The credit card processing company used by Globespan, the collapsed airline, has been ordered to disclose its financial position in a £35 million legal dispute over flight payments.

A High Court judge gave E-Clear, which also provided payment services to the failed XL Airlines, until midday on Friday to provide evidence of how much money it is holding relating to Globespan.

Globespan, a Scottish carrier, collapsed in December leaving about 4,000 holidaymakers stranded across Europe and Africa. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was appointed administrator.

E-Clear, run by Elias Elia, the chief executive, acts as a middleman between credit card companies and airlines.

The dispute arose because PwC has accused E-Clear of withholding money that E-Clear took from Globespan customers without passing it on to the airline.

E-Clear has argued that it is entitled to keep the money because it is obliged to pay refunds on Globespan flights that were paid for but never taken. It is common for payment-processing middlemen to withhold more money than usual if a client is in financial difficulty.

PwC says E-Clear has consistently refused to provide details of how much it holds or transfer the disputed sums into an escrow account until the matter is resolved.

At today’s hearing, lawyers for PwC asked the High Court to place E-Clear into administration as a means of forcing it to disclose its accounts.

Mr Justice Floyd accepted E-Clear’s request to adjourn the case until next week, but imposed the Friday deadline, saying that the payments company “appears to be putting off the evil day”.

Ian Oakley-Smith, joint administrator of Globespan at PwC, said: “We are satisfied that the judge recognised our concerns and has put in place a process that will clarify the E-Clear position in a very short time.”

E-Clear did not return calls seeking comment.

Mr Elia told Scotland on Sunday that Globespan was a “victim of the recession”, adding that E-Clear had also “suffered” from the loss of an “important client”.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has received a complaint relating to the matter, but has not launched an investigation.

posted by Tanya Hutchens read more HERE

“Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
“Today we have gathered here to exchange views about the world, its future and our common responsibilities towards it. It is evident that the future of the world is intertwined with its current state and the prevailing trends ,which exhibit signs of hope and despair.

“On the one hand certain hopes and opportunities exist, and this august Assembly is convened on such hopes. Today human thought reflects outstanding commonalities which provide appropriate grounds to build upon. With the passing of the era of agnostic philosophies, today humanity is once again joined in celebrating monotheism and belief in the Creator as the originator of existence. This is the common thread which binds us all.

“Faith will prove to be the solution to many of today’s problems.

The Truth will shine the light of faith and ethics on the life of human beings and prevent them from aggression, coercion and injustice and will guide them towards care and compassion for fellow beings.

“Another hope is the common global appreciation of the sources of knowledge. Although reason, experience and science are among valuable sources of knowledge, the darkness of the Middle Ages deprived major portions of the Western world of appreciating. This reactionary tendency deprived many of access to various scientific findings and knowledge and led to the exclusion of other sources of knowledge namely God and knowledge based on revelation from the life of human beings in the West; Divine knowledge that was carried and disseminated by such prophets as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad (peace be upon them).

“Today, agnostic thinking is on the decline and presently humanity is equally enamored with religion knowledge and spirituality. This is an auspicious beginning. Divine prophets teach us about proper regard for the exalted state of human beings on earth.

“The human being is blessed with dignity, most importantly manifested in being the viceroy of the Almighty on earth. The Almighty placed humans on earth to develop it, institutionalize justice, overcome their egoistic tendencies and praise no lord but the Almighty.

“Faith and good deeds can bring deliverance and the good life even in this world. Attaining this depends on human will, that is the will of each and every one of us. We must heed the call of our common primordial nature and achieve the realization of this good life.

“On the other hand, the prevalence of military domination, increasing poverty, the growing gap between rich and poor countries, violence as a means to solve crises, spread of terrorism, specially state terrorism, existence and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the pervasive lack of honesty in interstate relations, and disregard for the equal rights of peoples and nations in international relations constitute some of the challenges and threats.

“Although these challenges are very real, we believe we are not predestined to experience them. Our common will not only can change this course but in fact can lead us to a life filled with hope and prosperity. Divine revelation teaches us that “The Almighty changes the fate of no people unless they themselves show a will for change” (Holy Quran, 13:11).

“How can we influence the future of the world? When and how will peace, tranquility and well-being for all come about? These are the fundamental questions before us.

“We believe that a sustainable order, nurturing and flourishing peace and tranquility, can only be realized on the two pillars of justice and spirituality. The more human society departs from justice and spirituality, the greater insecurity it will face, so much so that a relatively small crisis, such as a natural disaster, leads to various abnormalities and inhuman behavior.

“Unfortunately, the world is rife with discrimination and poverty.

