Belt Drive Betty's Blog

Preventing Suicides - A Tangible Solution

Belt Drive 0 Canadian Military, Community, Mental Health, Suicide, Veterans 1:18 PM

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With 8 recent suicides, I have decided to share with you something that I have been working on since July when I was on the Bikers United in Remembrance Conga in support of our veterans.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of my stops on the Conga was at the ANAVETS club in Kamloops.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Myra Boomhour had set up a BBQ to support the conga and while there, I was introduced to David Hughes. David told me of a Young Offenders Centre that is vacant and has agreed to help me obtain a lease on the property for a holistic healing centre that would be run by veterans for veterans.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The dream of a place where veterans could come and stay for the support, therapy, counselling, VAC admin supports ETC  that  they need started a long time ago with a chat that Trapper Cane of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units and I had. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzynCB6xKDuqMIobsBc8rJKMQRs65wXV2GJYiz_oxa0WjxIzJ-P7xMoVO-Ldrwm_gw8rEvApjKnNS5X4NKMqZFuEZ1aA_FthVXjyAR7g-qp77I0BWGwUVHYnlf8pa5rayntMm/s1600/Exterior+of+dorm+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzynCB6xKDuqMIobsBc8rJKMQRs65wXV2GJYiz_oxa0WjxIzJ-P7xMoVO-Ldrwm_gw8rEvApjKnNS5X4NKMqZFuEZ1aA_FthVXjyAR7g-qp77I0BWGwUVHYnlf8pa5rayntMm/s1600/Exterior+of+dorm+house.jpg" width="200" /></a>He and I dreamt of this exact piece of land that is now within our reach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">30 dorm rooms with a private facility for the ladies, classrooms, commercial kitchen and laundry, work shop, gymnasium and a whole lot more!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are a few photos of the facility which is located on 150 acres and has a grazing lease of a further 240 acres and is close to a lake!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ou6FhtX45tsceZFkiIqEGnNKkdLOacC17m08A6tnAUO48k1SQeMsUcP2n6aORrXdKj2xFfrXmKCYBNaK-FPp6VXGUnJiBYqdDDZywD5s82VNejZ3UsC0835SLk_WpkKwmBrv/s1600/Entering+High+Valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ou6FhtX45tsceZFkiIqEGnNKkdLOacC17m08A6tnAUO48k1SQeMsUcP2n6aORrXdKj2xFfrXmKCYBNaK-FPp6VXGUnJiBYqdDDZywD5s82VNejZ3UsC0835SLk_WpkKwmBrv/s1600/Entering+High+Valley.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXMjIMWg_8biXP8JY2E6N9aYqSKA0loUBYQQscdSkXQx3lyffFXBUf4mHvXsixsPB83fIhAyTwi74bMu4vrl2dq2CnrQGut96jZjxFtNPBFoXJavDKGqLIQGYZD2hVKwPIDsR/s1600/Commercial+Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Kitchen" border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXMjIMWg_8biXP8JY2E6N9aYqSKA0loUBYQQscdSkXQx3lyffFXBUf4mHvXsixsPB83fIhAyTwi74bMu4vrl2dq2CnrQGut96jZjxFtNPBFoXJavDKGqLIQGYZD2hVKwPIDsR/s1600/Commercial+Kitchen.jpg" title="Kitchen" width="200" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> As you can see from these photos, the place is in great shape and the BC Housing report reflects that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d_fkxoXTJNzvvcXjYOPugv8rIH2rD7-N2eXyA1-yD4pGsI3ggtMHGNK-14JsEOX_T7mxJAOBtYBJDbV7NnxajHtefCntn0WJ3SCz3HJDAsn_rCiTXQk6LPSDhYaFileWes83/s1600/Commercial+laundry+equipment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Laundry Area" border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d_fkxoXTJNzvvcXjYOPugv8rIH2rD7-N2eXyA1-yD4pGsI3ggtMHGNK-14JsEOX_T7mxJAOBtYBJDbV7NnxajHtefCntn0WJ3SCz3HJDAsn_rCiTXQk6LPSDhYaFileWes83/s1600/Commercial+laundry+equipment.jpg" title="Laundry Area" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz3VHEVgHbWNqhLMJ3NwuRVtFo8DbapZXA3F6S00CRDQ7gDpqwKbDQ8sowNFckgpXJ1Iv8FD5VRKM_RoXwLbuAcHsVu6ti-_D0TcjGTbDiozKTNYZu7d42Vq93XokE-NXwCeu/s1600/One+of+the+dorm+houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz3VHEVgHbWNqhLMJ3NwuRVtFo8DbapZXA3F6S00CRDQ7gDpqwKbDQ8sowNFckgpXJ1Iv8FD5VRKM_RoXwLbuAcHsVu6ti-_D0TcjGTbDiozKTNYZu7d42Vq93XokE-NXwCeu/s1600/One+of+the+dorm+houses.jpg" width="200" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkrHBNwo3hfAd9j-LatpwiE2XvCZryyCE2tDmnsNrelhXWkpfQTe6PhHF0hcVsoqrdQ2p-4M1UT7H46vjafpIStqlrym3zt_PqNVEpGWaqK-E_zE6MyigQkpa1ighWzNz1GnB/s1600/Another+of+the+dorm+houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkrHBNwo3hfAd9j-LatpwiE2XvCZryyCE2tDmnsNrelhXWkpfQTe6PhHF0hcVsoqrdQ2p-4M1UT7H46vjafpIStqlrym3zt_PqNVEpGWaqK-E_zE6MyigQkpa1ighWzNz1GnB/s1600/Another+of+the+dorm+houses.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUgNBfb-xjNc4w_W2S4su9XwPW3SNsZjuK1qxDiv1osWGIft1tIZpi-3ocE_fBR7JSO4UlICtNMQJkesnqkmD5_e76vplCx5pAlkD6-8LOwMQTsNFMtmtnGVOnBVaBSTfy8uH/s1600/Walk+in+Freezer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUgNBfb-xjNc4w_W2S4su9XwPW3SNsZjuK1qxDiv1osWGIft1tIZpi-3ocE_fBR7JSO4UlICtNMQJkesnqkmD5_e76vplCx5pAlkD6-8LOwMQTsNFMtmtnGVOnBVaBSTfy8uH/s1600/Walk+in+Freezer.jpg" width="200" /></a>Work to the sewer system and fire sprinklers along with paint, cleaning and some elbow grease is really all this facility needs to be up an operational quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmNPqiuToDEa7YRb4FlW_UdSpDER3Fu_cBxF4aE3QtD03P1fnAihglOdRqNcwkZiX9DpESna_yBT3SW_6yzAqs6CwSvxdH8sujbW2ibyATloUB5Kp_wtJzShOZfqxIEf5KuhT/s1600/IMG_0160+%2528640x478%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmNPqiuToDEa7YRb4FlW_UdSpDER3Fu_cBxF4aE3QtD03P1fnAihglOdRqNcwkZiX9DpESna_yBT3SW_6yzAqs6CwSvxdH8sujbW2ibyATloUB5Kp_wtJzShOZfqxIEf5KuhT/s1600/IMG_0160+%2528640x478%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvU24-sU40RFNS3iWYfKlDTbB7oMHhqRd0U3BQXw6jq54qB0BKct8RKxlWJLAoGvTDjYbKwgPH_7xvncnYFZhusuEmPJWhfhCSruUZhxnA0cytAO0HxMYSTW8wusT4A2wNDKZX/s1600/Gymnasium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvU24-sU40RFNS3iWYfKlDTbB7oMHhqRd0U3BQXw6jq54qB0BKct8RKxlWJLAoGvTDjYbKwgPH_7xvncnYFZhusuEmPJWhfhCSruUZhxnA0cytAO0HxMYSTW8wusT4A2wNDKZX/s1600/Gymnasium.jpg" width="200" /></a>The facility offers room to grow and expand as needed and is close to everything needed to provide the services veterans and their families desperately need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEkUnkFtDIDmr5_qnpU3eEsqH9G8WGrHmpI16JZJRXc6Q9XepBW4Ey3nZ8qo_2wXhgMv90xM6MsG5wv6MhMyJhheld2VWiuK5bFmkHzYVz0aqNRCjg6TfJuJUB3K6UOEdesFf/s1600/One+of+4+classrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEkUnkFtDIDmr5_qnpU3eEsqH9G8WGrHmpI16JZJRXc6Q9XepBW4Ey3nZ8qo_2wXhgMv90xM6MsG5wv6MhMyJhheld2VWiuK5bFmkHzYVz0aqNRCjg6TfJuJUB3K6UOEdesFf/s1600/One+of+4+classrooms.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is the Executive Summary of High Valley Veterans Centre:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSJ23xVRbmVpDNL4potzApW1b_T2shdkbeLVtdnsz-wT_7GfS_RxsTjBFKOgOe1BfOhn7qNq508gF7tj2ZTAcgOHz-OxAQqNBIF7w2GnmspBE7ZrUOqnz86F2pUsGDec7U0z6/s1600/High-Valley-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="High Valley Veteran’s Centre" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSJ23xVRbmVpDNL4potzApW1b_T2shdkbeLVtdnsz-wT_7GfS_RxsTjBFKOgOe1BfOhn7qNq508gF7tj2ZTAcgOHz-OxAQqNBIF7w2GnmspBE7ZrUOqnz86F2pUsGDec7U0z6/s1600/High-Valley-Logo.png" title="High Valley Veteran’s Centre" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkjtR8pZ82-f2dyq-ab-TFpeK40Bau_uoDWsmyr2DSSva9aDiPsi8fXGUShugyyqpCJAQ6yS8yo1DBKo-g1d1k0EwikBSCgdzlUojvtQQI78sMXsUtkvAcQgxXQe20h7HBcDP/s1600/High-Valley-Logo-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Proposed Logos" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkjtR8pZ82-f2dyq-ab-TFpeK40Bau_uoDWsmyr2DSSva9aDiPsi8fXGUShugyyqpCJAQ6yS8yo1DBKo-g1d1k0EwikBSCgdzlUojvtQQI78sMXsUtkvAcQgxXQe20h7HBcDP/s1600/High-Valley-Logo-2.png" title="Proposed Logos" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Proposed Logos</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">High Valley Camp – the making of The High Valley Veteran’s<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Centre</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Veterans Helping Veterans </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A C.A.V. Initiative<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">High Valley Veteran’s
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Centre</span> will be a place
where veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, can come to obtain:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrFidckN0zSuHoAfNs8tDA-fmOtJN6oYkqKh_5B2NW7ql43ZUeqg8QtTrZcZaJS5fQ9HNGMkJub7CvTo9xTVRiNqaRKbcfrxULnOVk3-NUeuUoOKMRsxiwuvUnL1_EKPcdkqI/s1600/Bullet+Points.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrFidckN0zSuHoAfNs8tDA-fmOtJN6oYkqKh_5B2NW7ql43ZUeqg8QtTrZcZaJS5fQ9HNGMkJub7CvTo9xTVRiNqaRKbcfrxULnOVk3-NUeuUoOKMRsxiwuvUnL1_EKPcdkqI/s1600/Bullet+Points.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NB:</b> A special
emphasis will be placed on veterans who have served less than 10 years and
<b><i>those who are in crisis and require special, immediate </i></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b><i>supports. </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">High Valley Veteran’s Center will offer the veteran a
holistic approach to civilian life integration where the services and supports
that they need to thrive will be provided in an </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">all-encompassing environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By drawing on the vast support network that is available in
close proximity to the High Valley location, we will be able to deliver a wide
array of programs and services to the veterans <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">that require our support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because of its unique <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">location near Logan Lake</span> BC, High Valley Camp is the ideal
property to become the High Valley Veterans <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>As</span>
a former young offenders center it is already equipped with the core
infrastructure the center needs to become viable quickly and efficiently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The High Valley Camp as it is currently called provides for
dormitory style living with a full gymnasium, industrial kitchen and laundry
facilities, classrooms, administration offices, access to the lake along with
150 acres for expansion and a variety of ways to generate some income for
itself including a 240 acre farm with grazing rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The facility provides for both male and
female veterans to participate with separate housing for female veterans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The High Valley Camp is the ideal facility for our purpose
