Browners Blog

London and Beyond !!

2008-07-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

My High School Emblem with motto "Courage to Care". A fitting start to this entry as it has been a while since I shared a moment on my Blog - life and the spiritual journey of renewal has taken up my time as of late. I have moved to London Ontario home of the Knights and the gritty Hunter Brothers, the London Majors of the Ontario Baseball League, Glen Pearson Liberal MP and humble and hard working statesman and home to very few CFL fans. I have liked the move the weather here thus far is humid and inviting. Lots of thunder and storms but even more daylight and sun. The job I have taken is super and people I work with are great.
I do miss my pals Bear, DB and DDP as well as friends Sue and Lori. I miss the Bombers and the Forks. My place was nice on Corydon and my life was good but in life change is apart of the program to self actualization and strength for the inner peace we all seek. I want new frontiers and challenges and seek options for me at this stage of my life.
I really want to rekindle and refocus my energies so that the spiritual strength I had in 1995 when I confronted the world and advocated a strong and prosperous future full of Liberal anecdotes is meshed with my knowledge of people and experience with divorce, child custody and job malaise. 1 miss after another has happened since my divorce and well I have been left silent, sullen at times - removed from life. The revitalization is most needed.
A couple of things I want to share - Atikokan (the logo of my high school is at the start) and Northwestern Ontario are really "God's country" and their inherent lifestyles, people and strengths are to be revered, the strength of a person is not known until a real crisis hits, the care and concern of friends is never really felt until a crisis hits, family is sacred and nurturing, politics is people and life and LIFE is precious and such a mystery that we need to embraces it every energy !!!
Oh I also am exuberant that I reside only 2 hours from the ACC and the CUP is coming to Leaf Nation very soon !!
Ciao for not from the London area!!!

08 promises to be great - Liberally and Otherwise !!!

2008-01-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

With a new year upon us, the frigid winter wonderland here in Winnipeg has exacerbated my hope and optimism for the upcoming year. On several levels '07 was a deeply "acted" upon year. In acted I mean I experienced more in a concentrated attempt to renew my spirit and identity as a person. I experienced aspects of life which I had not previously seen or witnessed. I met some great people and realized how "sacred" and "hallowed" the human condition really is and how life is meant to be appreciated and revered and NOT taken for granted. The too often used adage "life is precious" was felt in a deeper more spiritual manner.

On a professional level, I saw people of consequence and a close friend leave the company I work for. This affected me more than I knew at the time and I continue to wonder why Norm left at the time he did. I am still trying to make sense of that one action. Also, on a professional level, I felt better, became more patient and accepting of organizational shirks and worked in a sweet spot for most of the year. I find I pick less battles and seek a "fair and just" workplace on levels I can enjoy and appreciate with more concern for me and less about changing the world. I continue to learn and grow and see personal and commercial security as a very satisfying field of work. I enjoy helping people and the business community in this post 9-11 world we live in.

Politically, my faith in the Liberal Cause was renewed. I took on several decision making tasks including being Chair of a Provincial Liberal AGM. The AGM was widely accepted as a huge success. The AGM committee was composed of and I chose people of "worth" and high standards of personal integrity. I enjoyed worked along side them and the exciting format and sessions were a real treat to be a part of . However, simultaneously, the idealistic viewpoint I have had of the Liberal Organization here in Manitoba really was tested. The hardened and real jaded edge of some of the people whom I came across in the process of organizing, the "stop-at-nothing-for-power" influences of the past and the lack of a volunteers concerns me. On the same token I can offer no solution other than to remain a part of the process and organization at ALL costs.

This suggestion I would put out to ALL like minded Liberals is to stay a part of the liberal organization and process and by working with others change will come. No easy task or one definitive hard core solution.

At the end of the day the Liberal challenges are symptomatic of changes in the Canadian political process as well as in society in general. We, as a society, become less personal and more reliant on the medium and not the person to communicate with others. Also politically I had the privilege of working along side Martha Hall Findlay and the Liberal National Outreach Tour. Through the Tour and policy sessions I saw first hand the deep concern, strong opinions and policies of Liberals from across the province. Liberals care and are committed to helping make our world a better place to live, work and play in and are quite prepared to offer policy suggestions. The youthful exuberance of the National Liberal Party fresh off a rejuvenating Leadership Process was just ...well..."neat" to feel and be a part of. We, as a Party, will become better. I also went door to door for Marvin Krawec in Portage la Praire, Bill Mauro in Thunder Bay Atikokan - NWO and Ryan Androsoff in Saskatoon - Bill with a win of 36 votes Ryan and Marvin with heart felt losses. I found voters in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan like the Liberal brand but what they they want us to provide a more compelling reason to vote for the Liberal Candidates than the competition. These "liberal reasons" must be found with more than people within the Liberal Party processes but with the Central Canada voting public. Here I think the National Outreach Tour was a good stepping stone which needs to be ingrained in policy and process. Sadly, I also saw some really practical, cutting edge proposals for change by Liberals fall on deaf ears.

On a personal level 2007 saw me be very introspective choosing to seek personal growth along with change and a deep desire to appreciate my world and my daughter. Patience, acceptance and sharing were areas which I dwelled upon.. I also have become more "selective" on whom I have around me and this "discriminating taste" transcended all aspects of my life -emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. My past mistakes and future desire to enjoy life with a 50/50 soul mate is still strong but the journey is more impressive than that goal. I enjoy, now more than ever, seeking balance, harmony and clarity in my journey of life. The path of 2007 connected me with my start and my future more than I think I know right now. Kinda of reassuring and nourishing to be aware of.

I will end this short capsule of Darren Brown '07's path with a wish of good life and prosperous future to ALL my fellow bloggers!!!

Politics, Leaders and Loyality

2007-11-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

Some times during the journey of life we meet people we genuinely like and yet do not understand why. In politics the art of manipulation is taken to the extreme as the parties and their personnel attempt to shape the voters psyche and as such it is sometimes difficult to discern truth from perception. I am an idealist and believe in the fundamental good of mankind sure I have been let down in my life but I remain of this opinion more stronger than ever. I have been aware of these views and the fickle nature of people since my first election at the age of 16 and although I am leery of people I meet solely through the political process I also know people are good and positive. Every now and then I get a real pick me up where my instincts and undying belief in people turns out to be true. This can be said of my sincere appreciation, admiration and respect for Sharon MacArthur. She has done "yeoman's duty" and taken the "captains lead" on trying to keep the Liberal cause and Liberal party organization alive and well in Manitoba. She continues to serve as President and has done a great job amidst many odds and even more detractors "hell bent" on usurping her presidency. She is not the easy going and bubbly effervescence that Bobbi Ethier, she is not the intellectual presence John Scurfield was, she is not the consummate meeter and greeter that Avis Gray was and she is not the political junkie that Tim Ryan was but and this is a big BUT she is an honest, authentic, sincere Liberal who ONLY wants the best for the Liberal party and our centrist cause and whom is willing to do ALL that she can to support that. She has a little of all those presidencies I mentioned and a little more of the rural work ethic that keeps her going 24/7 - 365.

On a personal note I had discussed the possibility of running for President of the LPCM and had a great team assembled to run a dynamic and refreshing campaign but at the end of the day my team felt it may not be my time - I agreed. For my part I seek counsel from those I respect and my team is right. In the meantime the Liberal movement is alive as I have seen this by helping out in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario Provincial Elections in the last 12 months. I have done pretty much everything within the Liberal Bureaucracy from riding executive positions to provincial executive to assistant in Ottawa to AGM Chair and national campaign and enjoy working with people of like mind and spirit. I also realize that for an organization to grow and evolve the players need to change through a strong foundation of success.

For the next president of the LPCM we may need to move to a different path but NOT at the expense of loosing any ground with the foundation on what remains from a once vibrant 20,000 membership. Your guess is as well as mine as to who can do that and how we as a party get this done.

I do know without an election I would be of the opinion to "break" Sharon's arm and ask her to stay on for another term. She has a done a fabulous job !!!

Forest Processing Industry Crisis - NWO in dire straits !!!

