Thursday, December 22, 2011
Evan Solomon: "Jean Chretien is $200,000 richer today...."
Um. NO. He's NOT Evan!!! He is being reimbursed for money spent as a result of that circus called Gomery. CBC should retract that ridiculous statement!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Ontario Members of the Liberal Party of Canada Should Call for an End to its Own PTA
I mean really. What's the point of having a PTA if they refuse to adhere to their own constitutions?
Recently, rather than holding an Annual General Meeting, the LCPO opted to hold an Executive Board meeting only. To compound matters, the Management Committee did not even bother to seek an approval from the Exec Board on a preferred date of said AGM in 2012. By rule, the AGM should be held before February 4, 2012 - 24 months from the previous AGM. No such meeting has been called and no extension has been granted by the Executive Board.
I used to believe there was a supreme importance behind having PTAs, however, I'm of the belief now that the LPCO should collapse itself in favour of central control by the LPC.
Article VII of the LPC(O) Constitution
ARTICLE VII - ANNUAL AND GENERAL MEETINGS
Call of Meeting; Notice; Authority
1. The Annual Meeting of LPC(O) shall be held each year at a time and place to be fixed by the Executive Board or in an electoral emergency the Management Committee, provided such date is no later than eighteen (18) months from the date of the prior Annual Meeting. The Executive Board may direct the President to call a special meeting of LPC(O) upon ninety (90) days notice at any time for such purpose as it may consider advisable. Those eligible to attend and vote at a special meeting shall be selected in the same manner as those who may attend and vote at an Annual Meeting. If an election or a Leadership Convention is called or there is electoral emergency after the time and place for the Annual Meeting or a special meeting is fixed, the Management Committee may postpone the Annual Meeting or the special meeting for such reasonable period of time as is required to enable LPC(O) to participate in the election or Leadership Convention or to deal with the electoral emergency even if as a result of the postponement, an Annual Meeting is held more than eighteen (18) months after the prior Annual Meeting . However, an Annual Meeting shall not be postponed to a date more than 24 months after the prior Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting or a special meeting may review, and by majority vote, amend or revoke any act or regulation passed, taken or made by the Management Committee or the Executive Board, provided such act shall not apply retroactively.
Notice
2. Notice in writing shall be sent at least ninety (90) days prior to the Annual Meeting to all persons entitled to attend as delegates, other than those to be elected under paragraph 3 (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f), and to the secretaries of all Electoral District Associations and to the President and Secretary of all other organizations entitled to send delegates to the Annual Meeting.
As you can see, the time has passed for any sort of proper meeting of Ontario members.
Recently, rather than holding an Annual General Meeting, the LCPO opted to hold an Executive Board meeting only. To compound matters, the Management Committee did not even bother to seek an approval from the Exec Board on a preferred date of said AGM in 2012. By rule, the AGM should be held before February 4, 2012 - 24 months from the previous AGM. No such meeting has been called and no extension has been granted by the Executive Board.
I used to believe there was a supreme importance behind having PTAs, however, I'm of the belief now that the LPCO should collapse itself in favour of central control by the LPC.
Article VII of the LPC(O) Constitution
ARTICLE VII - ANNUAL AND GENERAL MEETINGS
Call of Meeting; Notice; Authority
1. The Annual Meeting of LPC(O) shall be held each year at a time and place to be fixed by the Executive Board or in an electoral emergency the Management Committee, provided such date is no later than eighteen (18) months from the date of the prior Annual Meeting. The Executive Board may direct the President to call a special meeting of LPC(O) upon ninety (90) days notice at any time for such purpose as it may consider advisable. Those eligible to attend and vote at a special meeting shall be selected in the same manner as those who may attend and vote at an Annual Meeting. If an election or a Leadership Convention is called or there is electoral emergency after the time and place for the Annual Meeting or a special meeting is fixed, the Management Committee may postpone the Annual Meeting or the special meeting for such reasonable period of time as is required to enable LPC(O) to participate in the election or Leadership Convention or to deal with the electoral emergency even if as a result of the postponement, an Annual Meeting is held more than eighteen (18) months after the prior Annual Meeting . However, an Annual Meeting shall not be postponed to a date more than 24 months after the prior Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting or a special meeting may review, and by majority vote, amend or revoke any act or regulation passed, taken or made by the Management Committee or the Executive Board, provided such act shall not apply retroactively.
Notice
2. Notice in writing shall be sent at least ninety (90) days prior to the Annual Meeting to all persons entitled to attend as delegates, other than those to be elected under paragraph 3 (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f), and to the secretaries of all Electoral District Associations and to the President and Secretary of all other organizations entitled to send delegates to the Annual Meeting.
As you can see, the time has passed for any sort of proper meeting of Ontario members.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
It's Jason Cherniak that Should Resign...
...Along with the rest of the LPCOntario Management
Committee of the Executive.
Jason is arguing for the immediate resignation of National Executive Policy Chair Joan Bourassa over on Facebook. I"m of the opinion that I guy not doing HIS job should not being calling for someone else's resignation for apparently not doing hers (mostly ist's just Jason who thinks she hasn't done her job).
Here's my reason for asking for the entire Ontario Management Committee to resign:
Article VII of the LPC(O) Constitution
Had we had such an AGM Ontario Liberals would have been able to meet in a proper forum to put forward and approve any policies or LPC Constitutional amendments to the National Convention in January. Instead we've had to make due with ideas on the fly. You see Jason Cherniak and his team members are equally responsible for what he says Joan hasn't done. That is they failed to properly consult the membership.
Jason has argued that the Management Committee didn't have enough time to call and AGM and that party resources in Ontario were too stretched to hold DSMs to such and event - even though DSMs were already being held anyway for the National Convention. Plus there was and election in May and October don't ya know. And, instead of having an AGM, the committee in its infinite wisdom decided to hold an event that pretty much costs the same amount called and Executive Board Meeting last week in Niagara Falls.
People in glass houses Jason. People in glass houses.
Feel free to discuss.
Committee of the Executive.
Jason is arguing for the immediate resignation of National Executive Policy Chair Joan Bourassa over on Facebook. I"m of the opinion that I guy not doing HIS job should not being calling for someone else's resignation for apparently not doing hers (mostly ist's just Jason who thinks she hasn't done her job).
Here's my reason for asking for the entire Ontario Management Committee to resign:
Article VII of the LPC(O) Constitution
ARTICLE VII - ANNUAL AND GENERAL MEETINGSAs you can see, the time has passed for any sort of proper, legal meeting of Ontario members. You know, Ontario members that form a large majority of the LPC membership across Canada. Those members.
Call of
Meeting; Notice; Authority
1. The Annual Meeting of LPC(O) shall be held each year at a time and place to be fixed by the Executive Board or in an electoral emergency the Management Committee, provided such date is no later than eighteen (18) months from the date of the prior Annual Meeting. The Executive Board may direct the President to call a special meeting of LPC(O) upon ninety (90) days notice at any time for such purpose as it may consider advisable. Those eligible to attend and vote at a special meeting shall be selected in the same manner as those who may attend and vote at an Annual Meeting. If an election or a Leadership Convention is called or there is electoral emergency after the time and place for the Annual Meeting or a special meeting is fixed, the Management Committee may postpone the Annual Meeting or the special meeting for such reasonable period of time as is required to enable LPC(O) to participate in the election or Leadership Convention or to deal with the electoral emergency even if as a result of the postponement, an Annual Meeting is held more than eighteen (18) months after the prior Annual Meeting . However, an Annual Meeting shall not be postponed to a date more than 24 months after the prior Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting or a special meeting may review, and by majority vote, amend or revoke any act or regulation passed, taken or made by the Management Committee or the Executive Board, provided such act shall not apply retroactively.
Notice
2. Notice in writing shall be sent at least ninety (90) days prior to the Annual Meeting to all persons entitled to attend as delegates, other than those to be elected under paragraph 3 (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f), and to the secretaries of all Electoral District Associations and to the President and Secretary of all other organizations entitled to send delegates to the Annual Meeting.
Had we had such an AGM Ontario Liberals would have been able to meet in a proper forum to put forward and approve any policies or LPC Constitutional amendments to the National Convention in January. Instead we've had to make due with ideas on the fly. You see Jason Cherniak and his team members are equally responsible for what he says Joan hasn't done. That is they failed to properly consult the membership.
Jason has argued that the Management Committee didn't have enough time to call and AGM and that party resources in Ontario were too stretched to hold DSMs to such and event - even though DSMs were already being held anyway for the National Convention. Plus there was and election in May and October don't ya know. And, instead of having an AGM, the committee in its infinite wisdom decided to hold an event that pretty much costs the same amount called and Executive Board Meeting last week in Niagara Falls.
People in glass houses Jason. People in glass houses.
Feel free to discuss.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Bob Rae Then and Now
What a turd this guy is turning out to be.
Here's what Bob said then:
Dear Bob,
YOU ARE NOT THE NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP!
Love
TWDIKG
Here's what Bob said then:
“This is a job that needs to be done now … this is just my chance to serve,” Mr. Rae said. “I think there will be a broader chance for renewal in the search for a new leader in a year and a half (or) two years, and I think it’s important for the party to look very much to a new generation of leadership. And I’m sure that will happen.”Here's what Bob says now:
"I think the role of the interim leader is to do everything possible to rebuild the party. Beyond that, I don't recall anything in the job description that went beyond that."Make no mistake folks. Bob is not on a "rebuilding" tour. Bob is on a "leadership" tour.
Dear Bob,
YOU ARE NOT THE NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP!
Love
TWDIKG
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Warren Kinsella for Toronto Danforth Liberal
Nominations have opened for the Liberal Party in Toronto Danforth.
Now, I realize it's just a by-election and not a full blown Federal Election, but I'm wondering if my friend is going to step up to the plate as promised. I mean he did put it in writing. Didn't he?
Wishful thinking me thinks, but I'm quite prepared to donate to his campaign.
Now, I realize it's just a by-election and not a full blown Federal Election, but I'm wondering if my friend is going to step up to the plate as promised. I mean he did put it in writing. Didn't he?
Wishful thinking me thinks, but I'm quite prepared to donate to his campaign.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Movember day 17
Don't forget to give. I know many of you have suggested you have or you would. Time's a ticking.
Here's my version of the 70's baseball player handlebar look.
Here's my version of the 70's baseball player handlebar look.
The Liberal Party has Officially Lost its Mind....
....and with it the ability to regain any of their lost urban seats in any election anytime soon (which I'm sure you've heard me warn of before). WTH is the Liberal caucus even thinking? What do you mean we don't need more MPs? For Chrisake get your head out of arses Liberal MPs.
Which is it Mr. Rae? We need more seats? Or, we dont?
The Liberals’ plan is doubly unexpected given Rae’s background as an Ontario premier, when he was a consistent voice arguing for the province’s “fair share” at the federal-provincial table. Ontario’s current Liberal government, under Premier Dalton McGuinty, has been a strong advocate of increased seats for the province in the next reshuffle of Commons seats, due to be in place for the 2015 election.
Which is it Mr. Rae? We need more seats? Or, we dont?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Movember...Saving Face without Risking My Butt
Ok. That's the corney slogan of the day....but, I am registered for Movember. Over 4,000 Canadians a year meet their maker because of this disease.
Give early. Give often. Please.
