Bits and pieces, this and that

I few links and observations on this Monday:

• Just a quick reminder to all those staunch libertarians out there that this weekend is the annual Liberty Summer Seminar in Orono, Ontario. It's a can't miss event. (although I will unfortunately have to miss it due to work commitments) *sigh* Oh yeah, check out Gerry Nicholls' Sun article on the upcoming weekend. Want more specifics? Go here.
• Are we complacent in Canada about productivity? London Chamber of Commerce president Chirag Shah seems to think so. Check out his article from Saturday's London Free Press.
• I know a lot of bloggers (and pundits) in this corner of the planet consider the amount of spending towards healthcare unacceptable. Some on the left think it's unacceptably low and those on the right think it's way too high. All I can say is, with the baby boomers about to retire in large numbers, there is no question that the current rate of annual government spending on health care is just wishful thinking at best, or as the Fraser instititute believes "financially unsustainable".
• Not sure if a bit of Stats Can data pulled by Jack Jedwab is going to change my mind on this contentious citizenship issue. (i.e. Canadians of convenience)
• Glad to see that Quebec's language law (Bill 101) has benefited someone since it's inception. (I know a few that may not be so kind)
• Hey NBers, any thoughts on this guys' accomplishments or legacy? I know that staunch followers of NB politico's blog would have been cheering loudly and proudly on sunday when they unveiled the monument, however, I [myself] have mixed emotions about the whole exercise, especially the talks about his "great" legacy. This is one NBer who believes that any province who loses its best and brightest year after year (I was one for a few years), not to mention, one that is extremely dependent on government --- is definitely not a province that was properly managed, nor is it one that should be boasting about its great leaders. Furthermore, I believe we may not be talking about self-sufficiency in the context that we are talking about it today had it not been for the satist policies implemented by Robichaud's government back in the 60s. Policies that became the status quo for many years to come regardless of the party in power. Unfortunately, that side of the arguement always seems to get overlooked or left out when legacy talks get thrown around.
• My only cabinet speculation (and updated I might add): Sask MP Lynne Yelich will be the only new face.