Discrimination produces hatred, war and terrorism. They all share the common root of lack of spirituality coupled with injustice. Justice is about equal rights, the correct distribution of resources in the territories of different states, the equality of all before the law and respect for international agreements.

“Justice recognizes the right of every one to tranquility, peace and a dignified life. Justice rejects intimidation and double standards. As the eminent daughter of the Prophet of Islam has said, “justice brings tranquility and harmony to our hearts.”
“Today, the world is longing for the establishment of such justice. If humanity heeds the call of its primordial nature with firm resolve, justice will emerge. This is what the Almighty has promised and all people of good will from all religions are waiting for. If the prevailing discourse of global relations becomes one of justice and spirituality, then durable peace will be guaranteed.

“Conversely, if international relations are defined without justice and spirituality and void of moral considerations, then the mechanisms for promoting confidence and peace will remain insufficient and ineffective.

“If some, relying on their superior military and economic might, attempt to expand their rights and privileges, they will be performing a great disservice to the cause of peace and in fact will fuel the arms race and spread insecurity, fear and deception. If global trends continue to serve the interests of small influential groups, even the interests of the citizens of powerful countries will be jeopardized, as was seen in the recent crises and the even natural disaster such as the recent tragic hurricane.

“Today, my nation calls on other nations and governments to “move forward to a durable tranquility and peace based on justice and spirituality.”
“Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is born out of a movement, based on the pure primordial nature of a people who rose up to regain their dignity esteem and human rights. The Islamic Revolution toppled a regime, which had been put in place through a coup, and supported by those who claim to be advocates of democracy and human rights, thwarted the aspirations of the nation for development and progress for 25 years through intimidation and torture of the populace and submission and subservience to outsiders.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is the manifestation of true democracy in the region. The discourse of the Iranian nation is focused on respect for the rights of human beings and a quest for tranquillity, peace, justice and development for all through monotheism.

“For 8 years, Saddam’s regime imposed a massive war of aggression and occupation on my people. It employed the most heinous weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons against Iranians and Iraqis alike. Who, in fact, armed Saddam with these weapons? What was the reaction of those who now claim to fight against WMDs regarding the use of chemical weapons back then? The world is witness to the fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran, because of its humanitarian principles, even during the most testing of times and when it was sustaining the highest number of casualties, never allowed itself to use such weapons.

“Thousands of nuclear warheads that are stockpiled in various locations coupled with programs to further develop these inhuman weapons have created a new atmosphere of repression and the rule of the machines of war, threatening the international community and even the citizens of the countries that possess them.

“Ironically, those who have actually used nuclear weapons, continue to produce, stockpile and extensively test such weapons, have used depleted uranium bombs and bullets against tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, Kuwaitis, and even their own soldiers and those of their allies, afflicting them with incurable diseases, blatantly violate their obligations under the NPT, have refrained from signing the CTBT and have armed the Zionist occupation regime with WMDs, are not only refusing to remedy their past deeds, but in clear breech of the NPT, are trying to prevent other countries from acquiring the technology to produce peaceful nuclear energy.

“All these problems emanate from the fact that justice and spirituality are missing in the way powerful governments conduct their affairs with other nations.

“After September 11, a particular radical group was accused of terrorist activities — although it was never explained how such huge intelligence gathering and security organizations failed to prevent such an extensive and well planned operation.

“Why powers that, not so long ago, were supporting the activities of such groups in Afghanistan and thus portraying themselves as supporters of human rights and the Afghan people have over night turned into their most fierce critic?
“Are we to believe that their benefactors ,i.e. the very same hegemonic powers have lost control?
“If the answer is yes, would it not be better for those powers to adopt an honest and transparent approach to the international community, provide precise information about the main elements and their arms and financial support system, and accept responsibility for their inhuman actions against nations and countries, and thereby assist peoples and nations to correctly, wisely and sincerely fight the roots of terrorism.

“We must endeavor to achieve sustainable tranquility and peace based on justice and spirituality.

“Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
“Terrorism and WMDs are two major threats before the international community. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as one of the main victims of terrorism and chemical weapons, fully appreciates the difficulties that lie ahead in the road to combat these menaces.

“Today, the most serious challenge is that the culprits are arrogating to themselves the role of the prosecutor. Even more dangerous is that certain parties relying on their power and wealth try to impose a climate of intimidation and injustice over the world make bullying, while through their huge media resources portray themselves as defenders of freedom, democracy and human rights.

“People around the world are fully aware of what is happening in the occupied Palestine. Women and children are being murdered and adolescents taken prisoner. Houses are being demolished and farms burnt down. Yet, when the people of Palestine resist these conditions, they are accused of terrorism. At the same time, the occupier, which does not abide by any principles and terror is part of its pronounced and routine policy enjoys the support of the previously mentioned governments. Let me be blunter. State terrorism is being supported by those who claim to fight terrorism.

