the federal Treasury Board has had clear policies and guidelines in place on senior management’s responsibilities to deal with workplace hazards and harassments.

The abuse Zabia was subjected to by her employer is quite extensive, and, as I have indicated previously, it is unbelievable how repulsively these individuals behave. They employ horrific tactics of intimidation and bullying. It is appalling how physicians’ notes and requests are ignored.

The federal employer has acknowledged repeatedly for three years that Zabia is the victim of aggressive sexually-improper physical, and verbal harassment in the workplace, and yet the Treasury Board and the federal system continue wasting Canadian tax dollars on lengthy judicial proceedings by a very tainted system. The perpetrators are high-salaried individuals who are paid amounts approaching $180,000 to $200,000 (the initial perpetrator falls within this), and some of the very senior executives involved are paid salaries between $300,000 and $350,000; yet they do not pay for the legal costs (again, the taxpayer does) and continue to behave criminally and most repulsively. They have refused to accommodate a safe relocation and reassignment to another department, as directed by law and they issued her a Record of Employment and clawed back her benefits and salary to the previous year. They continue to intimidate Zabia into signing documentation with false statements.

This employer withholds monies and uses other tactics to create a situation of duress and financial ruin. And there is no doubt by me that the entire fiasco is by design to inflict the brain damage that they do.

We need to help Zabia. As we do we will be helping all of society. One of the ways to assist is having these individuals held accountable and endure consequences. The talk should not always be Zabia this and Zabia that but should be stating the perpetrators’ names. The focus needs to be on these bullies (criminals) and on the horrible behaviours. They must not be protected for their crimes. It is not illegal to state these individuals’ names. Do not be fooled into believing otherwise. Their alleged behaviour unfortunately is not being brought to criminal court, which I wholeheartedly believe it should be. Oh, do you understand how tainted the system is!  The evidence of their actions is obvious.

In my opinion it would be appropriate if Zabia’s perpetratrators were dealt with under section 148 of the Canada Labour Code — violation of occupational health and safety provisions can be pursued as indictable criminal offence — this was upheld in a Supreme Court ruling 1970s which pointed to a couple major federal statutes as warranting upholding public good (the federal Canada Labour Code and Environmental Protection Act).

Some official records at the federal labour board were released under the Access to Information Act. The principal names of senior management are all over the official board records.  Some of these are as follows:

Karen Jackson — now an associate deputy minister (ADM); responsible for the aggressor, who inflicted heavy work demands and psychological abuse onto Zabia (name already public in this case)

Frank Fedyk — ADM (retired 2011)

Frank Vermaeten — senior ADM; responsible for giving the aggressor acting ADM pay and responsible for director general who threatened Zabia and the witness in Julie Ireton’s article

Gina Rallis — ADM (did not attend her summons in July 2010) (name already public in this case) responsible for Occupational Health and Safety, anti-harassment policy, compensation, salary and correcting the illegal threat of the third-party declaration.

Peter Seguin — (mobber) executive authorized by DM Janice Charette to phone, email, and threaten Zabia in person and in writing

Stephen Johnson — (mobber) DG authorized by DM Janice Charette and senior ADM Malcolm Brown to write threatening letters; also worked for Frank Vermaeten

Jeff Laviolette — executive at Treasury Board responsible for directions to HRSDC about pay actions, mediation, and accommodation (mobber)

Former Deputy Minister Charette and Senior ADM M. Brown responsible for delegating Executives (Mr. Seguin and Mr. Johnson) to threaten and mob Zabia

Helene Laurendeau — ADM at Treasury Board responsible for Laviolette and Treasury Board lawyers

John Atherton — director general who sometimes receives acting ADM pay; original violent aggressor of Zabia

If we are to have the much needed changes in our society we must confront these individuals and address the entire faulty system. This issue is at the very root of the societal problem — the very one that is indeed threatening the well-being of society itself. There needs to be an understanding of how foul and disgusting what is transpiring is. The perpetrators who are being allowed to flourish within our society must be held accountable. Find out more about the problem of bullying and misuse of power and how you can make a difference and bring about the much needed changes to our society.

(The times have sped up and people’s attention spans have shortened so it is rare to have such a lengthy article. Sometimes though there is great need to slow down and focus on the complexities and the sum of the parts. This article has been broken down into four sections which you are fortunate to have available all at once. Elsewhere this may not be the case. Please rise to the challenge that is truly warranted. The answer is unearthed with bringing it all together.)