Give early. Give often. Please.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
McGuinty's New Compact Cabinet
Dalton McGuinty: Premier,
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
Jim Bradley: Minister of the Environment
Rick Bartolucci: Minister of Northern Development and Mines,
Chair of Cabinet
Dwight Duncan: Minister of Finance,
Deputy Premier
John Gerretsen: Attorney General
Chris Bentley: Minister of Energy
Madeleine Meilleur: Minister of Community Safety & Correctional Services,
Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
Harinder Takhar: Minister of Government Services
Kathleen Wynne: Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
Michael Chan: Minister of Tourism and Culture
Michael Gravelle: Minister of Natural Resources
Brad Duguid: Minister of Economic Development and Innovation
Deb Matthews: Minister of Health and Long Term Care
John Milloy: Minister of Community and Social Services,
Government House Leader
Margarett Best: Minister of Consumer Services
Laurel Broten: Minister of Education,
Minister of Women's Issues
Linda Jeffrey: Minister of Labour,
Minister Responsible for Seniors
Eric Hoskins: Minister of Children and Youth Services
Glen Murray: Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
Bob Chiarelli: Minister of Transportation,
Minister of Infrastructure
Charles Sousa: Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Ted McMeekin: Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Friday, October 14, 2011
R.I.P Reg
More sad news in the political world. Reg Alcock was a giant in the world of Canadian Parliamentarians. It's a great loss to all.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
If I lived in Tim Hudak's Riding I wouldn't Vote for Him
I was appalled to see and hear that the leader of the Conservative Tea Party was holding his love in in Niagara Falls tonight. It's not even his riding. In fact, it's two ridings, and four towns down the road. The people of Fonthill, Grimsby, Beamsville, Winona, Stoney Creek, Binbrook should be livid that they're own leader couldn't find it in himself to hold the function in one of his towns.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
NDP is Wrong for Ontario
Bill Kelly, Hamiltonian, TV and radio Talk show host has taken a position on tomorrow's election. Here's his blog from this morning
NDP Is Wrong For Ontario Posted 10/5/2011 6:39:00 AM
The National Post, The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star , the Toronto Sun and the Hamilton Spectator are five widely read and very different newspapers that rarely find consensus on anything.
But, on the eve of the Ontario election, they agree on one thing, an NDP government would be bad for Ontario for so many reasons.
In fact, editorial boards from newspapers in most Ontario cities are condemning the NDP platform as unrealistic and downright dangerous.
They remind voters that the NDP promise to remove the HST from hydro bills is really a red herring, because they don’t plan to do if for four years.
Commentators from both ends of the political spectrum agree that the NDP’s promise to raise corporate tax rates would be catastrophic for the fragile Ontario economy, driving jobs and investment out of Ontario.
Populist pandering, impossible promises and fictional accounting is how the Globe and Mail describes the NDP agenda .
Their plan to freeze transit fares would starve municipalities of income and force them to raise property taxes to pay for needed transit upgrades.
Their wrong-headed and naïve protectionist policies about mining and manufacturing are most likely in contravention of existing trade agreements with other countries and would send a clear signal that Ontario is closed for business.
Freezing post secondary tuition fees will rob colleges and universities of much needed funds and may force them to limit enrollment. A tuition freeze isn’t much good if your child can’t get into the institution !
When editorial boards and commentators from every part of the political spectrum agree on something, we should pay attention.
1.The message is clear; the NDP is wrong for Ontario and wrong for Hamilton.
Posted By: Bill Kelly
NDP Is Wrong For Ontario Posted 10/5/2011 6:39:00 AM
The National Post, The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star , the Toronto Sun and the Hamilton Spectator are five widely read and very different newspapers that rarely find consensus on anything.
But, on the eve of the Ontario election, they agree on one thing, an NDP government would be bad for Ontario for so many reasons.
In fact, editorial boards from newspapers in most Ontario cities are condemning the NDP platform as unrealistic and downright dangerous.
They remind voters that the NDP promise to remove the HST from hydro bills is really a red herring, because they don’t plan to do if for four years.
Commentators from both ends of the political spectrum agree that the NDP’s promise to raise corporate tax rates would be catastrophic for the fragile Ontario economy, driving jobs and investment out of Ontario.
Populist pandering, impossible promises and fictional accounting is how the Globe and Mail describes the NDP agenda .
Their plan to freeze transit fares would starve municipalities of income and force them to raise property taxes to pay for needed transit upgrades.
Their wrong-headed and naïve protectionist policies about mining and manufacturing are most likely in contravention of existing trade agreements with other countries and would send a clear signal that Ontario is closed for business.
Freezing post secondary tuition fees will rob colleges and universities of much needed funds and may force them to limit enrollment. A tuition freeze isn’t much good if your child can’t get into the institution !
When editorial boards and commentators from every part of the political spectrum agree on something, we should pay attention.
1.The message is clear; the NDP is wrong for Ontario and wrong for Hamilton.
Posted By: Bill Kelly
Tim Hudak ... A Man Without a Plan
Tim gets his asshat handed to him politely this morning. Listen here for yourself.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Rocco Rossi's Campaign of Illegal Tactics
As I said in the Toronto Mayoral race. Rocco Rossi is a piece of work. He's a scumbag for allowing this shit to go on and on and on.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Brian Topp Taking Leadership Lessons From Ignatieff?
It's the only thing I can think would be going on in his head. Quebec Nation was a key contributor to Michael Ignatieff's 2006 leadership loss. And it will be the undoing of Topp's (2 day old) campaign as well.
But hey, what do I know.
But hey, what do I know.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
If You're In NYC today, Have a Drink with the Real Heroes
Suspenders Bar is the place to meet up with NYFD and other FDs from around the world on days like today. Buy a hero a drink while you're there.
Some Canadians still don't get the enormity of 911. Perhaps understandable, but highly unlikely.
There comes a time in each generation that a tragedy has changed people for a generation. IN 1941, it was the tremendous loss at Pearl Harbour. In Japan, it was Hiroshima. In 1963, it was a dark November after the Kennedy assassination. Still for some it was April '68 when poor Martin left us.
For me, in my time, it will always be 911.
Some Canadians still don't get the enormity of 911. Perhaps understandable, but highly unlikely.
There comes a time in each generation that a tragedy has changed people for a generation. IN 1941, it was the tremendous loss at Pearl Harbour. In Japan, it was Hiroshima. In 1963, it was a dark November after the Kennedy assassination. Still for some it was April '68 when poor Martin left us.
For me, in my time, it will always be 911.
Friday, September 9, 2011
What the Liberals Claimed was Impossible...The NDP will Achieve with the Greatest of Ease
That's right folks. A 6.5 month leadership race to pick a successor to the most successful leader in NDP history.
It's a shame Liberals weren't capable of replacing the leader that went down to the worst defeat in history in less than 2 years.
I wonder whose approach will be more successful, Jack Layton's dying wish or the Liberal Party's National Executive. My bet's on Jack.
Funny thing those leadership races.
It's a shame Liberals weren't capable of replacing the leader that went down to the worst defeat in history in less than 2 years.
I wonder whose approach will be more successful, Jack Layton's dying wish or the Liberal Party's National Executive. My bet's on Jack.
Funny thing those leadership races.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Jack Layton Smarter Than the Entire Liberal Party...Even in Death
Yesterday I was watching the NDP's Brian Topp on CBC's Newsworld with Heather Hiscox as he tried his best not to say he was running to be Jack's successor.
What I found most profound in the entire interview is that Topp stated that - beyond a shadow of a doubt - Jack, on his death bed, thought it was most imperative to expedite the NDP leadership selection. So, come Friday, we'll all probably know when that leadership will occur and all of the rules that go with it.
Liberals? Liberals just don't get it after the death of their party in May. Instead,we Liberals felt it necessary to circumvent our own constitution to put off a leadership selection for what might just be an eternity.
You were a smart one Mr. Layton. We have no such leadership in Liberaland.
What I found most profound in the entire interview is that Topp stated that - beyond a shadow of a doubt - Jack, on his death bed, thought it was most imperative to expedite the NDP leadership selection. So, come Friday, we'll all probably know when that leadership will occur and all of the rules that go with it.
Liberals? Liberals just don't get it after the death of their party in May. Instead,we Liberals felt it necessary to circumvent our own constitution to put off a leadership selection for what might just be an eternity.
You were a smart one Mr. Layton. We have no such leadership in Liberaland.
Monday, August 22, 2011
While a Country Weeps for a Good Man...
the tributes flow in...The Star had this cartoon that sums it up...
A Letter to Canadians from Jack Layton
A letter to Canadians, from Jack Layton
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don't be discouraged that my own journey hasn't gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we've done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let's continue to move forward. Let's demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada's Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world's environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don't let them tell you it can't be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don't be discouraged that my own journey hasn't gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we've done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let's continue to move forward. Let's demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada's Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world's environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don't let them tell you it can't be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Yes But It's Different when You're a Conservative Cabinet Minister
As I said last week, all parties have recruited separatists to win seats in Quebec. The Conservatives were just as guilty as anyone else. This guy was a real piece of work though when he was on the anti-Canada squad and I look forward to hearing more about his anit-Canadian views.
Kinsella Must Have Lost His Mind....
....When he saw this... WTF!
Green Day? Green Day better than the Ramones? The Pistols? More proof that Rolling Stone Magazine has become a magazine for mainstream yuppy top 40 music lovers (The Sheepdog fans aside)
Feel free to tell us who you think the top 10 punk bands of all time are!
I'll throw in mine.
10. Circle Jerks
9. The Ramones
8. Bad Brains
7. DOA
6. Dead Kennedys
5. Propagandhi
4. Rancid
3. The Clash
2. The Velvet Underground
1. Sex Pistols
Green Day? Green Day better than the Ramones? The Pistols? More proof that Rolling Stone Magazine has become a magazine for mainstream yuppy top 40 music lovers (The Sheepdog fans aside)
Feel free to tell us who you think the top 10 punk bands of all time are!
I'll throw in mine.
10. Circle Jerks
9. The Ramones
8. Bad Brains
7. DOA
6. Dead Kennedys
5. Propagandhi
4. Rancid
3. The Clash
2. The Velvet Underground
1. Sex Pistols
Thursday, August 4, 2011
And in the Worst Kept Secret Category....
I wish her luck. She will need it to beat the Conservative machine and Peter Adams.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Liberal Party Dumber than Sticks...MSM even Dumber
Fine. I'll blog about Nycole Tumel. You made me cause you're so f@cking stupid.
1. The Liberal Party talking birds like Scotty Popcorn and Rob not Gold but some other colour... have lost their minds over the separatist turned Dipper turned leader is mind boggling. Liberals and Conservatives and Dippers have been poaching Bloquistes in like forever.
Dear Scotty Popcorn, do remember the names Jean Lapierre and Lucien Bouchard? Not to mention that it was the Liberal Party of Canada that wanted Nycole Turmel first.
2. Dear Media twitter tards, this shit was already covered in April 2011. But none of you were paying attention (save for this one) because you were worried about a waitress in Las Vegas. You certainly weren't worried about telling Canadians that there were days that Jack Layton looked like he was going to pass out at the blowing of a strong wind.
3. The real story is why wasn't loudmouth ignoramus Tom Mulcair NOT picked as leader. Probably because he's been trying to negotiate his way into the Conservative caucus. No stories about that though.
