The Vent - Part 2

[DeadPoolX 9]

Actually neither thing makes sense. I assume you have already spoken with a supervisor or manager for autoplan and explained the situation? I'm not familiar with government auto insurance - we don't have that in Alberta - but are they the only agency you can insure with?

As for Revenue Canada - just not right. When you were speaking with the collections department, did they sort it out for you?

Yeah, you're right, neither makes sense, does it? Unfortunately, this has been the "average" experience for me since I arrived in BC. The government -- federal and provincial -- is full of idiots. Even worse, each department will demand payment from you in order to fix their own mistakes.

I originally faced that problem with the federal government when they screwed up my name on my SIN card. I wanted my name corrected and because they had to change it, I was forced to pay ten dollars. Once again, it's not the actual amount that pisses me off so much as the very fact I have to pay them at all when they were the ones who screwed up!

Oh and by the way, the federal government outright REFUSES to correct my name in their databank, because they say my name is whatever it was on the landing document. No amount of evidence claiming otherwise -- such as my birth cert, passport, bank accounts, Canada Spousal Visa, and marriage cert from BC itself -- will suit them. That's why my PR card isn't entirely accurate and of course, it won't be unless the federal government admits they made a mistake and fixes it. They won't do that, of course. When I apply for citizenship, I bet that'll be my new name too.

Anyway... Autoplan is the only insurer in BC. I know Alberta doesn't do that (which I like and makes sense to me), but I don't have a choice here. It's either pay or drive without insurance, in which case, I'll be screwed if I ever get pulled over by a cop or get into an accident (whether or not I'm at fault).

I did get a manager and it was the same answer. Cough up $20 to fix their mistake since I didn't know ahead of time about the letter (again, there was no way I could have and if there was, I would've done it) and I need to wait two weeks to two months. That time frame isn't terrible since the refund and subsequent discount is retroactive and then continues permanently from there on out -- assuming I keep a clear claims record, of course. But that's not the point. Why should I pay for their mistake?

As far as Revenue Canada is concerned, the original collections agency CSR I spoke to hung up on me after I asked to speak to a manager. She repeatedly told me that I'd need to "accept it whether or not I liked it." I didn't like it, so I wanted to speak to a manager. Apparently she thought I was out-of-line because I didn't immediately do what she said.

I did eventually get to a manager and he said the CSR was right (in terms of information, not hanging up on me) and that if Revenue Canada approved my claim, the charge would be waived, including any and all accrued interest charges. The processing time for this to occur is anywhere between four and six months -- that's IF there isn't a huge backlog, in which case it can easily take up to a year.

Do you know what ticks me off the most? The fact that NO ONE knows what's going on and can never give me a straight answer! One person will say "this" and another person will say "that." They'll shove me off onto one department and that particular department will either turf me to a different department or worse yet, send me back to the original department. Then they have the nerve to charge me for their mistakes and won't even take responsibility for their actions.

For the record, none of this makes me hate Canada. This is simply government doing what it does best: screw things up and demand money.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

DeadPoolX,

Both those situations are wrong and I'm sorry you are going through that. I have mentioned before that for your problems with Revenue Canada to find out the name of your federal Member of Parliament for the area and go to his office. MP offices have staff who have short-cuts to problem resolution people in various department of the Federal Government, including CRA. In fact, there used to be listed in the blue pages (Government pages) of the telephone book a number for CRA Problem Resolution line that you can also try for yourself. Yeah, some of the CRA staff are 'stuck' in their places and are unable to see the truth or fairness of a situation nor are they willing to step outside of their nice little comfort zone. The Problem Resolution people, however, aren't like that, nor are the staff with whom the MP offices deal - they are senior civil servants and have a lot more authority than others who deal with the public. You can also use the MP to fight to get your name corrected on your landing documents. I know I had a huge fight one time to get that corrected for a VietNam immigrant, but by providing overwhelming evidence of their error to the staff with whom dealt I was able to get it corrected. Hopefully, your MP's staff people will be as tenacious I was. That is their job, though, to sort out problems like this that constituents have with the federal government.

You can also go to your Member of Provincial Parliament's (MPP) office for similar problems with Provincial government issues.

Good luck in getting it sorted out. I am so sorry you are running into all of the idiots who are in government and not getting the good people instead.

Edited July 25, 2009 by Kathryn41

[DeadPoolX 9]

DeadPoolX,

Both those situations are wrong and I'm sorry you are going through that. I have mentioned before that for your problems with Revenue Canada to find out the name of your federal Member of Parliament for the area and go to his office. MP offices have staff who have short-cuts to problem resolution people in various department of the Federal Government, including CRA. In fact, there used to be listed in the blue pages (Government pages) of the telephone book a number for CRA Problem Resolution line that you can also try for yourself. Yeah, some of the CRA staff are 'stuck' in their places and are unable to see the truth or fairness of a situation nor are they willing to step outside of their nice little comfort zone. The Problem Resolution people, however, aren't like that, nor are the staff with whom the MP offices deal - they are senior civil servants and have a lot more authority than others who deal with the public. You can also use the MP to fight to get your name corrected on your landing documents. I know I had a huge fight one time to get that corrected for a VietNam immigrant, but by providing overwhelming evidence of their error to the staff with whom dealt I was able to get it corrected. Hopefully, your MP's staff people will be as tenacious I was. That is their job, though, to sort out problems like this that constituents have with the federal government.