“How can one talk about human rights and at the same time blatantly deny many the inalienable right to have access to science and technology with applications in medicine, industry and energy and through force and intimidation hinder their progress and development? “Can nations be deprived of scientific and technological progress through the threat of use of force and based on mere allegations of possibility of military diversion? We believe that all countries and nations are entitled to technological and scientific advancement in all fields, particularly the peaceful technology to produce nuclear fuel. Such access cannot be restricted to a few, depriving most nations and by establishing economic monopolies, use them as an instrument to expand their domination.

“We have gathered here to defend human rights in accordance with Charter of UN and prevent certain powers from claiming that “some countries have more rights “or that” some countries do not have the right to enjoy their legitimate rights”.

“We must not, at the beginning of the 21st century, revert to the logic of the dark ages and once again try to deny societies access to scientific and technological advances.

“Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
“The UN must be the symbol of democracy and the equal rights of nations. If we talk about the equal rights of nations in political forums, we must talk of the same concept in this forum as well.

“Similarly, if we talk about the right of sovereignty, then all nations must be allowed to exercise their rights on an equal footing and in a democratic process.

“The UN can be the standard bearer of democracy in the world, when it, itself, is a manifestation of democratic process. I reiterate that durable tranquility and peace can only be built on justice and spirituality.

“Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is a symbol of true democracy. All officials including the Leader, President, members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, city and village councils are elected through the vote of the citizens. The Islamic Republic of Iran has held 27 national elections in 27 years. This showcases a vibrant and dynamic society in which people widely participate in the political life.

“Because of its key importance and influence in the important and strategic Middle East region, the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to contribute actively to the promotion of peace and stability in the region.

“Saddam, Taliban regimes were both the products of foreign powers.

The people of Afghanistan and Iraq know very well who supported these two regimes.

“Today, to establish peace and security in the region, foreign occupation forces must leave and completely hand over the political and economic sovereignty of these two countries to their peoples. “The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to provide full and comprehensive support to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan and their elected governments, and will actively help them in the establishment of order and security. My country will continue and expand its sincere cooperation and interaction with them.

“In Palestine, a durable peace will be possible through justice, an end to discrimination and the occupation of Palestinian land, the return of all Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

“Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
“Today, more than ever, nations need constructive, positive and honest cooperation and interaction in order to enjoy a dignified, tranquil and peaceful life based on justice and spirituality. Let us enter into a collective covenant to realize this legitimate aspiration of our nations.

“Here, I would like to briefly talk about the approach and initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the nuclear issue.

Nuclear weapons and their proliferation, and attempts to impose an apartheid regime on access to peaceful nuclear energy, are two major threats, challenging international tranquility and peace.

“Keeping in mind that in past years no serious efforts complimented by practical mechanisms — have been made to move towards full disarmament and more specifically implement the decisions and outcomes of the NPT Review Conferences of 1995 and 2000, I suggest that the General Assembly, as the most inclusive UN organ, mandate an ad-hoc committee to compile and submit a comprehensive report on possible practical mechanisms and strategies for complete disarmament.

“This Committee should also be asked to investigate as to how contrary to the NPT — material, technology and equipment for nuclear weapons were transferred to the Zionist regime, and to propose practical measures for the establishment of a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East.

“Some powerful states practice a discriminatory approach against access of NPT members to material, equipment, and peaceful nuclear technology, and by doing so, intend to impose a nuclear apartheid.

“We are concerned that once certain powerful states completely control nuclear energy resources and technology, they will deny access to and thus deepen the divide between powerful countries and the rest of the international community. When that happens, we will be divided into light and dark countries.

“Regrettably, in the past 30 years, no effective measure has been implemented to facilitate the exercise of the legally recognized right of NPT state-parties to have access to and use peaceful nuclear energy in accordance with article IV. Therefore, the General Assembly should ask the IAEA in accordance with article 2 of its Statute to report on violations by specific countries that have hindered the implementation of the above article and also produce practical strategies for its renewed implementation.

“What needs our particular attention is the fact that peaceful use of nuclear energy without possession of nuclear fuel cycle is an empty proposition. Nuclear power plants can indeed lead to total dependence of countries and peoples if they need to rely for their fuel on coercive powers, who do not refrain from any measure in furtherance of their interests. No popularly elected and responsible government can consider such a situation in the interest of its people. The history of dependence on oil in oil rich countries under domination is an experiment that no independent country is willing to repeat.