4. While the loser Liberal leader talks about a separatist they tried to recruit themselves, the Conservatives still have a majority, they continue to raise money - even though the election isn't for 4 more years - and they fully plan to eliminate all opposition.
5. The Cons are doing it right. They're taking it over at every level...including school board trustee, alderman, regional councillor, etc. etc. etc. Liberals don't get that.
1. The Liberal Party talking birds like Scotty Popcorn and Rob not Gold but some other colour... have lost their minds over the separatist turned Dipper turned leader is mind boggling. Liberals and Conservatives and Dippers have been poaching Bloquistes in like forever.
Dear Scotty Popcorn, do remember the names Jean Lapierre and Lucien Bouchard? Not to mention that it was the Liberal Party of Canada that wanted Nycole Turmel first.
2. Dear Media twitter tards, this shit was already covered in April 2011. But none of you were paying attention (save for this one) because you were worried about a waitress in Las Vegas. You certainly weren't worried about telling Canadians that there were days that Jack Layton looked like he was going to pass out at the blowing of a strong wind.
3. The real story is why wasn't loudmouth ignoramus Tom Mulcair NOT picked as leader. Probably because he's been trying to negotiate his way into the Conservative caucus. No stories about that though.
4. While the loser Liberal leader talks about a separatist they tried to recruit themselves, the Conservatives still have a majority, they continue to raise money - even though the election isn't for 4 more years - and they fully plan to eliminate all opposition.
5. The Cons are doing it right. They're taking it over at every level...including school board trustee, alderman, regional councillor, etc. etc. etc. Liberals don't get that.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Dear Jack Layton: In the meantime Women and children are going hungry!
So the NDP leader has decided to filibuster back to work legislation for the posties. More proof they will do anything to keep those donation cheques flowing from unions and their members. While Mr. Layton does this, thousands of women and children across the country face eviction or hunger because their support payments haven't made it to their bank accounts.
Unions over women and children. Brilliant strategy that.
Unions over women and children. Brilliant strategy that.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A Stanley Cup Prayer
Our father who art in Boston. Hockey be thy name.Thy will be done. The cup will be won. On ice, as well as in the stands. Give us this day our hockey sticks. And forgive us our penalties, as we forgive those who cross-check against us. Lead us not into elimination. But deliver us to victory. In the name of the fans, Lord Stanley, and in the name of da Bruins. Amen.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Liberal Party Says "Let Your Voice be Heard"
So let's do the math shall we. 3000 delegates to a virtual "special meeting". Length of the call to be 90 minutes to 2 hours. President rambles on for 20 - 30 minutes. people allowed to talk? What, maybe 20. Now that's REALLY having YOUR voice heard.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
The Bravest Girl In Canada
The voters of Canada were fooled. But this little page girl sure wasn't. She needs a job. Look her up. She has done what many of us wish we could do. Stop Harper!
Cheers to you Brigette DePape!
Cheers to you Brigette DePape!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
If Ever There Was A Time When the Liberal National Executive Should Mass Resign, It's NOW!!!
Here's Why! Direct Violation of Constitutional Section 54.3.b. Regardless of whether or not there is a "Special Convention", the Executive had to set out a Leadership vote for October, 2011. That includes all the rules for said leadership. Arrogance and stupidity are the only two logical explanations for this blatant disregard for our constitution. I suggest all of you email every one of the executive asking for their resignations.
On a recent conference call of the Council of Presidents, even Alf Apps said he "must call leadership by May 30th". I guess good ole Alf thinks the Special Convention amendments will be passed on June 18th and the rest of the constitution can just be ignored. Maybe he knows something we don't.
On a recent conference call of the Council of Presidents, even Alf Apps said he "must call leadership by May 30th". I guess good ole Alf thinks the Special Convention amendments will be passed on June 18th and the rest of the constitution can just be ignored. Maybe he knows something we don't.
54 Call of Leadership Vote
(1) The Leader ceases immediately to be the Leader when:
(a) due to incapacity, the Leader ceases to be recognized by the Governor-General
as the leader of the Party in the House of Commons;
(b) the Leader dies;
(c) there are published in accordance with this Constitution the results of a
Leadership Endorsement Ballot in which the Leader is not endorsed;32
(d) the National Board of Directors declares in accordance with Subsection 55(2)
that the result of a Leadership Vote is invalid.
(2) If the Leader publicly announces an intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the
National President a written resignation or a written request to call a Leadership
Vote, then the Leader ceases to be the Leader on the earlier of the appointment of an
Interim Leader and when a new Leader is elected by the members of the Party.
(3) In the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1), if the Leader publicly announces an
intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the National President a written
resignation or a written request to call a Leadership Vote, the National President must call a meeting of the National Board of Directors to be held within 27 days, and at that meeting the National Board of Directors must:
(a) in the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1) or if the Leader so requests, in
consultation with the Caucus, appoint an “Interim Leader”;
(b) set a date for a Leadership Vote to be held within five months;
(c) fix a deposit, refundable or otherwise, to be paid by each leadership contestant
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
If Ever There Was A Time When the Liberal National Executive Should Mass Resign, It's NOW!!!
Here's Why! Direct Violation of Constitutional Section 54.3.b. Regardless of whether or not there is a "Special Convention", the Executive had to set out a Leadership vote for October, 2011. That includes all the rules for said leadership. Arrogance and stupidity are the only two logical explanations for this blatant disregard for our constitution. I suggest all of you email every one of the executive asking for their resignations.
On a recent conference call of the Council of Presidents, even Alf Apps said he "must call leadership by May 30th". I guess good ole Alf thinks the Special Convention amendments will be passed on June 18th and the rest of the constitution can just be ignored. Maybe he knows something we don't.
On a recent conference call of the Council of Presidents, even Alf Apps said he "must call leadership by May 30th". I guess good ole Alf thinks the Special Convention amendments will be passed on June 18th and the rest of the constitution can just be ignored. Maybe he knows something we don't.
54 Call of Leadership Vote
(1) The Leader ceases immediately to be the Leader when:
(a) due to incapacity, the Leader ceases to be recognized by the Governor-General
as the leader of the Party in the House of Commons;
(b) the Leader dies;
(c) there are published in accordance with this Constitution the results of a
Leadership Endorsement Ballot in which the Leader is not endorsed;32
(d) the National Board of Directors declares in accordance with Subsection 55(2)
that the result of a Leadership Vote is invalid.
(2) If the Leader publicly announces an intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the
National President a written resignation or a written request to call a Leadership
Vote, then the Leader ceases to be the Leader on the earlier of the appointment of an
Interim Leader and when a new Leader is elected by the members of the Party.
(3) In the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1), if the Leader publicly announces an
intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the National President a written
resignation or a written request to call a Leadership Vote, the National President must call a meeting of the National Board of Directors to be held within 27 days, and at that meeting the National Board of Directors must:
(a) in the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1) or if the Leader so requests, in
consultation with the Caucus, appoint an “Interim Leader”;
(b) set a date for a Leadership Vote to be held within five months;
(c) fix a deposit, refundable or otherwise, to be paid by each leadership contestant
And the Liberal Party Wonders Why Grassroots Think They are Cheats
The next 28 hours are the last chance to submit your Form 6 for the illegitimate "Special Convention" that nobody will get to speak on. Coincidentally, the LPC(o) and LPC websites are conveniently not working as I write this blog. But hardly anybody is screaming that the whole "virtual meeting" is a sham, right Mr. Apps?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Two Options: Liberal Leadership Now, Or after 18 months
Those are the only options being given to Liberal Party members. You decide.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Where is LPC(O) President Howard Stevenson??? Anybody?
Liberal Party President Alfred Apps continues to hammer away at "I have the support of caucus, the National Executive, The PTAs and just about every Liberal in the country but 10". In his mass email yesterday, Alf states: These resolutions were adopted following extensive consultation with the Caucus leadership, riding Presidents, defeated candidates, Commission executives and other Liberals.
I am having trouble believing Alf because we have a PTA president here in Ontario that I have yet to receive a single email from during this whole sham of a process to undermine the Liberal Party Constitution. In fact, after attending close to a dozen meetings with "other Liberals", I can confirm that not one person I have spoken with - including as many as 22 Ontario riding Presidents - have heard from the provincial president. Not one.
Here in Ontario we have over 100 riding associations. I would think the provincial president would have expedited some sort of conference call amongst his riding presidents to determine what the mood was among Ontario Liberal members. Perhaps that's just forward thinking and wishful whisperings.
Never mind. Carry on.
I am having trouble believing Alf because we have a PTA president here in Ontario that I have yet to receive a single email from during this whole sham of a process to undermine the Liberal Party Constitution. In fact, after attending close to a dozen meetings with "other Liberals", I can confirm that not one person I have spoken with - including as many as 22 Ontario riding Presidents - have heard from the provincial president. Not one.
Here in Ontario we have over 100 riding associations. I would think the provincial president would have expedited some sort of conference call amongst his riding presidents to determine what the mood was among Ontario Liberal members. Perhaps that's just forward thinking and wishful whisperings.
Never mind. Carry on.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I Will ^NOT Be Supporting the Amendments to the Liberal Constitution
It is ridiculous. They shall set a date? For a leadership vote? Which is not the same as the leadership vote will occur sometime between Nov 1, 2012 and February, 28,2013 That is to say, what stops them from saying in December 2012, "we set a date" of June, 2014? Good Gawd!!
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
JUNE 18, 2011 EXTRAORDINARY CONVENTION
1. The members of the Party assembled in convention, as a Special Resolution, amend the Constitution to add as section 82(1) the following:
Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Constitution (including, but not limited to, section 54):
(a) the meeting of the National Board of Directors required by subsection 54(3) as a consequence of the resignation of the Leader in May 2011 shall be held at any time on or before October 1, 2012; and
(b) at the meeting referred to in Paragraph (a), the National Board of Directors, in consultation with the Caucus and the Council of Presidents and on five (5) months' notice to the Party, shall set a date for a Leadership Vote between November 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013.
This subsection (1) shall no longer be of force or effect on the later of the conclusion of the Leadership Vote contemplated by Paragraph (a) and February 28, 2013.
2. The members of the Party assembled in convention, as a Special Resolution, amend the Constitution to add as section 82(2) the following:
Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Constitution (including, but not limited to, section 65), the next biennial convention of the Party (which is the rescheduled biennial convention of the Party originally called for June 17, 2011) including the related in-person meeting of the Council of Presidents shall be held on January 13 to 15, 2012 at Ottawa, Ontario. This subsection (2) shall no longer be of force or effect on January 15, 2012
Monday, May 23, 2011
One Week Left to Call Liberal Leadership Convention
I wonder what the rules will be? What's the deposit? What is the maximum amount the contestants can spend? Where will it be? Who's the chairs of the big event? Can't wait to here all the details. Anybody have any guesses?
Section 54(3) In the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1), if the Leader publicly announces an intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the National President a written resignation or a written request to call a Leadership Vote, the National President must call a meeting of the National Board of Directors to be held within 27 days, and at that meeting the National Board of Directors must:
(a) in the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1) or if the Leader so requests, in
consultation with the Caucus, appoint an “Interim Leader”;
(b) set a date for a Leadership Vote to be held within five months;
(c) fix a deposit, refundable or otherwise, to be paid by each leadership contestant
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Well it's Sunday and We Still Have no "Details" About the Liberal "Extraordinary Convention"
No wording of the so-called amendments.