of saving lives and families, not only because of the facilities’
infrastructure, but because it offers a remote and quiet setting that is close
to Kamloops and Kelowna Airports, rehab and job retraining services, medical
services and Physio therapy services.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is also <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">close
to Logan</span> Lake and Merritt as well and within reasonable driving distance
to Vancouver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">There are a
reasonable</span> number of jobs in the region working for mines and housing is
affordable in Logan Lake for those who choose to stay in the region. Many of
the jobs available to members of our program would be in places like Fort
McMurray where they are in need of quality well trained employees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">High Valley Veterans Center – The
Concept<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>When a veteran comes to High Valley, they will meet with
their team: the clinical psychologist, the VAC Liaison, if needed, the nurse
and the building/facilities administrator – their direct “boss”.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They will then be assigned a room and taken for a tour of
the facility by the building administrator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On day two, the veteran, together with their VAC Liaison and
the psychologist, will map out a program designed for the unique <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">needs of each individual veteran</span>.
Their progress and needs will be monitored weekly through meetings with their
counselors and the building administrator and their programs adjusted
accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The veteran will work at the facility, attend courses and counseling
and assist in farming or gardening duties or PTSD dog training duties. They
will be paid a wage; they will pay for their room and board. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Saturdays for all resident veterans would involve a full 6
hours of working on the facility and 2 hours working with the dogs or at
farming or gardening chores.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Saturday evenings for those wishing and depending on where
they are in the process, a van will take them to the social house of their
choice; the RC <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Legion, ANAVETS</span>
Club or the Eagles Club in Kamloops and bring them home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>An average day for one veteran may look like:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7 AM Breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8 AM – work detail <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">12 Noon – Lunch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1:00 pm – Counseling session – Psychologist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2:00 – VAC Liaison session<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3:00 – 5pm - Work detail <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5:30 pm supper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6:30 – 8:30 PTSD Dogs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Another veterans schedule might be exactly the opposite,
working with dogs first thing in the morning. And not every day will be the
same in that they may only need counseling sessions 2 times per week, they may
need them 5 days a week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some veterans may stay at our facility for 3 months and
others may require a longer stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The programs will be made to meet the needs of each
individual veteran.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Their days will be structured to meet their civilian
integration, job retraining or certificate courses and counseling needs and
will provide far less stress as everything they need to access will be close by
and where ever possible and feasible provided for them on site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The goals of this method of service </b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b>delivery are:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1: To provide a comprehensive, well rounded, individualized
program of services <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2: To ease the burden of therapy needs and financial
constraints<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3: To remove barriers to treatments and job retraining and
integration services<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4: To provide a reason for boots to hit the floor everyday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5: To provide hope<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">While the
veteran comes here to help him or herself, they will aide the growth and
enriched the lives of their fellow veterans by providing</span> PTSD dogs,
improving the facilities and supporting each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This centre will create jobs for Logan Lake and area
residents as core support personnel needed to run the facility day to day will
be required.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">

