The Progressive Right

NDP to Accredit Bloggers at Convention?!

2012-01-23T13:31:00.000-05:00

It could be me, but I could find no information on whether bloggers (or the media for the matter) will be accredited at the NDP leadership convention in March.

Since the convention is being held in Toronto, I could partake in the event with little cost to me. However, I cannot fork over the $1,000 observer fee.

I've tweeted about it and I've sent an email to the NDP to find out.

Will keep you posted.

Updated. According to Far and Wide and the Pundit's Guide, yes, bloggers will be accredited at the convention. Details to come. Thanks!

No Excuses, Liberal Supporters

2012-01-15T14:59:00.000-05:00

One of the oft-repeated refrains from the last elections from those who would vote Liberal was that they couldn't vote Liberal because of who Liberals voted as leader. It was because Liberals chose Paul Martin as leader or Stéphane Dion or Michael Ignatieff ... Why couldn't we just select a leader they could vote for?

Now, the Liberal Party has made it possible for Liberal supporters to engage directly with the party and vote to select the next leader. No risk and no fuss.

I admit - I voted against this resolution at the convention. I supported the idea of recognizing Liberal supporters within the party wholeheartedly, but could not support the notion they should be able to participate in leadership contests.

Well, I was in the minority.

We've entrusted you to join with us to help shape the party - shape the direction of the leadership.

So, no more excuses.

Rebuilding

2012-01-12T18:51:00.001-05:00

Trying out the Blogger app for my phone.

A picture from the registration floor highlighting the theme.

Live from Ottawa, it's the Liberal Party Convention (#Ott12)

2012-01-12T15:40:00.000-05:00

I'm blogging to you from Ottawa, Ontario - site of the 2012 Liberal Party convention. It's a blistery -5 degrees outside and there's a gentle breeze coming down from the north at about a thousand miles per hour*.

I'm about to go register and begin the delegate's tour of the unofficial first night of the convention.

In all likelihood, I won't be live blogging much - I'll be using Twitter more (follow me @progright). I did install the Blogger app for my iPhone so you may get some post-suite commentary up on the site. Or, maybe I'll get all fired up and start blogging up a firestorm.

Stay tuned.

* You're too old if you get the reference.

James Morton for Vice President (English), Liberal Party of Canada

2012-01-04T17:06:00.000-05:00

One thing I'm struck by as I look at the candidates for board positions within the Liberal Party of Canada, is the number of candidates that are advocating for a truly complete renewal and rejuvenation of the party and it has me excited by the prospect for the future.

I have been attracted to the candidacies of those individuals that seek to lift the roof off the party, and attract new members, new advocates, new activists and new participants. I think in order to do this, the party must stop doing what it's done in the past because the times have changed and our political opponents have changed.

We're not going to affect change by entrenching what has been done in the past. That's not to say that change must be enacted for the sake of change, but change must occur. Bold ideas need to be raised and debated about increasing the openness of the party, and I think James represents that best.

I will be supporting James Morton for Liberal Party vice president (English) at the Ottawa 2012 Convention.

Mike Crawley for President, Liberal Party of Canada

2012-01-02T21:49:00.000-05:00

I had an opportunity to meet with Mike Crawley at a recent Edward Blake Society event in Toronto. Mike was engaging and determined to hear my opinion. That was before he found out I was a blogger and could take my otherwise useless opinion of him onto the interwebs.

I won't bore you with the details of what ultimately led me to this decision, but I will let you know that I believe Mike is the candidate most likely to create the most change in the party to attract more members and create a better run political party. Under Mike, I believe the Liberal Party will be stronger for all Canadians.

As I said to Mike, I'm a former Conservative and, relatively speaking, a new Liberal. If you want to bring more folks like me to the Liberal ranks, enshrining the party with life-long Liberals with what might appear to be old-style Liberal thinking is not going to work. You need to create a party that embraces openness and embraces engagement with both Liberals and non-Liberals alike. I felt, after talking with Mike, that he embraced those same ideals.

I will be supporting Mike Crawley for Liberal Party president at the Ottawa 2012 Convention.

Liberal Convention Must Be Open to Bloggers

2011-12-21T10:31:00.001-05:00

Well, I tweeted it and I posted it to Facebook, I just wonder if I had another means to make this statement ...

The Liberal Party of Canada must determine a way to accredit unaffiliated bloggers at the biennial convention. As both a delegate, and a blogger, it's important the party embraces new media. Thanks to Mike Crawley and James Morton for supporting this.

I Really Want to Stop ... But ...

2011-10-28T10:21:00.000-04:00

As much as I don't like the man's politics, I am starting to feel a bit sorry for Rob Ford.

Whatever you may feel for Rob Ford, I can't imagine conservatives wanting a mayor that attracts this type of negative attention on a nearly constant basis ...

SchadenFord: the pleasurable feeling of gloating vindication when the buffoonish Mayor of Toronto f—ks up yet again; and the gleeful anticipation of same, because the latter is f—king inevitable. It’s like the sun rising, like tick following tock. You know it has to happen. And you find yourself, in spite of your better nature, looking forward to it.

[H/T Dawg]

Look, I could buy the argument that it was his house and they shouldn't have been there - file trespassing charges against the CBC if it was so bad. It's what the rest of the world does.

Skip the holier-than-thou nonsense, though. Conservatives and the conservative-owned media have given this legs beyond what was warranted.

Ford Pulls a Rowlands

2011-10-25T09:36:00.001-04:00

Remember when Toronto mayor June Rowlands banned the Barenaked Ladies from performing at a City Hall function?

Here's Rob Ford's turn - he called the cops on Marg Delahunty.

John Tory on the Ontario Liberal Party's Victory

2011-10-07T10:19:00.000-04:00

I said it before, and I'll say it again.

Had John Tory still been Progressive Conservative leader, he'd be the Premier of Ontario today, and I'd still be an Ontario Progressive Conservative. This is what a competent and pragmatic conservative contender for the top job in the province sounds like.

Sigh ...

Where's that Firewall?

2011-10-06T11:13:00.002-04:00

Toronto needs to give its head a shake and throw out these university-educated, latte-sipping, cultural elitists, and tell them to stay out of Alberta's politics! Where's that firewall?

[CTV, National Citizens Coalition bashes Redford's victory]

A Toronto-based conservative advocacy group is questioning the election of Alberta premier-designate Alison Redford.

The irony is so thick, I'm going to spread it on my toast in the morning.

Tory Candidate Blames Campaign Troubles on Tim Hudak

2011-10-05T14:04:00.001-04:00

More Tory troubles. This time, however, it's with an active Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario candidate who comes clean about how difficult it is to deliver her leader's divisive and destructive message to voters.

[London Free Press, Miller blames campaign troubles on Hudak]

A day before Ontarians go to the polls, Tory candidate Cheryl Miller has blamed her troubles in London-Fanshawe on the unpopularity of Conservative leader Tim Hudak.

...

Miller told Garrison that the campaign has been sometimes frustrating for her because she has had to carry the message of Tory leadership rather than her own.

Victory for Insite

2011-09-30T16:19:00.001-04:00

The Supreme Court's decision that Insite must remain open is a tremendous victory for reason over ideology.

Canada's Conservative government sought to close a safe-injection site in Vancouver, despite physical evidence that it reduced drug use, reduced overdoses, and increased the likelihood of someone getting off of drugs.

It's a great triumph in the fight to ensure that addiction is treated like a health issue and not a crime.

Messrs. Smitherman and Clement ... take note.

Tim Hudak Tweets of the Day

2011-09-08T10:58:00.000-04:00

Burn, about this.

Burn, again.

Context, here.

Tory Syndrome, the Follow Up

2011-09-06T14:04:00.002-04:00

Well, it appears that Tim Hudak supporters are attacking former Progressive Conservative leaders, instead of Tim Hudak himself. I'm not entirely sure I've seen a sitting Progressive Conservative MPP, standing for re-election, attack one of their own though.

[H/T, BCL]

Something about elections brings out the knives with this brand of conservative.

Tory Syndrome

2011-09-06T11:58:00.000-04:00

Four years ago this month, a sizeable chunk of Ontario's Progressive Conservative supporters already had their knives out and sharpened for John Tory. This was based upon the belief that Tory was not a true conservative like Tim Hudak and that John would not deliver a Progressive Conservative victory.

Today, Tim Hudak is not as popular a choice for premier as Dalton McGuinty, and he has been unable to put the Ontario Progressive Conservatives significantly ahead of the Ontario Liberals in the run up to the election. Most likely, it is due to a vague strategy and meaningless platform promises. The only promises I can remember is the one about cheap beer and eliminating all-day kindergarten.

John Tory would likely have been elected premier in Ontario during this election. You always give the new leader two shots.

I will say though, give it to Tim Hudak supporters - they haven't abandoned ship ... yet.

Sign Posted on Jarvis in Toronto

2011-09-04T17:40:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture I found via FailBlog that I planned to share a while ago. It still has relevance if you're familiar with the Ford-era of politics in Toronto.