2007-11-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Whomever does not think that our Canadian economy is subservient to the American only needs to look at the layoffs and catastrophe the high Canadian dollar is playing on Northwestern Ontario. Buchanan Forest Products the second biggest employer on the land of "milk and honey" (NWO Region -Kenora to Marathon) has to pretty much pay off its entire workforce. I am not an advocate of state interventionism in the economy but the Federal Government needs to help the company, a family owned business, traverse the next 6- 8 months. I would advocate a stronger position at the NAFTA table including a more aggressive attempt to recoup the 4.5 billion dollars American Companies "took" from us in a tariff war of the 90's AND some band aid Human Resources dollars to the affected employees and their families in the 6-8 months.
The bigger question is will the Reform/Alliance/CPC do something or stick to their "watching form the cheap seats" strategy. If Joe Commuzzi is the guy to change the situation and his letter to the Prime Minister (Fridays Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal) is the big move - NWO is in trouble.

Go Ryan Go !!! Saskatoon Northwest Coming Liberal !!

2007-10-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

Further to my post of August 7 th the Liberal Campaign Saskatoon Northwest is picking up steam and our candidate Ryan Androsoff is doing very well. An energetic team seasoned with some strong advice and supporters Ryan is keeping the drive alive and hitting the doors continually. I myself will be going out next weekend to help knock on doors and share the Liberal message of hope and optimism with Saskatoon Northwest voters. I am pumped and energized by the team and the real opportunity for change for Saskatchewan with the Saskatchewan Liberal Party. If any one of my blogsphere Liberal friends wants to help out say the word and I will help facilitate.
Ryan has significant experience working for the party at the national level,organizing provincially and federally and global experience with working with the World bank. I for one am very positive on his chances for taking the riding once again for the Liberals. As a point of interest "back in the day"early 90's Karen Taraska - Alcock, Rob Kaddas, Mike Sangster and I all helped door knock in parts of the same riding for Lynda Haverstock (sp?) Had fun then and she won hope to help in the same way this time around !!
Go Ryan Go Ryan !!!

Are we listening to Canadians or a Weak Caucus bent on staying in a job?

2007-10-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

Is the Liberal Party of Canada listening to ALL 32 million Canadians from coast to coast? Are simply giving power to 100 plus MP's who want to keep their job? Are we listening to the concerns and problems of the 2000 Northern Ontarians whom have lost their job in the Forest Industry? Are we listening to the Farmers who want a strong and united single desk to sell our wheat? Are we listening to the First Nations of Canada and their dire emergency in health, education and infrastructure? Are we listening to the Child Care system its workers and users who need a National Program and standards? and finally are we listening to the lifeblood of the Canadian Economy the hundreds of thousands Small, Medium and Large Business Enterprises whom are in crisis in dealing with the high dollar and its loss of jobs to the USA?
The Reform/Alliance/CPC Harperites as established in the Throne Speech ARE NOT and sadly the Liberal Party of Canada has joined them.

Pull the plug whether we want to or not !!!

2007-10-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Our Liberal Leader must enlist all the political will he has left, direct Caucus and pull the plug on this self effacing and ignorant Government. The Reform/Alliance/CPC has done nothing to move the Environmental Agenda forward, nothing to provide a new beginning for First Nations community of Canada, absolutely nothing on the Forest Processing Crisis, Nil on the Wheat Board and protecting the farmers of our country, little to absolutely nothing on Child Care and has even thrown salt in the wounds of Social Union Activists all over again. The Reform/Alliance/CPC are simply ducking and weaving and wanting to stay in power and not govern responsibly. The Liberal Party of Canada the ONLY party interested in helping fight child poverty, creating a child care system that works and improving our high dollar condition in relation to the U.S.A. MUST stand up and send a clear message to Canadians. No running for the hills , no "loosey-goosey" academic assertions - a clear, well thought out political action plan and stand up and VOTE AGAINST this abysmal approach to the 21st century Canadian electorate!!

183 of 307? Whas Up?

2007-09-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

183 of 307 ..Well that is the total as we head into a Throne Speech Showdown with the BQ threatening an election because they need some focus and where are we? We have lost Outremount and are loosing momentum from a truly monumental leadership process where the Leader came from the people and not pundits - a new leader with new ideas and a real vision for a Canada of tomorrow. Here in Manitoba we are about to loose a great candidate in Selkirk and we need to find ones for Transcona, Brandon and Portage and quite possibly Churchill if what they tell about Tina Keeper being offered a sweet new job is right.
here is my wish list for the ingredients we need to find in a person to be or become a good Liberal Federal Candidate
1) someone prepared to "fight the good and honourable fight" no mud slinging or smear tactics but a person of ideas and integrity and a work ethic to apply ABSOLUTELY no "princesses",
2) someone to carry our the three pillars to the electorate and capable of adhering to party discipline and constituents rights
3) someone to renew Canadians faith in our liberal "reform from within" cause by being a genuine and compassionate Canadian capable of forgiving and persevering
4) most importantly someone to bring Liberal Volunteers out of seclusion , inspire our base of tried and true Grits and bring 'em back into the Political Arena of Post Gomery.

We have a lot of new age liberal voices which need to be heard ...voices like Justin Trudeau in Quebec, Martha Hall Findlay and Gerrard Kennedy in Ontario and Christy Clarke and Joyce Murray in BC.
Lets us create a long term relationship with Canadians and lets do it sooner rather than later!!

Zest for Power

2007-09-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

The recent fine of 750,000 and 1 draft pick to the New England Patriots of the NFL brings to mind one phrase - zest for power! The fact that their Head Coach one of the cunningest coaches ever has done something that is widely accepted as common practise is rather disconcerting. Have we sunk that low that we have to break the rules to win? Is there no "arena of integrity" which dictates we must apply ourselves to a set of common goals and interests? Or have we ( I have loosely aligned our Canadian society with American society) gone so far that we will stop at nothing to win?
I sincerely hope not.
I have always operated under the premises that we respect our fellow human being and the set of common norms, mores and attitudes that comes with being a contributing member of society. This zest which Head Coach Bill Belichek showed is disconcerting not only in the manner it was brought about but also the blatant lack of remorse which the Patriots Head Coach accepted responsibility.
I believe that there is a higher standard of conduct expected from "winners" and "rubbing the salt in the wounds" or breaking the rules is not part of this standard of conduct.
Shame on you Bill!!!!

Bio Energy Research for Atikokan

2007-09-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

After a significant amount of time, lobbying and a concerted team effort from the Municipal, Provincial and Federal Government the Bio Energy Research Centre as part of the Ontario Centres of Excellence has finally been announced for Atikokan, Ontario. It is indeed a good news day for the community and speaks to their leadership and perseverance. I am proud to say my father, Dennis, the Mayor played a major role in insuring the voice of Atikokanites were heard. He worked diligently to penetrate Ministers Offices, kept on both MPP and MP out of Thunder Bay and helped build a community effort to replace the Coal Fired Generating station. Ironic on the day of the announcement 220,000 people are out of power in California and 27 have died from heat exposure. With every closed door another opens? Brings to question Kyoto and the Environmental Agenda of Canada and how a big impact we actually have. It seems asinine that the workers of Northwestern Ontario pay such a hefty price when other countries in the Far East pollute our environment at such an alarming rate and many have yet to sign on to Kyoto. Where is the social justice?

American Justice and Politics

2007-08-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

SEVERE that is the only proper paradigm I can provide for the American System of Politics and Justice. Open court rules, take "no prisoners" and stop at nothing to achieve results. The newest missive from the Dems at the Republicans is that Attorney General Gonzalez has resigned due to improprieties in voting investigations. His accusers, and there are many in the Dems ranks, say that as Attorney General he ordered that all Democratic Voting Irregularities be investigated to the max to determine fraud. Nothing on Republican Voters. It is at junctures like this that I appreciate our Canadian System of Justice and Government. The impartiality of the Chief Electoral Officers and their staff. Public servants with honourable undertakings and whom provide a good third party view as opposed to the Attorney Generals Office in the U.S.. Our system may have troubles but Voting Irregularities (of this magnitude anyways) are not one of them. We just need voters to turn out and become engaged especially in the 18-35 year old Category. Now there is a question for a Royal Commission Study..why do Canadian Voters not vote and what can we do to change that?

Fox News Factor...whaaattt?

2007-08-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

Watching CNN this morning I saw a poll that stated 76% of Americans whom watch Fox News do not trust American politicians while ONLY 36% of Americans who do NOT watch Fox News do not trust American politicians. Is the American Public that brainwashed by the Right Wing Fanatics at Fox? Is there no freedom of thought, belief and expression of those beliefs? I know Don Cherry wields a heavy influence especially on younger Canadian hockey fans but do we also have a such a myopic and shallow view of our world that our CBC dictates Canadian viewpoint? Kind of scary especially in our wired world where information is at our fingertips in a nano-second. I for one am glad we have the blogsphere, internet, news services and facebook to cultivate and appreciate other points of view.