“Those hegemonic powers, who consider scientific and technological progress of independent and free nations as a challenge to their monopoly on these important instruments of power and who do not want to see such achievements in other countries, have misrepresented Iran’s healthy and fully safeguarded technological endeavors in the nuclear field as pursuit of nuclear weapons. This is nothing but a propaganda ploy. The Islamic Republic of Iran is presenting in good faith its proposal for constructive interaction and a just dialogue.

“However, if some try to impose their will on the Iranian people through resort to a language of force and threat with Iran, we will reconsider our entire approach to the nuclear issue.

“Allow me, as the elected President of the Iranian people, to outline the other main elements of my country’s initiative regarding the nuclear issue:
“1. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its previously and repeatedly declared position that in accordance with our religious principles, pursuit of nuclear weapons is prohibited.

“2. The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that it is necessary to revitalize the NPT and create the above-mentioned ad-hoc committee so that it can combat nuclear weapons and abolish the apartheid in peaceful nuclear technology.

“3. Technically, the fuel cycle of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not different from that of other countries which have peaceful nuclear technology.

“Therefore, as a further confidence building measure and in order to provide the greatest degree of transparency, the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to engage in serious partnership with private and public sectors of other countries in the implementation of uranium enrichment program in Iran. This represents the most far reaching step, outside all requirements of the NPT, being proposed by Iran as a further confidence building measure.

“4. In keeping with Iran’s inalienable right to have access to a nuclear fuel cycle, continued interaction and technical and legal cooperation with the IAEA will be the centerpiece of our nuclear policy.

“Initiation and continuation of negotiations with other countries will be carried out in the context of Iran’s interaction with the Agency.

“With this in mind, I have directed the relevant Iranian officials to compile the legal and technical details of Iran’s nuclear approach, based on the following considerations:
“4.1. International precedence tells us that nuclear fuel- delivery contracts are unreliable and no legally binding international document or instrument exists to guarantee the delivery of nuclear fuel.

“On many occasions such bilateral contracts stopped altogether for political reasons. Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in its pursuit of peaceful nuclear technology, considers it within its legitimate rights to receive objective guarantees for uranium enrichment in the nuclear fuel cycle.

“4.2. In its negotiations with the EU3 ,Iran has tried in earnest to prove the solid and rightful foundations of its nuclear activity in the context of the NPT, and to establish mutual trust. The selection of our negotiating partners and the continuation of negotiations with the EU3 will be commensurate with the requirements of our cooperation with the Agency regarding non-diversion of the process of uranium enrichment to non-peaceful purposes in the framework of the provisions of the NPT. In this context, several proposals have been presented which can be considered in the context of negotiations. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates the positive contribution of South Africa and H.E. President Mbeki personally in the resolution of the nuclear issue and cognizant of South Africa’s active role in the IAEA Board of Governors would welcome its active participation in the negotiations.

“4.3. The discriminatory approaches regarding the NPT that focuses on the obligations of state-parties and disregards their rights under the Treaty should be discontinued.

“As the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I assure you that my country will use everything in its power to contribute to global tranquility and peace based on the two maxims of spirituality and justice as well as the equal rights of all peoples and nations.

My country will interact and cooperate constructively with the international community to face the challenges before us.

“Dear Friends and Colleagues,
“From the beginning of time, humanity has longed for the day when justice, peace, equality and compassion envelop the world. All of us can contribute to the establishment of such a world. When that day comes, the ultimate promise of all Divine religions will be fulfilled with the emergence of a perfect human being who is heir to all prophets and pious men. He will lead the world to justice and absolute peace.

“O mighty Lord, I pray to you to hasten the emergence of your last repository, the promised one, that perfect and pure human.

Posted be Tanya Hutchens

This is scary stuff.

Public Health Statement
for
Automotive Gasoline

This Public Health Statement is the summary chapter from the Toxicological Profile for automotive gasoline. It is one in a series of Public Health Statements about hazardous substances and their health effects. A shorter version, the ToxFAQs™, is also available. This information is important because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present. For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737.

This statement was prepared to give you information about gasoline and to emphasize the human health effects that may result from exposure to it.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified 1,397 sites on its National Priorities List (NPL).  Gasoline has been found in at least 23 of these sites.  However, we do not know how many of the 1,397 NPL sites have been evaluated for gasoline.  As EPA evaluates more sites, the number of sites at which gasoline is found may change.  This information is important for you to know because gasoline may cause harmful health effects and because these sites are potential or actual sources of human exposure to gasoline.

When a chemical is released from a large area, such as an industrial plant, or from a container, such as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment as a chemical emission.  This emission, which is also called a release, may lead to exposure.  You can be exposed to a chemical only when you come into contact with the chemical.  You may be exposed to it in the environment by breathing, eating, or drinking substances containing the chemical or from skin contact with it.