Part 1 of 4
The Brutal Truth Organization

The Brutal Truth Organization was established for a number of reasons. Primarily it was to continue the work initiated within my feisty non-fiction book, The Brutal Truth. The work deals with the societal issue of bullying and misuse of power. The subtitle of the book, A personal exposé of the corrupt and abusive Canadian Government and its legal system, illustrates much of what it is about. The book includes my experiences that illustrate so well the systemic problem. Going beyond my experiences, in-depth analysis referencing numerous resources is included. Desiring to make negative positive, the book is very much solution-based.

The organization proposes to implement solutions through various means. Education is well at the top of the list. It is imperative to identify the problem accurately and to understand bullying; whether that be bullying in the schoolyard, workplace harassment, misuse of power by judges or lawyers or otherwise (and that is a very big otherwise), it is all basically the same problem, stemming from, and perpetuated by, the government and its legal system, through faulty laws and social norms.

The victim-blaming mentality and the lack of access to a fair and reasonable system are just a couple of aspects of this complex issue, which shows itself on all levels and facets of society. In simple terms the problem lies with the organizations and authorities whose mandate is to help, but they are not providing assistance; rather they are a hindrance, maintaining their own power, well-being and status quo. Education is a fundamental aspect, but the goal is to implement real changes to the entire system and give proper attention to the individuals who have been victimized by the unjust system.

Real solution requires a top-down approach. As with the question, which came first, the chicken or the egg? the order of operation can be difficult to determine, and thus could be considered all encompassing. For the Brutal Truth Organization to achieve its goals to help individuals and to change the corrupt system, it will need to do many things on many levels simultaneously.

As challenging as this is for many reasons, it is far from beyond hope. There is a universal shift occurring that addresses social justice. There are many individuals and organizations popping up and being very loud, and very active. There is incredible synergy happening.
I have had several individuals contact me in search of assistance. They are in search of a remedy to their specific problems but also to the greater problems they have discovered that underlie the root of their personal situations.

There are many things to consider when addressing the problems and delving into the solutions. One wishes not to further damage the injured victims. They have suffered enough. Often, though, recovery is not without pain. Often the journey is long and hard. Each case is different but I have noticed a particular prevalent sentiment that there is a strong desire for each story to be heard to prevent it happening to another — to help the well-being of society. Indeed it is through the telling of individuals’ stories collectively that we can identify correctly and then address appropriately the systemic problem of bullying and misuse of power.

Part 2 of 4
Jane and Janet Doe

The brutal truth for Jane and Janet Doe is certainly worth sharing. It will help illustrate the problem, orchestrate accountability and transform the system. It is also the intention of this article to find some real and concrete resolve for Jane and Janet.

I initially became aware by way of a voice message. It was a female voice enquiring if I was the same Marilyn Garshowitz who had written The Brutal Truth and if I had received an email regarding Jane and Janet Doe from a particular gentlemen. The message included all the necessary contact information for this man. I had not but was now able to contact this man and enquire.

I had a very pleasant telephone conversation with this older senior. He explained his fatherly like friendship with Jane and his endeavours to assist with Jane and her daughter’s situation. Greater societal concerns were also discussed. Afterwards he sent an email.

It included a brief introduction and the original email sent awhile back. The introduction included details that it had been sent to various media outlets, political personnel, women’s shelters, etc., with one local TV station picking up the story, but it basically went nowhere. He expressed gratitude for my interest and assistance offered, as well as best wishes for my worthy endeavour. His sentiments of desire for changes to our present society where the victims are not cared for were expressed. He also voiced his concern for Jane and Janet’s situation where proper correction had not been made.

The original email commenced with questioning the true face of the Alberta government with its concern regarding domestic violence and abuse (including system abuse) and led into asking for help for this mother and daughter who would be called Jane and Janet Doe. He included details of the government’s pretense of assisting, such as a list of government contacts approached for assistance.

Jane and Janet were survivors of many forms of abuse, including severe life-threatening domestic violence followed by system abuse by the government. The severity of the situation dictated that both mother and daughter required unpublished secure name changes. This was difficult and took years to achieve. Rebuilding a new life after serious abuse can not be minimized, and to do so under this security program necessitates leaving all past friends and family — more losses for the victims. There was no justice executed for their ordeal.

Jane and Janet did persevere and managed to create a new life under this protection act only to have their laborious efforts thwarted when two government employees publicized their highly confidential name changes in the Alberta Gazette. This placed the woman and girl in harm’s way.