[Metro, City votes to scrap some downtown bike lanes]

Google+ Invite

2011-09-02T19:43:00.003-04:00

If you're waiting for your golden ticket to join Google+, here it is. You're welcome.

https://plus.google.com/i/4becCuSebIw:IeJEdL8S53o

Returning to posting soon.

I'll be Back

2011-05-03T10:17:00.000-04:00

I promise. Just a little politicked out.

What Happened to My Tories?

2011-03-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

Lower the price of beer, freeze all day kindergarten, rage against the HST and the health premium but admit they're keeping it because it's good for Ontario. These are the priorities for Tim Hudak's New Conservative Party?

Looks like I'm voting Liberal in October ...

Women's Centres Rally Today Against Thompson Rape Case Judge's Suggestion of "Implied Consent"

2011-02-25T09:16:00.001-05:00

Via the Canadian Federation of Students - Manitoba.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Thursday, February 24, 2011

WOMEN’S CENTRES RALLY AGAINST THOMPSON RAPE CASE JUDGE’S SUGGESTION OF “IMPLIED CONSENT”

MANITOBA—Women’s Centres are appalled that a Manitoba Judge seems to be holding a Thompson rape survivor responsible for her rapist’s actions, on the basis of her sexuality and attire at the time of the incident. The centres point out that survivors of crimes such as theft or assault are not blamed for the perpetrators’ actions, yet women continue to be re-traumatised in the courtroom because some judges fail to understand the legal meaning of “no means no”.

Who: Campus and Community Women’s Centres
What: Rally against Judge Robert Dewar’s rape case ruling
Where: Manitoba Law Courts Building
When: Noon, Friday, February 25, 2011
Why: Judge Dewar said: "inviting circumstances" and survivor’s attire make rapist less morally responsible for rape
The Canadian Federation of Students developed the No Means No campaign nearly thirty years ago to raise awareness about and combat sexual assault, especially sexual assault by an acquaintance, or date rape. The goal of the campaign is to illustrate the many ways of signaling no to sex, and to bust the myth that rape survivors are responsible for rape.

“Judge Dewar was wrong to question what the woman was wearing the night that she was raped,” states Alanna Makinson, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students–Manitoba. “Flirting, a short skirt, or a kiss never implies consent to intercourse.”

Added Joan Dawkins, Executive Director of the Women’s Health Clinic: “When a judge ignores the reality of sexual violence and blames a woman for the actions of her attacker, he not only harms the woman but makes it that much more difficult for the next victim to come forward and trust the judicial process. The result – rapists go free.”

The Canadian Federation of Students–Manitoba is calling on Judge Dewar to apologise for his ruling and be held accountable for his failure to understand that there is no such thing as “implied consent”. The level of moral responsibility assigned to a convicted rapist should not hinge on his victim’s attire or sexuality.

“To suggest that a rapist is less guilty because he was ‘insensitive’ to the fact that the victim was not a willing participant is irresponsible,” states Katie Haig-Anderson, Women’s Commissioner of the Canadian Federation of Students–Manitoba. “If a person is not a willing participant in a sexual interaction, if she does not give consent, then that is sexual assault. Judge Dewar has muddied the waters, and he should get some education on this issue, as well as apologise to the rape survivor, to the justice system and to the Manitobans serves.”

−30−

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Alanna Makinson, Canadian Federation of Students–Manitoba
204-783-0787 (office)
204-997-8269 (cell)

Judge Rules Rape Did Not Occur Because of "Misunderstanding"

2011-02-24T09:24:00.000-05:00

According to Winnipeg judge Robert Dewar (appointed September 2009 by Justice Minister Rob Nicholson), women should not talk to men because it could be unintentionally conveyed that there is "sex in the air" and the laws regarding rape are thrown out the window.

No means no, only if you say no first.

"They made their intentions publicly known that they wanted to party," said Dewar.

...

"This is a different case than one where there is no perceived invitation," said Dewar. "This is a case of misunderstood signals and inconsiderate behaviour."

...

"I'm sure whatever signals were sent that sex was in the air were unintentional," [Dewar] said.

"There is a different quality to this case than many sexual assaults," [Dewar] said. "Not all guilty people are morally culpable to the same level. This difference is not to be reflected in conviction. It can be reflected in sentencing. Protection of society is not advanced one iota by putting [the defendant] in jail."

I don't know what the process is to have a judge removed from the bench, but whatever it is, it needs to be reviewed in this case.

Roll Up the Rim Stats 2011

2011-02-22T12:20:00.003-05:00

It's time for the fifth annual tracking of my Roll Up the Rim statistics. I'll update this post as my consumption totals rise up.

As always, I record three statistics.

The first number represents the number of 'Wins'. I will update the post to indicate what I've won and what size of beverage.

The second number represents the number of 'Please Play Agains'.

The third number represents the number of times I did not receive a Roll Up cup. This usually happens twice or three times in the middle of the campaign, as opposed to the trailing end when cups begin to be snatched up.

2 - 6 - 0

Last updated: March 8, 2011.

Update, March 4, 2011: Free coffee; extra-large coffee.
Update, March 8, 2011: Free coffee; extra-large coffee.

Brewery Lobby in Full Force

2011-01-28T15:29:00.001-05:00

The big brewery lobby has managed to find a friend in the National Post.

Recently, regulations would require the beer industry to include allergens on their beer labels [National Post, Beer makers protest proposed allergy warning labels]:

Industry opposition is brewing over proposed health regulations that would require labels to warn that beer contains barley or wheat — a statement Canadian brewers liken to saying ketchup contains tomatoes.

Well, that is kind of silly when it's put that way. Anybody that knows what goes into producing beer knows that beer contains those ingredients. And, you know it must be silly because of the claims of "nanny statism" in the comments - the right wingers are out with their pitchforks to protect MolsonCoors and InBev.

But, what is the real regulation [The Canadian Celiac Association, Health And Safety Of Millions Of Canadians At Stake Over A Beer? Celiac Association Urges Government To Pass Labelling Regulations]?

The beer industry has had ample time to plan for labelling changes. These new regulations will not require a warning statement, as they have stated, and beer will still retain its exemption from complete ingredient labelling, an exemption that the alcoholic beverage industry has enjoyed for decades. The only information they will be required to include on the beer label is the presence of sulphites (if over 10 ppm) and the gluten sources, wheat, barley and rye.

The presence of sulphites? There might be sulphites in the beer? Hold up there. Sulphites are food preservatives used to extend the shelf-life of products. I, as a brewer, wouldn't want that information getting out that I add a food preservative to my clean, cold, spring-fed brew.
What can sulphites do to someone who is sulphite-sensitive [Health Canada, Sulphites - One of the nine most common food products causing severe adverse reactions]?

Although sulphites do not cause a true allergic reaction, sulphite-sensitive people may experience similar reactions as those with food allergies. Those who have asthma are most at risk to sulphite sensitivity and other forms of sulphite reactions.

When someone comes in contact with an allergen or sulphite, the symptoms of a reaction may develop quickly and rapidly progress from mild to severe. The most severe form of an allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure or shock, which may result in loss of consciousness and even death. A person experiencing an allergic reaction may have any of the following symptoms:

Flushed face, hives or a rash, red and itchy skin
Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat and tongue
Trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing
Anxiety, distress, faintness, paleness, sense of doom, weakness
Cramps, diarrhea, vomiting
A drop in blood pressure, rapid heart beat, loss of consciousness

People sensitive to sulphites would like to have that information disclosed, but no brewery wants to admit that they add an unnatural ingredient to their brew. Australia and New Zealand have regulations requiring food packagers put that information on the labels, so there is already precedent.

It would be interesting to see if the brewery lobby would disclose whether or not they add sulphites to their beer.

Portugal -- Drug Experiment

2011-01-25T12:48:00.000-05:00

Portugal must be a social conservative's worst nightmare.

For one, they decriminalized possession of narcotics ten years ago, increased treatment for addiction and targeted their criminal prosecution efforts solely on distribution and trafficking. [Drug Experiment, Boston.com]:

Faced with both a public health crisis and a public relations disaster, Portugal’s elected officials took a bold step. They decided to decriminalize the possession of all illicit drugs — from marijuana to heroin — but continue to impose criminal sanctions on distribution and trafficking. The goal: easing the burden on the nation’s criminal justice system and improving the people’s overall health by treating addiction as an illness, not a crime.

For two, the data suggests it may have worked.

But nearly a decade later, there’s evidence that Portugal’s great drug experiment not only didn’t blow up in its face; it may have actually worked. More addicts are in treatment. Drug use among youths has declined in recent years. Life in Casal Ventoso, Lisbon’s troubled neighborhood, has improved. And new research, published in the British Journal of Criminology, documents just how much things have changed in Portugal. Coauthors Caitlin Elizabeth Hughes and Alex Stevens report a 63 percent increase in the number of Portuguese drug users in treatment and, shortly after the reforms took hold, a 499 percent increase in the amount of drugs seized — indications, the authors argue, that police officers, freed up from focusing on small-time possession, have been able to target big-time traffickers while drug addicts, no longer in danger of going to prison, have been able to get the help they need.