If you are exposed to a hazardous chemical such as gasoline, several factors will determine whether harmful health effects will occur and what the type and severity of those health effects will be.  These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), the route or pathway by which you are exposed (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), the other chemicals to which you are exposed, and your individual characteristics such as age, sex, nutritional status, family traits, lifestyle, and state of health.

1.1 What is gasoline?

Gasoline is a complex manufactured mixture that does not exist naturally in the environment.  However, for the most part, chemicals that are in gasoline are generally present in several physical states (gaseous, liquid, or others) in human settlements.  Gasoline is produced from petroleum in the refining process.  The gasoline discussed in this profile is automotive gasoline used as a fuel for engines in automobiles and other vehicles.  Aviation gasoline and other types of fuels, such as diesel and jet fuels, fuel oils, and products that result when gasoline is burned, are not discussed in this profile.  The ATSDR toxicological profiles on jet fuels, Otto Fuels II, and fuel oils have further information on other types of fuels.

Typically, gasoline contains more than 150 chemicals including small amounts of benzene, toluene, xylene, and sometimes lead.  How the gasoline is made determines which chemicals are present in the gasoline mixture and how much of each is present.  The actual composition varies with the source of the crude petroleum, the manufacturer, and the time of year.  Gasoline is a colorless, pale brown, or pink liquid.  Gasoline is very flammable; it catches on fire quite easily, evaporates quickly, and forms explosive mixtures with air.  Most people can begin to smell gasoline at 0.25 parts of gasoline per million parts of air (ppm).  Gasoline may be present in the air, groundwater, and soil.  Gasoline does not dissolve readily in water.  However, some of the chemicals that make up gasoline can dissolve easily in water.

1.2 What happens to gasoline when it enters the environment?

Gasoline is a mixture of many different chemicals.  Small amounts of these chemicals evaporate into the air when you fill the gas tank in your car or when gasoline is accidentally spilled onto surfaces and soils or into surface waters.  Other chemicals in gasoline dissolve in water after spills to surface waters or underground storage tank leaks into the groundwater.  The movement of individual chemicals in gasoline is influenced by physical and chemical properties, such as how easily they dissolve in water, how quickly they evaporate, and whether they stick to soil.  In surface releases, most chemicals in gasoline will probably evaporate; others may dissolve in and be carried away by water; a few will probably stick to soil.  The chemicals that evaporate are broken down by sunlight and other chemicals in the air; the completion of this process may take from hours to weeks.  The chemicals that dissolve in water also break down quickly by natural processes.  Most chemicals in gasoline do not build up to high levels in plants or animals.

1.3 How might I be exposed to gasoline?

The most likely way that you might be exposed to gasoline is by breathing its vapors at a service station when you are filling your car’s fuel tank.  If an attendant fills your car’s fuel tank, you may still be exposed to vapors, but not as much as when you fill it yourself.  If the hose from the gas tank leaks or you overfill your tank, you may be exposed to more gasoline vapors or some gasoline may spill on your skin.  If you work at a service station, you will be exposed to more gasoline and its vapors than someone who just fills the car up occasionally.  Air levels as high as 99 ppm were measured at one gas station during filling of a car’s tank with gasoline.  When you use equipment that runs on gasoline (for example, a lawn mower), you may be exposed to gasoline or its vapors when you fill the gas tank (especially when the engine is hot) or operate the machine.

You may also be exposed to gasoline if you use or drink contaminated water.  However, most of the chemicals in gasoline are usually removed by purification processes before the water enters drinking water supplies.  Gasoline can seep into groundwater from leaking underground pipelines or storage tanks.  There is no information on how much gasoline may be in groundwater after a leak, but in some instances gasoline has been found floating on top of groundwater that is used to supply drinking water to homes.  According to one estimate, as many as 75,000–100,000 underground storage tanks leak millions of gallons of gasoline into groundwater each year.  Some of the chemicals making up the gasoline mix with the water; you would be exposed to these chemicals when you drink the water, bathe or shower with it, or otherwise use it.

Another way you might be exposed to gasoline or its vapors is by being close to a spot where gasoline has spilled or leaked into the soil.  Information on the amount of gasoline that has seeped into the soil from spills, storage tanks, or pipelines is not available.

Certain workers have a greater risk of exposure to gasoline vapors.  These include service station attendants, drivers of gasoline tank trucks, workers at bulk loading terminals and marine loading docks, workers who remove and service underground storage tanks and gasoline pipelines, workers who find and clean up gasoline spills and leaks, and refinery workers.  If you have any of these jobs, you are probably exposed to small amounts of gasoline vapors every day you work.  If you work at a job using gasoline-powered equipment or vehicles, you may be exposed to gasoline and its vapors.