No solid dates for the so-called amendments.
Nada nada enchilada. I'm sure Alf Apps told everyone on the Council of Presidents call the other night that we would have more details by Sunday. It's Sunday.
That's a real cool logo on the Liberal website though.
Tell us all what say we will be getting exactly. Will every single delegate get an opportunity to talk? Tell us.
No solid dates for the so-called amendments.
Nada nada enchilada. I'm sure Alf Apps told everyone on the Council of Presidents call the other night that we would have more details by Sunday. It's Sunday.
That's a real cool logo on the Liberal website though.
Tell us all what say we will be getting exactly. Will every single delegate get an opportunity to talk? Tell us.
A Message from Jason Cherniak
Yes, Jason and I see eye to eye on this. It's one of the points I, and others, have been expressing and writing about for 3 weeks now. I'll take it a step further to include that the NEW LEADER'S legacy is one that includes the renewal of this now broken party and that the job does not fall onto an interim leader that will not lead us into the next election. Who should be in charge of the grassroots consultation? I would choose someone like an Axworthy.
The Interim Leader should not lead renewal
.by Jason Cherniak on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 12:08pm.
I don’t know that I’m going to win many friends with this note, but I’m writing it anyway. My hope is that maybe there are enough people out there who agree with me that I can stimulate a proper discussion. Before reading the rest of this, please note that I expressed this view (at least in private) before we knew who would be interested in the job.
In short, I don’t want the interim leader of the Liberal Party to lead renewal. In my view, the very notion of a caucus member leading renewal is the antitheses of the grassroots rejuvenation we need. This is why I never liked the Change Commission, despite my great personal regard for Carolyn Bennett. Similarly, I was infuriated during the 2006 convention when Bill Graham, Senator Graham (no relation) and other caucus members got on stage to endorse the new Constitution that currently governs the Liberal Party. The job of caucus is to represent Canadians in Ottawa – it is not to reorganize the organization that put them there in the first place.
Let’s imagine that the interim leader really does lead the renewal process. What would that look like? Would the Interim Leader be traveling from riding to riding consulting members? That wouldn’t do much to get us headlines and keep us in the news. Would the Interim Leader appoint people to lead various renewal projects? That doesn’t sound very grassroots to me. Would you have to be a favourite of the interim leader to play a prominent role in the renewal? Surely that is not how you let the cream rise to the top.
Yes, the interim leader should be strong in Parliament. It should be a person who can hold Harper and Layton to account and show Canadians that the Liberal Party has something to contribute to the national debate. I personally think the interim leader should be a non-controversial Herb Grey or Bill Graham type, but I’m not willing to campaign one way or the other on that point because I’m not certain that I’m right.
What I am certain about is that the important Parliamentary and media role for the Interim Leader is not about rebuilding the Liberal Party. It is about allowing the Liberal Party to rebuild itself.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Liberal Leadership for Dummies
I am finding it fascinating to go through some of our Party's history.
How about some information about the length of some of the previous Liberal Leadership races?
•Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King announces his retirement on January 20, 1948 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place August 7, 1948 (less than 8 months)
•Prime Minister St. Laurent announces his retirement on September 5, 1957 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place January 16, 1958 (a little more than 4 months)
•Prime Minister Lester Pearson announced on December 14, 1967 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place April 6, 1968. (less than 4 months later (including Christmas Holidays))
•Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau announces his retirement February 29, 1984 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place June 16, 1984 (about 3.5 months)
•John Turner announces his retirement May 1989 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place June 23, 1990 (about one year)
•Jean Chretien announces his retirement October 2002 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place November 14, 2003 (a really long time!!!! So long, that we changed the constitution to prevent it from happening again!!!)
•Paul Martin announces his retirement March, 2006 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place December 2–3, 2006 (8-9 months)
•2009, Stephane Dion resigns -- Well we all know what happened after that. We still haven't had a leadership
A couple of other things:
When Lester Pearson ran during the 4 month, Leadership Campaign in 1958, there were :
•no (useful) computers
•no internet
•no Facebook, Twitter or text messaging
•no teleconferences
•no cell phones
•no tele-townhalls
•no live TV debates
•no live voice broadcasts
•largely propeller commercial airplane travel
•limited nation-wide television
So my questions are:
1.With all of the new advances in communication and travel, why have our leadership races gotten longer, instead of shorter?
2.With the changes in leadership finance legislation, why have leadership races gotten longer and not shorter?
3.With the obvious decline in the Liberal donor pool, why have leadership races gotten longer and not shorter?
4.With the need to focus on rebuilding the Party, why are we planning a longer leadership race and not a shorter one?
5.With Liberals already fractured and ready to split to other parties or out of politics entirely, why are we looking to have a longer and potentially further divisive leadership race and not a shorter race where candidates have less time to build up resentment and entrenched factions?
6.With the Constitution clearly requiring a convention no later than December 17th, why are we looking at potentially a Fall 2012 or spring 2013 leadership convention?
So tell me again why we need 12-24 months to have this leadership race?
How about some information about the length of some of the previous Liberal Leadership races?
•Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King announces his retirement on January 20, 1948 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place August 7, 1948 (less than 8 months)
•Prime Minister St. Laurent announces his retirement on September 5, 1957 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place January 16, 1958 (a little more than 4 months)
•Prime Minister Lester Pearson announced on December 14, 1967 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place April 6, 1968. (less than 4 months later (including Christmas Holidays))
•Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau announces his retirement February 29, 1984 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place June 16, 1984 (about 3.5 months)
•John Turner announces his retirement May 1989 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place June 23, 1990 (about one year)
•Jean Chretien announces his retirement October 2002 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place November 14, 2003 (a really long time!!!! So long, that we changed the constitution to prevent it from happening again!!!)
•Paul Martin announces his retirement March, 2006 -- Liberal Leadership Convention takes place December 2–3, 2006 (8-9 months)
•2009, Stephane Dion resigns -- Well we all know what happened after that. We still haven't had a leadership
A couple of other things:
When Lester Pearson ran during the 4 month, Leadership Campaign in 1958, there were :
•no (useful) computers
•no internet
•no Facebook, Twitter or text messaging
•no teleconferences
•no cell phones
•no tele-townhalls
•no live TV debates
•no live voice broadcasts
•largely propeller commercial airplane travel
•limited nation-wide television
So my questions are:
1.With all of the new advances in communication and travel, why have our leadership races gotten longer, instead of shorter?
2.With the changes in leadership finance legislation, why have leadership races gotten longer and not shorter?
3.With the obvious decline in the Liberal donor pool, why have leadership races gotten longer and not shorter?
4.With the need to focus on rebuilding the Party, why are we planning a longer leadership race and not a shorter one?
5.With Liberals already fractured and ready to split to other parties or out of politics entirely, why are we looking to have a longer and potentially further divisive leadership race and not a shorter race where candidates have less time to build up resentment and entrenched factions?
6.With the Constitution clearly requiring a convention no later than December 17th, why are we looking at potentially a Fall 2012 or spring 2013 leadership convention?
So tell me again why we need 12-24 months to have this leadership race?
Friday, May 20, 2011
And Bob Rae Wins!!!
As I wrote last night, Bob Rae was going to hold the party hostage by demanding that he be interim leader for a minimum of 18 months before a leadership. Tonight he got his wish.
The funny thing is, the grassroots just might rise up and tell the Liberal National Executive and Caucus to go scr@w themselves and defeat their silly, ridiculous, illegitimate constitutional amendments.
18 to 22 months? Are you kidding me. 9 months almost killed us in 2006. Now you want 22 months? Geezus!
The funny thing is, the grassroots just might rise up and tell the Liberal National Executive and Caucus to go scr@w themselves and defeat their silly, ridiculous, illegitimate constitutional amendments.
18 to 22 months? Are you kidding me. 9 months almost killed us in 2006. Now you want 22 months? Geezus!
10 Days Until Alf Apps Sets a Date for October Leadership
...and the rules for said leadership....
Just saying.
Just saying.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Bob Rae Holding the Liberal Party Hostage?
Update: Here
Lost in translation over everyone's exuberance that Mr. Rae announced today that he is seeking the interim leader tag, is the fact that he did so well tying the hands of the members and the national executive. You see, in all the excitement, Bob has decided to set the timing for the next leadership himself. Alf Apps must be just livid tonight.
So all of you that have been debating over long or short leadership, biennial back or forth can just stop now. Bob has spoken. Your move Mr. Apps.
I'd love to play chess with Bob some day, because I think he's got some interesting gambits.
Lost in translation over everyone's exuberance that Mr. Rae announced today that he is seeking the interim leader tag, is the fact that he did so well tying the hands of the members and the national executive. You see, in all the excitement, Bob has decided to set the timing for the next leadership himself. Alf Apps must be just livid tonight.
Other Liberals take Mr. Rae at his word and suggest the move was inevitable, given that rebuilding process is likely a decade long commitment. Mr. Rae told CBC’s Power and Politics that he is prepared to start that process, as long as the interim leadership is for an 18-24 month period.
So all of you that have been debating over long or short leadership, biennial back or forth can just stop now. Bob has spoken. Your move Mr. Apps.
I'd love to play chess with Bob some day, because I think he's got some interesting gambits.
18 Months of Long, Devisive Liberal Infighting! Awesome!
What a great way to start rebuilding. Fight for AT LEAST 18 months first. Beautiful. Great thinking.
A consensus appears to be developing that the decimated Liberal party should delay electing a new leader for 18 months.
Party president Alf Apps says the fall of 2012 is emerging as the favoured date for choosing a successor to Michael Ignatieff, who resigned after leading the once-mighty party to its worst ever electoral showing on May 2.
A consensus appears to be developing that the decimated Liberal party should delay electing a new leader for 18 months.
Party president Alf Apps says the fall of 2012 is emerging as the favoured date for choosing a successor to Michael Ignatieff, who resigned after leading the once-mighty party to its worst ever electoral showing on May 2.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
How Does the Liberal Party Rebuild When It Starts by Having Illegit Meeting?
The "Special Convention" : It's not Extraordinary. It's Unconstitutional.
par John J. Lennard, mardi 17 mai 2011, 10:55
http://www.facebook.com/notes/john-j-lennard/the-special-convention-its-not-extraordinary-its-unconstitutional/10150184826444141
There has been some talk over the past few days about the constitutionality of holding an "extraordinary convention" on June 18 to make certain changes to the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership selection process. I believe that the extraordinary convention is unconstitutional. I will try to explain my reasoning step by step so people can better understand the conclusion at which I, and many other Liberals, have arrived.
Section 61(2) of the party's constitution requires the National Board to call a biennial convention within 30 months of the previous biennial convention, and in any case, at least once every two calendar years. Liberals may recall that the last biennial convention began on April 30, 2009. That means that the next biennial convention technically has to happen in 2011, in theory no later than October 30. Accordingly, late last year the Liberal Party's National Board called the biennial for June 17, 2011 in order to meet this requirement.
Section 65(5) of the constitution allows the National Board to delay a scheduled biennial in the case of an an imminent or ongoing election for up to six months. Since the original biennial was scheduled to be held on June 17, and an election was called in the interim, the National Board decided to delay the convention pursuant to section 65(5). The latest they could possibly hold a delayed biennial convention is December 17, 2011. Alfred Apps, the President of the Liberal Party of Canada, publicly committed to respecting this requirement in a letter he sent to the party membership in early April announcing the delay.