The original email refers to the two employees as careless and negligent, but I find those adjectives unlikely to be correct. Having personally experienced the brutal corruption of the system, it is not difficult for me to believe that Jane and Janet were victims of a malicious act.

I mean, really, I am having a difficult time understanding how such an error could have occurred. One must consider the possibility that it was a deliberate act. Let me explain some important details provided by this gentleman to have me say such a thing. The information revealed in the Alberta Gazette revealed both their old names and new identities.

This is highly shocking for there was a direct order from the Alberta courts that the Vital Statistics office was to follow for the protection and safety of this family. The order was two pages in length and was described as uncomplicated. The two individuals who carry out the unpublished secure name changes do this on a regular basis and have done so for a number of years. The procedure and protocol was nothing new to them. So it really is unlikely to have just been careless or negligent. Truly, though, regardless if it was only negligence, the severity of the error and the resulting negative ramifications require restorative measures to be taken.

Looking at the actions, or rather more accurately in some aspects, what was not done, illustrates too well the continued abuse by the government. It is not by accident either. It is by design.

The Alberta government wrote an official letter of apology and removed the electronic version from the Internet, although it remains in the archives and the printed version also remains. This leaves opportunity for the perpetrator(s) to find and kill this family.

This is not sufficient action for what has occurred. The inactions, that followed can easily be seen as more abuse, if not also criminal. They have left the family in limbo by not resolving the issues the family has approached the government to resolve. The government speaks of having discussions and a settlement but do not follow through. It has been more than 17 months. The government plays a disgusting game to tire the already worn family so they will not be held accountable. I cannot stress enough how despicable a tactic this is and how it is so by design.

Part 3 of 4
Futile Quest for Government Assistance

In an attempt to resolve Jane and Janet Doe’s personal issues and to ensure governmental policies are extensively reviewed and changed so that it does not happen again, the family has gone to various governmental departments for the help that is supposed to be available.

The people and departments they have contacted include (as stated from the email I was sent):

AB Government Officials contacted during the past 17 months
• Kelly Hillier, Director Vital Statistics
• Rae Runge, Executive Director, Alberta Land Titles (Kelly Hillier cc’d him on one of her emails)
• The Honourable Ed Stelmach, Premier of Alberta
• Honourable Frank Oberle, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety
• Minister Heather Klimchuk, Service Alberta
• Alison Redford, Justice Minister
• Janet Skinner, Assistant Deputy Minister
• Les Speakman, Executive Director Land Titles/surveys Personal Property Registry (present with Janet Skinner, Jane and Janet Doe in a one-time face-to-face meeting in March 2010)
Canadian Official contacted
• The Right Honourable Michealle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M. C.D. Governor General of Canada (was sent prior to her leaving office. Six follow-up calls were made by the daughter to her office and no one responded either by phone or letter)
Recent Alberta Government officials contacted:
• Alberta Privacy Commissioner’s Office. A complaint was sent to the Privacy Commissioner and a response letter came back to the family on December 2, 2010 and postmarked December 3, 2010 stating that: “As the FOIP Act does not apply, I would have no jurisdiction to investigate your complaints…. However, even if I had jurisdiction to investigate this matter, I can only confirm that a disclosure occurred and required that Service Alberta stop disclosing your personal information…”
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. No response has been received to date from this department even though a copy of the letter sent to the Privacy Commissioner was also sent to them. A follow-up phone call was made by the mother to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and to date there has been no response.
They (family) were informed through an advocate that a “Settlement Offer” would be issued by the Alberta Government on August 31, 2010. This offer never came. To date, nothing is settled. Furthermore, no concrete negotiations have been received by the Government.

This list of those contacted and some brief summaries is imperative to include but alone does not adequately capture its significance. Further analysis is required.

A couple more lines within the email I received are also necessary for clearer understanding. These lines express that the family has tried everything they were advised to do by federal and provincial MPs and MLAs, including the official opposition, with nothing being achieved by these people — most did not care and left them in danger.

The email concludes with mentioning there are other ugly details that the mother and daughter are prepared to discuss in a private and confidential manner as to not publicly jeopardize their safety. It also expresses that it is with regret they have decided to go public as all other avenues have failed them.

Part 4 of 4
The Need for Accountability

The Canadian government is corrupt and abusive. I have experienced this first-hand as well as compiled other’s stories of injustices with the system. I don’t doubt that there are other very ugly details to Jane and Janet’s situation. Enough details have been given for me to understand. I do contact the family via their contact person to give comfort and reassurance that I can write something that proposes to lead to some resolution for them.