1.4 How can gasoline enter and leave my body?

Gasoline can easily enter your body when you breathe in air or drink water that is contaminated with gasoline.  No information is available on how much gasoline enters your body when it gets on your skin.  When products like gasoline get on your skin, however, they enter your body more slowly than when they are taken into your mouth.  Some of the chemicals in gasoline, such as benzene, are expected to penetrate the skin more easily than some of the other chemicals in gasoline.  Most of the gasoline that you breathe in or swallow is breathed out unchanged, but some of it can enter your blood rapidly.  Gasoline in your blood travels throughout your body.  When the chemicals in gasoline reach your liver, they are changed into several different chemical substances.  Most of these new substances travel in your blood until they reach your kidneys and then leave your body in urine.  However, some of the new substances formed in the liver do not leave your body as rapidly.

1.5 How can gasoline affect my health?

Many of the harmful effects seen after exposure to gasoline are due to the individual chemicals in the gasoline mixture, such as benzene and lead in very small amounts.  Inhaling or swallowing large amounts of gasoline can cause death.  The levels of gasoline that killed people are about 10,000–20,000 ppm when breathed in and about 12 ounces when swallowed.  High concentrations of gasoline are irritating to the lungs when breathed in and irritating to the lining of the stomach when swallowed.  Gasoline is also a skin irritant.  Breathing in high levels of gasoline for short periods of time or swallowing large amounts of gasoline may also cause harmful effects on the nervous system.  These effects become more serious as the amount of gasoline breathed in or swallowed increases.  Less serious nervous system effects include dizziness and headaches, while more serious effects include coma and the inability to breathe.  Effects on the nervous system have also occurred in people exposed to gasoline vapors for long periods of time, either in their jobs or because they intentionally sniff gasoline for its ability to cause hallucinations.  Harmful effects on the lungs can occur when a person swallows large amounts of gasoline because the gasoline in the stomach can enter the lungs during vomiting.

Some laboratory animals that breathed high concentrations of unleaded gasoline vapors continuously for 2 years developed liver and kidney tumors.  However, there is no evidence that exposure to gasoline causes cancer in humans.  There is not enough information available to determine if gasoline causes birth defects or affects reproduction.

1.6 Is there a medical test to determine whether I have been exposed to gasoline?

There are laboratory tests that can determine if you have been exposed to gasoline.  However, these tests are not generally available in your doctor’s office.  The tests involve measuring elevated blood or urine levels of lead (as an indication of exposure to leaded gasoline only), benzene, or other substances that may result from exposure to gasoline or other sources.  These methods are sensitive enough to measure background levels and levels when health effects may occur.  If you have these substances in your body, however, they may be there as the result of exposure from sources other than gasoline.  Nevertheless, these tests are useful if exposure to gasoline is suspected.

1.7 What recommendations has the federal government made to protect human health?

The government has developed regulations and guidelines for gasoline.  EPA has established many regulations to control air pollution.  These are designed to protect the public from the possible harmful health effects of gasoline.  To protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a legal limit of 300 ppm for workroom air.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates levels of gasoline in the workplace.  The maximum  amount of gasoline allowed in workroom air during an 8-hour workday of a 40-hour workweek is 900 milligrams of gasoline vapor per cubic meter of air (mg/m³), or 300 ppm.  However, this level is not intended to be used as a standard for pollutants outside the workplace.

1.8 Where can I get more information?

If you have any more questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or environmental quality department or:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333

The FCA decision in the case, Blood Tribe Department of Health v. Privacy Commissioner of Canada and Annette J. Soup, to vacate the Commissioner’s order for production of records, stands.

In this decision, the SCC upheld the right of clients and lawyers to solicitor-client privilege which means that clients are assured that information shared to their lawyers is, and will always remain, confidential.

The SCC noted in its decision that: “solicitor-client privilege is fundamental to the proper functioning of the legal system. Without that assurance, access to justice and the quality of justice in this country would be severely compromised. It is in the public interest that the free flow of legal advice be encouraged.”

“Client confidence is the underlying basis for the solicitor-client privilege, and infringement must be assessed through the eyes of the client,” the SCC report stated.

The SCC noted that: “The Commissioner is an officer of Parliament vested with administrative functions of great importance, but she does not, for the purpose of reviewing solicitor-client confidences, occupy the same position of independence and authority as a court.”

Chronology of Events:

The case began in spring 2002 when Ms. Soup’s employment was terminated by the Blood Tribe (a southern Alberta First Nations). At the time of her dismissal, the Blood Tribe sought and obtained written legal advice regarding Ms. Soup’s employment.

Following her dismissal, Ms. Soup made a request under the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act for copies of all of her personal information held by the Blood Tribe. The Blood Tribe complied with this request except for the legal advice it received from its solicitors.