It's time we treat drug addiction as a health problem, not a criminal one.

Blogging Tories in their Own Words

2011-01-11T12:09:00.000-05:00

When it's become clear that it's time to review our words and avoid demonizing our political opponents, I am thankful for sites like Blogging Tories in their Own Words to shine the light on this distastful practice.

Charles McVety was for Censorship before he was Against It

2010-12-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

Charles McVety, the best spokesman for the Conservative Party a partisan Liberal could ever hope for, has come out against censorship despite being for it.

Open Letter to Canoe.ca

2010-11-30T09:59:00.000-05:00

To Whom it May Concern,

The problem I have is, while perusing your website, I was reading an article about a high school hostage situation, and the largest graphic on the page is that of an adult female, modeling t-shirts with jokes regarding therapy, dressed as a school girl.

I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but I can't figure out how the ad for novelty t-shirts with a woman dressed as a school girl fits into the narrative of the news article I'm reading.

I'm fully aware how Google Ads work, and I know you can tailor what shows up to avoid such embarrassment.

Sincerely,
Me

RCMP Comment Fail

2010-11-19T12:49:00.000-05:00

Northern News Service Online, March of the Pig:

Const. Todd Scaplen with the Yellowknife RCMP said his detachment received a call about a pig wandering by the Ingraham Trail on April 13.

"Someone called and said they saw it on the highway," Scaplen said.

"We're normally the only pigs in town."

Emphasis mine.

[H/T, FailBlog]

Conservative Hypocrisy In Action!

2010-11-18T15:03:00.000-05:00

Given it's now clear that the Conservative Party is playing partisan games in an attempt to force the Opposition to fast track term limits on Senators, how exactly would term limitations have impacted the farce that occurred with C-311?

I know how it goes, having read the comments by Conservative supporters on this blog:

"Blah blah blah Liberal Party! Blah blah blah AdScam! Blah blah blah Senate reform! Ha ha!

Therefore, supporting term limits would have ensured passage of C-311."

Unquote

2010-11-17T14:17:00.000-05:00

We don’t believe an unelected body should in anyway be blocking an elected body. We are looking for the opportunity to elect senators, but if at some point it becomes clear some senators are not going to be elected, the government will name senators to ensure that the elected will of the House of Commons and the people of Canada is reflected in the Senate.

- Stephen Harper

Related: Bill defeated by unelected Tories.

[via, Aaron Wherry - Maclean's]

Wow, the Blogging Tories on the Unelected Senate

2010-11-17T13:25:00.001-05:00

It's deafening. I didn't expect this much fall out.

The Conservative Party of Canada: We expect the other parties to deliver on accountability.

Climate Change Bill Defeated by Unelected Tories

2010-11-17T11:28:00.000-05:00

Summed up nicely by the Globe & Mail's Gloria Galloway with her headline. RIP, Reform Party movement.

Unelected Tory senators kill climate bill passed by House

The Conservatives have used their clout in the Senate stacked by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to kill an NDP climate change bill that was passed by a majority of the House of Commons.

...

It is the first time that the unelected Conservative senators have used their near-majority to kill a bill passed by elected politicians. The absence of more than 15 Liberals from the Senate allowed the bill to be defeated by a margin of 43 to 32.

If there ever was a time to defeat these undemocratic thugs, it's now.

Stephen Harper has set up a defacto dictatorship where the rule of law and Parliamentary supremacy is now threatened.

Did PBS censor Tina Fey?

2010-11-16T09:43:00.003-05:00

Tina Fey, winner of the 2010 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, had her speech edited during the PBS broadcast of the show.

Critics claim it's due to the controversial nature of the speech where she addresses the rise of Sarah Palin to prominence; PBS says it was due to time constraints.

It's funny, relevant, spot on, and deserves to be distributed.

"... [Y]ou know, politics aside, the success of Sarah Palin and women like her is good for all women - except, of course -- those who will end up, you know, like, paying for their own rape 'kit 'n' stuff," Fey said. "But for everybody else, it's a win-win. Unless you're a gay woman who wants to marry your partner of 20 years - whatever. But for most women, the success of conservative women is good for all of us. Unless you believe in evolution. You know - actually, I take it back. The whole thing's a disaster."

[Washington Post, PBS edits Tina Fey's remarks from Twain event]

Reason in Canadian Politics?

2010-11-15T13:29:00.001-05:00

Welcome, Reason Vancouver. I, for one, would like to see a lot less emotion-driven government.

Reason Vancouver is a new political movement dedicated to developing policies based on reason and empiricism and applying them at the municipal level.

Reason Vancouver supports policy based on evidence, justice and the rule of law instead of dogmatic commitment to Left or Right-wing ideologies. We believe in an equitable and secular society.

Policy developed by Reason is open to objective criticism and re-evaluation when the evidence dictates.

...

Next, we are more than happy to help establish other municipal Reason Parties. It is not our view that reason and evidence-based policy should be limited solely to the City of Vancouver, but should be a movement that effects change in every city, province and country. Ideally, traditional politicians will move to adopt our strategies and be forced to present thought-out policy that is supported by evidence, but until that happens, we need to fly the flag of Reason every where we can. To start setting up your own Reason party, contact us and we’ll do everything we can to help.

However, if you’re specifically interested in either BC or Canadian federal politics, consider checking out the websites that have been set up to gauge interest in either a Reason BC or a Reason Party of Canada. If either movement gains enough momentum, they may be worth pursuing.

Emphasis mine.

[H/T, Canadian Atheist]

Urban Rural Divide

2010-11-14T09:14:00.000-05:00

I recommend reading the BBC article, Viewpoint: How urban-rural divide sways US politics, which talks about the urban-rural divide in politics in Seattle vs. Washington state.

It got me to thinking.

Given that I am an urban dweller, frequently blamed for the demoralization of Canadian society, I wonder if it is time for urban dwellers to organize into associations to counterbalance the over representation by rural dwellers? We carry the weight of Confederation after all and I don't see electoral reform coming any time soon.

How long before the camel's back breaks? While it's true that farmers feed cities, cities feed farmers ...

Remembrance

2010-11-11T08:10:00.000-05:00

Long ago and far away
across the ocean
wild and wide,
the young men stormed
an alien shore
where many of them died.
Here and now
old men remember
the valor and the gore,
and the boyish faces
of their youth
that are young for ever more

William Bedford

You Know It's Bad When ...

2010-11-05T13:28:00.000-04:00

Stephen Taylor recognizes that the Conservative Party campaigns like they're capitalists, but governs like they're communists.

There's hope yet for thoughtful fiscal conservatism in Canada.

Jim Prentice

2010-11-05T11:23:00.000-04:00

Just read Red Tory Liberal's take on Jim Prentice leaving the Conservative Party; also just read Richard Albert's take. Thought I'd jump in with my personal perspective building on these two pieces.

I believe Jim Prentice is leaving politics temporarily. Typically, but not always, leading contenders have distanced themselves from the party they want to lead so as not to be associated with a rival camp or with a party's lagging fortunes.

Stephen Harper's growing inability to reach Progressive Conservatives continues to be his biggest liability - his pandering for Western votes with meaningless bobbles and trinkets is wearing thin with the Reformers and not reaching the rest of Canada.

In fact, the Conservative coalition is asking itself the very question - what makes Stephen Harper's government conservative?

In the best case scenario, a Stephen Harper-led Conservative Party will maintain its 30%-ish support and pull off another minority government in the next election. Third time's the charm and the coalition will realize that Stephen Harper is not the Conservative to make inroads into Central and Eastern Canada.

I believe Jim Prentice has the best chance at the next leadership run and the best chance to revive the Conservative Party.

For one, he doesn't immediately draw criticism from his Conservative colleagues. He supports the Conservative Party, despite being at odds with some of it's more socially conservative ideals.

For two, he doesn't immediately draw criticism from his Opposition colleagues and their supporters. His positions as a minister in various portfolios under Stephen Harper notwithstanding, no one comments that Jim Prentice is a poor or embarrassing Member of Parliament or that he holds radical views on any issue that make him a danger to the country.

Thirdly, he doesn't draw criticism from Conservatives that were jilted by the merger. He campaigned for it and he's a Progressive Conservative. I don't think Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, or Garth Turner will pop up at election time to feed fodder to Opposition talking points.

Finally, he wins votes in the West, he can manage the socially conservative wing and keep it from radicalizing Conservative policy and it's hard to attack a guy that everybody respects. With the possible exception of Bernard Lord, this largely rules out everybody else that would throw their hat in the ring.

On two fronts, this is exciting news for me ...

As a Liberal, I'm excited by the prospect that Jim Prentice will not be carrying the Conservative banner during the next election, and like Scott, hope some radical two-guns-a-blazing yahoo gets nominated in his place. Love the prospective soundbites!

