Leafs missed the Boat ..again!!

In my last few posts I have been remiss in sharing my love of the Leafs. Man we need a tender that looks death in the eye and spits back and we just don't have it in Raycroft. Bring back Cujo ..I am mean just look at what Luongo has done for Vancouver..Fergie get with the program and grab a tender...give Pogge a try he did win a World Gold. anyways the loss last night to the Habs bring me horrible ..horrible premonitions of last year with the two back to back losses to the Habs and no post season...will Perrault Part 3 help? Leafs let him go twice before for reasons ... hope and optimism are guarded with age and no Tucker but I will not miss a Leaf sat game not even next Saturday after listening to a stirring and eloquent speech but our new Liberal Leader Stephane Dion.

Dr. Jon Gerrard- A Vibrant Liberal Voice!

Dr. Jon Gerrard , world renowned scientist and cancer researcher, eagle lover and father of three loving and vibrant children as well as grandfather (as you will see on his website or simply click on his link here jongerrardsblog) is a super guy with a real passion for people and solving problems. Much has been said about what I said or did not say about Dr. Jon Gerrard what I say is this :
Jon faces many challenges and not the least of which is the Conservative Party of Manitoba and the New Democratic Party of Manitoba. He has continued and is continuing to raise money and candidates to provide Manitobans with the best option for governing the Province of Manitoba. Not a big business option, nor big union alternative but an option which takes in the liberal values of compassion, honesty and integrity and one which the average Manitoban can relate to. Jon and the Manitoba Liberal Party are worried about crime, auto theft, environmental degradation in Lake Manitoba and long and continuing to get longer wait times in Manitoba Hospitals. Dr. Gerrard is assembling a great policy team with the likes of Bill Ridgeway and Meryle Lewis in his camp. Dr. Rey Paghktaghan and Pam MacLeod are the Provincial ERC Co-Chairs. Superb young wordsmith Paul Hesse has just joined on as Liberal Candidate in Fort Rouge, Wayne Helgeson, social activist and academic, is a hugely strong candidate in the Inner City, Karen Keppler (hope I am spelling that right) is very big in Selkirk and Dr. Chris Hildahl is expected to come in big in Fort Garry. Dr. Gerrard with his wife Naomi firmly at his side work tirelessly to bring a regal liberal presence to as many events as they can and their work ethic is infectious. The Liberal Dream of 14 big urban riding's is achievable and, as Jon has stated, this could be like the Ontario Election of 1995 Mike Harris where the shift goes to the seasoned leader whom differentiates himself effectively with a down to earth platform. Jon and his team of Manitoba Liberals continue to raise money and fight to maintain and ensure Liberal values are instilled in the Legislature of Manitoba. I fully support his battle and will ensure his voice is heard whenever and however I can. As Co-Chair of the AGM for Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) he and his candidates have always been and will always be supported as part of the Liberal family. I encourage all Manitobans to support the Manitoba Liberal Team led by Dr. Jon Gerrard. Dr. Jon Gerrard is the best choice to be the next Premier of Manitoba.

Working Cooperatively

Having just travelled the Province of Manitoba with Martha Hall Findlay and being the Co-Chair of the Annual General Meeting of the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) I have had the unique pleasure of seeing people in action, watching as our party in Manitoba comes together from the Leadership Process and discerning between what some have called the "princesses" from the "worker bees". I have to tell you for the most part the "down-to-earth-card-carrying-Liberal" want a definite change from the past practise of "no-holds-barred-take-no-prisoners approach" of politics in the Chretien vs Martin/Rock vs Martin years. I also hear from our Manitoba Liberals that they want people to work together and unite to defend and protect our liberal cause together cooperatively. I am an idealist and think the best of people and look to the positive rather than the less than positive. I also realize there are those, although few in numbers, that are still marred in the practises of the past. They just don't get it that in the Post- Gomery era that former ingrained "culture of entitlement to position and status" just is not applicable. A steep learning curve to say the least. I admire and respect the strong leadership here in Manitoba under LPC(M) President Sharon MacArthur and Caucus Chair Ray Simard to bring all the divergent camps and factions together. I also congratulate our new Leader Stephane Dion and his approach with the Outreach Tour and having Martha get out and listen to what the country is saying ..no pollster can even come close to that type of cultivation and recruitment. The task of reconciliation and renewal is not an easy one but a needed one. I for one hope the "warriors of the past" understand their expected new roles and responsibilities and more specifically that "bitchers and complainers from the cheap seats" are no longer wanted in the new liberal culture of renewal and revival. I think the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) can keep this new course but only with proper leadership.

Murray Downing and Andrew Dennis - Rural Canada's Answer to the Liberal Challenge!