Ryan Androsoff - New Age Liberal for Saskatoon

2007-08-07T15:08:00.001-07:00

Some of the best things in life are experienced through the actions of friends and family. Today is one of those days when I am told that a close friend of mine, Ryan Androsoff Prairie Fire blogger is seriously considering running for the Saskatchewan Liberal Party. A great guy, with a super work ethic and some new age ideas as proposed in his "308 Seat Strategy". Ryan has served with the World Bank , has advised our Liberal Federal Ministers and has been on the ground with the Federal Leadership Campaign. He has proven he has great tact and diplomacy with people and even stronger understanding and appreciation for the volunteers and Liberals that make up our great party. His candidacy will be a welcome and strong addition to Karwicki's Provincial Team. This next Saskatchewan Election looks like the Libs may well make a statement and have a strong presence. I knocked on doors for Liberals in Saskatchewan before and I look forward with great expectations to doing the same for Ryan!!! Bring home a Liberal Seat Ryan!!!

Canadian Wheat Board - where are are we?

2007-08-06T07:09:00.001-07:00

The recent strike down by the Supreme Court of Canada of the Reform/Alliance/ Conservative attempt to remove the Barley Monopoly of the CWB was met with what Liberal opposition? Strangely not a whisper from the Leader, our Critics or even our Western MP's on the Liberal response to the Courts ruling. I find this concerning as the CWB had the potential to bring us back to the Polls but no "stop this or else" ultimatums from the Liberal ranks only media pundits inferring what Liberal policy is. Even the Winnipeg Free Press did not pick up on our Leaders position which he firmly advocated in March 2007 here in Winnipeg at the LPC(M) AGM that he would do everything possible to protect the CWB. We need swift and decisive action to STOP the Reform/Alliance/Conservatives and regain some much needed ground with not only Western farmers but Quebec and Ontario Farmers concerned over marketing boards and their role in Canada's Agriculture policy. Lets get back to the basic Liberal principles of respect, cooperation and working together and begin the campaign to "Bring Back Canada" from the Reform/Alliance/Conservatives and their American based right wing philosophy. We have seen this on Foreign policy, we have sen this on Defence policy, we have seen this on the environment and now we are seeing it on our Wheat Board. Stop Harper now !!

Small Town Disaster

2007-08-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

As you ALL know I hail from god's country - N.W.O. and a small and vibrant community deep in the heart of the Canadian Shield - Atikokan. Well tragedy has struck our community over the weekend a young 17-year old gal Krysta Mosley daughter of Jim Mosley was killed in a one vehicle accident . 2 friends in the vehicle with her were air lifted to Thunder Bay and remain in critical condition and 1 friend walked away. Many factors contributed to the accident that took her life but all add up to a small town crisis. The loss of someone so young and full of life, next generation of our community is hard to accept.

A face book group entitled In Loving Memory of Krysta Mosley has been started for more info.

Life is precious and we need to enjoy every minute of it. My heartfelt sorrow, compassion and thoughts go to Krysta's friends and family on this tragic day in their life.

Crisis in the Liberal Party

2007-07-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

The recent quotes by Martha Hall Findlay and former LPC President Stephen LeDrew about the LPC "inability to raise money" and "donor fatigue" are right on the mark. Under the new guidelines it is becoming more and more evident, to this writer anyways, that we as a political party have not stepped up to the challenge we gave ourselves and the country in 2003. Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to chat with Liberals across the country and we all agree we need to change the way we operate. I am becoming very, very concerned with the direction of the party and the manner with which our PTA's and National Executive operate and address this new Canadian political environment. The fact that after 7 months our leadership candidates still have a combined debt of over 3.2 million AND no national plan for helping them out is disrespectful to them and each one of us. Under the new legislation it is all about the individual with no more corporate donors allowed. We as a party still have not adjusted and we, under Prime Minister Jean Chretien, are the ones that brought this in 2003. In 2007 we should be refocused, retooled and turning to the individual. Sadly we have diminished to the point that we are pointing fingers, casting blame and loosing time and energy on inconsequential efforts. We need worker bees, phoners and door to door canvassers, we need a strong foundation of party members across the country, we need to encourage a new openness in the political process and we MUST have a 'bottom up" approach to the entire political party organizational process. Gone are the days when guys with lists went to big donors the day before the election and said "help us and we will help you". With that "ask" gone so to are the days when the "backroom boys" dictated Liberal policy, procedure and personnel. Plebiscites, one member one vote, petitions, tabled votes are the new marching orders.

We must enlist the membership, encourage a new wave of liberalism and move into the 21st century thinking of open and transparent politics.

Here in Manitoba, Liberal Membership is down, fundraising efforts are few and far between and participation in PTA meetings, AGM's and Nomination Meetings is down.

When will we as a party "get it" ?
When will we shift our thinking and begin acting the way of the new Canadian Political paradigm?
What do we need to do to get ahead of the NDP (Last Quarter they beat us in fundraising )?

FREE Hugs

2007-07-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

A gal, Emma , I work with whom is just a "peach" of a lady and has taken the lack of respect ion the world into her own hands and helped raise awareness to "sharing more love and happiness" in the world. See what she started on the luckiest day of the millennium 07-07-07 on her video . I invite everyone to join her in her campaign to share a little more love - world wide. Westerners and Peggers will note her video is filmed here at Canada's Centre - The Forks in Winnipeg.
With gals like Emma around it is easy to think that a better future is ahead for our world!!!
Thanks Em!!!

140 years Strong!!

2007-07-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Our Country, Canada, is 140 years old. The saga of how we became the Dominion of Canada and later how we Repatriated ourselves with our own Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982 is an interesting one. Several times before 1867 we tried to bring all the different regions together 1837 and 1838 saw French and English unite then in 1847 the same but all leading to differences not common interests creating divisions and noot agreements. Several Cities wanted to become the Capital but Ottawa became the final choice. Later Louis Riel would try to start another Republic ..the Republic of Manitobah only to have the Conservatives and Sir John A label him a criminal and treasonist. Newfoundland finally came aboard and here we are 2007. Our country has seen many a fight, a skirmish and a uniting cause such as the Canada Russia Super Series of 1972, World Wars and Quebec Separation but the most amazing "idea" that unites us from BC to Newfoundland is that we are still together and looking at a better future in 2007. I am proud to celebrate our birthday at the Forks in the Centre of Canada and happy to wish each and every one of my fellow Canadians, 31 million strong, Happy Birthday Canada and fellow Canadians!!

Smokin' Joe Commuzzi must resign and a By-Election be called!!!!

2007-06-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Absolutely unbelievable !!!! Joe Commuzzi former Crown Attorney and FedNor Minister in the Martin Liberal Government wants to join the Reform/ Alliance /CPC. Bluntly he should resign and let his new babysitter Stephen call a by election. The riding has not been Conservative since before the Minster of Everything CD Howe. he has no chance of winning under a CPC banner and the people of NorthWestern Ontario (NWO) deserve better. The layoffs in the Forest Processing Industry, the botched negotiations to get Ken Buchanan and his company Buchanan Forest Products (the largest employer in the riding) money back from the US, the fact that Northwestern Ontario has the highest cost of doing business in the country (hydro, telephone and business taxes) and the fact that Harper is doing nothing about it makes me think with this decision to leave the Liberal Party Joe is loosing it.
Give your head a shake Joe!
More to the point get your head out of your ass and resign before you do yourself any more personal damage!!!

The fact that Joe Comuzzi hid behind a Budget vote making some lame excuse about the funds set aside for NWO through a Medical Lab (newsflash Joe -NWO would get it with or without your vote ) was simply a hissy fit because you are not going to be the Chief Political Minister for NWO anymore and the new leader has marginalized you in Caucus as you have nothing to offer the new Liberal Party. He has pulled these kind of stints in the past, less publicly, but still having strained relationships with Chretien NWO Chiefs Nault and Irwin. No Joe is all about Joe and cares not about the party, the thousands of hours of volunteer time put in to his campaign and which supported him for 2 decades. pathetically egotistical of the Liberal MP from Thunder Bay Superior North.

Resign NOW Joe !!!