You can also go to your Member of Provincial Parliament's (MPP) office for similar problems with Provincial government issues.

Good luck in getting it sorted out. I am so sorry you are running into all of the idiots who are in government and not getting the good people instead.

Yeah, I'm going to have to really fight. The whole thing with Autoplan and CRA doesn't really bother me right now, provided it all gets ironed out. I think if I send in that form (I forget the name of it, but I've downloaded it and filled it out already) with proof of my income outside Canada and before I became a resident, that should work.

My real beef is with whole "pay me to get the situation fixed" issue. The total monetary cost is minor, but that's not really the point, is it?

As for my name... I'll definitely need the MP for that. I haven't pursued that yet since the entire thing sounds like a real hassle and I'm taking a trip to Texas later this week, so I don't want them to -- for some reason or another -- void my PR Card while fixing it or whatever. I doubt they would, but even so, I don't want to chance it.

[DeadPoolX 9]

I have another three vents, but these are relatively minor situations.

1. I currently have a migraine that's been hurting for two days straight now. Usually a combo of Relpax and Ultracet does the trick, but not this time. I think all the weather and pressure changes is screwing with my head.

2. I picked my wife up at the Vancouver International Aiport yesterday and it amazed me: there's absolutely no area to pick up arriving passengers! It's all for taxis and limos. I circled around three times. I was getting very, very pissed off. It didn't help matters that I had a migraine (and still do, obviously).

I had to go the parkade to get her. That wouldn't be so bad if it didn't cost $3.50 -- I was only there for 20 minutes. I think that's the reason WHY they don't have a passenger pickup area for arrivals. They want you to use the parkade and earn them money. I know that sounds corrupt, but really... there was NO OTHER AREA for arrivals.

And to think I considered George Bush Intercontinental (Houston's international airport) a real mess...

3. The streets make no sense whatsoever in Vancouver. They start and stop and change names and twist and so on. I really think the same group of a$$holes who designed the streets in Houston came up to Canada.

[Sprailenes 47]

My mother told me that Vancouver's streets are messed up. We almost moved there when I was 16, but we got to Banff and changed our minds and drove back.

[Marilyn. 340]

they do have limited parking for arrivals at YVR...

* On the left as you approach the International Arrivals area, level 2.

* Just past the taxi stand at the domestic arrivals area on level 2.

they are hoping to build a cell phone lot soon.. whatever that means...

http://www.vancouver-travel-tips.com/parki...er-airport.html

[KarenCee 3]

being ignored...that bothers me a lot...especially when you go out of your way to try and help someone out

I so know what you mean...I hate being ignored too...especially when I ask a question and it never gets answered.

Sister Len...I wanna cookie....sugar free if you please.

[BermyCat 1]

For the record, none of this makes me hate Canada. This is simply government doing what it does best: screw things up and demand money.

I've lived in three very different countries: Bermuda, Canada and the US. It doesn't seem to matter what size the country is in population or landmass, government is always disorganized.

At least in Bermuda, you grandmother probably knows the government employee's mom so you always have a bit of leverage.

~ Catherine

Edited July 25, 2009 by BermyCat

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Houston Airport has a cell phone lot - it is actually a pretty good idea. It is a lot a few minutes drive away from arrivals/pickups where you can be phoned on your cell phone when your party is ready to be picked up. Then you can just drive up and know they are ready for you. Our brother-in-law picks us up in Houston and he generally waits in the cell-phone lot for us rather than driving around in circles or having to go and park in the paid lots.

[DeadPoolX 9]

Houston Airport has a cell phone lot - it is actually a pretty good idea. It is a lot a few minutes drive away from arrivals/pickups where you can be phoned on your cell phone when your party is ready to be picked up. Then you can just drive up and know they are ready for you. Our brother-in-law picks us up in Houston and he generally waits in the cell-phone lot for us rather than driving around in circles or having to go and park in the paid lots.

I've lived in Houston my entire life and yet... I never knew about this.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Think a lot of airports now have these cell phone lots, I know its a fairly recent thing at Dulles and Reagan in the DC area

[Sprailenes 47]

Why didn't the blonde have her cell phone when she walked into the airport?

She parked it at the cell phone lot!

Sorry someone had to say it.

[ashenflowers 5]

Why didn't the blonde have her cell phone when she walked into the airport?

She parked it at the cell phone lot!

Sorry someone had to say it.