As a former Conservative, the prospect of having another option is always good for democracy.

The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming!

2010-11-05T08:54:00.000-04:00

So, the free market-loving, small government-lusting Conservative government has taken a decidedly protectionist stance with regards to Potash Corporation in the name of political expediency.

It'll be fun when we start saying that Stephen Harper campaigns like a capitalist, but governs like a communist.

We'll know for sure if he's a KGB plant if he hands Potash Corp over to Moscow.

The Shock!

2010-10-30T08:56:00.000-04:00

I'm not understanding the latest outrage at the discovery that Rob Ford's mayoral campaign team employed a fake Twitter account. Unless they used the account to libel, of course. I'm not sure why more campaigns didn't employ this strategy.

Or, they did, and they just didn't caught.

Congratulations, John Henry!

2010-10-26T09:30:00.001-04:00

My cousin-in-law is now the mayor of Oshawa!

After serving one term on council, John Henry captured the mayor's seat with nearly double the number of votes won by second place finisher and incumbent John Gray.

Mayor-elect Henry finished with 15,268 votes compared with 8,973 for former Mayor Gray and 3,941 for former Councillor Louise Parkes.

...

... Mayor-elect Henry said he has spent the past four years pushing accountability and transparency, stressing that residents have the right to know where every dollar of their tax money is spent.

He said that, combined with the fact that he is the only member of council who didn't spend a dime out of his taxpayer funded expenses account, won't receive a severance and took a pay cut on his councillor salary, helped push him to victory.

"You lead by example," the new mayor noted.

A good candidate with a fantastic record. Oshawa is back on the right track!

Let the Finger Wagging Begin

2010-10-25T21:34:00.001-04:00

With 97.2% of the votes counted in Toronto's election, George Smitherman's votes + Joe Pantalone's votes total more than Rob Ford's.

Offered without comment, but with a picture of Ralph Nader.

An Open Letter to George Smitherman on Safe Injection Sites

2010-10-20T15:33:00.002-04:00

Dear Mr. Smitherman,

I recently announced that I support you for mayor of Toronto. With Rocco Rossi's departure from the race, and Rob Ford's divisive and reckless brand of conservatism taking centre stage, you present the only alternative to me.

However, I was disheartened to learn of your unfortunate and misinformed opinion of safe injection sites, which I reprint below. Especially disheartened, since you're a former provincial health minister.

"I do not support safe injection sites because I am not convinced of its merits," [George] Smitherman said.

I would like to hear your evidence for why safe injection sites lack merit. On this blog, I have profiled the benefits of safe injection sites, such as Insite - located in Vancouver.

Here are, once again, the merits of Insite, the Vancouver safe injection site.

Insite is leading to increased uptake into detoxification programs and addiction treatment. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Insite has not led to an increase in drug-related crime, rates of arrest for drug trafficking, assaults and robbery were similar after the facility’s opening, and rates of vehicle break-ins/theft declined significantly. (Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy)
Insite has reduced the number of people injecting in public and the amount of injection-related litter in the downtown eastside. (Canadian Medical Association Journal)
Insite is attracting the highest-risk users – those more likely to be vulnerable to HIV infection and overdose, and who were contributing to problems of public drug use and unsafe syringe disposal. (American Journal of Preventive Medicine)
Insite has reduced overall rates of needle sharing in the community, and among those who used the supervised injection site for some, most or all of their injections, 70% were less likely to report syringe sharing. (The Lancet)
Nearly one-third of Insite users received information relating to safer injecting practices. Those who received help injecting from fellow injection drug users on the streets were more than twice as likely to have received safer injecting education at Insite. (The International Journal of Drug Policy)
Insite is not increasing rates of relapse among former drug users, nor is it a negative influence on those seeking to stop drug use. (British Medical Journal)

If you could clarify to me why you do not support safe injection sites, that would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Me

An Honour for Bill Davis

2010-10-20T09:34:00.000-04:00

The University of Toronto Mississauga has re-dedicated their South Building the William G. Davis Building, in honour of Ontario's former Progressive Conservative premier.

“For over 40 years, Bill Davis has worked hard to improve the lives of people in the province of Ontario and nowhere is this more apparent than in our post-secondary education system,” said [Professor Deep] Saini. “Everywhere you look, we see reminders of his commitment to excellence in education—be it in the extensive growth of our college system or right here where he paved the way for what is now the University of Toronto Mississauga.”

A great man, and a great conservative.

George Smitherman for Mayor of Toronto

2010-10-18T11:17:00.000-04:00

A week is a long time in politics.

I prefer balanced, measured, and pragmatic conservatism in government. I am traditionally an Ontario Progressive Conservative supporter.

I do not support reckless government policy sold under the guise of "conservatism" using the label "respect for the taxpayer". It's always wrongheaded, it's always motivated by emotion, and it always ends up costing more in the long run.

I was a vocal Rocco Rossi supporter. When I learned that he had pulled out of the race, I thought I'd pull out from participation in the Toronto election.

I continue to not want Rob Ford as mayor of Toronto. He represents a corruption of the Canadian conservative brand. His inexperience and his over-zealousness to lead an every-man revolution is indicative of his not being up to the job.

Toronto needs to vote George Smitherman for mayor.

Toronto Loses Rocco Rossi ...

2010-10-18T10:22:00.001-04:00

I went to the beautiful city of Paris, France, for a short vacation last week, to come back to news that my candidate, Rocco Rossi, had dropped out of the Toronto electoral race. Miss a week, miss a lot.

The past nine months have been an incredible journey. I have been moved by the stories of hope and inspiration that Torontonians from all walks of life have shared with me.

With your help, we have made a real impact on this race and the future of our city.

We have shed light on the issues that matter to Torontonians: getting value for our money, moving Toronto forward, and making City Hall honest.

Make no mistake, together we accomplished great things.

I have been inspired by the countless volunteers and supporters who took time out of their busy schedules to knock on doors, make phone calls, attend event and pound in lawn signs.

I have been inspired by the people from every corner of our city who have stood up and demanded change.

I have been inspired by Torontonians and our great city.

Rhonnie, DJ and I thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all you have done and continue to do. It has been a true honour representing you as a candidate for mayor, and I thank you for the opportunity.

Sincerely,

Rocco

Maxime Bernier was for the Census, before he was against the Census

2010-10-07T12:37:00.000-04:00

"[The census] continue[s] to be essential for providing the information needed by governments, businesses, researchers and individual Canadians to shed light on issues of concern to all of us."

- Maxime Bernier, Minister responsible for Statistics Canada, August 21, 2006

BREAKING NEWS - Rob Ford to Cut Off the Internet due to Internet Smearing

2010-09-24T15:09:00.001-04:00

TORONTO, September 24 - In addition to the War against the Elites embedded within the written press, Rob Ford today announced that he would no longer use the internet after the campaign team found Google to be littered with elites. His campaign website will be taken down, and supporters will no longer communicate via email.

"These smears against Rob Ford will not be tolerated," Rob Ford continues, "It's clear that the internet has a vendetta against Rob Ford and Rob Ford won't tolerate it."

"And, yes. Rob Ford uses the third person."

Rob Ford He-Man Women Hater's Club Barbecue

2010-09-10T11:52:00.001-04:00

The all important Rob Ford He-Men Women Hater's Club barbecue is in his backyard. It's convenient that this barbecue was organized at the same time as the Women's Debate.

FORD FEST BACKYARD FUNDRAISER

When Fri Sep 10 7pm – 11pm Eastern Time - Toronto

Where Ford Residence: 15 Weston Wood Road, Etobicoke

Rob Ford Dismisses Women's Mayoral Debate

2010-09-10T11:40:00.002-04:00

Rob Ford has such a low opinion of women in politics and women in general that he cannot even be bothered to withdraw from the YWCA Toronto women's debate with notice and in person. This man is an absolute disgrace and an embarrassment.

Media Advisory - Women Matter Mayoral Candidates Meeting

UPDATE: ROB FORD WITHDREW FROM THE DEBATE EARLY FRIDAY MORNING, SAYING HE HAD A BBQ TO ATTEND INSTEAD.

TORONTO, Sept. 10 /CNW/ - Equal Voice Toronto, the Toronto Women's City Alliance and YWCA Toronto are hosting a mayoral debate for the five leading candidates. Questions will center around issues of gender representation and diversity in city politics.

WHAT: Women Matter Mayoral Candidates Meeting

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: YWCA Toronto 80 Woodlawn Ave. E.

WHO: Sarah Thomson, Rocco Rossi, Joe Pantalone, George Smitherman Moderator: Susan Eng, Vice President of Advocacy for CARP Wendy Cukier, Associate Dean of Ted Rogers School of Management and Founder of the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University will provide commentary on the answers provided by the candidates.
Equal Voice is a multi-partisan organization working to get more women elected in all levels of government in Canada.