Now here is where things get interesting. On May 3, 2011 Michael Ignatieff decided to resign as leader of the Liberal Party. His resignation triggered a series of rules with respect to the selection of an interim leader and a new permanent leader. The National Board, for a bunch of reasons (some of which I suspect they will not admit) want to delay a leadership vote, which the party constitution mandates must happen no later than October of this year, and change some other leadership rules. The only way for them to delay the vote and change the rules would be to modify the constitution through a party convention. However, since they previously decided to delay the next scheduled biennial convention to sometime in the fall (and in any event, no later than December 17), they fear they will not have enough time to change the rules as they would like to. As a result, they are relying on section 61(3) of the constitution, which allows the National Board to call an extraordinary convention in extraordinary circumstances, to get around this dilemma.
The Board decided to call this special convention for June 18, 2011. The special convention is to be held by teleconference, with thousands of delegates presumably debating and voting over the telephone on the amendments being suggested by the National Board. How the party proposes to ensure the integrity of this process is still up in the air. I am not convinced it can be done in a fair and transparent way, but that is a separate issue. The constitutional issue at play is section 61(3). This section is problematic for the National Board, because it states that extraordinary conventions are possible at any time "except within six months of a biennial". The National Board knows this. That is why, in addition to the leadership rule changes, they are proposing an amendment at this special convention to shift the biennial to January 13, 2012. However, the scheme cannot work because the special convention is itself unconstitutional: A biennial has been called for June 17, 2011, and while the delayed date has not yet been set, it could not, in any event, be held past December 17 of this year. No matter how you look at it, this special convention would come within six months of a biennial, and is thus unconstitutional.
Simply put, the National Board is trying to put off the calling and holding of a biennial convention to satisfy the holding of an extraordinary convention, one of whose stated purposes is to alter the constitution so as to move said biennial to a date which would satisfy the calling of the special convention to begin with! Pretty circular, isn't it?
Now people might say, "Wait a minute, John, that's just a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo. What's the big deal, anyway? What's wrong with holding a consultation of party members on an issue of such fundamental importance as a leadership race?" My response is sixfold:
1.What is being suggested is not a "consultation of party members". It is a delegated convention. Theoretically, delegates will be selected by their local riding association membership, but in practice, because of the timing and confusion of this whole process, they will more likely appointed on a first-come, first-served basis.
2.This delegated convention will be held by teleconference. That means that delegates will not be in each others physical presence. Debates, discussions and votes will presumably be held over the telephone, with upwards of 6,500 delegates lining up at a "virtual microphone" to have their say. How the party proposes to make this process work from a logistical perspective is anyone's guess. As I mentioned earlier, I seriously doubt that it can be done fairly and transparently, but I guess we will just have to trust the National Board when they tell us it is technically feasible.
3.The goal of this delegated convention is not to measure the opinion of party members with respect to when a leadership race should be held, and on what terms. The goal of this convention is to approve a number of pre-packaged amendments concocted by the National Board.
4.The National Board has not released their proposed amendments yet. But from what has been publicly reported, they will be suggesting that this special convention grant the next National Board the ability to call and hold a leadership race at any point between May 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. In other words, rather than have a leadership selection process governed by the Constitution of the Liberal Party of Canada, we will have a leadership selection process governed by the National Board.
5.If this amendment passes, the game immediately shifts to who can control the next National Board, because the candidate who controls the Board controls the rules. That means that rather than spend the next two years participating in "rebuilding and renewing" the Liberal Party, leadership candidates will be jostling over control of the party apparatus, just as the candidates of the day did in the lead up to the 1990 and 2003 leadership races. If history has taught us anything, it is that party renewal almost always takes a back seat to leadership ambition.
6.In any event, by demonstrating through this farcical "extraordinary convention" process that the constitution is not worth the paper it is written on, this current Board is indicating that rules can be changed on a whim by the next Board. Who's to say there won't be some "extraordinary circumstance" that "forces" us to delay a leadership election beyond June 30, 2013?
My point, in this not-so-short note, is to raise some alarm bells in the minds of Liberal Party members. What appears to be an innocuous "consultation of party members" may, in fact, have far more serious ramifications for the party than one might think. Liberals should not, in the name of "rebuilding and renewal", overlook the fact that our party executive is deliberately playing around with the rules to try to force through a number of changes that could not otherwise be made--changes that may in fact lead to greater concentration of discretionary power in the hands of the very executive claiming to stand up for the membership.
Don't be fooled, Liberals. This "special convention" is not only extraordinary. It is unconstitutional.
par John J. Lennard, mardi 17 mai 2011, 10:55
http://www.facebook.com/notes/john-j-lennard/the-special-convention-its-not-extraordinary-its-unconstitutional/10150184826444141
par John J. Lennard, mardi 17 mai 2011, 10:55
http://www.facebook.com/notes/john-j-lennard/the-special-convention-its-not-extraordinary-its-unconstitutional/10150184826444141
There has been some talk over the past few days about the constitutionality of holding an "extraordinary convention" on June 18 to make certain changes to the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership selection process. I believe that the extraordinary convention is unconstitutional. I will try to explain my reasoning step by step so people can better understand the conclusion at which I, and many other Liberals, have arrived.
Section 61(2) of the party's constitution requires the National Board to call a biennial convention within 30 months of the previous biennial convention, and in any case, at least once every two calendar years. Liberals may recall that the last biennial convention began on April 30, 2009. That means that the next biennial convention technically has to happen in 2011, in theory no later than October 30. Accordingly, late last year the Liberal Party's National Board called the biennial for June 17, 2011 in order to meet this requirement.
Section 65(5) of the constitution allows the National Board to delay a scheduled biennial in the case of an an imminent or ongoing election for up to six months. Since the original biennial was scheduled to be held on June 17, and an election was called in the interim, the National Board decided to delay the convention pursuant to section 65(5). The latest they could possibly hold a delayed biennial convention is December 17, 2011. Alfred Apps, the President of the Liberal Party of Canada, publicly committed to respecting this requirement in a letter he sent to the party membership in early April announcing the delay.
Now here is where things get interesting. On May 3, 2011 Michael Ignatieff decided to resign as leader of the Liberal Party. His resignation triggered a series of rules with respect to the selection of an interim leader and a new permanent leader. The National Board, for a bunch of reasons (some of which I suspect they will not admit) want to delay a leadership vote, which the party constitution mandates must happen no later than October of this year, and change some other leadership rules. The only way for them to delay the vote and change the rules would be to modify the constitution through a party convention. However, since they previously decided to delay the next scheduled biennial convention to sometime in the fall (and in any event, no later than December 17), they fear they will not have enough time to change the rules as they would like to. As a result, they are relying on section 61(3) of the constitution, which allows the National Board to call an extraordinary convention in extraordinary circumstances, to get around this dilemma.
The Board decided to call this special convention for June 18, 2011. The special convention is to be held by teleconference, with thousands of delegates presumably debating and voting over the telephone on the amendments being suggested by the National Board. How the party proposes to ensure the integrity of this process is still up in the air. I am not convinced it can be done in a fair and transparent way, but that is a separate issue. The constitutional issue at play is section 61(3). This section is problematic for the National Board, because it states that extraordinary conventions are possible at any time "except within six months of a biennial". The National Board knows this. That is why, in addition to the leadership rule changes, they are proposing an amendment at this special convention to shift the biennial to January 13, 2012. However, the scheme cannot work because the special convention is itself unconstitutional: A biennial has been called for June 17, 2011, and while the delayed date has not yet been set, it could not, in any event, be held past December 17 of this year. No matter how you look at it, this special convention would come within six months of a biennial, and is thus unconstitutional.
Simply put, the National Board is trying to put off the calling and holding of a biennial convention to satisfy the holding of an extraordinary convention, one of whose stated purposes is to alter the constitution so as to move said biennial to a date which would satisfy the calling of the special convention to begin with! Pretty circular, isn't it?
Now people might say, "Wait a minute, John, that's just a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo. What's the big deal, anyway? What's wrong with holding a consultation of party members on an issue of such fundamental importance as a leadership race?" My response is sixfold:
1.What is being suggested is not a "consultation of party members". It is a delegated convention. Theoretically, delegates will be selected by their local riding association membership, but in practice, because of the timing and confusion of this whole process, they will more likely appointed on a first-come, first-served basis.
2.This delegated convention will be held by teleconference. That means that delegates will not be in each others physical presence. Debates, discussions and votes will presumably be held over the telephone, with upwards of 6,500 delegates lining up at a "virtual microphone" to have their say. How the party proposes to make this process work from a logistical perspective is anyone's guess. As I mentioned earlier, I seriously doubt that it can be done fairly and transparently, but I guess we will just have to trust the National Board when they tell us it is technically feasible.
3.The goal of this delegated convention is not to measure the opinion of party members with respect to when a leadership race should be held, and on what terms. The goal of this convention is to approve a number of pre-packaged amendments concocted by the National Board.
4.The National Board has not released their proposed amendments yet. But from what has been publicly reported, they will be suggesting that this special convention grant the next National Board the ability to call and hold a leadership race at any point between May 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. In other words, rather than have a leadership selection process governed by the Constitution of the Liberal Party of Canada, we will have a leadership selection process governed by the National Board.
5.If this amendment passes, the game immediately shifts to who can control the next National Board, because the candidate who controls the Board controls the rules. That means that rather than spend the next two years participating in "rebuilding and renewing" the Liberal Party, leadership candidates will be jostling over control of the party apparatus, just as the candidates of the day did in the lead up to the 1990 and 2003 leadership races. If history has taught us anything, it is that party renewal almost always takes a back seat to leadership ambition.
6.In any event, by demonstrating through this farcical "extraordinary convention" process that the constitution is not worth the paper it is written on, this current Board is indicating that rules can be changed on a whim by the next Board. Who's to say there won't be some "extraordinary circumstance" that "forces" us to delay a leadership election beyond June 30, 2013?
My point, in this not-so-short note, is to raise some alarm bells in the minds of Liberal Party members. What appears to be an innocuous "consultation of party members" may, in fact, have far more serious ramifications for the party than one might think. Liberals should not, in the name of "rebuilding and renewal", overlook the fact that our party executive is deliberately playing around with the rules to try to force through a number of changes that could not otherwise be made--changes that may in fact lead to greater concentration of discretionary power in the hands of the very executive claiming to stand up for the membership.
Don't be fooled, Liberals. This "special convention" is not only extraordinary. It is unconstitutional.
par John J. Lennard, mardi 17 mai 2011, 10:55
http://www.facebook.com/notes/john-j-lennard/the-special-convention-its-not-extraordinary-its-unconstitutional/10150184826444141
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Hey, Alf Apps, Here's Another Letter Calling for Your Resignation
The delusional Apps maintains only 8 or 10 people have called for his resignation. Well, I know different. So does he. But the truth never really mattered to Alf Apps.
Here's one from The Sun today
Here's one from The Sun today
Dunn: Apps dooms Grits The inside story of the destruction of the Liberal Party
By Mark Dunn ,Parliamentary Bureau
First posted: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 2:00:26 EDT AM
The Liberal Party of Canada has an App for failure.
Alfred Apps, party president, backroom boy and lightning rod for discontent among the Grit flock who have seen their once proud institution reduced to rubble.