You see the conclusion that Jane arrived at — that there is no other avenue to go but to go public — is more accurate than the family may realize. Her feelings of regret, frustration and such are not uncommon for the position she is in. She is trying to be reasonable and follow the rules as she has been conditioned to do. She is trying to do the right thing; however she is being led on a deceptive path by her abusers with a pretense of assistance.

The authorities have taught her to be quiet and not tell. There are extensive details to this element of silence, such as feelings of shame, fear and pain, that need to be examined. Society has created an anti-snitch mentality. Society seemingly does not recognize abuse as the crime that it is but finds telling of abuse to be the crime.

The problem lies with the authorities being unreasonable and unfair to their very core. Jane is seeking help from the abusers. The laws do not apply to those in positions of authority. Supposed to though.

In Jane and Janet’s situation the authorities do not address the problem appropriately. They do not correct their error adequately. They do not settle. Instead of being responsible and caring for them as they are supposed to by law, they inflict more damage against Jane and her daughter. A large number of individuals, all who are part of the authority, collectively stoop her. They direct her to another saying this one will assist, wasting her limited resources of time, energy and money.

They are all doing a song and dance. No, the authorities won’t act reasonably with Jane and Janet as they are just too easy and vulnerable prey. For various reasons this family’s members are not considered significant — or human beings for that matter. The authorities are abusing their power as they are of the arrogant mindset of “what can we do about it?”

For Jane and Janet to get a lawyer to take the corrupted authorities to task is still much the same game being played. The problem with bringing a lawyer into the picture to rightly represent them is that the lawyers are not accessible for fair representation. Often lawyers are not affordable. In some cases the “rules” have been set up to disallow for lawyers but have allowances for another “authority”— again an authority figure whom is not truly set up for the care of the individual. And if one can manage to find an affordable lawyer with integrity, the lawyer may be fearful of retribution by the higher authorities in the courts. There are threats to them of being disbarred and/or other unethical tactics used. The lawyers are often limited by faulty, archaic laws and process disallowing for justice. The legal organization is truly big business and is for making money and maintaining their power and status and is without integrity and conscience as is the sociopath.

In lieu of Jane and Janet getting a lawyer, it would be even more appropriate to have charges laid by police and have these unscrupulous authorities hauled away and thrown in jail. This too is a difficult task for a multitude of reasons, from the social norm of not to question authority to actually finding police officers and departments that want to and are able to execute such. The system is so very broken.

So there is a basic problem of having those in authority being held accountable. For all the variations of details possible, it seems to be consistent that this lack of integrity, responsibility and accountability is really what it is all about.

It is so appropriate to have Jane and Janet Doe with unidentifiable names in this article for truly the problem is not theirs alone. It could be any of us that finds oneself in similar situation of being bullied and mistreated by the government. The focus needs to be on the bullies maintaining the problem, not the victims in our society.

It is for this that it is so important to include the list of individuals that were contacted. (See Part 3) It is about accountability after all! Many on this list are given the title of honourable and yet often there is little behaviour that elicits such respect. They represent themselves as having jobs to do particular work, and though they take the money they do not do what they have been hired for. They are frauds — a bunch of swindlers and much worse — if not by their own actions or inactions, certainly by their association.

The list of ministers and such contacted by Jane and Janet may seem to have not really done much bad. Indeed one stated that he does not have jurisdiction but even if he did he could only say to them to stop. He is simply stating his inability to assist. Why then has Jane been directed to go there by MPs and such? It is one of many tactics to subdue the victim and not be held accountable, and, as bullies often do, they inflict mental anguish knowing that it may push the victim to suicide.

The authorities are guilty of some serious and heinous crimes. They create laws to give them carte blanche so as not to be held responsible — albeit there are laws disallowing for such to happen. And there are many paid to keep these abusers safe and held from accountability for their crimes. Yes, it is that sick. And though there are some authorities sympathetic to bringing about the much-needed changes, they are going to need great assistance to make it happen.

There may be the viewpoint that there should be some compassion felt for these persons in positions of authority for if they were to suffer consequences such as being ousted from their jobs, or humiliation for being found out for crimes, it would destroy their careers, livelihoods and family lives. There is particularly more emphasis of concern for them if they are parents, for what about the negative effects on their children and who would financially care for these children? They may be even be having some personal challenges with health or loved ones or such. They might even be being abused themselves by someone at home or elsewhere. I don’t know these individual authorities listed — whether they have families or not or anything much for that matter, but I am aware of at least one from one of the offices on this list of contacts that could have been considered bullied by the Prime Minister of Canada.