The Toronto Women's City Alliance is a diverse group of women working to end the growing silence and invisibility of girls and women's voices on the political agenda in the City of Toronto since 2004.

YWCA Toronto is an association of diverse and caring women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through dynamic leadership, advocacy, and a range of unique and essential services that promote personal growth and economic independence.

Vive la Smitherman Flip Flop

2010-09-07T21:33:00.001-04:00

George Smitherman was for raising taxes before he was for freezing taxes.

Smitherman’s tax pledge comes only days after he announced a $10 million youth job-creation plan to be supported by a hike in business property taxes, followed hours later by a statement that there was a miscommunication and the plan doesn’t include a tax hike.

It seems he's trying to position himself as a born-again Rob Ford-lite as his campaign sputters.

Oh, and his fiscal plan to support all this? Not until September 27th, folks. So, like Ford as well - announcing spending and tax cuts with no plan.

One Difference between Ford and Smitherman

2010-09-03T14:15:00.000-04:00

When Smitherman gets angry, he doesn't discriminate.

Rob Ford in Quotes

2010-09-03T14:09:00.000-04:00

In a recent interview with Examiner.com, former Etobicoke councillor Rob Ford fashioned himself a social liberal.

Here's his socially liberal opinions. I excluded the ones where he was drunk.

On different cultures:

Go to the Orient, go to Hong Kong. You want to see workaholics? Those Oriental people work like dogs... they sleep beside their machines. The Oriental people, they're slowly taking over... they're hard, hard workers.

Gino-boy [in reference to George Mammoliti].

On LGBT rights:

I don’t understand. No. 1, I don’t understand a transgender, I don’t understand, is it a guy dressed up like a girl or a girl dressed up like a guy? And we’re funding this for, I don’t know, what does it say here? We’re giving them $3,210?

If you’re not doing needles and you’re not gay, you won't get AIDS, probably.

On poverty:

People do not want government housing built in the city of Toronto. They want roads fixed, more police presence, but they don't want more government housing that will depreciate the value of their property.

This is an insult to my constituents to even think about having a homeless shelter in their ward. And you want me to have a public meeting to discuss this? Why don’t we have a public lynching?

On the sanctity of life:

I can't support bike lanes. Roads are built for buses, cars, and trucks. My heart bleeds when someone gets killed, but it's their own fault at the end of the day.

Former Etobicoke Councillor Rob Ford Endorses Rocco Rossi's Plan for Recall

2010-08-31T12:00:00.000-04:00

This is a huge development in the Toronto mayoral campaign.

In addition to endorsements by two other retiring councillors (Mike Feldman and Michael Walker), former Etobicoke councillor Rob Ford has come out in favour of Rocco Rossi's plan for a recall.

“There are many priorities when it comes to bringing accountability to City Hall, and recall legislation is certainly one that I support,” [former Etobicoke councillor] Rob Ford said in an e-mail.

While Rob Ford's opinions are always controversial, it's great to see him on side with Rocco Rossi's vision for a great city.

By the Way ... Some Guy Joined Team Rocco Rossi

2010-08-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

Supporters of the "other" candidates are talking way too much about Warren Kinsella joining Team Rocco Rossi if the buzz on the internets is to be believed.

Shouldn't fault them too much. It happens when your campaign is devoid of substance that you need to focus on the members of another candidate's campaign team.

That's politics, I suppose.

Rocco Rossi : Take Back Your Vote!

2010-08-30T11:08:00.000-04:00

Today, Rocco Rossi unveiled a huge policy platform to bring accountability to the citizens of Toronto.

One of the underlying themes of this election is Torontonian frustration with what appears to be a lack of a voice at City Hall. Rocco Rossi plans to change that.

These three R`s are Respect…Results…And Recall.

Every Toronto voter has the right to be treated respectfully by their mayor and councillor.

Every Toronto voter has the right to results.

They have the right to measure performance against promise, and results against expectations.

And finally, when voters give me the honour of becoming their Mayor, they will have the right to recall.

To use Rocco's phrase, "it’s easier to return a broken blender in this town than it is to recall a rogue politician."

It's time for Toronto to take back their vote. To hold politicians accountable for the decisions they make, to make sure they have done their due diligence, and to make sure they consult with those most impacted by their policy.

This is a great announcement for this city; you can read more about the official announcement here.

Rob Ford Throws Torontonians Under the Bus

2010-08-26T16:22:00.000-04:00

Rob Ford, presenting himself as the accountable and ethical conservative choice, has a bit of a scandal on his hands. He's peddled himself at an event he did not support and now is being called on the carpet when he's thrown those folks who rallied with him under the bus.

As Torontoist points out, Rob Ford set up shop and canvassed for votes as mayor to a group looking to save some green space in Etobicoke. At least not to my surprise, Mr. Ford voted against the motion to ultimately save the green space, despite his presence at an event in its support.

In mid-April, [Torontoist] attended the [West Kingsway Ratepayers’ Association]'s "Save the Greenspace" rally at Fairfield Park, and while Ford wasn’t able to make the festivities, he did send a contingent of his campaign workers to cook hot dogs, pose for photos, and distribute "Ford for Mayor" bumper stickers, which gave the impression that he supported the cause.

"I was surprised by councillor Ford's lone dissenting vote," [Ward 5 Etobicoke-Lakeshore Councillor Peter] Milczyn told us. "At the public rally...councillor Ford's supporters were present expressing his support for the local community."

Clearly, Rob Ford represents the politics-as-usual mentality he so decries in Toronto council. He has no intention of changing council mentality.

Rocco Live! - Wednesday, August 25th

2010-08-23T21:35:00.001-04:00

Toronto mayoral candidate, Rocco Rossi, will be hosting a live-to-air internet event, and will be taking questions via Facebook and Twitter.

Episode 3: Meet Rocco!

Join us on Wednesday, August 25 at 6:30 PM for Episode 3 of Rocco LIVE. In this episode, Rocco will talk about his past experiences, the campaign so far, and why he is running for mayor. We’ll be taking your questions live via Twitter and Facebook. This is your chance to ask Rocco the tough questions and maybe get an answer to “Why Rocco Rossi?”

You can participate via Twitter (Tweet your question to @roccothevoteTO and include the #RoccoLIVE hashtag), via Facebook (log in to Facebook and then reload the Rocco Live page for the widget), or via Email (rocco@roccorossi.com).

More important for bloggers - Rocco Rossi is inviting all bloggers to live blog this event from Rocco Rossi campaign HQ.

Keep a blog? Join us and watch live in person from our ‘blogger gallery’ at campaign HQ. Anyone writing for a blog (no matter how big or small) is welcome to join. Our biggest goal is to keep Rocco LIVE transparent and unscripted. We believe the best way to achieve this is to invite the blogging community to HQ to watch us broadcast.

Bloggers, please arrive at campaign HQ between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM. We’re located at 185 Avenue Road [map]. Contact michael.edwards@roccorossi.com for additional information.

(I won't be able to attend as I'll be door knocking for Rocco on Wednesday night).

Rocco, real change for Toronto.

The League of Extraordinary Canadians

2010-08-19T08:47:00.000-04:00

CathiefromCanada asks a very simple question ... What do all of these people have in common? A gallery of the public servants serving the public being removed by Stephen Harper for doing their job and not toeing the line.

The natural follow up question ... Who's next?

[H/T, Dawg's Blawg]

Rocco Rossi for Mayor of Toronto

2010-08-18T21:48:00.001-04:00

Summer time and the living is easy ...

I haven't been posting much and as summer winds down, hopefully that will change.

With John Tory out of the race, and my genuine fear that Rob Ford may mount a credible challenge for the mayor's job in Toronto, I've decided that I will be supporting Rocco Rossi as mayor of Toronto.

Toronto needs a balanced - neither right nor left - approach to governance and I feel that Rocco Rossi will bring that to the city.

Go, Rocco!

For the Record

2010-07-09T20:19:00.000-04:00

No relation, I think.

Draft John Tory; Hear, Here!

2010-06-01T09:35:00.000-04:00

I, for one, would welcome John Tory back as a Toronto mayoral candidate.

[Toronto Star, James: Draft John Tory for mayor?]

Rob Ford’s surprise popularity with voters has political left, and right, in a frenzy, setting off unlikely talk of a white knight to rescue Toronto.

Mr. James also speculates that there is a poll that shows Mr. Ford out in the lead - I don't think that's possible. If it's true ... wow.

And, while I disagree with Mr. James' connotation while defining a red Tory ...

These are fiscal conservatives who fancy themselves as community builders, not mindless budget slashers. They are in bed with the City Summit Alliance, talk about civil society, advocate for the poor, believe in a social safety net and the importance of government. And they worry about Ford’s unbridled conservatism.

... he's spot on. I have the same reservations with Mr. Hudak at the provincial level.

I want John Tory back in the race.

Ironic?

2010-05-31T16:09:00.000-04:00

Rob Anders gives some unintentional advice to Canada's opposition parties.