Summer Hi Jinx

2007-06-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

It seems everyone and there dog is having fundraisers and bringing people together. On the Winnipeg Municipal Front "up and comer" and real "go-getter" City Hall St.James Councillor Scott Fielding has released a sure winner report with The Economic Opportunities Commission Report . Mayor Sam and his pledge to get rid of the business tax is going to be a reality. A lot of out of the box recommendations by the right wing panelists but with Scotts shepherding this could go somewhere. Too many times has Adrien Batra tried to snivel her way into the Premiers Office.
On the Federal Front - ByElections in Willowdale and Toronto Centre would really help shape the renewed Liberal team. Lots of bluster out of Prime Minister Harper and his Reform/Alliance/CPC party on Senate Reform sounding more and more like Mulroney of the 90's and less of the Reform Populist he came into Ottawa as. Watch for some draconian changes to Senate and the Environmental agenda.

Hi, I'm a Liberal - Branding

2007-05-31T13:59:00.001-07:00

Martha Hall Findlay Outreach Tour

2007-05-23T19:45:00.001-07:00

Official Party Status Back for Toban Libs

2007-05-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

My prediction in tomorrows May 22 Provincial Election a Reduced NDP Majority with 4 Liberals including Marvin Krawec in Portage, Paul Hesse in Fort Rouge and Jennifer Lukovich in Seine River. A great campaign for Jon and Company no "faux pas" and a renewed future for the Manitoba Liberal Party. Too little too late in some ridings but well run campaigns by Wayne and Rhonda in the Inner City and some great add ons in Fort Garry and Kirkfield Park have provided some renewed energy to the once dormant party.
Well done Jon , Dennis and Georgina !!!

What other Province does NOT televise the Leaders Debate?

2007-05-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

Venting, appalled, or just weather ballooning but what other province does NOT televise the LIVE Leader's Debate? What other province does not have the top 3 newspapers present for a round table ? Where does the Chamber of Commerce pull out due to Governing Parties demands? Is Manitoba that far off the "beat and path" that we can not see the Leaders engaged in debate and with some "spritzy" and on the mark missile launchers pointed at a sitting leader? Do we live in a democracy? I have to tell you this Election has been off the public psyche so far that the Winnipeg Morning Radio Shows are taking about re-runs, has-been's and the next Fall's TV sitcoms rather which Leader has presented the best platform. This is not good for the Opposition Liberals or Tories. The ever elusive and apathetic 18- 35 year old voter focused on long weekend camping sites in the Whiteshell, next Tuesday's Election looks more like the Turtle Races in Beasujour. If Voter turnout hits the 60% mark I will be surprised. I have done my civic duty attending the Local St. Vital Legion and casting my ballot in favour of the St . Vital Liberal Candidate Harry Wolbert you have my vote. I only hope some strong Eday Liberal machines in Portage, Fort Rouge, River Heights, Kirkfield Park and Seine River can bring out every single living Liberal Voter.

Liberal machine coming through

2007-05-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well two weeks into Election 07 and I have to say my early predictions of a Tory Majority are no longer. Doer is holding strong and not misstepping in any way. The Dippers are working hard and Hugh, as much as his platform is well thought out, is just not resonating as strong as he should be at this juncture. Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard on the other hand is proving that experience and life happenings are profitable in this campaign. Dr. Gerrard and his knowledge of the Health Care system, understanding of the Environment and devout spiritual strength is proving to be a formidable presence in Manitoba. In fact I had occasion to door knock with Marvin Krawec in Portage yesterday and the community is a buss with Marvin and change. Marvin is a well respected member of the community, devout father and volunteer on the Library Board, CMHA Board, founding member of Koko Platz Community Centre Board and Southport Aerospace and this as well as his consummate Liberal participation is resonating well with Portage voters. In fact I will go on record to to say he is our strongest candidate Provincially since Gordon Johnston held the seat in the 7o's. In fact Gordon's daughter Norma is his Official Agent. We spoke to former NDP supporters who took signs and say the will help volunteer and Tories doing the same. Most fruititiously a divided Tory Nomination race with the name Pallister coming up more than any other has proven to shift focus to the Liberals. In fact sitting MLA David Farshau was signing up constituents in a hurried and almost frenzied manner in attempt to get the 100 signatures to make him the duly nominated candidate. Farshau needs the signatures by Tuesday so can you say "panic" and poor organization. The man holds the record for most hours slept in the Leg so getting his forms in late may be a sign of things to come. Of special note is Marvin's stand for 5 million for a New Portage Recreational Complex a stand now supported by Doer. Interesting times and good times to be a Liberal in Portage.

Life and loosing friends

2007-05-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today life and that infinite plan God has for all of us hit home. I received some very, very sad news today a close friend whom I have umpteen hundreds of great life happenings with has past away at the tender age of 44. Tom McGonigal. Tommy was a man of wisdom, compassion and generosity that I have seen few equal in my 41 years on this planet. He shared where he could, he loved where he did and changed people views on life just by being the person he was. I came to meet Tom McGonigal through a close friend Darryl Balasko or "DB" as he is affectionately known. Tom and I instantly hit off and we shared great moments on life, friends and events. In the past few years he had been living in Vancouver and we had only gotten together a few times but they were good moments of life. Tom was a positive and upbeat guy with a deep appreciation for life - Laurel his partner, his friends and family. I saw him just 2 weeks ago he came to visit his brother (who had suffered a mild heart attack) and in that true "Tommy" form we had great laughs and chuckles and spoke glowingly with lots of humour and belly chuckles about Grey Cup (he was BC Lion fan), mutual friends and family. We shared a Salisbury Nip with DB. That would be the last time I would see him and it was a good one. My heart and deep sympathy go to his family. It is a huge loss for a man so loved and appreciated to be taken from us so young. This will be two friends in the past 5 years under the age of 45 whom have left us. Truly sad moments in my life to have lost such good persons. Tom McGonigal - a good friend and wonderful human being.

Reston's real jewel - Destiny Watt !!!

2007-04-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have had the extreme privilege to be working with Destiny Watt in the past few weeks. I have to tell you this girl is good. She is forthright, intelligent, well versed in the school of politics and a hard worker. She is Scott Fielding's (City Councillor for St.James) Executive Assistant and he is a lucky man to have her on his side. With people like Destiny involved in politics I am damn sure that life will change for the better. Our world and our province is better place because of consummate workers and compassionate people like Destiny. She hails from Reston Manitoba and comes from a long line of actively involved Tories. I won't hold that against her:):)) Man I have to tell you I have met some great people from all parts of Manitoba - Pinnawa being the best one for me in the last 2 years, but also Morris, Morden, Carmen, Hottie Heather Doroschuk from Gimli, Reston, Churchill, Portage and Donna Rempel from Brandon is just awesome as well!!! Life is good when you come across good people to share it with and I am very happy to have met Destiny.

Marvin Krawec - Next Liberal MLA for Portage!!

2007-04-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

In doing my business this morning I came across three seasoned Liberal foot soldiers - Shawn Rawlings, Jean Roy and Marvin Krawec. They informed me of the best Liberal news I have heard in years ...Marvin Krawec is running for the Provincial Liberals. Marvin and I go back to the 80's and he is a man of honour, dignity and intelligence that will serve the voters of Portage la Prairie well. He is Gerrard Kennedy's Uncle and was the driving force behind Gerrard's success her in Manitoba. Marvin has been involved with Liberal Politics all his life and is a retired School Teacher whom was popular with his students. He is a strong member of the Dr.Gerrard's team and adds a big boost to Liberal fortunes in Manitoba. Portage was a Liberal bastion under Gordon Johnston withstanding PC and NDP Government in the late 60's and through the 70's. Past candidates Helen Christofferson, David Quinn and Hugh Moran have all had very good showings and with Ian MacKenzie no longer Mayor and capable of supplying support you will see good things come from Marvin's Team.

Political Play of the Week - Jack on mark with his comments on low flying Erin!!!