There is a lack of reason for these individuals to act with good conscience and integrity.

I will speak up and provide some good reasons — some incredible motivation for them to change — to step up to the problem that is threatening the well-being of mankind. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

There needs to be pressure on them to act decently. Those who are supposed to be there for such do not. Rather there is a pretense that they are honourable, when really there is a system to protect them and allow them to be disgusting and dishonourable. The authority’s behaviour is akin to a father having incestuous relations with his daughter as well as akin to the priest that sodomizes the choirboy.

Our authorities are very much the problem and need to be held accountable. I am not alone in desiring this. There are many and more are joining exponentially. Our world is in crisis due to the problem of bullying and misuse of power. People are dying — even the children are dying and not just by being pushed to suicide. The crimes go deeper than this. There is evidence supporting that authorities are responsible and quite directly involved in the atrocities of child abuse, the world sex trade and genocide, among vast other crimes.

We need to communicate and educate on this subject extensively and make ways for change. If we focus on the intention of having a fair and equitable system, the means will become clear. The steps to take will show themselves.

There needs to be some pressure as the people of Egypt put on their president that sent him running. As the Egyptians pursue him to have him held accountable, Canadians too must have their officials and authorities within society be held accountable.

Jane and Janet stepped up with their story and their persistence to help educate and motivate to bring about change. Let us all get loud and persistent and committed to the necessary changes required. We must address both the micro and macro levels of bullying and misuse of power. Let us find some real solutions for Jane and Janet and others. Let us address the corrupt and abusive Canadian government and its legal system.

It is critical to understand The Brutal Truth’s premise – that whether one is talking of bullying in the school yard, via workplace harassment or by the misuse of power by judges or lawyers, or other wise, it is all much the same thing, stemming from and perpetuated by the government and its legal system through its faulty laws and social norms.

If there are going to be real solutions found and to bring about the much needed changes, the problem must be identified at the root of the entire problem and addressed at that level.

If you can see how the young child being bullied in the school yard by a number of classmates excessively and the handling of the situation is the same as a worker being harassed in the workplace and the handling of the situation as the same as the misuse of power in the legal system with the judges and the lawyers and the other positions of authority and the handling of the situation, one can see them as the same problem.

The way the issue is handled is the problem. There is a societal concept to be quiet about it – not to snitch or to just take it – “ignore it”

Ignoring the problem does not make it stop or go away indeed the problem becomes worse. The adverse affects both psychological and physical can not just be taken….nor should it. Letting the authorities deal with it possibly could work if the authorities would do things to rectify the problem. They however contribute to the problem. Often the authority disregards the complaint and/or they often hold the victim-blaming mentality whether they are conscious of this factor not. They focus on the victim – that the victim is responsible for the act of violence put upon them…for being weaker if nothing else. The authority blames the victim believing there is no problem if there is no complaint. If action is taken it is subjected towards the victim’s actions.

For example in the school yard the young child being victimized stays in from recess. In the workplace the victim of workplace harassment is expected to leave the job and their livelihood. Or often the authorities take no action until the point of time where the victim snaps from the abuse and then they want to charge and focus on the victim’s “unacceptable” and dangerous/threatening behaviour.

There is not adequate focus on the bully indeed the system promotes the bully personality and sacrifices the good. The bully is authorized to be such in so many ways.

Edmund Burke, a famous English philosopher warned society “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.” He was warning of the misuse of power from government both in exceeding proper limits and in not being responsible for that which they should.

The work done within The Brutal Truth both the book and the organization is very much solution-based and the question is posed on the front cover – “Do you want to be part of the solution? It addresses the systemic problem of bullying by educating on truths, one of these brutal truths being that the bully is authorized to be such by the authorized bully.

There is a shift happening. The good men and women are recognizing the systemic problem and how the authorized bully maintains the element of evil within society. They are recognizing the dangers in these actions of misuse of power.

The Brutal Truth is the voice and action of one to help give voice and action of many. This empowerment will exponentially grow and strengthen the awakening to the new era of human consciousness. .

Get educated and get involved.

This awakening is a shift in how society functions. This shift is borne from necessity and some kind of natural develop, a part of human evolution. You may recall the era of hunter and gatherer, and the agricultural era and the industrial revolution…there are several others that the experts name but for the purposes herein we need only understand that this new time is upon us.