[Carlawarla 1]

I know this is the vent thread...but really Amanda. My vent is with YOU. You post in this thread about your boss daily. I know that's what this thread is for, but MY vent is that you are the most UNempathetic person I've ever met! This woman obviously has problems. I don't know what they are. Do you? It sounds like she has emotional as well as physical issues. Have you ever taken some time to sit down with her, or take her out to lunch and see what's going on with her? Perhaps she could use a friend, perhaps she's going through some really troubling times and could use a friend. I'm not saying you have to develop some intimate friendship with her, but GOSH, could you just put one ounce of concern into seeing what's going on with her? After finding out what's going on with her, maybe you could suggest that she gets some help, maybe talk to her about contacting human resources. Could you not show one ounce of compassion????

Carla, I find this highly offensive and out of line. I have empathy for many people, but I don't believe that if I don't have it for every one that means I'm the most unsympathetic person you have ever met. Christ, you don't even know me and we actually have never met. Out of line? Now you're sounding like my Mother, or my boss. No, I don't know you, except through here, and if I remember correctly, you said on the boards here that you write exactly how you "are". No, I've not met you, I should have phrased it to say that you're the most unempathetic (I never said unsympathetic, as there is a difference between empathy and sympathy), person I've read on the boards here in the Canada Forum.

First of all, this is work. She is my boss, not my friend or my family member. She is 60 years old as well. I'm 25. Right now I'm working 10-11 hour day in my 35 hour a week position (7 hours a day) just to keep her afloat. I'm working my but off for HER, I'm not doing it solely for myself. Is that not compassion? If I didn't care, I'd let her drown in her own mistakes when I'm working very hard to fix them and make her look good.What has her age and yours have to do with it? You refer to her age in many posts. I don't care how old she is, nor how old you are, this is irrelevant to the issue and smacks of agism. You do it to make her look good? That is not helping her at all. If her work is not up to snuff, then her supervisor will have to speak to her about it, and know then how her emotional needs are impacting on her work. I can't believe you work so many hours to make her look good.

She shows no compassion for me. She treats me like garbage, maybe that's what you are missing. I never get a pat on the back. I never get a thank you. She has plenty of help. She is well off, has a very loving family which calls the office 10 times a day, she has great medical care. Her "issues" aren't my concern. I don't bring my issues to the office, Carla, and I'm sure I have some of them. My job is to go to work, work hard, and go home and spend time with my family. I can't spend time with my family right now because I get up at 4:45 am for work, and I'm not getting home until 7pm. Could you imagine what kind of pressure I'm under to perform both HER job and MY job? Her socio-economic status is irrelavent to your arguement. You've mentioned in other posts that you have a 1 1/2, 2 hour commute to work, and that's why you have such a long day. This is new information to me. Again, if you're working extra hours (unpaid?) to "help" her out, you need to rethink how you're helping. My comments were not about her compassion for you.

As an aside, I have spoken with her. I have tried to speak with heron various occasions about some of her actions. She's offensive and rude. She puts me down. Since I can't put her down as that would be wrong an insubordinate, I chose to write it in here. Telling someone that you'd like to have more acknowledgement about what YOU do around the office, does not have to come across as putting her down. Wrong as a suboridinate? You're speaking like you are in the army. I don't care if she's your supervisor or co-worker, this isn't about putting someone down at all, and you should be able to address your concerns no matter what your position is in the organization.

Lastly, if someone is throwing up constantly with her door closed, not going to the bathroom or going home, I find that an unsanitary work condition and will be reporting it to her supervisor. I don't think that's a very nice position to put someone in. I have enough going on in my life without having to take on the problems of a woman who won't retire because she loves to gossip about people at work and that's really why she comes every day.

Reporting her to her supervisor is the way to go if you've spoken to her about this issue and she has not complied. Actually going to human resources may be the way to go. I've never seen you post about doing that. Who says she has to retire? Why should she retire? Because she's 60? Because she has emotional or physical issues? She won't retire because she wants to gossip? Where the heck does that come from?

This is a vent thread. I have as much right as anyone to vent here. My vent was quite explicit, in that I was venting that I was tired of your venting about your supervisor. That is not out of line, it's my vent. You have a way of writing Amanda, that is often scathing in it's articulation of anything that doesn't fit with your line of thinking. You sound very unhappy in your job, perhaps it's because of this supervisor, perhaps not. I know you want to get ahead, and I know you were disappointed in how you were passed over for a temporary placement for higher duties at one time. Sometimes it seems like you want to get somewhere, and you're not getting there fast enough and that bothers you. Perhaps it's because you're not recognized for the work you do, though perhaps you're seen as someone who demands "perfection" of yourself and others and that doesn't leave room for good workplace relationships.

I post these things for you to perhaps think of what I wrote. I won't be further writing anymore about them in this thread. I had my vent, I explained as you did where I was coming from, and I'm done with further disucssing this matter.

[Krikit 1,164]

They have a cell phone lot at the Orlando airport too. I think that's a fabulous idea. And you can watch the planes take off and land while you're waiting. I also love the curbside check-in service they have at many of the American airports. It's awesome.