The Privacy Commissioner demanded copies of the material to verify the claim to solicitor-client privilege but the Blood Tribe refused to waive the privilege. Subsequently the Privacy Commissioner issued an order under PIPEDA to produce the documents.

In November 2003, the Blood Tribe brought an application in Federal Court for a judicial review of the production order. The application was denied in March 2005.

The Blood Tribe’s solicitors requested that the Law Society of Alberta intervene in its appeal. The Blood Tribe appealed to the Federal Court of Appeal where the LSA was granted intervener status.

In October 2006, the appeal was granted and the production order quashed. In quashing the Commissioner’s order, the Federal Court of Appeal recognized the presumptively inviolate nature of the solicitor-client privilege and held that PIPEDA did not contain any language allowing the Commissioner to violate that privilege.

The Court agreed with the LSA’s arguments that the provisions of PIPEDA may allow information obtained by the Commissioner, including solicitor-client privileged information, to make its way into the hands of public law enforcement officers which would undermine the confidence and candour of Canadians when dealing with their lawyers.

The Court also agreed with the LSA that only an actual superior court could inspect the actual documents to rule on whether solicitor-client privilege has been properly claimed.

The Privacy Commissioner sought leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

The LSA engaged the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) which became one of four interveners at the SCC level. Other interveners were the: Canadian Bar Association, Attorney General of Canada, and the Advocates Society.

A copy of the decision is posted on www.lawsociety.ab.ca

After a four-year peak in construction during 2008, says Tanya Hutchens, and amid the current economic and financial uncertainty, the New Home Market in the Ottawa CMA will slow down during 2009. Inventory of unsold homes has remained at a level substantially below the average for the last 20 years, thus precluding the need for sharp corrections. Nonetheless, lower employment growth and a slower but still more price competitive resale market will also translate into less spillover demand into the New Home Market. Total new starts are expected to reach 5,375 new units by the end of the year, down 23.2 per cent from 2008, Economic Forecasts before recovering in 2010 as the economy stabilizes.
The current forecast is conservative and calls for cautious optimism. The residential construction industry in the Queen City remains in good health and will therefore exhibit a normal cyclical downward adjustment. This will bring the pace of new starts during 2009 and 2010 to more moderate and sustainable levels, consistent with both economic fundamentals and demographic needs.

Single-Detached Starts Will Adjust the Most

The recent strong demand for new single-detached homes will experience the sharpest slowdown during 2009, as households in Ottawa substitute in favour of more affordable, higher-density dwellings. Increased caution among first-time homebuyers, a negative wealth effect caused by equity losses among babyboomers, and reduced affordability for more expensive dwellings will constitute the major factors leading to weakness in demand during 2009 and 2010.
Construction levels of single-family homes during the past two years have clearly outpaced long term demographic fundamentals. As a result, single-detached starts will reach a more moderate 2,125 new units in 2009, down 28.1 per cent from 2008. Accordingly, the growth in the average price for a new singledetached home is expected to slow down to a mild but still positive 0.5 per cent in 2009, reaching $411,000.

Suburban Townhomes Will Remain Popular Among First-Time Buyers

As the share of single-detached starts is set to fall short of 40 per cent of total activity for the second time since the early 1980’s, the speed of construction will decelerate in the popular suburban neighborhoods that depend heavily on low-density homes. Townhome construction, in turn, will become an increasingly popular substitute, especially among first-time buyers.
The appeal of a suburban lifestyle and the recent improvement in homeownership affordability will sustain a robust demand for townhome dwellings. Accordingly, a total of 1,700 new townhomes will be built in 2009, down 20.7 per cent from last year but still well above historical levels. While single-detached starts will show yet another modest decline in 2010, substitution in housing demand will lead townhome construction to rebound at the fastest pace among all property types.

Urban Apartment Construction Will Lead the Way in 2009

A growing pool of young professionals and fast-retiring baby-boomers are being confronted with a new and challenging economic reality. As well, the unprecedented volatility in the price of oil and growing concerns about environmental sustainability have indelibly changed people’s perception toward long commutes. These factors will sustain a buoyant demand for more affordable new apartments during 2009 and 2010, especially condominium units closer to Ottawa’s urban core.
Given the current economic uncertainty, and coming off from a six-year peak in 2008, the outlook for new construction of apartment units remains optimistic. By the end of 2009, new apartment starts will reach a total of 1,350 units, down 19.9 per cent from last year but still well above the historical average. Next year will bring in a healthy rebound of new apartment units.