There is an understanding that the world is in crisis and is on a path of self destruct. There are environmental issues where the skies and seas are polluted and the world’s wildlife is becoming extinct. Mankind too is in jeopardy. And not merely from these and other environmental issues! The error of man’s ways runs deep. The errors show up in all facets and levels of society. The economical structure illustrates and embeds the problem. The social justice issues are a bound.

I could list off a myriad of countries’ names and their issues. I do in my book and elsewhere and will continue to use examples of real life occurrences, and on the many levels the problems exist. I have come to the conclusion that regardless of the country, race, gender, etc., there is really simply a common thread among all the occurrences and that is it is all an issue of bullying and misuse of power.

I believe it is imperative to understand fully the issue of bullying and misuse of power and then to address it at the very roots of the problem. I am committed to this work and have written a feisty non-fiction book The Brutal Truth and have founded the organization of the same name to continue the work initiated within the book. The subtitle A personal expose of the corrupt and abusive Canadian Government and its legal system illustrates a good part of what my work entails. However although there is great emphasis on the Canadian government and its system I cannot overstate the importance of the work for the entire world. The work I do is of interest to all nations and to all people.

I suspect that the subtitle may come as quite a surprise to some for many people think Canada is so great and above the issues that I speak. Indeed Canada is sought out by many people as a place of refuge from countries that violate human rights so horrifically. I dare say Canada has quite a façade to its true identity although there certainly are things to be proud about Canada and being Canadian just as there are for other countries and their citizens. In fact there is the multiculturalism ideology within Canada that is “a celebration of/and respect for differences”. Quite frankly I like different colours and flavours. It really should not be too surprising to find that I am a founding writer of the new Canadian Multicultural Journal. This Toronto-based community paper has a significant focus on pertinent issues and shares its roots with Hawarya (pronounced how are ya) with its origins as an Ethiopian community-based paper for the Greater Toronto Area.

Although I confront Canada on its shortcomings and stress for accountability and address to the abuse of power, I do also find that Canada to be the very likely place to do what needs to be done to help affect change not just within Canada but for the world. I believe Canada having its leadership held accountable and honourable is most warranted and conducive to helping other countries to get their leadership in check (or out as the case may be). Truly some great work can be achieved here. The solutions start with identifying the problem correctly, not sweeping it under the rug and denying it.

I dare say my personal experiences that I share, with full transparency, within The Brutal Truth illustrates just how disgusting the Canadian Government and its legal system is. It is such by design. The behaviour is likened to gang rape and is legal fraud. The problem of bullying and misuse of power is perpetuated by the government and its legal system through its faulty laws and social norms. The problem needs to be addressed at this level.

This is what I do.

The Brutal Truth includes my personal experiences and the post traumatic stress disorder (brain damage) caused by the offenders. Going beyond my story it includes others stories as well. It delves into analysis of the phenomenon and then explores solutions with great focus on the significance of the synergy of all. The work identifies the complex problem by looking at the micro and macro and reflecting back and forth. Whether one is speaking of bullying whether it be in the schoolyard, via workplace harassment or the misuse of power from judges or lawyers, or otherwise, it is all much the same thing and how the issue is dealt with is the problem. There is a need to be very loud and to being heard.

Making my negative life positive I go forward to help with the awakening. I need your help to help….where ever you are or whoever you are I welcome your support. I am looking for others stories for my second book as well as funding/sponsorship. Please visit www.thebrutaltruth.ca to find out more and to see how you might get involved.
The shift is happening! Be strong. You can make a difference.

This is a very famous quote so much so it does not demand citation. However, I should like to say that it was Edmund Burke, an English philosopher who originated this quote that now has various ways of being expressed. It signifies the warning of the encroachment of government and warns that government does not do enough.

How apropos to initiate dialogue on the issue of the systemic problem of bullying and misuse of power with mention to it!

The quote certainly speaks to the evil that envelops the issue. Serving as a warning begets the dangerousness of the situation. That the warning was both for the encroachment of government and that government does not do enough acknowledges both the government’s misuse of power by exceeding its proper limits, as well as not being responsible and doing what it should.

How very appropriate to use this quote for introduction of The Brutal Truth, a very feisty non-fiction book dealing with the misuse of power and bullying issue. The subtitle A personal exposé of the corrupt and abusive Canadian Government and its legal system gives good warning and indication to what the book is about.