2007-04-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

Erin Selby has proven on Day 1 of the Election Campaign in Manitoba that she is ill equipped and not a serious contender for office. She should go back to reading script and playing "happy smiley" and leave the art of politics to other more serious candidates- of both genders. Her outrage for comments made by Jack Reimer, a man of integrity and honour and whom if you knew even an iota of what he does and represents would respect for not only his approach but also his commitment to the good people of Niakwa/Southdale. The very public offense which Ms. Selby chose to share is a sign that the NDP will stop at nothing to "make issues out of nothing" and take the low road. Pointedly, the "talk-a-lot-do-nothing" NDP were set to ask for a public apology from the PC's for Jack Reimer's comments that Erin Selby, a former TV Host on the lowest rated TV station in Manitoba and in fact a women, was nothing more than wall paper at a recent announcement by the "Tax and Spend" NDP leader Gary Doer from Southdale. Jack Reimer the PC representative of the past two decades was on mark as the NDP are trying to make something out in the riding that do not have a hope in winning. I mean affluent young families want good quality honest representation not tokenism. They have received good quality representation under Reimer and Liberal Herold Dreidger before him. Say what you want about Jack but he has done his work, made everything in the constituency a priority had Perogy Wednesday every week of his tenure and made a point to stay in touch. An example of his commitment came to me in 1992. At the time I lived in the riding and was the Provincial Liberal Riding Association President for 5 years in the 90's. I found it hard not to like the man but above all I respected his commitment. Upon my graduation from U of M and my acceptance at Law School he sent me letters of congratulations. I phoned and thanked him as I thought it was a nice touch. Ms. Selby attempt to accuse the man of making a poor gender related comment which was i fact the truth she did not do anything other than provide a smiling happy face for Doer. Ms. Selby is just plain wrong and brings politician into a very low morale ground with her shameful comments. Shame on you NDP and shame on you Erin Selby and I hope the voters of Southdale see through your thinly vieled facade.

NDP Years Over

2007-04-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Premier Doer has called a Convention Centre Conference for 6 pm today and the Writ will drop and the curtain will drop on 9 years of talk and mismanagement of taxpayers funds. Early Prediction here - Tory Majority. Let the debates heat up !! NDP Record - No movement on Health Care, Financial Mismanagement in Health Boards, Crocus "duck and weave" and children dieing in the care of the Province PLUS an inability to keep our youth and brains in Manitoba. BYE BYE Gary !!!!

Boobs, Beer and Balls - A Neat Fundraiser for Breast Cancer!

2007-04-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

This has got to be one of the best ideas yet for raising cash in an innovative way...Boobs, Beer and Balls! A few pals of mine are putting on this fundraiser and I hope to get as many out as possible any questions please call 204-257-8495!!!

A NIGHT OF INDOOR GOLF
Thursday, May 10th, 2007
at the GOLF DOME - 1205 Wilkes Ave.
Boobs, Beer & Balls
TICKETS
$25 each
FREE Range Time, FREE Virtual Golf
and FREE Miniature Golf
FROM 9:00 PM TO MIDNIGHT
Includes Free Hot Dog, Drink and Popcorn
CASH BAR, Booby Prizes and Special Events All Night
Special thanks to The Golf Dome, Derksen Printers and David Schellenberg Graphic Design
JOIN US FOR GOLF AND FUN
B E N E F I T I N G BREAST CANCER
Hosted by Lexie’s Pink Flamingos

Change, Growth and Life!!!

2007-04-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

It has been sometime since I last blogged. A of late I have spent time in completing the Liberal AGM tasks and looking, deeply, at my personal life and concentrating on areas that I am trying to get a stronger feel for what I want out of myself. Pointedly, I am at a time in my life where I really do not suffer fools easily and as of late lots of emotional laden issues are coming out. As a result I am trying to get some more food for my spirit by reading some neat new authors, spending time outside, keeping committed to my workouts, meeting a lot more people and not to be too prideful but as of late I have been asked out on "dates" far more often than I enjoy. I know what I want in an "equal partner for life" and she is everything and then some - extrodinaire, vivacious, family oriented, kind , caring, drop dead gorgeous and thought provoking however she is not at the same place as I am.
Real life in technicolour and FULL force.
As of late I am re-thinking, shifting paradigms, emotionally growing with a spurt and I have significant amount of clarity on what I want to make of my life. I really enjoy my daughter, my family, my community, life, sports, politics, people, spirituality, music, new ideas and concepts for the future ..AND most important to this human condition is that I enjoy the engagement of communications - the art of discussion and dialogue. I find the blog is helping to shape and clarify my thoughts but I also realize that in keeping with my role as Corporate Sales Person, I love people and their ideas, thoughts and opinions and engaging them in whatever setting on their thoughts. I grow each time this happens and it creates a really calming energy that we live in a great country - Canada is a magnificent place to live, work and play in, I also empathize with my fellow human being and enjoy the socialization. One glaring omission has been illuminated - I have put off my own needs for others far too frequently.
Today, April 11, 2007 I want to start acting on my needs and desires and clearly achieving all that I want from life AND what I want my partner is. Learn, love, laugh and LIVE to its fullest ! As a result I am going to take some time away from the Blog to feed my spirit and my soul but first I must leave this one sentiment wrapped in a quest with ALL my fellow cyberspacers -

LIFE , if not enjoyed to the fullest, is it really living or is it dieing?

Dion to the Rescue of CWB!!

2007-04-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

Stephane Dion in Saskatoon announced this yesterday. The protection of Farmers in the West and the defence of our tried and true Canadian method for surviving in the Global Marketplace of the 21st century are well protected with a Liberal Government.

Canadians for Kelowna - Needed Today !!!

2007-04-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

A good pal of mine Don Marks reminded me of the dire need to have the Kelowna Accord enacted into law. I have attached the website and petition for support and fellow bloggers viewing. If not now ..when?

This is Bullshit !!! Tory Sour Grapes from Former FCM Pres

2007-03-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

Former Federation of Canadian Municipalities President Gloria Kovach could not win a Tory Nomination due to poor organization and even worse political skills and now she is playing the "poor me" victim stance and pointing her finger at everyone other than herself. This article says it all. I for one call bullshit. To even think that Stephane Dion would consider such a petty action is incomprehensible..did she see his Leadership Campaign ? Does she understand that as the Leader for Renewal he fundamentally believes in an open and transparent Government? Ms. Kovach simply needs to take responsibility for her actions- a novel idea for a Tory. To point the finger elsewhere demeans the FCM which is one of the most effective voices for Municipalities and Cities across the Country. Shame on you Ms. Kovach politics is not a "sand box with childrens toys for you to play with" but rather politics is a complex art of negotiations and a thorough understanding of Canadians and the challenges we face in the 21st century.

Manitoba NDP Concur with LIB's on CWB

2007-03-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

Manitoba Ag Minister Wowchuk concurs with Liberal stand on CWB. As we have said flawed process, bad questions on plebiscite, low voter turnout, lack of clarity and lack of democracy on CWB. what will make these Reform alliance types stop?

Wheat Board Must Stay

2007-03-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

The Reform / Alliance Chuck Strahl Announcement today that stated the CWB was not wanted is a skewed and utterly perverted process. The Reform Alliance announcement demonstrates an absolute and complete loss of faith in the Canadian Farmer and a huge blow to Western Canada. 3/4 of Western Farmers want the CWB to stay yet the Conservatives say they want it to go? Can you say Weapons of Mass Destruction ? Probe Research and Ipsos Reid say Manitobans and Canadians want the CWB, every farmer I have spoken to wants it the only people that do not are the died in the wool Reform /Alliance types who do not want to part company with Harper and his extremists. We need a movement to keep the CWB? Time to get the buses rolling and movement a foot. If you want any more informed, educated and relevant info on this contact our Murray Downing Former Federal Liberal Candidate Brandon Souris at murray24@mts.net. This is absolutely disgraceful and I think the Reform Alliance types are giddy on power and are trying to goad us into an Election with this kind of misinformation.

Tim Horton's should make a public statement AGAINST this image !!

2007-03-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is an absolutely "wrong-headed" image. There are a lot of really mixed up people out there but this picture is ooohhhh sooooo very wrong. The Leafs will win tomorrow against Carolina and then another 2 over the weekend then it is Cup Crazy T.O. !!!

www.winnipegfirst.ca- a new paradigm in media information !!!

2007-03-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Wow a friend of mine, a great gal by the name of Kathleen Martens has just left the Winnipeg Sun to start up an innovative new media project called Winnipeg FIRST. The WinnipegFirst initiative is unique and cutting edge with up to the minute newsflashes. Winnipeg First is a Winnipeg-based national company launched in the summer of 2006 by John White, a veteran journalist looking to provide a passionate yet objective voice for the community. The president and company founder made a pledge to construct a new media paradigm that would ignite meaningful conversation, explode the ivory tower, embrace new technology and reconnect with the community.This exciting vision is centered around the company's core values: to be active, inclusive, transparent and exponential. Active in the way that we report on our community and seek out new and better ways of doing things, inclusive by respecting and championing the opinions of those interacting with our site, transparent in how we quickly acknowledge and correct mistakes and display real names from contributors, and exponential in our approach, reach and intellect as we grow in all ways to enhance the user experience. Kathleen Martens, formerly of the Winnipeg Sun, is the Senior Editor for Content. I encourage everyone to take a minute to check out their site at www.winnipegfirst.ca.
My first impresssion is that WinnipegFIRST is something close to Bourque but with local contributors and dialogue. Look forward to your opinions as well.