His recruit, Michael Ignatieff, had no choice but to quit after the carnage earlier this month. But Apps, who takes no blame for the historic collapse and the heap of Liberal corpses at his feet, was one of the architects of the events that ended with the May 2 drubbing. And the party may never recover with him at the helm.
Let’s start with some perspective. Between 2006 and 2009, I was heavily involved in providing communications advice to the Liberal Opposition.
I heard things, I saw things. And it wasn’t pretty. I was in the office of Bill Graham, interim Opposition leader when Stephane Dion beat Michael Ignatieff for the leadership in 2006. The grassroots of the party rejected Ignatieff at the Montreal convention.
It was a stunning upset, and the start of nasty backroom games to undermine Dion, led by the gang that went to Harvard to convince Ignatieff to return to Canada to lead the party in the first place.
Ignatieff was their messiah. To others, he was an English version of Dion.
For two years, Dion’s leadership was under constant threat. He was pressured to name Ignatieff as deputy leader, a fatal mistake he was warned to avoid — but didn’t — which left the rival for his job gunning for him from the office next door and partisan soldiers lurking in the open reporting every move back to the Toronto generals.
I watched with fascination the bullying, the backstabbing, the threats and the neverending plotting.
Most disturbing were the bloated egos, the power-hungry who put themselves before their party. It was already on life support after the Chretien-Martin feud, but these zealots wanted Dion gone even if it meant further destruction of an institution already in a death spiral.
The price they paid was 17 seats zapped after the 2008 election, the failed coalition Hail Mary.
And finally the coup to turf Dion and install Ignatieff. The Toronto gang moved in and Apps was made president at the urging of the aloof professor. The road to this month’s historic calamity was paved.
Which brings us back to the new reality: The Liberal party under Alf Apps is a walking corpse.
But he is deaf to calls to leave. Blind to gestures pointing at the door.
And this is why the Liberal party is doomed.
If the dwindling grassroots don’t rise up and rid themselves of those who were part of the broader team that orchestrated the May 2 drubbing, then the Liberals deserve to wallow in the wilderness for years, generations and perhaps even longer.
You need leaders who can reach out — those who roll up their sleeves and understand the undertaking that is required to rebuild, to renew, to raise money, to unite.
The grassroots of the party has been taken for fools for too long while the elitists make rules on the fly, and mine loopholes in the party’s Constitution to suit themselves.
The party’s Council of Presidents holds a teleconference call Wednesday.
This should be the last call for Apps.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Liberal Leadership Put Off Until at Least 2013
Maybe even 2014.
With yesterday's call for a "special meeting" to extend the biennial convention from December 17-18 to January 12-13, 2012 comes the deferral of the leadership until sometime after 2013. To my recollection "Leadership" conventions and Party "Biennials" have never taken place in the same calendar year. I'll hazzard a guess 2012 will be no exception.
I encourage you to vote down the constitutional amendments being put forth on June 18, 2011.
With yesterday's call for a "special meeting" to extend the biennial convention from December 17-18 to January 12-13, 2012 comes the deferral of the leadership until sometime after 2013. To my recollection "Leadership" conventions and Party "Biennials" have never taken place in the same calendar year. I'll hazzard a guess 2012 will be no exception.
I encourage you to vote down the constitutional amendments being put forth on June 18, 2011.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Wouldn't it Help You if the Liberal Party Exec told You What Amendments You're Voting On
Like maybe a solid, deffered Leadership date instead of an open ended, "we'll decide for you" type of thing? And does voting by phone take away the spirit of "Secret Balloting"?
Statement by Robert Hamish Jamieson National Membership Secretary
Posted on May 14, 2011
The Liberal Party of Canada is setting a course to enable your voice to be heard and to have your actions direct our party as we move forward together.
Our party’s constitution, most recently amended by delegates to the 2009 Vancouver Convention, prescribes that your National Board must hold a Leadership Vote to select a new Liberal Leader. Adhering to the constitution, your Board will set this Leadership Vote to give the maximum time allowed (5 months) which is October 28 and 29, 2011. The Leadership Vote is a vote by all party members – One Member, One Vote.
However, so many members like yourself have called, written and emailed your Board members, asking that this Leadership Vote be delayed. According to your feedback, the overwhelming reason to delay the Leadership Vote is to allow for meetings throughout our ridings, regions and provinces in the upcoming months so we may together discuss and decide upon our future as a party and focus on serious policy and organizational rebuilding work before we turn our attention to our leadership choices. Your Board has heard almost unanimously that this is best done free of a Leadership selection process.
Therefore, we are calling for an extraordinary convention of our party to be held on June 18, 2011 by teleconference which will allow delegates to debate and vote on an amendment that would delay the Leadership Vote should it be accepted by the delegates. This is a procedure under our Constitution that enables the Party to deal with special situations like those we confront today. While the Board would prefer that all members be able to vote in this convention, the constitution specifies that only delegates chosen by members may vote at the convention.
Delegates to this extraordinary convention will also be asked to confirm January 13-15, 2012, as the dates of the next biennial convention – a vitally important step in our rebuilding process ahead.
Very shortly you and all members will receive a notification to submit your name as a delegate to this extraordinary convention of the party and you will be able to vote to select the delegates from your riding association and/or commission club.
Decisions that will affect the future of our party are literally in your hands. Your National Board of Directors will enact the judgment of the convention and follow the path you and the party membership choose.
Below is the schedule that we will use to ensure all party members have an opportunity to participate.
Please feel free to reply to this so that we may immediately know your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Robert Hamish Jamieson
National Membership Secretary
KEY DATES
Friday, May 20, 2011
Membership cut off. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote or stand for election as a delegate
Friday, June 3, 2011
Deadline to submit intention to stand as a delegate
Saturday June 11, 2011/Sunday June 12, 2011
Delegate Selection meeting date
Saturday June 18, 2011
Extraordinary Convention (by teleconference)
Statement by Robert Hamish Jamieson National Membership Secretary
Posted on May 14, 2011
The Liberal Party of Canada is setting a course to enable your voice to be heard and to have your actions direct our party as we move forward together.
Our party’s constitution, most recently amended by delegates to the 2009 Vancouver Convention, prescribes that your National Board must hold a Leadership Vote to select a new Liberal Leader. Adhering to the constitution, your Board will set this Leadership Vote to give the maximum time allowed (5 months) which is October 28 and 29, 2011. The Leadership Vote is a vote by all party members – One Member, One Vote.
However, so many members like yourself have called, written and emailed your Board members, asking that this Leadership Vote be delayed. According to your feedback, the overwhelming reason to delay the Leadership Vote is to allow for meetings throughout our ridings, regions and provinces in the upcoming months so we may together discuss and decide upon our future as a party and focus on serious policy and organizational rebuilding work before we turn our attention to our leadership choices. Your Board has heard almost unanimously that this is best done free of a Leadership selection process.
Therefore, we are calling for an extraordinary convention of our party to be held on June 18, 2011 by teleconference which will allow delegates to debate and vote on an amendment that would delay the Leadership Vote should it be accepted by the delegates. This is a procedure under our Constitution that enables the Party to deal with special situations like those we confront today. While the Board would prefer that all members be able to vote in this convention, the constitution specifies that only delegates chosen by members may vote at the convention.
Delegates to this extraordinary convention will also be asked to confirm January 13-15, 2012, as the dates of the next biennial convention – a vitally important step in our rebuilding process ahead.
Very shortly you and all members will receive a notification to submit your name as a delegate to this extraordinary convention of the party and you will be able to vote to select the delegates from your riding association and/or commission club.
Decisions that will affect the future of our party are literally in your hands. Your National Board of Directors will enact the judgment of the convention and follow the path you and the party membership choose.
Below is the schedule that we will use to ensure all party members have an opportunity to participate.
Please feel free to reply to this so that we may immediately know your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Robert Hamish Jamieson
National Membership Secretary
KEY DATES
Friday, May 20, 2011
Membership cut off. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote or stand for election as a delegate
Friday, June 3, 2011
Deadline to submit intention to stand as a delegate
Saturday June 11, 2011/Sunday June 12, 2011
Delegate Selection meeting date
Saturday June 18, 2011
Extraordinary Convention (by teleconference)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
More Reasons Why Leadership Delay Is The Wrong Path
Over the past 10 years, we have all witnessed how Leadership campaigns suck the oxygen, energy and funds out of the Liberal Party faithful.
So now Alf Apps and the Party's National Board of Directors (and apparently every single last person connected to the Party according to Apps) want to turn what could be a Constitutionally required 5 month process into a one or two year saga.
It is now pretty much unanimously agreed that the Party has a mountainous amount of work to do if it is ever going to become a contender again.
Everyone talks about the need to rebuild. Who will be in charge of this rebuild? More importantly, when exactly will this start if we are focused on a leadership campaign for a year or two?
Once the leadership process starts, we will quickly see the Party divide up into a variety of factions and the issue of rebuilding will be pushed off to the sidelines, while the party brass try to endear themselves to this candidate or that candidate.
At the moment, It's kind of like squabbling over who is going to captain the stern of the Titanic while the bow is already submerged, instead of getting the life rafts into the water.
Almost more important than who will become the new Leader, is the issue of MONEY.
If the Leadership process becomes a protracted battle between 3, 4 or 5 candidates (or 11), each of these campaigns will suck precious potential revenue out of the membership and from new Liberals that could be put to better use in redeveloping riding associations, paying off 2011 campaign debts (could be a surplus though nationally), paying staff in Ottawa and in the provincial offices.
Just think . . . One or two years of Leadership Candidates criss-crossing the country, fundraising for themselves and not the Party.
President Alf has a track record of abandoning our Constitutional provisions, based on there being "emergencies". This isn't the kind of track record that should engender confidence. I guess that the issue of confidence is irrelevant to Alf and the National and Provincial leadership, for if it was, we would be seeing mass resignations following a defeat of "worse than Dion proportions"!
So now Alf Apps and the Party's National Board of Directors (and apparently every single last person connected to the Party according to Apps) want to turn what could be a Constitutionally required 5 month process into a one or two year saga.
It is now pretty much unanimously agreed that the Party has a mountainous amount of work to do if it is ever going to become a contender again.
Everyone talks about the need to rebuild. Who will be in charge of this rebuild? More importantly, when exactly will this start if we are focused on a leadership campaign for a year or two?
Once the leadership process starts, we will quickly see the Party divide up into a variety of factions and the issue of rebuilding will be pushed off to the sidelines, while the party brass try to endear themselves to this candidate or that candidate.
At the moment, It's kind of like squabbling over who is going to captain the stern of the Titanic while the bow is already submerged, instead of getting the life rafts into the water.
Almost more important than who will become the new Leader, is the issue of MONEY.
If the Leadership process becomes a protracted battle between 3, 4 or 5 candidates (or 11), each of these campaigns will suck precious potential revenue out of the membership and from new Liberals that could be put to better use in redeveloping riding associations, paying off 2011 campaign debts (could be a surplus though nationally), paying staff in Ottawa and in the provincial offices.
Just think . . . One or two years of Leadership Candidates criss-crossing the country, fundraising for themselves and not the Party.
President Alf has a track record of abandoning our Constitutional provisions, based on there being "emergencies". This isn't the kind of track record that should engender confidence. I guess that the issue of confidence is irrelevant to Alf and the National and Provincial leadership, for if it was, we would be seeing mass resignations following a defeat of "worse than Dion proportions"!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Vote FOR Liberal Party Democracy, Vote AGAINST Constitutional Amendments
Join the Facebook Group Here.