</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Those positions include; janitors, laundry staff, kitchen
staff, secretary, receptionist, RN/LPN, paramedical staff and the farm manger.
(We intend to keep the former farm manger, Joyce Shannon on staff)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Who we are:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is a Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units National
Initiative<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The board of directors for the High Valley Veteran’s Centre
is comprised of a group of people who have backgrounds and first hand knowledge
of working with PTSD sufferers and have been active in their respective
communities in affecting change for our veterans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul “Trapper” Cane - Current National President and CEO of
The Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Renee Charbonneau – CEO Belt Drive Betty Media<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Graeme Hume – Sgt. Troop Warrant, Ret’d - Building Admin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Barry Drews – CAV Member<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">J. Brian
Archer <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Citadel Canine Society <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Advisory Council:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Medric Cousineau – Capt. Ret’d – Paws Fur Thoughts <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">David Hughes – Hughes Foundation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Canadian Veteran’s Advocacy - Mike Blais <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(VAC Coordinator)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">

</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dr. Dee Rajska – Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychologist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">                                                       ________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have already formed partnerships with several service providers and are networking with every possible veterans support group possible. Groups like V.E.T.S., Wounded Warriors, True Patriot Love and many, many more have been contacted to ensure a streamline method of service delivery and no duplication of existing services.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The centre will cost approximately $4.5 million dollars a year to run and in it's first year of operation has the potential to impact upward of 200 veterans and their families.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We can provide as many as 120 veterans with hands on support and a further 72 with service dogs in our first year. We have a 10 year plan for expansion of the facility to incorporate cabins for family visits and a veterans village for those needing long term housing supports.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Preventing Suicides - A Tangible Solution</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our proposal has garnered letters of support from NDP Veterans Affairs Critic <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://peterstoffer.ndp.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Peter Stoffer</span></a> </span>and several mental health professionals including Dr. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Dee Rajska – Clinical and Rehabilitation
Psychologist and Margo Butler of the John Howard Society.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our biggest champion for this centre, outside of David Hughes and the Hughes Foundation, has been <b><a href="http://www.davidsweet.ca/cms/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">MP David Sweet</span> </a></b>who took our proposal to the office of Julian Fantino on our behalf.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">