Lesley Hughes Manitoba Federal Liberals need you!!

2007-03-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

At our recent LPC(M) AGM Lesley Hughes was a member of the Media Panel organized by Canadian Juno and Gemini Award Winning Producer and Director Don Marks. Lesley was invigorating in her promotion of CBC radio and the role which Canadian content plays in our social and cultural fabric. She defended the CBC against the privatization, "stay out of the market place" arguments which came both from participants on the floor and from her fellow Media panelist. Lesley was both respectful and strong in her approach and demonstrated that she is not only an eloquent orator but a women of substance and conviction. We need this type of individual badly in the Manitoba Federal Liberal Caucus. I for one would love to see her carry the Liberal Banner against Joy Smith, Judy Wasylicia-Leis or Stephen Fletcher. Lesley has the skill set, reputation and integrity to be not only a strong voice but also a long term Liberal MP. We need more women of substance running for public office in Manitoba, women like Lesley, like Wendy Menzies in Neepawa, like Jennifer Lukovich in Selkirk, like Valerie Galley and Joyce Bateman and Bobbi Ethier in Winnipeg. With a superb President of the LPC(M) in Sharon MacArthur and absolutely great ERC Co-Chairs in Deb Morrison and Jane Nikkel we need more women candidates.

John Loewen will bring back the Liberal Brand to Winnipeg South!!!

2007-03-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to state that i am proud member of the John Loewen team and happy to be supporting him in Winnipeg South Liberal Nomination. John has the business acumen to bring a prolific liberal message to the Manitoba and Canadian business community having been involved with the family business Comcheq since 1973, as a Founding Director of the Manitoba Business Council and Chairman of Economic Development Winnipeg. He has significant community roots as Past President of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and and the Linden Woods community association. He is also a sports guy , a team player and knows and understands the value that without a strong and prosperous team no one person wins. He was a U of M Bison Basketball player and presently coaches Glenlawn Collegiate Boys team. He has had Provincial training being an MLA for Fort Whtye from 1999 til 2006 and brings a wealth of community, political, sports and personal knowledge and relationships to the Manitoba Liberal team. John is a person whom sees people for who they are and plays to their strengths. I look forward to him winning the Liberal nomination in Winnipeg South and further to him being a vibrant and positive member of the Liberal Party of Canada's Manitoba Caucus.

What about Manitoba? What about North Western Ontario? What about the GST cut?

2007-03-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

The Budget, biggest spending budget in Canadian history brought lots of talk about Saskatchewan and lots of talk about Energy and the Environment but no action on the degradation on Lake Winnipeg. What about the East West Power grid? The Trans Canada Highway and putting more money into a Western Canada Transportation System? Billions spent on the Environmental Initiatives but no numbers or thresholds to meet just rhetoric. What about the Farmers no real incentives for Agri-Business? Northern Ontario and BC are still reeling hard from the Soft Wood Tariff and the Tories capitulation on the 5.2 billion in Canadian Dollars the Americans have taken and not replaced? Kenora has lost 20% of their population any insight to help? what has Flatfooted Flaherty done?
What about the GST cut promised in the Election?. On all counts nothing.
Jimmy boy forget the 800 dollar Easton skates for your son and look at getting some old loafers out and get back to what Canadians want and need- A Liberal Government.

Marriage, Fidelity and the Canadian Way

2007-03-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

A good pal of mine, actually the CAO of Canadian Wheat Board Ward Meisner ( not to be mistaken for former CEO Adrian Meisner) is taking the plunge for the second time. Ward and I along with some "bean counters" from the CWB, CN, James Richardson International and Patterson & Sons play hockey on the Pro Con Habs of the University of Manitoba League and we have a great time . Ward is our "go to guy", a smooth skater and the textbook definition of a consummate unselfish, team player. Well he has been with this gal he is marrying this weekend for a couple of years. He originally married young to his high school sweetheart out in Sask but the two of them grew apart and divorced some time ago. Ward is a great guy and always willing to give but my BIG question (me being divorced and having a 5-year old daughter whom I worship and whom lives with her mother and that I do not see nearly as much as I would like) why ruin a good thing? The live and play together. They travel around the world, enjoy each others company, have the same recreational likes such as golf and workouts, enjoy the same movies and leisure activities.....why throw a wrench into a well oiled machine and formally marry? Is this my cynicism coming out where I am just thinking why change the boundaries or is there a need in today's society to have a formal written contract before you are "together"? Does this change their relationship? Will this change their relationship? If so how? Do they have to be faithful now that they are married but could have been unfaithful before the marriage contract? With the Divorce Rate in Canada in the high 60 percentile is our Canadian morale compass and hierarchy of values changing so much that we no longer can make a commitment ? I look around at my pals and most ( if not ALL) have been unfaithful with their spouses. What is the answer to this deteriorating morale fiber - marry who and when we want without regard for the "right one", move on when we feel like it or when we decide they were not the "right one", stick it out,persevere through the challenges which every relationship brings with someone who you know is not perfect (no one is) but whom you enjoy their company? Interesting thoughts on this bright and sunny Saturday. Personally, I am a little war torn and tattered and reluctant to want to enter into any relationship where I care and trust that gal 100% and of the opinion that I will work through challenges with a life partner whom I respect and admire and with whom I have made a "covenant of fidelity". I have not always been of this mund set but I am firmly there today.

Martha Rocks and Now Stands for the LPC !!!

2007-03-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

Huge kudos to the Liberals of Willowdale who have asked and been delivered the best, yes I will use the word "best" in describing Martha, Liberal Candidate our country and liberal cause can offer to their riding. To have the Liberal Association, one which has a vibrant and well respected Liberal Executive, ask the Leader and be granted a specific candidate is unheard of. Martha is enterprising, entrepreneurial, an exciting speaker, engaging conversationalist and has a casual, comfortable approach when dealing with people. She can debate and discuss the issues of importance with persons of all races, creeds, religious denominations and genders. She will serve the Constituents of Willowdale well and the only question remaining is when do we from Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario have the privilege of going door to door to share Martha's message of hope and optimism with the Constituents of Willowdale.
Congrats Stephane Dion for doing what a Leader should - know his/her people and understanding and play to their strengths. You have strengthened your Liberal Team significantly with the Appointment of Martha Hall Findlay.

Manitoba AGM Complete and Resounding Success!!

2007-03-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Wow what a team !!!!

My second AGM as Chairperson and our Liberal movement is alive and thriving. A weekend complete with Liberal Blogging King presentation from Jason Cherniak and a 308 Riding Formula by Ryan Androsoff, Toronto MP's John Mac Kay and Bryon Wielfert were absolutely superb in setting the course for the Three Pillars, Manitoba's own Terry Duguid did a superb job on the environment, Don Marks put on an engaging and stimulating performance on Media, the Manitoba ERC Chairs Deb Morrison and Jane Nikkel did a profoundly inspiring performance on getting our team ready, LPC's Harry Mortemeir did a superb and thorough job on the new finances, inspiring speeches by Martha Hall Findlay, Gerrard Kennedy and our Leader Stephane Dion and a few local Policy Resolutions by Jim Millar and his team put the whole package in a stellar 21st century menu.
I have to express my HUGE THANKS to the great work by my entire AGM team and a personal thank you to each of you from me for their volunteer support, time and energy.

Every feedback received was positive and the only blip being extra tables needed for lunch and less sessions more discussion needed in the future. The crowning achievement in my view was the All Liberal Social Friday night- discussion, dialogue and camaraderie on the Liberal team. The dynamic speeches by our Leader, Gerrard and Martha put the energy and focal points on the weekend and the engaging nature of the ERC team and panellists PLUS the moving, full and complete AGM Agenda combined to make the weekend a complete and resounding success!!!!.

Team work, cooperation and commitment were our ingredients and not only have we achieved our goals - I believe in keeping with the theme of Let's Get the Party Started we have helped our party move forward towards a new and more prosperous future.