[Toronto Star, Not quite a Hallmark sentiment]

I Made This

2010-05-20T10:59:00.000-04:00

William Shatner totally looks like Stephen Harper.

[Link]

Welcome to Our Nightmare

2010-05-20T09:44:00.000-04:00

In the run up to the G20 summit happening in downtown Toronto, international journalists were treated to Conservative transparency [Toronto Star, International media learn the ways of Toronto — and politicians]

This is what the foreign and local media wanted to know: Will local businesses be reimbursed for G20 losses?

They leaned in, recorders extended.

“A protocol mechanism is in place to deal with all those concerns,” said a practised Rob Moore, minister of state for tourism and small business. [...]

“So you’ll compensate?” a local reporter prodded.

“Thank you,” Moore replied, stepping away.

“Did he answer the question?” asked Viviana Mazza, a reporter with Italy’s Corriere della Sera.

No, Viviana, he did not. But, that's what we've come to expect from this government.

Conservatives to Request Coalition with Liberal ...

2010-05-07T10:24:00.001-04:00

... Democrats.

BBC, Election: Cameron makes offer to Lib Dems on government

David Cameron has reached out to the Liberal Democrats in an effort to form a government - after the UK general election resulted in a hung parliament.

Meanwhile, Conservatives here in Canada, while praising David Cameron's victory, still believe coalition governments are evil. The inanity.

Mel's Diner

2010-04-22T13:38:00.002-04:00

I'm saddened to see an institution like Mel's Diner burned down.

The Record, Fire destroys businesses in Waterloo plaza:

WATERLOO – A fire Thursday morning destroyed several businesses in a Waterloo plaza.

Businesses affected by the blaze at the Campus Court plaza, 140 University Ave. W., include Mel’s Diner, Tabu, Mr. Sushi, University Vision Centre, Sugar Mountain and Caesar Martini’s.

After a long night at the Bomber on a Wednesday night, rolling out of bed at about noon on a Thursday, Mel's was a perfect place to stop for steak and eggs and a coffee.

You never went there on the weekend as the line up was always way out the door.

I hope it rebuilds. If it does, I'll go back for steak and eggs.

(H/T, uwaterloo on LiveJournal)

Announcing My Candidacy for the Senate

2010-04-18T19:53:00.000-04:00

As I'm watching football (soccer) and enjoying a lovely spring evening and having had a jar or two, I have decided to run for the Senate should Ontario hold elections for the next vacancy. If the Conservatives are still in government, they'll have no choice but to appoint me.

First off, I will sit as a Liberal.

Second off, I haven't decided that far in advance what my second off is.

Third off, I'll blog from the Senate floor.

So, please support me.

Also, if someone can create a web graphic, that would be great.

Compare and Contrast

2010-03-23T13:47:00.001-04:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper [Canada.com, Manning named to federal advisory panel]:

The Conservative government Friday named Reform party founder Preston Manning to a group which advises the federal government on the public policy implications of new scientific research.

President Barack Obama [CTV, Obama nominates UBC professor for science position]:

A University of British Columbia physics professor has been nominated for a position in President Barack Obama's White House.

The U.S. president nominated Prof. Carl Wieman as his associate director of science in the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Wieman won the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics for the creation of a new form of matter.

Updated: I should note that Professor Wieman must be approved by the Senate before taking his post. Mr. Manning just had to say, "Sure, I love that word SCIENNNCE."

David Miller's Announcement

2010-03-10T09:14:00.002-05:00

If David Miller announces he has changed his mind and will run for mayor of Toronto, Rocco Rossi should withdraw and endorse George Smitherman.

Updated: Boring. Rocco can stay in the race.

I Endorse Sarah Palin for President

2010-03-08T15:44:00.001-05:00

[H/T, Dvorak Uncensored]

Selective Hearing

2010-03-05T20:27:00.000-05:00

“We offered to hear from Canadians on this issue and they have already spoken loud and clear. They overwhelmingly do not want to open the issue. The Government will not proceed any further to change our national anthem.”

Dimitri Soudas, official spokesman for the Prime Minister

[H/T, Stephen Taylor]

However, they apparently ignored Canadians on the issue of prorogation.

Conservatives Tapping into Patriotic Spirit to Boost Poll Woes

2010-03-04T09:56:00.000-05:00

Canada has experienced a tremendous outpouring of patriotic spirit at the conclusion of the winter Olympics. It was also during this time that the Conservative Party experienced it's worst showing at the polls.

So, the Conservative Party needs to tap into that patriotic spirit a little - by creating a crisis where there isn't one.

CBC, O Canada Lyrics to be reviewed:

Parliament is to be asked to review the "original gender-neutral wording of the national anthem," says the throne speech delivered by Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean on Wednesday.

This will charge up the Conservative base as another attack by the politically correct elite on one of Canada's sacred insititutions. Stephen Harper will be able to unmuzzle the less refined of his caucus to defend Canada all the while, maintaining a calm, cool exterior - "let Parliament do its work".

There's a Facebook group too about keeping the lyrics to O Canada the same. I could have sworn it started before the announcement during the throne speech. I wonder if there will be rallies ...

It's transparent. It's disgusting.

I only hope Canadians see it for what it is.

Mind the Dust

2010-03-01T12:23:00.001-05:00

Blogger has a new function that lets you import and export blogs into it. So, I'm finally uploading all my old blog's posts into this one. So, now this blog appears older than it was. I'm going to have to go through and clean up the labels though.

Roll Up the Rim Stats 2010

2010-03-01T09:07:00.009-05:00

It's time for the fourth annual tracking of my Roll Up the Rim statistics. I'll update this post as my consumption totals rise up.

As always, I record three statistics.

The first number represents the number of 'Wins'. I will update the post to indicate what I've won and what size of beverage.

The second number represents the number of 'Please Play Agains'.

The third number represents the number of times I did not receive a Roll Up cup. This usually happens twice or three times in the middle of the campaign, as opposed to the trailing end when cups begin to be snatched up.

0 - 12 - 0

Last updated: March 23, 2010.

Helena Guergis, Working Her A Off in S*holes

2010-02-26T14:10:00.000-05:00

That there is some good work [Toronto Star, Your Liberal research bureau at work].

Here is a breakdown of how many days each Conservative MP worked (according to the document the Conservatives just released). Note that between January 1st and today, there has been exactly 40 work days for most Canadians.

The list says 68 of their MPs worked, leaving 77 Conservative MPs who didn’t work a single day.

...

9 days - Helena Geurgis

That's nine ass days in likely nine different shitholes. One of those days, her effing birthday.

What do you expect people?

Where Were the RCMP?

2010-02-26T09:04:00.003-05:00

Conservative MP, Helena Guergis, believes Prince Edward Island is a shithole, as she has a meltdown in Charlottetown Airport [Globe & Mail, Airport worker says Guergis meltdown among worst he's seen]:

“She was yelling at the Jazz agent to hurry up and that [he was] wasting her time and that she had to get going because she wanted to get home [to her husband] because it's her ‘effing birthday,'” the employee said.

It was her 'effing birthday', after all.

“A staffer went to the gates to tell her to just hang on because she was literally banging and kicking on the glass at the security doors,” he said.

Where were the RCMP?

Updated: James Morton finds us another comment.

When staff reminded Guergis that passengers are expected to show up two hours before departure, she allegedly replied, "I don't need to be lectured about flight time by you. I've been down here working my ass off for you people."

It's her effing birthday, she works her ass off for us people, and she needs to get out of shitholes.

A wonderful Member of Parliament.

Updateded: There's some media controversy.

Did Helena Guergis refer to PEI as merely a "hell hole" or a "shit hole"? I think she should respond.

(H/T, The Equivocator)

Candles Recalled due to Fire Risk

2010-02-09T15:04:00.000-05:00

No, really.

CBC, Pier 1 Imports recalls tea lights over fire risk

Pier 1 Imports has recalled 1,875 Silver Glitter Tea Lights and Gold Glitter Tea Lights in Canada, and 37,000 in the U.S. because the glitter could catch fire.

Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament - Toronto Rally Info

2010-01-19T22:17:00.002-05:00

NO to prorogation! YES to democracy!

Canadians against Proroguing Parliament (Toronto) has organized a rally and march for Saturday, January 23 at 1:00pm at Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto. And we urgently need your help to promote it. Here’s how you can help spread the word:

Download promotional materials. Everything is available online - posters, leaflets, stickers, petitions, Facebook profile pics, etc.: http://groups.google.com/group/capp-outreach/files. Let us know where you can distribute them.

Provide free photocopying or printing. Do you have access to a photocopier or heavy-duty printer? Can you do any free photocopying or printing (no amount is too small or too large)? Also let us know if your workplace, community group, local library, trade union or student union, place of worship, etc. can be a pick-up location for printed materials. If yes, email noproroguetoronto@gmail.com to let us know your address and dates/times when materials may be picked up.

Join us for city-wide poster runs. On the following dates/times, meet us at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor Street West, Suite 207, 2nd floor to pick up posters and postering materials (paste, staplers and/or tape) and to spread out across Toronto to put up posters everywhere we can. Bring your friends!