As the subtitle implies the book includes the author’s personal experiences from childhood and adulthood with much focus on workplace harassment issues. There is reference to the author’s positions as a financial advisor and licensed financial advisor assistant and particular focus on events as a correctional officer for young offenders. There are elements of conspiracy, faulty investigation, and terribly underhanded dealings with incompetent and corrupt lawyers and judges and their unethical legal system. Underlying these events is the battle to recover from the compounded post traumatic stress disorder –the brain damage- the authorities caused. The government authorities are easily seen as the bully that they are.

It also includes extensive analysis of the systemic problem.

The work is very much solution-based and poses the question on the front cover – “Do you want to be part of the solution?” The Brutal Truth addresses solutions.

Whether one is speaking about the bully in the school yard, the bully involved in the workplace harassment, or the bully judge or the bully lawyer; they are all bullies. The situation is much the same.

It is really most important to understand that whether one is talking of bullying among children in the school yard, among adults via workplace harassment or by the misuse of power by judges or lawyers, or other wise, it is all much the same thing, stemming from and perpetuated by the government and its legal system with its faulty laws and social norms.

If we are going to find the solutions and bring about change we must identify the problem at the root of the entire problem and address it at that level.

There are some obvious differences of course between the kinds of abuses that occur such as age, the extent of violence, and the degree of variance of power between the victim and the perpetrator.

There are however many aspects that are consistent among the issues. If you can see how the young child being bullied in the school yard by a number of classmates excessively and the handling of the situation is the same as a worker being harassed in the workplace and the handling of the situation, as the same as the misuse of power in the legal system with the judges and the lawyers and the other positions of authority and the handling of the situation, one can see them as the same problem.

The way the issue is handled is the problem. There is a societal concept to be quiet about it – not to snitch or to just take it – “ignore it” or sympathize with the abuser. The problem is not putting focus on the bully but on the victim and having the victim-blaming mentality. This ideology is nurtured by the bully authority whether they are aware of it or not. The government is the bully that perpetuates the problem with its faulty laws and social norms

Misuse of power and bullying is a complex and compound issue and is threatening the well-being of society and requires serious address.

So good men and good women I ask you, “Do you do nothing and let evil prevail?”

It does not need to be like this, indeed it cannot. Life cannot sustain itself on the path it is on. Get involved. You make a difference.

His article is certainly worth reading and will be copied to this site for your convenience to read.

It is amazing being a part of this great synergy towards this shift that must and is happening to eradicate the issues of bullying and misuse of power.

Have an awesome week!
Marilyn

Some of the personal experiences I share are done so with such transparency that you may feel exposed and quite vulnerable yourself. The crazy making events of my life from both childhood and adult experiences with much focus on workplace scenarios may enable you to relate just a bit too much.

The included elements of conspiracy, faulty investigation, and terribly underhanded dealings with incompetent and corrupt lawyers and judges and their unethical legal system may enrage you. Underlying these events is my battle to deal with and recover from the compounded post traumatic stress disorder –the brain damage- the authorities caused. There are many brutal truths shared during the battle for sanity.

There are the brutal truths of how nasty or irresponsible individuals behaved told throughout. It is the voice at times filled with rage from enduring such mistreatment and violation that too is so brutal. Truths, sometimes are really not easy to hear. The Brutal Truth addresses suicidal and homicidal ideation as well as the hard facts of others who have carried out the deeds.

It is critical to understand The Brutal Truth’s premise and this premise is a tough concept to grip with. The premise is – that whether one is talking of bullying in the school yard, via workplace harassment or by the misuse of power by judges or lawyers, or other wise, it is all much the same thing, stemming from and perpetuated the government and its legal system through its faulty laws and social norms.

If there are going to be real solutions found and if we are to bring about changes to the problem we must identify it at the root of the entire problem and address it at that level. We must look at the truth and not be in denial no matter how brutal the truth.

The Brutal Truth is a voice of one being found not only for her but for all of society. It takes and makes negative positive. The wisdom pulled together with the extensive research delved into, becomes a remarkable educational tool.

The Brutal Truth is a passionate call to action and is very much solution-based. It identifies faulty laws and social norms. It educates, motivates, inspires and synergizes society towards a healthier more equitable society. The answer rests in being loud…finding voice and being very loud.

Anyone may be a victim to a bully or be subjected to misuse of power.  You may have experienced it directly or indirectly.  Perhaps you may have been bullied in school when you were young or have a child that is being bullied now.  Perhaps you may be being harassed at work taunted and put down negatively affecting your self-confidence and health. Perhaps you have experienced the misuse of power within the legal system where lawyers did not do the work required to represent you. You may have found yourself unable to afford the lawyers fees that extend over unreasonable length of time or find they disregard critical details and negotiate is poor faith.  You may have experienced a judge disregard information and conduct himself/herself without integrity and make unreasonable findings.  Perhaps you have issues with regards to taxes and find the authorities you need to discuss the errors with use intimidation techniques to allow for proper resolve.    There are many ways you may have been affected with this issue.  Some, you may be aware of, and others you may not be aware of.