I hope to have some links for the presentations in the very near future but you can also link to Jason and Ryan on my page.

Looks like the next step on my Liberal Agenda is helping to organize a great candidate in Winnipeg South to take back that riding from the Tories. Stay tuned !!!
This new challenge brings back some great memories of 1993 and a heated, healthy 5,000 member nomination contest. Looking back on my life I have been involved in a total of 24 Liberal Nominations in riding from Ottawa to Saskatoon and have been on the loosing team only twice my dad lost to Veternarian Dan Pieroz in Rainy River Ontario Provincial in 1988 and once in 1993 we lost by 4 votes in Winnipeg South. I think with the proper positioning, bringing in all the Liberals I have spoke to this weekend and over the past year and putting together a similarly strong organizational team as the AGM (which looks like it is coming together Winnipeg South) it should be rewarding and fun. One recent real big Nomination win was in 2002-03 as part of the Ken Boschoff team in Thunder Bay Rainy River the folksy popular Mayor took down the well financed, Martin backed Donald Patterson team. That nomination was all about work and organizing and Winnipeg South looks to much the same thing.

On a personal note a lot of retro on my agenda this year which I have found really neat. Kind of exhilarating and therapeutic to be back "at her" for the Liberal cause after a few years of ground level roles such as door knocking as opposed to planning, strategizing and organizing. I find today my spiritual and personal outlook or more clear and less confined and as person I am a lot wiser and more focused on getting things done and finding achievable versus futile accomplishments. My challenge as it was in 1993 is I have to learn to temper how I deal with the "princesses" or "talk-a-lot-do-nothings" in the party. I do know I am far more effective at seeing people for who they are and lowering my expectations for those who are duplicitous and less "real". I also must learn to be more reserved and less passionate about how I undertake the task of organizing and enjoying my liberal activity.

LPC Manitoba AGM to be one of the most exciting in Years !!

2007-03-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

It is with great anticipation and expectations that I look forward to seeing the fruits of all the labour of the AGM Committee which I have the distinct honour of forming and chairing come together next weekend. The 3 day AGM will have a first ever ALL Liberal Event hosted by Martha Hall Findlay on Friday night ..a good ole Manitoba social with music, refreshments and lots of time for Liberals to chat. Saturday is anchored with our dynamic new leader Stephane Dion speaking to his vision for Canada, Liberal Renewal and the ground breaking three pillars approach. The Leader will be surrounded with a cutting edge Media Session on how the Liberals need to change in effect to better communicate our message, Policy Sessions from MP's from across the country and an Election Readiness session with some new age techniques from Party Blog King Jason Cherniak, Saskatchewan Organizational genius Ryan Androsoff, LPC's own Harry Mortemier and Manitoba's own David Johnson. Wow !!! This is exciting stuff with Sunday seeing the elections for party office being held.

Huge kudos for all the time and energy of the team on my committee and especially the commitment made by Don Marks, Darryl Balasko, Caroline Neufeld, Bill James , Becky MacEachern, Jim Millar, John Petrshyen. I can not say enough about the leadership of LPC(M) Sharon MacArthur, the support of LPC(M) office and our ED extraordinaire Wizzer (man we will miss her) and the support and guidance by Bobbi Ethier. It will be ONLY because of their combined energies that this is one of the best AGM's in some time and I salute them and thank them for their commitments!!

Leafs missed the Boat ..again!!

2007-02-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-21T18:18:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

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 !!

2007-02-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2007-02-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

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 ?!

2007-02-02T04:03:00.000-08:00

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 !!!

Martha in Manitoba and Browners Bouquet - Jung Suk

2007-01-28T07:04:00.000-08:00

Some of the reasons I appreciate Martha Hall Findlay so much is her desire to get things done and to work with people especially the grassroots Liberal who make the energy and substance of the Liberal Party. Her schedule since December 19th has been nothing short of herculean. Her earnest desire to consult, open minded approach to meetings and deep commitment to ensure a safe, new future course for the Liberal Party of Canada is refreshing. I look forward to seeing her in action here in Manitoba and to making sure as many people meet and discuss this with her. She will be here it looks like now Friday Feb 8 to Monday Feb 12 and then again for the Big Event Red and White Ball February 14. On the Red and White Ball I had discussed with her committee here in Manitoba about having a fundraiser to help her with the debt of leadership and we agreed we would like to support her that. After some back and forth discussions we have decided not to go ahead with it and instead we will help put our time and energy behind Don Beemer and his committee for the Red and White Ball. Politics and knowing when to say yes and no.
Leaf win last night AWESOME !!!Bob MacKenzie is saying that Stevie Y is going to be GM of Team Canada at the Worlds...nice to have Stevey Y still involved in our national game !! Should be a good learning experience for him and I hope the expectations are not too high to tarnish him for future help with Wayne and the Olympic team. Jets back in Winnipeg ? I like it - I love it - I want more of it !!!...lets get Chipman and Asper together and make it happen it is doable and we can sustain an NHL team.
Browners Bouquet this week to the National Guy for Martha - Jung Suk Ryu he is a one person team for an 8 person job, works 24-7 supporting the tour, has the tact and diplomacy of a 20 year veteran of the politics, deals with the sensitivities of Caucus and PTA's like a smooth flowing computer program and administers logistical support reflective of the "Big Red Machine of the 90's" - ALL of this with his gal back in Alberta and him in Ottawa - Thank you Jung Suk and thank you Alberta Liberals and Edmonton for producing such and astute and well versed guy !!!

Doc Hockey - cutting edge ideas

2007-01-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

My pal Dynamite Dave Petrishen (DDP) the head marketing guy for Burger King in Western Canada also moon lights for Scotty Taylor Website and at Hot 103 as Doc Hockey and always has some stimulating thoughts on our nations passion and pride - hockey! In his last blog he made the observation that Brett Hull did a super performance for NBC on the NHL. I agree with Doc Hockey but I don't agree that the Golden Brett is in the same category as Don Cherry. DDP makes the point that Golden Brett can be brash, bold and controversial which makes for some exciting commentary and not your run of the mill Harry Neale patented " he is got to be one of the best in league at that " crap that we get force fed on the CBC. DDP has some real bright spots and his blog can be read here. On other news some great conversation at Probe Research open house last night . Scott MacKay is certainly becoming a force and his new digs in the Western Canada Lotteries building has a great view of the Winnipeg-cityscape. I had occasion to speak with Ryan Craig Mayor Sam Katz Chief of Staff and Tory big man in the province. We had a mutual past in that he worked for Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution and I worked against it on Lyn Mc Leod's team. We both agreed that Lyn did an abysmal job and the blame lay squarely in the ole boys club around her at the time and not her as she is a wonderful lady. Ryan knows his stuff and is doing a fabulous job with Sam and the City. I would hope that they - The City - are able to help with even more to support or able to garner more support for the Aspers Bomber bid. I agree with Vic and the manner he puts the Canadian Human Rights Museum and the Bomber Bid in the same category - they are not . We need a new stadium give David the agreement and support.

Lets Get the Party Re Started !- Browners Bouquet Barb King !!

2007-01-18T21:34:00.000-08:00

January 18th, 2007
“Let’s Get the Party Re-Started!”
Liberal AGM ‘07

Well this is what I have to say after attending the extremely well run and informative Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) Executive meeting tonight chaired by President Sharon MacArthur. I have been asked to provide a synopsis of the AGM Agenda to date - well here it is.

The March 9, 10 and 11th event for the Canad Inns Polo Park is going to be an exciting, energetic meeting.

To start we will be hosting for the First time a Blog/Internet Location this facility will be Chaired and run by Federal Revenue Chair Don Beemer.

The agenda will start out Friday night with another First Ever - All Liberal Event chaired by Darryl Balasko where every Liberal in the province will be invited and welcomed for a night of entertainment and socialization. The theme is "Lets Get the Party Re-Started!" and we have put together events and happenings to stimulate change and renewal for our Liberal philosophy. Saturday will see Policy Discussions in the morning and Election Readiness sessions in the afternoon. The Election Readiness session will have both our internet guru Liberal "Blog King" Jason Cherniak whom has been widely acknowledged as the internet energy behind our new leaders victory December 3rd and the architect of Martha Hall Findlay's Big Red Bus -Quitto Maggi. Then a Media Information and Education session will be coordinated by Award winning Canadian Director and Life Long Liberal Don Marks. The Saturday Night Dinner will see our new leader Stephane Dion speak to his agenda and our changing party.