Wednesday, January 13 at 6:00pm
Sunday, January 17 at 4:00pm
Wednesday, January 20 at 6:00pm

Join us for city-wide leafleting sessions. On the following dates/times/locations, meet us to distribute leaflets as a large group to passers-by. We’ll bring all the printed materials, including display tables; you just have to bring yourself (and friends).

Saturday, January 16 at 8:00am at the main entrance to St. Lawrence Market, 92 Front Street East (TTC: Union)
Saturday, January 16 at 1:00pm at Yonge-Dundas Square (TTC: Dundas)

Put up posters/distribute leaflets on your own time. All printed materials are available at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor Street West, Suite 207, 2nd floor, seven days a week from 8:00am to 10:00pm. Distribute materials on busy street corners, at TTC entrances/exits, and in large apartment buildings. Just let us know where you’ve distributed materials so we know what parts of Toronto have been covered. Email noproroguetoronto@gmail.com.

Donate funds. Canadians against Proroguing Parliament (Toronto) is a grassroots, non-partisan movement of ordinary Canadians. We urgently need your financial support to build and organize an effective rally that engages the public and gets its message across to MPs. Donate online at http://noprorogue.ca/. Look for the “Donate Now” box. Cheques and/or money orders should be made payable to “Shilo Davis” or “Justin Arjoon” (CAPP in memo area) and mailed to CAPP Toronto, 67 Griffiths Drive, Ajax ON L1T 3J8.

Attend upcoming organizing meetings. We need as many volunteers as possible to promote the rally ahead of time, and to support the rally itself on January 23. If you’d like to volunteer, please join us. We meet on Fridays (January 15 and 22) from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on the University of Toronto downtown campus. For exact location, email noproroguetoronto@gmail.com. All are welcome!

Promote the event online. Feel free to forward this email to family, friends, co-workers and/or anyone who cares about democracy in Canada. You can also join our Facebook group, where this movement got started: http://bit.ly/findusonfacebook. Or follow us on Twitter to get regular updates on your cell phone or online: http://twitter.com/NoProrogueTO. Thank you in advance for whatever support you can offer. We look forward to seeing you on January 23, if not sooner! For more information, email noproroguetoronto@gmail.com.

The Toronto rally is organized by Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament (Toronto), a grassroots, non-partisan movement of ordinary Canadians that emerged in response to Harper’s decision to prorogue Parliament. All are welcome to join us.

http://noprorogue.ca/ | noproroguetoronto@gmail.com

(H/T, Scott's DiaTribes)

I Endorse Jim Curran - VP Organization, LPC(O)

2010-01-18T08:59:00.001-05:00

I had the opportunity to meet Jim in Vancouver -- unknowingly sitting nearly right behind him on the WestJet flight from Toronto too -- during the Liberal convention, and he is full of spirit, passion, and unbridled enthusiasm for what the Liberal Party is capable of doing and for where the Liberal Party should be going and I think he'd make a tremendous asset as VP Organization.

Join Jim's Facebook group here.

Make plans to attend Jim's reception, "ONTARIO! Ours to Recover".

No Taxation without Representation!

2010-01-09T12:58:00.000-05:00

January 23rd, join Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament and protest the undemocratic move to "suspend democracy and Parliament".

Keep an eye on the official event details for updates.

Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament - Rally!

Let's stand up together and make our voices heard-Parliament should resume on January 25th 2010 with or without Harper!

Specific details for each city to follow soon, we are just coordinating details at the moment with various volunteers across the country. Generally speaking protests in major cities will be held at government legislative buildings, in smaller cities locations will be announced well in advance of the protest. Protests are peaceful demonstrations, generally with guest speakers, music and entertainment. These events are family friendly.

At this time we are most definitely holding protests in:

Halifax, NS
RALLY LOCATION: Province House (1726 Hollis Street)
DATE: January 23rd at 1pm local time.
HALIFAX RALLY PLANNING MEETING:
Wednesday, January 13 @ 630pm. Location TBA-email NoProrogueHFX@gmail.com (please put PLANNING in the subject).
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=232710139093&ref=nf

Fredericton, NB
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=234542215868

St John's, NL
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=254088136128

Charlottetown, PEI
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=238766311734

Toronto, ON
RALLY LOCATION: Dundas Square. Rally March to the Square: TBA
RALLY DATE: Saturday January 23rd 2010, 1pm local time
http://www.facebook.com/specialshi?ref=name#/group.php?gid=267871867124&ref=nf
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=222828077823&ref=nf
Contact: Justin - jpeg.Arjoon@gmail.com
RALLY PLANNING MEETING 2:
Friday Jan 15th at 5:15 pm at Hart House
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=274247710020&ref=nf

Ottawa, ON
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=240574036819
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=233886494638&index=1
OTTAWA RALLY PLANNING MEETING:
Friday, January 8, 2010, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Ottawa University UNI Centre

Kingston, ON
RALLY LOCATION: Market Square (behind City Hall)
RALLY DATE: January 23rd at 1pm local time
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=237399244708&index=1

Sudbury, ON
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=240530574180&%3Bref=mf

Barrie, ON
RALLY LOCATION: Fred Grant Memorial Square (on Dunlop St)
RALLY DATE: January 23rd at 1pm local time
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237914414270&ref=mf

Belleville, ON
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=416217500077

Peterborough, ON
PETERBOROUGH RALLY PLANNING MEETING
January 8th at 5:30 @ Dreams of Beans Cafe downtown
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=254193200352

Thunder Bay, ON
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=233166837771&ref=mf
Javier Espinoza ORGANIZING MEETING for Thunder Bay
Date: Saturday Jan. 9, 2010
Place:Lakehead University - Agora Cafe
Time: 2:00 pm

Sault Ste. Marie, ON
RALLY LOCATION: Outside Tony Martin's Office, 369 Queen St. East
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=237469588921

Whitby/Oshawa, ON
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=235987597683

Hamilton, ON
RALLY LOCATION: Gore Park, by Jackson Square (at the intersection of King and James)
RALLY DATE: January 23rd at 1pm local time
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=151408734954

Mississauga, ON
MISSISSAUGA RALLY PLANNING MEETING
Wednesday January 6th 2010
Location: University of Toronto Mississauga - Student Center - Room 100 (Green Room) - 3359 Mississauga Road North
Time: 5 - 6:00 p.m.
Contact: 416-625-7712

Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
RALLY LOCATION: Waterloo Public Square (on King Street South, in front of the Waterloo Town Square Mall)
RALLY DATE: January 23rd at 11am local time
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=239179835749

Guelph, ON
RALLY LOCATION: St George Square
RALLY DATE: January 23rd at 1pm local time
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=236495265747

London, ON
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=239854508755

Windsor, ON
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=257142152929&ref=mf

Montreal, QC
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=240931110839
RALLY PLANNING MEETING:
Monday January 11 @ 6:30 at the McGill University Centre (3480 McTavish) room 433A
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=243651298149&index=1

Quebec City, QC
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=236838174131

Winnipeg, MB
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=275343198311

Saskatoon, SK
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=264977381210

Regina, SK
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=253266656648

Calgary, AB
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=233912789510

Edmonton, AB
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=236454117347

Vancouver, BC
VANCOUVER RALLY PLANNING SESSION:
Saturday January 9, Time and location TBA
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=265618470844
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/event.php?eid=252413915768&ref=nf

Victoria, BC
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=247451223296

Kelowna-Okanagan, BC
RALLY LOCATION: Corner of Gordon and Hwy 97, Kelowna
RALLY DATE: January 23rd at 1pm local time
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=394885890526

Whitehorse, YT
RALLY DETAILS:
Saturday January 23rd @ 1pm outside the Elijah Smith building (300 Main Street, Whitehorse, YT).
-Special events include speakers, MPs in attendance, and possibly live music (weather permitting).

Yellowknife, NWT
RALLY LOCATION: NTFL Headquarters, Stanton Plaza
RALLY DATE: January 23rd at 11am local time
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=241319536066&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=241319536066&ref=mf

INTERNATIONAL RALLIES
London, England (and other international locations)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=238374178935&ref=mf

If you're interested in helping organize a protest in any major city, including the ones listed, let us know! You can FB message the creator of the group hosting it (Shilo Davis), or you can simply email Shilo at daviss3@mcmaster.ca. ***The amount of emails I've received have crashed my mcmaster email server! Please email me at shiloadavis@gmail.com***

This is your chance to make your voice heard Canada. Stand up for democracy on January 23rd!

***Details on locations and specifics for each protest will be posted at least 10 days in advance!***

***Want to get involved in the meantime?***
1) Write to your local paper(s)
2) Write to your MP and your MPP
3) Write to the GG, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean (By Email: info@gg.ca By Mail: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A1 NO POSTAGE REQUIRED By Fax: 613-998-8760)
4) Write to the Queen about the GG and Harper (Her Majesty The Queen
Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom)
5) Spread the word to friends, family, and coworkers! The more Canadians we can get on board, the stronger our voice will be.