As part of larger townhouse developments,Trico Homes has built 10 two- and three-bedroom affordable townhouse condominiums. Six are in the Town of Cochrane, 20 minutes northwest of Calgary; four in Okotoks, 18 km (11 mi.) south of Calgary.
The starting price of the townhouses in the development is $308,000. All of the units, including the 10 that are made affordable through the Trico/Norfolk Attainable Home Ownership Program, are of similar size and have the same amenities.There is no difference in quality or appearance in the unit. Occupancy begins in Fall, 2008.

To make 10 of the units more affordable, Trico Homes donates five per cent of the sale price to the Norfolk Housing Association, a non-profit, affordable housing organization that operates rental properties for market and subsidized tenants. The Association in turn lends this money to the 10 purchasers who qualify for one of the attainable homes. For the purposes of securing financing, this assistance brings the price of the 10 affordable units down to about $306,000 from $308,000.

Norfolk selects applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Household size must match the unit on offer and household income must be below the target amount but high enough to qualify for a conventional first mortgage for the remainder of the price of the house. The loan is interest-free for five years, and then has an interest rate of five per cent a year. Repayment does not have to be made until the house is sold. Once the loan is repaid to the Norfolk Housing Association, the funds are used to improve the affordability of other new units in future developments. A great example for us all, says Tanya Hutchens.

CMHC recognizes the assistance from Trico Homes as an eligible source of downpayment. CMHC also recognized the ongoing subsidy assistance from Trico in the calculation of the monthly payments. Trico Homes is also giving each purchaser a $200 a month mortgage subsidy for five years.The combined mortgage subsidy and interest-free loans brings down the qualifying income for a mortgage by $15,000.

Households with an annual income between $65,000 and $85,000 qualify for the attainable homes.To take advantage of the program, purchasers must attend a “New Home Owner” session to learn about household repairs and maintenance, budgeting household expenses and the legal responsibilities of condominium ownership.

The 10 attainable homes are part of two larger condominium developments with a total of 171 units, and are well integrated into the surrounding community, thus avoiding NIMBY-ism.Trico hopes this model of promoting affordability will attract other champions in the future so that the program can be expanded to other communities and extended to reach even lower household income levels.

Trico has a long history of community charitable involvement and sees this initiative as a way to contribute to affordable housing.Trico hopes that other private-sector developers will follow its lead, and contribute funds to the expansion of this program to facilitate homeownership opportunities for a great number of low to moderate income Canadians.

1)The Community Youth Network offers services aimed at creating educational, employment and community-building opportunities for youth at risk of poverty.

2)Daybreak, which runs its Downtown Family Resource Centre, which supports young families facing health and housing risks.

3)The Youth and Family Services division of the provincial Department of Health and Community Services runs three programs geared towards the empowerment of at-risk youth.

Capital and operating funding comes from:

• Service Canada/Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC)- $1.69 million in capital funding under the NHI.
• CMHC and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation- $162,000 under the Shelter Enhancement Program; CMHC provided an interest-free Proposal Development Funding loan to help cover the costs of architectural services.
• Natural Resources Canada-$14,000 for computer modelling; the resulting design changes generate annual energy savings of $7,000.
• Operating funding-Eastern Health; the provincial Departments of Health and Community Services, and Human Resources, Labour and Employment.

A house works in much the same way. On the outside, underneath the brick or siding, a combination of sheathing, sheathing paper, sealants and weatherstripping does the same thing for your house that a nylon jacket does for you — it stops the wind from blowing in. Next, the insulation acts like your sweater, keeping the heat in to keep your house warm on even the coldest winter nights.

If you’re not sure whether your home is adequately insulated, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a number of telltale signs you can look for. In the winter, some common signs that you could have an insulation problem include:

• Walls or floors that are cold to the touch;
• High heating costs;
• Uneven temperatures within the house; and
• Mold growing on the walls.

Even a relatively well insulated house can have some of the symptoms above because of air leakage. Sealing air leaks will help any insulation work better, and also help to prevent moisture problems caused by condensation in the structure.

All insulation products sold in Canada are labelled with R-values and their metric equivalent, RSI-values; the higher the R- or RSI-value, the more effective the insulation. Provincial building codes specify minimum R (or RSI) values for new construction, with different values for different applications. If you’re planning to build a new home, find out what your local building code requires.

If your home is poorly insulated, it usually pays to upgrade the insulation. Your local climate can also have an impact on the cost-effectiveness. Keep in mind that installation costs (including changes to the framing, cladding and finishes) are usually the most expensive part. So if you’re building a new home, it makes sense to insulate well now so you won’t need to add more later.

The bottom line is that the right insulation system can save you money. It can also reduce the amount of energy you use and makes your home more comfortable. Check the cost, advantages and disadvantages of all available options. Review all details to ensure that air leakage is minimized and the movement of moisture is handled correctly. When in doubt, consult a professional. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.