</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our proposal for the High Valley Veterans Centre is in the hands of Minister Fantino and his staff as I write this.  </b>We have had our first discussion and provided the additional information th ministers office requested, now we need to have the power of positive thinking of every person who reads this - to have our funding request met with favour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I am asking all of you who read about this centre to say some prayers, to help us make this centre a reality. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>PLEASE write your MP offering support for our centre - LIVES DEPEND ON IT!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
I have written a sample letter for those unsure of where to start...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Find your MP <a href="http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseofCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">CLICK HERE</span></a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
Dear              ,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With the announcement of the ninth suicide of a Canadian Forces Member, I as a Canadian citizen and taxpayer hear the screams for help of our military members and veterans who are battling with PTSD and other operational stress injuries. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am writing to let you know that Minister Fantino's office is in possession of and reviewing, the application for funding and administrative liaison support for High Valley Veterans Centre, which will provide a holistic approach to helping our soldiers and veterans in reclaiming their lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can see the Executive Summary for High Valley Veterans Centre by visiting the blog of the lady who is spearheading this project: Preventing Suicides - A Tangible Solution</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2014/02/preventing-suicides-tangible-solution.html"><span style="color: red;">www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I ask you to please review the information and then please, support the men and women who defend and protect our country, support their families and their rights to a brighter and better future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sincerely</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">John/Jane Q Citizen</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Note from the Author, Belt Drive Betty - AKA Renee Charbonneau:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As a civilian survivor of PTSD, a member of the C.A.V. and a person who has multiple ties to the military, I was presented the right opportunity to spearhead a project that has the potential to save lives and decided to take the bull by the horns. </span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The support of those who have agreed to be on our board of directors and advisory council mean more than words can say.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thank you for hearing me out folks,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

Preventing Suicides - A Tangible Solution

With 8 recent suicides, I have decided to share with you something that I have been working on since July when I was on the Bikers United in...