Disappointed

2010-01-07T10:18:00.001-05:00

I'm disappointed, but glad that it's finally official.

It's official: John Tory won't run for Toronto mayor, Toronto Star:

John Tory said Thursday that he won't run again to become Toronto's mayor, choosing instead to "pursue a different course with my life and career."

The former Progressive Conservative leader issued a statement this morning announcing his decision to serve as volunteer chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance, a position previously held by David Pecaut who died in December.

John Tory is likely the best mayor the city of Toronto never had.

Impolitical | I Prorogue because

2010-01-04T12:56:00.000-05:00

Grab the button!

TT says he was inspired by the first two answers, "I can" and "You let me." Meaning that while we can certainly and justifiably be disillusioned by the Prime Minister, we bear responsibility as citizens in letting him get away with this: "Apathy is our foe right alongside Harper." Well said.

Ask the Senate to join Liberals

2010-01-02T17:06:00.003-05:00

A great idea. Come on Hugh!

One key reason Harper prorogued Parliament is to allow the Senate committees to be re-shuffled in his favour. So lets deny him that by convincing the independent, Progressive Conservative and Mulroney and Martin appointed Conservatives to join the Liberal Senators. Here are their email addresses.

Independent/Progressive Conservative
Anne C. Cools: coolsa@sen.parl.gc.ca
Murray Lowell: murral@sen.parl.gc.ca
Elaine McCoy: mccoye@sen.parl.gc.ca
Jean-Claude Rivest: jcrivest@sen.parl.gc.ca
P. Michael Pitfield: lachah@sen.parl.gc.ca

Conservative
David Tkachuk: tkachd@sen.parl.gc.ca
Terry Stratton: stratt@sen.parl.gc.ca
Gerry St. Germain: stgerg@sen.parl.gc.ca
Hugh Segal: kfl@sen.parl.gc.ca
Donald H. Oliver: olived@sen.parl.gc.ca
Pierre Claude Nolin: nolinp@sen.parl.gc.ca
Nancy Ruth: mcgeed@sen.parl.gc.ca
Michael A. Meighen: meighen@sen.parl.gc.ca
Marjory LeBreton: lebrem@sen.parl.gc.ca
Noël A. Kinsella: kinsen@sen.parl.gc.ca
Wilbert Joseph Keon: By phone only.
Janis G. Johnson: johnsj@sen.parl.gc.ca
Consiglio Di Nino: dininc@sen.parl.gc.ca
Gerald J. Comeau: comeag@sen.parl.gc.ca
Ethel M. Cochrane: cochre@sen.parl.gc.ca
Andrée Champagne: champa@sen.parl.gc.ca
W. David Angus: anguswd@sen.parl.gc.ca
Raynell Andreychuk: andrer@sen.parl.gc.ca

Ask them how they can continue in good conscience to support a party that no longer believes in democracy.

Vin Diesel, Social Media Giant

2009-12-31T12:11:00.002-05:00

True, according to Subscriber Wars.

Vin Diesel has 7,200,962 fans on Facebook, making him fourth in total online fan subscribers. It puts him behind Michael Jackson, Barack Obama, and Ashton Kutcher.

Wow.

Updated: In true prorogation tradition, neither Stephen Harper nor Michael Ignatieff can be found.

Congratulations, Mr. Prime Minister

2009-12-31T09:27:00.001-05:00

Stephen Harper, by proroguing Parliament, has confirmed what Canadians think [Montreal Gazette, Canadians think politicians get little done: poll]:

Canadians think politicians don't get along well, that they've accomplished little in the past year, and few would want their kids to grow up to be one.

...

And yet, 72 per cent of those surveyed by Ipsos Reid said they disagreed with the statement "Politicians in Ottawa got a lot done this year." And that disagreement was consistent across sex and regional lines.

Stephen Harper has now confirmed to Canadians he believes Parliament is irrelevant as well.

Congratulations, Mr. Prime Minister.

Canada's Back!

2009-12-19T10:34:00.002-05:00

I, for one, am glad that Canada is back on the world stage as a leader and an innovator [Yahoo Canada News, Harper not on Obama's climate guest list as U.S. president meets with 19 leaders]:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was left off U.S. President Barack Obama's guest list for an emergency meeting of world leaders in the final hours of the Copenhagen climate talks.

...

Among the attendees were Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei, Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

The list, provided by the White House, did not include Harper.

Canada's position, such as it is, is considered irrelevant.

Quick, something shiny!

James Travers | PM Should Have Tried Honesty

2009-12-17T09:05:00.001-05:00

James Travers nails it [Toronto Star, Travers: PM should have tried honesty]:

It's in Conservative nature to dig deeper when in a hole. Their reflex is to reject, refute and rebut rather than rely on the famous decency of Canadians to forgive and forget inevitable political failures.

This pattern applies to Conservative supporters as well - reject, refute and rebut.

Hypocrisy

2009-12-15T13:43:00.005-05:00

This illustrates the right wing hypocrisy in the United States regarding health care.

[via Center for American Progress].

On a related note, I got my H1N1 flu shot today. No credit card nor private insurance card needed from the doctor I chose. Asked her about something else while I was in there. No extra charge.

Good Luck, Rocco

2009-12-14T14:30:00.000-05:00

I like Rocco, and I wish him good luck in his run for mayor of Toronto.

I'm still waiting for the big man.

Peter MacKay Must Resign

2009-12-09T13:21:00.001-05:00

There's just no way around it [Toronto Star, Afghan beaten by police was in Canadian custody: top general]:

In an unexpected and explosive admission, Chief of Defence Staff Walter Natynczyk said not only was it known Afghan police abused prisoners but that one in particular had been handed over by Canadian troops.

Natynczyk said suddenly new information arrived on his desk today after telling a parliamentary defence committee Tuesday that a prisoner beaten by Afghan police had not be in Canadian custody before he was handed over in May 2007.

"The moment I saw this report his morning I realized that the information I provided yesterday was incorrect and I am responsible for that," he told reporters.

I don't believe for a moment that "suddenly new information" arrived. Suddenly, they realized, this story wasn't going away with constant denials.

Peter MacKay must resign.

Another One Bites the Dust

2009-12-01T18:35:00.000-05:00

Those of us who formerly identified themselves as Conservative, can easily identify with this.

[H/T, Dr. Dawg]

World AIDS Day

2009-12-01T08:33:00.000-05:00

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.

Consider today joining the "Give a Day" campaign.

Liberal Party of Canada (Ontario) AGM

2009-11-25T15:24:00.001-05:00

I'm such a shill.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
The Liberal Party of Canada (Ontario) will be held at:
Caesars Windsor
Windsor, Ontario

[LPC(O) AGM]

Friday, February 5th – Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Non-Issue

2009-11-24T14:43:00.000-05:00

My ex-wife is a socially conservative fiscal liberal. My current girlfriend is a socially progressive fiscal centric. My parents are socially and fiscally liberal.

Several of my friends are still members of the Conservative Party - in fact, I helped recruit them.

I'd expect that should I run for office, somebody I know will dislike or disagree with a position I hold. Or, at some level, they might like me but dislike my political partisan association.

Why should it be any different for Ms. Krieber? Is she just supposed to be a partisan Liberal? I still remember the lady that shook my hand and told me to work very hard during the last campaign at Mr. Dion's stop in Pickering. She wanted Mr. Dion elected Prime Minister.

She doesn't want Mr. Ignatieff elected Prime Minister. I do. We have a difference of opinion.

That's a non-issue.

The Marlies

2009-11-23T11:05:00.006-05:00

The Toronto Marlies are a better hockey team than the Toronto Maple Leafs. I have a far better time watching the Marlies - more action, more effort, more everything.

Just switch the two.

Don't call them the Leafs, either, when the switch happens. Call them the Marlies.

[H/T, Dawg's Blawg]

Good Luck, George

2009-11-09T14:25:00.000-05:00

I wish George Smitherman luck in his run for mayor.

I, on the other hand, hold out hope for another candidate.

Poker Chip Fail

2009-11-04T10:07:00.000-05:00

Fail.

Finally, Conservatives Set to Increase Public Healthcare Funding

2009-11-02T09:40:00.000-05:00

It's true.

They were out there trying to gather as many signatures as possible for our petition to get Gordon Brown to commit to protecting the [National Health Service] from any spending cuts.
Yes, the state of the public finances calls for serious cuts in public spending.
And yes, tough decisions will have to be made that many may find unacceptable.
But when you are doing such difficult things it is vital that as a government, you take people with you.
And one of the ways we want to do that is to protect the institution that we all care most about.
So the Conservatives will increase spending on the NHS every year so we can protect frontline services.
We’ve made our decision on the NHS, when are Labour going to make theirs?

Yes, it's the British Conservative Party.

See, it sounds conservative, but at the same time, sounds Conservative, if you know what I'm talking about.