Todays Browners Bouquet goes to two fine gentleman by the names of Murray Downing and Andrew Dennis. These two together single handily managed two Federal Campaigns, raised funds for the Liberal Association and kept the Liberal flag flying high in the most desolate of Liberal areas the Wheat City. They ran their family farms, volunteered in their respective communities and still managed to keep the Brandon Souris Liberal association in the black. Huge compliments to their organizational skills and their ability to get the job done. As with most Liberal Association's their are always divergent camps where people are sensitive to others and healthy egos restrain rather than engage efforts. To be successful all the camps must galvanize their efforts at the proper nemesis - the Reform/Alliance/Conservative party. Murray and Andrew with his Liberal logo on his half ton have done this, they continue to do this and I far one, say keep her up boys !!! The did a superb job organizing the Liberal Party of Canada National Outreach Tour and deserve credit for a job well done. If only we could bottle their energy and commitment in the other 145 Rural Ridings..

A Fitting Farewell to Two Brave Souls !!

A very,very sad day for Winnipeg and its long history of brave firefighters. With the tragic deaths of two Fire Brigade Captains, men in charge, it really brings home how are society protects those who protect us from harm. Firefighters, like police and emergency medical personnel, are at the front line of saving lives when anyone of them are tragically taken it really hits home. The aftermath of how do we punish the perpetrators of such wrong doing? Should we hang them such as with the intentional and malicious taking of human life Saddam did? Should we send them to a life behind bars with no chance of parole? Or in the unintended yet careless neglect of property should society see that they are placed on probation, as some have suggested? The argument gets deeper as it has come out that the blaze which claimed the life of the Captains was caused by smokers and their poor choice of putting out their ashes. Tragedy upon tragedy with human life being taken through human error. One thing is for sure the presence of the Federal Liberal Leader in paying respect to the families was a very decent human action and is applauded as the kind of positive leadership we need more of. The punishment for the smokers ? ..well the jury is out but I for one think some serious consequences should be administered. You can hear the heart felt, gut wrenching song, written and preformed at the Public Memorial, by their Fellow Firefighter by simply going to the link on my page at 92 CITI. Incidentally, Cosmo the Calgary Liberal and Afternoon Drive Guy is the one who interviewed the Firefighter and recorded the song live in 92 CITI studios.

Martha Rocks and Senator Maria Chaput has real pizzazz

Martha Hall Findlay and the Liberal Party of Canada's Outreach Tour has been a HUGE success in the Province of Manitoba and right across the West. People from all walks of life have attended and provided eloquent and well thought out positions on everything from the Wheat Board to the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Every where the gal goes people love her and her approach to bringing in new ideas and changing the way we do politics. On the Manitoba Tour where she had the full fledged support of Caucus and with Sen Zimmer and Sen Maria Chaput along for the ride and Senator Carstairs and Raymond Simard MP for Sainte Boniface providing logistical support she was simply fantastic. I gotta to tell you whomever thinks the Liberal cause is not vibrant in Manitoba had better do a gut check at the door. Big turnouts in Brandon and Winnipeg indicate to me that our liberal fortunes are rising and that things can and will change. The really neat thing are women in particular are becoming engaged and excited about the Liberal party and Martha in a leadership role- great stuff. I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know Maria Chaput she is awesome and is doing a great job helping involve the french speaking Canadians. We are fortunate to have her in Caucus and helping Monsieur Dion.

Atikokan needs your help to be Hockeyville 2007!!!

Atikokan finished in the Top 10 last year Hockeyville with the help of the Mayor (my dad) and Liberal MP Ken Boshcoff they want to changed that this year BUT we need your help !!! Incidentally when you watch the video (scroll down the Hockeyville website on the right until you find Atikokan's Video) the second male adult skater in the Green and Gold Atikokan Voyageurs sweater with black helmet and visor is in fact the Mayor still playing hockey at his age (well over 60)!!!

Hockeyville - How It Works,
Prize and Voting Summary
2 different prize categories as follows:
1 Merit prizes:
Canadians view entries on line at here between February 5 and 23
Canadians can vote on-line only during this time for communities they feel best exemplify Fun, Family, Fitness, Food, or Fairness - Hockeyville web site describes each category and associated prizes.
There are 5 separate prizes (one for each Merit category). A community can only win one Merit prize, but a community can win both a MERIT prize, and the Grand Prize.
The winners of the 5 Merit prizes will be announced on February 28, 2007.

2 Grand Prize Kraft Hockeyville 2007:
In-house panel will choose 10 finalists (one from each region plus 5 random) between January 22 and February 23- Atikokan made Top 10 last year but this year we want it ALL !!!
Selection will be based on Community spirit, Enthusiasm, Originality, Creativity
The team leader will find out by courier on or before February 24th if their team has advanced
These top 10 finalists will be highlighted on 'Kraft Hockeyville on CBC' on March 4th
Voting for this stage can be done online or by phone number available on Kraft Hockeyville website.
Canadians can vote for their favourite community from these 10 finalists online or by phone between March 4th and 9th
Top 5 finalists will be announced on Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC) on March 10th
Canadians can vote for their favourite community from these 5 finalists online or by phone between March 10th to 16th
Winner of Kraft Hockeyville 2007 will be announced on HNIC on March 17th.