Dear Liberal Family,
On Monday May 2nd, 2011, we Liberals suffered what has come to be known as our largest defeat in the history of our great Party. Pundits and the media have tossed around ideas and thoughts about how and when the great fall occured. The reviews have been scathing.
I, like you, have been outraged, saddened, angered. Yet I stay determined to be a part of the future in rebuilding our great party. But this rebuilding comes at a cost dear friends. That cost is called democracy. Democracy within our own party.
No longer can we continue to have the few decide for the many. No longer can we have a single group skirt Rules and Regulations and Constitutions when it doesn't fit the agenda of those, the few.
Barely a week has gone by since the devastation and, in a closed conference call, on Monday May 9, 2011, the National Executive of the Liberal Party of Canada decided that is was once again time to circumvent the Constitution of the Liberal Party of Canada.
How do we, as grassroots members, begin to rebuild a Party when we commence the rebuilding by breaking the words and spirit behind the very Constitution that was put in place to guide us through these challenging times? How do we rebuild when the few have made the decision for the many? How can we hold others in Contempt of Parliament if we begin our re-emergence by having contempt for ourselves?
We cannot ask people to join us in our cause if we continue this neverending "skirting of the rules".
My friends, I am asking you to vote against the Constitutional Amendments being brought forward by the brass in a "Special Vote" on June 12th, 2011. Vote FOR our own Constitution that was duly debated when it was written. Vote for the grassroots to be heard for a change.
Liberally yours,
James C. Curran
No Title, Just another Liberal Member
BACKGROUNDER
This is the Current Contitutional Section Under Attack
PART 4 – ELECTIONS AND CONVENTIONS
CHAPTER 14 – LEADERSHIP VOTE
53 Purpose
Whenever a Leader is to be chosen for the Party, the Party must elect a new Leader
according to the procedures set out in this Chapter (which is referred to in this Constitution
as a “Leadership Vote”).
54 Call of Leadership Vote
(1) The Leader ceases immediately to be the Leader when:
(a) due to incapacity, the Leader ceases to be recognized by the Governor-General
as the leader of the Party in the House of Commons;
(b) the Leader dies;
(c) there are published in accordance with this Constitution the results of a
Leadership Endorsement Ballot in which the Leader is not endorsed;32
(d) the National Board of Directors declares in accordance with Subsection 55(2)
that the result of a Leadership Vote is invalid.
(2) If the Leader publicly announces an intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the
National President a written resignation or a written request to call a Leadership
Vote, then the Leader ceases to be the Leader on the earlier of the appointment of an
Interim Leader and when a new Leader is elected by the members of the Party.
(3) In the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1), if the Leader publicly announces an
intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the National President a written
resignation or a written request to call a Leadership Vote, the National President
must call a meeting of the National Board of Directors to be held within 27 days, and
at that meeting the National Board of Directors must:
(a) in the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1) or if the Leader so requests, in
consultation with the Caucus, appoint an “Interim Leader”;
(b) set a date for a Leadership Vote to be held within five months;
(c) fix a deposit, refundable or otherwise, to be paid by each leadership contestant
32 See Section 64 on the Leadership Endorsement Ballot.
41
in accordance with the requirements of the National Board of Directors before
the Leadership Vote is completed;
(d) set a maximum limit for the leadership contestant expenses that may be
incurred by any leadership contestant;
(e) establish the Leadership Expenses Committee consisting of:
(i) two co-chairs, one of whom must be a man and one of whom must a
woman and one of whom must be English-speaking and one of whom
must be French-speaking;
(ii) the Chief Financial Officer;
(iii) two persons elected by the PTA Presidents from among the PTA
Presidents and the National Vice-Presidents, one of whom must be
English-speaking and one of whom must be French-speaking;
(iv) two representatives appointed by the Caucus;
(v) any number of other members of the Party appointed by the co-chairs in
consultation with the National Board of Directors and respecting the
principle of equal participation of men and women and the recognition of
English and French as the official languages of Canada;
(f) establish the Leadership Vote Committee consisting of:
(i) two co-chairs;
(ii) the National President;
(iii) two persons elected by the PTA Presidents from among the PTA
Presidents and the National Vice-Presidents, one of whom must be
English-speaking and one of whom must be French-speaking;
(iv) two representatives appointed by the Caucus;
(v) any number of other members of the Party appointed by the co-chairs in
consultation with the National Board of Directors and respecting the
principle of equal participation of men and women and the recognition of
English and French as the official languages of Canada
This is How The Brass Think They can Break the Constitution
Susan Delacourt
Ottawa Bureau
Related
Who will be the next Liberal leader?
OTTAWA—Federal Liberals are ready to take the go-slow route to replace departing leader Michael Ignatieff — and they’ve found a way to get around their own rules to do it.
“We have been overwhelmed by input from the grassroots of the party, virtually universal, saying that a quick leadership is not what we need to do,” Liberal party president Alf Apps said on Monday.
The Liberals’ national board also has drawn up conditions for choosing an interim leader that appear to rule out Bob Rae for the post if the former Ontario premier and Toronto Centre MP is interested in seeking the leader’s job on a permanent basis.
An interim leader is expected to be named by the Liberals’ national board on May 19.
Ignatieff announced after last week’s thumping election defeat that he was leaving the leader’s job — plunging the Liberals into their fourth leadership contest in under a decade.
Though the new Conservative majority government gives the Liberals four years before they have to put another leader into an election contest, the party’s own constitution, as amended just two years ago, forces a much quicker race on the party.
In fact, if the party followed its own rules, Ignatieff would have to be replaced with a leadership vote by around the end of October.
But according to a draft document circulating among Liberal officials on Monday and seen by the Star, the party wants to convene a special general convention on June 12 to amend the Liberal constitution.
It would be a “virtual” convention, held over the Internet, with Liberals casting electronic ballots to change the leadership-succession rules and push the choice of a leader further into the future. This will allow the Liberals the extra time Apps says all members want, given their new third-place standing in the Commons, with just 34 MPs.
The Liberals’ national board was set to meet Monday night via teleconference call to sort out the leadership vacuum now confronting the party. It’s the board’s responsibility to ease the two biggest headaches facing the beleaguered Liberals at the moment: choosing an interim leader as well as figuring out the date for a vote on the permanent leader.
The issue of an interim leader will be high on the agenda of a special caucus meeting on Wednesday, too, for the MPs of the past Parliament — most of them defeated in last week’s election.
The board’s draft document says any MP who wants to serve as interim leader will have to obtain a majority of support from the new, 34-member caucus, but also provide written assurance of three conditions, which include:
• A promise not to seek the permanent leadership of the party.
• No discussions or negotiations about merger of the Liberals with the New Democrats, or, as the document puts it, anything that “would require any fundamental or material change to the nature or structure of the party.”
• Bilingualism is not mandatory for an interim leader, but any candidate who doesn’t speak both languages would also have to have a running mate of sorts, “a native francophone member of the caucus” who would serve as interim deputy leader.
Rae has been rumoured as the strongest candidate for interim leader, but there have been suggestions that he hold out hope for the permanent post, too. These conditions force Rae to choose, and also appear to be a mild rebuke for his public talk of merger last week in the immediate aftermath of the election.
According to the document sent to the board Monday night, Liberals found a loophole in the constitution allowing them to escape an early vote. The national board will go ahead and set a leadership vote for Oct. 19 as required but then convene the special “virtual” convention on June 12 to change the six-month limit in the constitution. The board envisions that a leadership vote can then be set sometime roughly a year from now.
Dear Liberal Family,
On Monday May 2nd, 2011, we Liberals suffered what has come to be known as our largest defeat in the history of our great Party. Pundits and the media have tossed around ideas and thoughts about how and when the great fall occured. The reviews have been scathing.
I, like you, have been outraged, saddened, angered. Yet I stay determined to be a part of the future in rebuilding our great party. But this rebuilding comes at a cost dear friends. That cost is called democracy. Democracy within our own party.
No longer can we continue to have the few decide for the many. No longer can we have a single group skirt Rules and Regulations and Constitutions when it doesn't fit the agenda of those, the few.
Barely a week has gone by since the devastation and, in a closed conference call, on Monday May 9, 2011, the National Executive of the Liberal Party of Canada decided that is was once again time to circumvent the Constitution of the Liberal Party of Canada.
How do we, as grassroots members, begin to rebuild a Party when we commence the rebuilding by breaking the words and spirit behind the very Constitution that was put in place to guide us through these challenging times? How do we rebuild when the few have made the decision for the many? How can we hold others in Contempt of Parliament if we begin our re-emergence by having contempt for ourselves?
We cannot ask people to join us in our cause if we continue this neverending "skirting of the rules".
My friends, I am asking you to vote against the Constitutional Amendments being brought forward by the brass in a "Special Vote" on June 12th, 2011. Vote FOR our own Constitution that was duly debated when it was written. Vote for the grassroots to be heard for a change.
Liberally yours,
James C. Curran
No Title, Just another Liberal Member
BACKGROUNDER
This is the Current Contitutional Section Under Attack
PART 4 – ELECTIONS AND CONVENTIONS
CHAPTER 14 – LEADERSHIP VOTE
53 Purpose
Whenever a Leader is to be chosen for the Party, the Party must elect a new Leader
according to the procedures set out in this Chapter (which is referred to in this Constitution
as a “Leadership Vote”).
54 Call of Leadership Vote
(1) The Leader ceases immediately to be the Leader when:
(a) due to incapacity, the Leader ceases to be recognized by the Governor-General
as the leader of the Party in the House of Commons;
(b) the Leader dies;
(c) there are published in accordance with this Constitution the results of a
Leadership Endorsement Ballot in which the Leader is not endorsed;32
(d) the National Board of Directors declares in accordance with Subsection 55(2)
that the result of a Leadership Vote is invalid.
(2) If the Leader publicly announces an intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the
National President a written resignation or a written request to call a Leadership
Vote, then the Leader ceases to be the Leader on the earlier of the appointment of an
Interim Leader and when a new Leader is elected by the members of the Party.
(3) In the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1), if the Leader publicly announces an
intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the National President a written
resignation or a written request to call a Leadership Vote, the National President
must call a meeting of the National Board of Directors to be held within 27 days, and
at that meeting the National Board of Directors must:
(a) in the circumstances set out in Subsection 54(1) or if the Leader so requests, in
consultation with the Caucus, appoint an “Interim Leader”;
(b) set a date for a Leadership Vote to be held within five months;
(c) fix a deposit, refundable or otherwise, to be paid by each leadership contestant
32 See Section 64 on the Leadership Endorsement Ballot.
41
in accordance with the requirements of the National Board of Directors before
the Leadership Vote is completed;
(d) set a maximum limit for the leadership contestant expenses that may be
incurred by any leadership contestant;
(e) establish the Leadership Expenses Committee consisting of:
(i) two co-chairs, one of whom must be a man and one of whom must a
woman and one of whom must be English-speaking and one of whom
must be French-speaking;
(ii) the Chief Financial Officer;
(iii) two persons elected by the PTA Presidents from among the PTA
Presidents and the National Vice-Presidents, one of whom must be
English-speaking and one of whom must be French-speaking;
(iv) two representatives appointed by the Caucus;
(v) any number of other members of the Party appointed by the co-chairs in
consultation with the National Board of Directors and respecting the
principle of equal participation of men and women and the recognition of
English and French as the official languages of Canada;
(f) establish the Leadership Vote Committee consisting of:
(i) two co-chairs;
(ii) the National President;
(iii) two persons elected by the PTA Presidents from among the PTA
Presidents and the National Vice-Presidents, one of whom must be
English-speaking and one of whom must be French-speaking;
(iv) two representatives appointed by the Caucus;
(v) any number of other members of the Party appointed by the co-chairs in
consultation with the National Board of Directors and respecting the
principle of equal participation of men and women and the recognition of
English and French as the official languages of Canada
This is How The Brass Think They can Break the Constitution
Susan Delacourt
Ottawa Bureau
Related
Who will be the next Liberal leader?