I admit it can be quite a challenge to speak of the subject of bullying and misuse of power.

As a victim of bullying and having been subjected to misuse of power it may be very uncomfortable and embarrassing to raise the problem to the authorities but the issue goes far beyond this.  It is a challenge to speak of the subject in general.

• First people often don’t want to talk about such a disturbing subject. It is harsh and upsetting.  People would rather be laughing and having fun.  Details include such things as suicide and homicide. Many are not comfortable discussing terribly disturbing topics such as children as young as 7 killing themselves.  Rape, elder abuse, domestic abuse, and sex abuse from parents and clergy fall within the topic of misuse of power and are avoided topics.

• Secondly, often people don’t want to rock the boat.  They may be fearful of some sort of consequence or retaliation. They may want to be perceived as good in the eyes of the in-charge person. They want to belong.

• Thirdly and similar to this is that society has conditioned and taught not to question authority. That it is human condition and nothing can be done about the problem and one just has to accept it.  There are those in power and if they choose to misuse their power that is their right.  “it is whatever I say it is” attitude regardless if it is right or wrong.

• Another reason people may not want to address the issue may be because it is beneficial to maintain the present arrangement.  This could include that they wish to maintain the status quo to protect their position of power.

• There are other reasons this subject is difficult to discuss.  Not the least being as how complex and compounded this issue is.

Understanding these challenges is key to finding the solutions to the problem of bullying.

If you want to deal with the issue of young children killing themselves or adults for that matter one will need to understand the systemic problem.   One needs to understand the micro and the macro….and all the facets and levels of the problem.  It includes the economical, environmental and political arenas.  The problem shows itself up everywhere.

Yes, it may not be easy to address the issue but it is imperative that we do.  Become part of the solution get involved with The Brutal Truth.

Pardon my tardiness for the next blog entry. June held many challenges for me and July called for some sort of down time for me to re-energize. The heat wave we have been experiencing also contributed to my dullness of how to take this whole thing forward. In truth it was not the heat itself. I love it, what a glorious summer!!!… but the humidity has been zapping me. Perhaps you have been feeling it too?

There are many aspects to bring forward about bullying and misuse of power. However it is challenging to speak of such a harsh subject and the strong affiliated emotions. It is a fight that I have undertaken none-the-less. I am not always aggressive but my work might have you thinking so – pending when you happen to meet me. Such as this is, I believe, it is really important to have you know a bit more about me.

Sharing some other “softer” experiences in my life may be appropriate. I hope it will help you to become more comfortable with me as well. It will also prove as a buffer to recoup from all the other difficult material and also give an opportunity to digest it.

Today I will share with you about my passion for being on the water or in or around the water for that matter. There is something magnificent about it. One of the treats I give myself is a trip to the Toronto Harbour to take a sail on the tall ship Kajama. I try to do it at least three times a summer. Sailing on a tall ship is particularly special. Perhaps this is in part due to the childhood memory of being sponsored by the Toronto Women’s Sailing Club and Big Sisters for a 10 or 12 day training adventure on Pathfinder. I had been living in the group home system. What a lovely gift that was given to me….so much more than a trip!

It is likely then that I developed an incredible sense of strength – to be called upon when needed. It is special to have the wind blow in the sails and the motion of the waves below carrying one forward. It is uncanny to be so still and yet moving so swiftly. It is relaxing and exhilarating all at once. And I must say there usually is an amazing connection to be had with another human being when on board.

It was just recently that one of these special connections occurred. I had visited the Kajama on July 4, 2010 when many tall ships were in the Toronto Harbour for show. To my delight there was an enthusiastic 5 year old boy on board. He was quite brilliant in his knowledge of the ships, their names and descriptive features. And although his bright mind was alluring his lovely and generous disposition was more than inspirational – it was soul saving. During these two hours this young child would invite me to come explore the bow of the ship with him and his mother, and he would offer me his booklet to read the details about the tall ships. He shared his joy, his excitement and laughter. He shared himself and the incredible being that he is. With kindness and compassion, he shared himself with another human being. What a thoughtful, considerate boy! How he sees me?! And what a lovely and positive difference he has made to this world.

In many ways – there is hope for the future.