Pay how you ride

Belt Drive 0 Insurance, R.A.G.E - Riders against Government Exploitation 2:25 PM

<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Insurance is one of the most contentious issues that affects ALL riders.</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>It unifies us and it divides us all at the same time.</b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think everyone can agree that insurance premiums for motorcycles are high, pretty much everywhere across this great country of ours.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Saskatchewan, R.A.G.E. (<b><i>Riders Against Government Exploitation</i></b>) formed and in 6 short weeks they pushed back at the government insurance agency, SGI, causing a reversal of an 72% insurance increase to riders in 2013. Some classes of bikes were going to be hit with an increase as high as 400%!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The result of the unification in Saskatchewan by the riding community was a 15% increase and the creation of the Motorcycle Review Committee.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://saskrage.org/">R.A.G.E </a>has a seat at the table and is working with the Government of Saskatchewan's Insurance arm along with the general public to form the new rules that will govern insurance and hence your money and how it's spent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The recommendations that are being put forth for public input are:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. Motorcycle Graduated
Driver Licensing (MGDL).</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Protective
clothing for all motorcycle riders and passengers.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Motorcycle
inspections.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>4. Rates, penalties and
discounts for all drivers.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. Motorcycle rates
and rate groupings.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6. Injury, scarring
and death benefit options for motorcyclists. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The report is quite in-depth and there are many, many topics covered.<span style="color: red;"><b><a href="http://www.sgi.sk.ca/pdf/Motorcycle-Review-Committee-Report-on-Findings.pdf"> <span style="color: red;">I urge you to read it.</span></a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The following is from the report:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Under Section 5:</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/registration/rates/motorcycle/telematics.html"><span style="color: red;">Usage-based insurance/telematics pilot</span></a></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">SGI recently completed a pilot to gather information about use of telematics on motorcycles. There is no company using telematics today to set insurance rates for motorcycles. If telematics can be successfully used on motorcycles, it could allow motorcycle rates to be based on how an individual actually operates their motorcycle, meaning lower rates for those who drive safely and higher rates for those who are riskier drivers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is more detail about the telematics pilot on SGI’s <a href="http://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/registration/rates/motorcycle/telematics.html"><span style="color: red;">website</span></a>.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Information from the pilot shows that use of telematics for motorcycles has merits, particularly for new riders. SGI will undertake more stakeholder and public consultation before deciding whether to use it to set motorcycle insurance rates. However, this year’s consultation was an opportunity to gather some public input on the concept, and participants were asked for their thoughts on it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most participants were wary of telematics (46.3% of responses) or felt they didn’t have enough information to give an opinion (30.9%).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some (22%) supported the concept.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While all members received strong push back from the groups they represent on this item, the Motorcycle Review Committee received a detailed presentation on telematics and how it might be used to set motorcycle rates, and they supported gathering more information and exploring the possibility.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Telematics - what is it?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Usage based insurance - what it is and what does it mean?</b></span></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Currently there are three kinds of usage based insurance:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pay as you drive - mileage based</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pay how you drive - behaviour based</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Manage how you drive - which is a combination of Pay as you drive and Pay how you drive but with active feedback. (Telematics)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the first two scenarios - generally you are given a rebate if you drive less than you originally thought you would and you get no tickets etc...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the third scenario - the Manage How you Drive, you are billed monthly and your bill looks like that of a cell phone bill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is the presentation video given in Saskatchewan by Paul-André Savoie, President and CEO Baseline Telematics - this program is currently being used in Quebec:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://bcove.me/94ttutgo">http://bcove.me/94ttutgo</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For these who don't want to take the 47 minutes to watch the entire video, I will attempt to give you the highlights of what I learned by watching it, but I really encourage you to take the time to watch the video because there is just so much to learn and so many questions raised by this kind of technology.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the example given by Mr. Savoie, a rider who has a Telematics device installed on their machine will be able to log in to the insurance website and see a Google Earth map that will show you every time you were speeding, by how much over the limit you were going, every hard breaking situation you were in, every cornering situation and any fast acceleration situations. You will see graphs etc and what your detailed bill looks like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can also compare how you ride/drive to others in the system.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In this system - over and above a flat monthly fee for fire, theft, etc. you are charged for every kilometre you ride/drive up to 2,000 KMS per month at 1.01 cents per kilometre. (that was one example, another was 2.5 cents per kilometre). According to Mr. Savoie very seldom does anyone go more than 2,000 KMS from home hence why that is the limit and the rest of the month you ride for free as far as the mileage charge goes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You are charged for speeding based on how many times you speed - up to as high 80% surcharge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a $10 charge for every time you excessively speed (60KPH is the threshold for triggering an extreme speed penalty and that is ON TOP OF THE SURCHARGE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In all, if you speed lots, have lots of quick accelerations, and too many hard stops you can see your insurance for the month double.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can also be rewarded with up to 25% discount if you drive well and stay within all limits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An email goes out every week to the driver/rider so there are no surprises regarding the insurance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The device can store up to 6 months worth of driving data so even if you are in a region where GPS does not work, the minute you are back in range, the system will dump the information back to the insurance company.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Telematics is said to basically retrain the driver/rider by giving constant feedback and since your bill is adjusted monthly, as you remove the bad habits from your driving, your monthly insurance generally goes down over time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These machines can send reams of information about you, where you travel and how you travel back to your insurance company.  Yes, there appears to be some benefits to the machines like emergency services deployment in the advent of a crash, or theft alert, and they can even set up parameters to allow you to speed at a race track. Or if you lend a machine to a friend - you can set up geographical limits to where they can take the machine and if they go out of bounds you get an alert.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hmm...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have some questions about the information collected and who can access it, can the devices be fitted with cameras so that if hard acceleration or hard deceleration occurs to avoid a collision that can be relayed so you don't face a penalty?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My brain is in overload from watching the video and I am sure I will have more questions as what I watched really sinks in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't know about you but I feel like a lab rat in a bad conditioning experiment...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ivan Pavlov would be proud - what a great way to train a population to be obedient.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What say you?</span></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i></div>