VOTE ATIKOKAN FOR KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2007

Issues, Solutions and the (first of many to come) Political Play of the Week in Manitoba

For the most part this blog has spoken to people and organization - in my view the most effective aspect of politics.Well growth is occuring and from time to time I will start analyzing some policy issues and provides some of my ideas for solving them. I will also start to delve into practical applications of politics and their use in the public domain. Today's issue is law and order. For the most part the puritanical, pious attitude of the Conservative ideology has "won" in this area with Canadians. Conservatives stand tall in the saddle and throw the book at the criminal. They create the criminal and point out that person as the reason all things are evil in society. This hot button, ass backwards positioning wins votes and creates policy people can see. It buys into the "needs" of Canadians and a primary one being to feel safe and secure in their own homes and communites. The present Reform/Alliance crew headed by Vic Toews has postured that they want to change the age of criminal responsibility to 10 and some in their midst suggest 8. This is just ludicrous. Now I will not say that the Liberals and our traditional ideology of community involvement and more involvement of the family and support networks as part of the judicial process (Young Offenders Act and Youth Criminal Justice Act) is flawless. The underlying principle is that poverty, unemployment , the imbalance of power and wealth and other systemic dilemmas are preceptors to bad behaviour and there is NOT just one specific reason. There are flaws to this approach but it addresses the fundamental differences between Conservative and Liberal policy - people. My point is this - should we, as a society, take an 8 year old child who makes a bad choice he/she saw on television or the net label them a criminal, put him/her through the court process take control of the child from their parents or child development agencies and then EXPECT them to be contributing members of society magically at the age of 18? The Reform /Alliance crew says yes - they need to feel the pain of punishment. I hope that we as Liberals say NO there is a better way of discipline and family supports that creates a better person and not simply a label into bad behaviour.
Political Play of the Week
Once a week I am going to start looking over the Manitoba Political landscape and describing a situation where the political process and substance of policy created a good decision. This week the posturing of the NDP accentuated where they are just not good at either. Mayor Katz and his EPC cohorts have been having trouble making some tough choices at tightening the belt at City Hall. You may recall in past blogs I have given kudos to Sam, his Chief Ryan Craig, his policy bonk Bryan Gray and their team. Well this week my good buddy Gord Steeves showed why he is who he is. Elmwood - East Kildonan Councillor Lillian Thomas cried victim to whatever media outlet would listen that "her" Community Centre was being closed. NDP Jim Malloway got into the picture and they heated up the closing with TV ads and letters to the editor and other public outcry's creating a confrontation with Mayor Katz and his EPC Committee Chair Gord Steeves. Lillian and her Dippers did not tell the public only once in the past 3 years (I believe the stat was) that the community centre board had a quorum of people to run the business of the community centre. Lillian failed to state that volunteerism is just not alive in her end of the City so the City has to make some closure. The EPC voted to close the Community Centre based on this as well as other factors such as population and use. Good policy with a 1 year lead time on the closure. It comes to D-Day and (Elmwood) Kelvin Community Centre gets the axe. Then the NDP react, not before in the past year by inspiring volunteers, but after the fact crying victim and taking a "poor me" stance. Shame on you Lilian and Jim. Community centres are built for communities not for individuals and survive on the backs of mom, dads and families of volunteers. If not used then there is change needed and I for one want better roads and streets. Gord took the message to the Elmwood Community and in the process was the target of personal attacks by some disturbed community members. At the end of the day his message on behalf of the 675, 00 taxpayers of the City of Winnipeg "where are your volunteers?" The community members as well as Lillian and Malloway are silent to that question. Later in the week Lillian and her pal Harry Lazarenko then gang up on Gordie and take a run at a zoning problem for Tim Horton's in his riding while he is away on City business. Gord knows how to get things done I for one support Gord and give him the political play of the week !!!

These are the best of times ?!

An interesting week with lots unfolding in 5 days. Rita Bourgeois has been named Co-Chair with me for the Liberal AGM and I an ecstatic about that - she is a great gal with real fire. Her energy combined with the collective will and knowledge on the Committee makes this years AGM even stronger. She will be my third Co-Chair and each person has had their own strengths. I have found with my time in politics it takes all sorts to make the world go round - from the mundane introverts to the bombastic extravert's and the thought provoking pensive types - a healthy dose of difference helps nourish the decision making and if properly channelled works well. I look forward with great anticipation to this years AGM. The change and fluidity in the Committee has made think I need to step back and smell the roses appreciate the journey and not just the end results. I am fortunate to have good friends and supporters that remind me of this - even in ways I may not appreciate at the time but later, in the wee hours of the morning, put a smile on my face and let me say to myself "Darren, my boy, you need to stop and think !"

Martha Outreach Tour here in Manitoba is evolving wonderfully with a diverse assortment of presentations in place and still more coming day by day. Lots of positive response and the support of Caucus, the Party and the Leaders Office makes the journey even more worthwhile. I like people, that is no secret, but I tell you seeing the liberal cause and effort in action and hearing what people think about our great nation is inspiring. I have been fortunate to meet so many. Seeing them in life and listening to whom they are, empathizing in what they believe in and appreciating how others think the world should change is ..well.. CANADIAN.

The Leafs are on a roll and they are looking like a team destined for the CUP !!!