OTTAWA—Federal Liberals are ready to take the go-slow route to replace departing leader Michael Ignatieff — and they’ve found a way to get around their own rules to do it.
“We have been overwhelmed by input from the grassroots of the party, virtually universal, saying that a quick leadership is not what we need to do,” Liberal party president Alf Apps said on Monday.
The Liberals’ national board also has drawn up conditions for choosing an interim leader that appear to rule out Bob Rae for the post if the former Ontario premier and Toronto Centre MP is interested in seeking the leader’s job on a permanent basis.
An interim leader is expected to be named by the Liberals’ national board on May 19.
Ignatieff announced after last week’s thumping election defeat that he was leaving the leader’s job — plunging the Liberals into their fourth leadership contest in under a decade.
Though the new Conservative majority government gives the Liberals four years before they have to put another leader into an election contest, the party’s own constitution, as amended just two years ago, forces a much quicker race on the party.
In fact, if the party followed its own rules, Ignatieff would have to be replaced with a leadership vote by around the end of October.
But according to a draft document circulating among Liberal officials on Monday and seen by the Star, the party wants to convene a special general convention on June 12 to amend the Liberal constitution.
It would be a “virtual” convention, held over the Internet, with Liberals casting electronic ballots to change the leadership-succession rules and push the choice of a leader further into the future. This will allow the Liberals the extra time Apps says all members want, given their new third-place standing in the Commons, with just 34 MPs.
The Liberals’ national board was set to meet Monday night via teleconference call to sort out the leadership vacuum now confronting the party. It’s the board’s responsibility to ease the two biggest headaches facing the beleaguered Liberals at the moment: choosing an interim leader as well as figuring out the date for a vote on the permanent leader.
The issue of an interim leader will be high on the agenda of a special caucus meeting on Wednesday, too, for the MPs of the past Parliament — most of them defeated in last week’s election.
The board’s draft document says any MP who wants to serve as interim leader will have to obtain a majority of support from the new, 34-member caucus, but also provide written assurance of three conditions, which include:
• A promise not to seek the permanent leadership of the party.
• No discussions or negotiations about merger of the Liberals with the New Democrats, or, as the document puts it, anything that “would require any fundamental or material change to the nature or structure of the party.”
• Bilingualism is not mandatory for an interim leader, but any candidate who doesn’t speak both languages would also have to have a running mate of sorts, “a native francophone member of the caucus” who would serve as interim deputy leader.
Rae has been rumoured as the strongest candidate for interim leader, but there have been suggestions that he hold out hope for the permanent post, too. These conditions force Rae to choose, and also appear to be a mild rebuke for his public talk of merger last week in the immediate aftermath of the election.
According to the document sent to the board Monday night, Liberals found a loophole in the constitution allowing them to escape an early vote. The national board will go ahead and set a leadership vote for Oct. 19 as required but then convene the special “virtual” convention on June 12 to change the six-month limit in the constitution. The board envisions that a leadership vote can then be set sometime roughly a year from now.
Martin Lawrence: Choose Trudeau....and FAST!!!
I'm with him. Both on the new leader and on the fast timing. As you know, I don't pull any punches.
Lawrence Martin
The next generation is the Liberals’ salvation
Lawrence Martin
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail
Published Tuesday, May. 10, 2011 2:00AM EDT
In its 14-decade history, the Liberal Party of Canada has never named a young man to become its leader. In 1919, the year he became leader, Mackenzie King turned 45. He was the youngest.
Today, as it faces its existential crisis, the party has an opportunity to change the record and bring forward a new generation to lead it. Three potential leadership candidates – Dominic Leblanc, Scott Brison and Justin Trudeau – are all younger than the captains who have come before.
The young guns arrive at a time when Canada’s post-baby-boom generation finally appears ready to assert itself. Given the veteran nature of the other party leaders, the trio presents the Grits with the potential of regeneration and relevance.
Normally, after a drubbing at the polls and a leader’s resignation, it would make good sense to appoint a party elder as interim boss and then take a year or two to select a new leader.
But given the dire circumstances, the Liberals cannot afford to bide their hand-wringing time, which would give the New Democrats a chance to cement their second-place status. At an important caucus meeting Wednesday, the party would be wise to arrange for an early convention.
Many Liberals are looking to Justin Trudeau, who is 39. On the basis of name alone, they have reason to do so. A good bet would be that with the Trudeau name at the top, the Grits would overtake the NDP in the polls within a few months. Party enthusiasm would be rekindled. Desperately needed financing would start to come in.
Mr. Trudeau does have a lot of drawbacks – he would be a decidedly risky choice. He doesn’t have much experience in Ottawa, he carries the baggage of his father, he is considered light on policy. There would be growing pains aplenty. The Conservatives’ smear machine would have a field day.
But the upside needs to be considered. The name recognition, the youth, the charisma, the appeal to a new generation. His father’s reputation is a polarizing one, but in most polls, Pierre Trudeau still ranks as Canada’s best or most popular prime minister. The name is loathed in nationalist Quebec. But it is very strong in the province’s federalist precincts. The name is loathed in the West, but the Liberals will be shut out there anyway.
As for suggestions that Mr. Trudeau is light on policy, it will hardly scare away voters. Liberals have just discovered what happens to erudite leaders. Conservative Stephen Harper ran a campaign in which he seemed determined to keep his intellect in check. New Democrat Jack Layton didn’t soar because of policy, but because of personality.
There are those who say the Liberals must go back to the drawing board and begin a long rebuilding process. They forget how fickle political fates are. They forget that had it been Michael Ignatieff, instead of Mr. Layton, who struck a chord in the English-language debate, the Grits could well be sitting with 110 seats now.
Mr. Ignatieff worked to rebuild the party. He spent an entire summer on the buses, going to every riding imaginable. But the fresh ideas didn’t come. The rebuilding didn’t happen. He would have been better off spending the money on what the Conservatives regrettably have made the most important element of a party’s political arsenal – personal attack ads.
Liberals need remember also that the NDP’s great leap forward could soon turn to a great leap in the other direction. Canadian party allegiances built over decades don’t permanently change overnight, especially if there has been no major redrawing of policy or philosophy. In the case of Mr. Layton’s party, there has been no such shift.
Given the incentive, Canada’s centrist voters will likely return to their centrist party. Providing the incentive isn’t complicated. It starts with the awareness that politics in this country is a one-man show. It’s 75-per-cent leader. If the Liberals get the leader right, their place in the pantheon will be quickly restored.
Monday, May 9, 2011
I Wonder if Bob Rae was Sincere in 2008
It was a shitty day in the history of the Liberal Party. Iggynation had control of the National and Ontario Executives. Leadership was in full gear. The Rae campaign had visible momentum with mass quantities of memberships and money beginning to float in.
But there were those damn new leadership rules. How could we get around them? The Rae campaign asked for an extention on the date for leadership. The Iggy camp lobbied against it. The Iggy camp won. Rae had no choice but to step aside because the 47 day membership cutoff was approaching quickly and there was little time to catch up.
A conference call was called for by Team Rae. On the call were organizers from across the country. Bob was short and sweet, yet mad as hell. Of all the things I remember on that call the one thing that stood out in my memory was the line "I'm not doing this again. This is it." In other words, NO MORE LEADERSHIP RACES for Mr. Rae.
I hope that Mr. Rae remembers this conversation. It is my strong feeling that Mr. Rae should be chosen Interim Leader this week. In my opinion he is the only one in caucus that is bilingual and seasoned enough to do the job. He should also keep in mind the same rules for leadership apply.
We have a constitution in the Liberal Party and it was put in place by its members. To circumvent that constitution to extend a leadership is a contradiction in terms when we begin to rebuild the Liberal Party. Starting the rebuilding does not mean throwing aside our own constitution when it's convenient. I hope the Liberal caucus and National Executive can see that.
But there were those damn new leadership rules. How could we get around them? The Rae campaign asked for an extention on the date for leadership. The Iggy camp lobbied against it. The Iggy camp won. Rae had no choice but to step aside because the 47 day membership cutoff was approaching quickly and there was little time to catch up.
A conference call was called for by Team Rae. On the call were organizers from across the country. Bob was short and sweet, yet mad as hell. Of all the things I remember on that call the one thing that stood out in my memory was the line "I'm not doing this again. This is it." In other words, NO MORE LEADERSHIP RACES for Mr. Rae.
I hope that Mr. Rae remembers this conversation. It is my strong feeling that Mr. Rae should be chosen Interim Leader this week. In my opinion he is the only one in caucus that is bilingual and seasoned enough to do the job. He should also keep in mind the same rules for leadership apply.
We have a constitution in the Liberal Party and it was put in place by its members. To circumvent that constitution to extend a leadership is a contradiction in terms when we begin to rebuild the Liberal Party. Starting the rebuilding does not mean throwing aside our own constitution when it's convenient. I hope the Liberal caucus and National Executive can see that.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Who Gives a Flying Crap What NDP Buckdog Thinks About the Liberal Party and Warren Kinsella
What a sanctimonious windbag that Buckdog is.
Seriously? He's gonna give advice to the Liberal members now? Really? Cause your party won 100 or so seats? Here's a clue. The NDP, while being the Official Opposition, is less powerful than it was 5 weeks ago. And I wouldn't get all uppity there dude. We Liberals have been out of power for 5 years, but your dippers have never ever had power in your 50 year history.
And if you think Quebecois are gonna keep the lovefest going after 4.5 years of your useless opposition and talking to the wind you are in for a big surprise.
As for Warren Kinsella? I'm pretty sure he and I, and thousands of others, will rebuild this Liberal Party the way it should have been after the 2006 leadership. From the grassroots up. It's already started. Stay tuned.
Seriously? He's gonna give advice to the Liberal members now? Really? Cause your party won 100 or so seats? Here's a clue. The NDP, while being the Official Opposition, is less powerful than it was 5 weeks ago. And I wouldn't get all uppity there dude. We Liberals have been out of power for 5 years, but your dippers have never ever had power in your 50 year history.
And if you think Quebecois are gonna keep the lovefest going after 4.5 years of your useless opposition and talking to the wind you are in for a big surprise.
As for Warren Kinsella? I'm pretty sure he and I, and thousands of others, will rebuild this Liberal Party the way it should have been after the 2006 leadership. From the grassroots up. It's already started. Stay tuned.
How Much Ya Wanna Bet Harper's Hair gets Darker?
I have a theory that political "makeup" is part of the messaging in campaigns. Here's a couple pictures of Stephen Harper. One is Harper at the beginning of the campaign. The latter is Harper at Rideau Hall this week. The transition is already starting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