Sunday promises to equalling stimulating with Party Elections and a Constitutional Plenary Session slated to happen.

Our AGM committee is reflective of the changing nature of the Liberal party here in Manitoba and has elements from all 8 Leadership Campaigns BUT in keeping with our "include everyone attitude" if you have suggestions please forward them along and we will see what we can do. Tonight's Executive Meeting saw Jane Fudge offer the suggestion of a Heritage Display of Liberal traditions and personalities which we hope the Committee agrees to at our next meeting.

I like it it is fun and we have a great team putting the AGM together !
I gotta to tell you I just really truly appreciate Barb King she is always on top of things and just a pleasure to be around ! Thanks for being you Barb - helpful, kind and yes I have to concede this a Habs fan!! you get the Browner Bouquet of the Week!!

Big Things on their way!!

2007-01-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

Well I look forward to going to the Wheat City Sunday to see Donna, Kevin , Andrew, Carl Stephen and the crew. It will not be so nice not seeing Marg Workman - a consummate life long Liberal and a dear gal whom passed away this past year. I see also ERC Chairs for Manitoba will be out next week it will be nice to get some semblance of organization and 14 calibre candidates nominated and on board for the upcoming election. I personally am looking forward to National Policy Outreach Martha Hall Findlay coming to Manitoba in February and also her attendance at the big Liberal Fundraiser the Red and White Ball on Feb 14 . Don Beemer our Revenue Chair is doing a great job trying new things and reinventing the position post Gomery and C-2.
A couple of Leafs win and Steen stepping up puts me in a great mood going into the weekend!!

Why..why ..why!

2007-01-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

Many people have asked me why I am so involved and committed to this years Annual General Meeting of the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba). They tell me I was already Chair of the AGM back in 1992 , I have run campaigns and nominations why put in so much volunteer time AGAIN that I am whacked as there is nothing but undue scrutinization and pain in it for me. Well balderdash or (as a friend just shared with me a nice Canadian expression) "to H-E-double- hockey-sticks with you! To me our party our liberal first among equals philosophy is ALL about being Canadian. As a part of my community, my country and my world I want to contribute in my own small way. We, as Liberals, may well have our differences but it is important we work through them in a civilized manner and move forward. Not to be too "sporty" in my analogies but it is easy to yell and cat call from the cheap seats but quite another to carry the torch in the arena of life and try to make changes . So in a word my Co-Chairing the AGM is important. It is important to me because :
1) I feel for the party to unify as we have come off a divisive and labourous leadership process like no other in the history of the Liberal Party of Canada - the party of reform from within.
2) I know for the members of the party to work through their personal differences and work to a common goal we need to cleanse, heal and move forward with all 8 Leadership Camps playing a role on the AGM Committee
3) I feel it will provide a focal point to the province to show we as Manitoban Liberals are alive and well and we will be a force to be reckoned with
4) I want to have some fun and enjoy working with Liberals from across the province renewing old acquaintances and embracing new ones
5) I need to stand up and be counted and help voice the need for change with an understanding of our past mistakes and a strong will to focus on a better future.

Anyways my nephew lost his game Saturday night but not without a great hockey exhibition between the two high school teams!! Next time Muskies.

No Tobans and Life in N.W.O.

2007-01-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

Well my sources on Manitoban Tories getting more representation at the cabinet table (Pallister and Fletcher) were wrong but the Ontario Tory on Baird was right on the money. The defection of Khan is of little consequence as the man had a tough time making up his mind and sticking to his guns. These are not good qualities to have after 2 years in the House. His change of parties is markedly different then Belinda and Scott whom changed philosophies, not just organizations. jason Cherniak has some interesting coments on that one. On the hockey side great to see Canada keep the three-peat !!! Great hockey!Closer to home, my nephew is in town and as a Grade Niner is on the Varsity High School team. He and his Fort Frances High Muskies mates are playing superb hockey against some older competition. Nice to see High School hockey alive and well. They play a team from New Brunswick in the Semi Finals tonight so should be even more good ole Canadian hockey. The Fort High Muskies are very well tooled and skilled team with talent galore. Interesting comments from some of the parents in town for the tourney - they are absolutely terrified of car theft and many told me they shop in Thunder Bay rather than Winnipeg because of the car theft problem. Thunder Bay is farther from Fort Frances than Winnipeg. Not at all healthy or the City to be known for.

Battleground Manitoba

2007-01-04T05:03:00.000-08:00

Manitoban Tories are ecstatic as Harper wages war in Toba Turf for the next election bringing even more representation in as sources tell me today's Cabinet shuffle will bring Pallister big lefty from Portage into the fold and see Stephen Fletcher take a larger role as well. In Ontario Flaherty or Baird is rumoured to be in for a shift which strikes me as odd with the Tories need for clear messages and shifting Flaherty or Baird makes no sense but that is what an Ontario Tory is telling me. That would be major. Closer to home Jonathan Toews is the hero who the City should give a HUGE reception to Saturday or Sunday after the Gold Medal. I see also the Black Rod has named some really good people as Citizens of the Year - Cozzy over at 92 CITI is kicking Adlers ass in the Afternoon Drive with his Liberal spouting and cutting edge interviews and Mayor Sam Katz is Man of the Year - great calls for those media muffins at the Black Rod! my question to them what about Clay Young at Cafe as the comeback kid?

Live, Love, Work and Play in '07!!

2007-01-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

Well here is my "I would like to witness/be a part of" in 2007 list in order of precedence;
1) that mankind finds sentient life in the galaxy and we begin a planet wide effort to create a environmentally conscience, 1000 family unit space station
2) we find a cure for cancer and (not to be too prideful but to focus on our strengths) that a Canadian leads the path
3) the United Nations becomes more empowered and relevant to the 21st century Geo-political economy and consilience and cooperation become the first lines of approach for ALL governments
4) the Roman Catholic Church reevaluates..no CHANGES the way it treats women
4) poverty and illiteracy/innumeracy are beaten back to less than 5 % of Canadians being afflected by these horrible evils
5) Canada finds a manner to engage its citizens once again and become the leader in finding ways to emancipate the major problems of the 21 st century - poverty, unemployment, racial and gender discrimination, imbalance of power and wealth, workplace democracy, over reliance on technology and environment degradation
6) my friends, family and co-workers all achieve ALL that they want in 2007
7) I do all that I can to continue my personal journey to self-actualization and become the person I can be fullfilling my dreams, hopes and aspirations for a better future

As I look back on '06 I felt social injustice and the treatment of our fellow humans really is becoming more and more the "battleground" for the new world order. The atrocities our Canadian troops have witnessed, the abuse of power by those put in positions of trust by the public, the decaying confidence people have in governments around the world - all these actions/thoughts/viewpoints combine within me to hope for the best in each of us to come out.

The morale compasses we all possess need to be looked to for guidance, our spiritual self's need to be enhanced and nourished and each and every one of us 3 billion strong needs to contribute to setting a steady and sure direction for contributing to our fellow human beings, our communities and in our unique way 3 billion deep make our world a better place to live, love, work and play in 2007.

Gold Medals, Gordie, Martha and Life

2006-12-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Great to be able to watch the Juniors breeze to yet another (15th in a row) victory at the World Junior Championships. I had occasion to watch the game with good pals the German Panzer (Willy Hoff), DDP (Dynamite Dave Petrishen), DB (Darryl Balasko) and T (Tony Balasko) with a slight interlude from our pal on Main Street Gordie Steeves and the City's Chief Mosquito man Taz (who was entertaining a sweet young lass at the next table). The event brought back good memories as DB, T and I (along with the Portugese Prince Shtev) had watched the Gold medal game - live - one row up from the off duty Russian referees in Grand Forks just 2 short years ago. Good to wave the flag, wear our game day gear and cheer on our country. We all brought prognostications of a Canada presence in the Wednesday Semi Final and Friday Gold medal games. On the other end of life but equally therapeutic was knowing that true evil on our planet is dealt with severe prejudice as Saddam Hussein was hung yesterday. Our world is safer, better place with him not in it. Now the manner and process for emancipating his evil will be debated for some time and as a Canadian Roman Catholic I have deep and sacred respect for life and my fellow human beings but Saddam was pure and undiluted evil to the core. I do not partake in the "eye for an eye" old testament scripture but I do agree with protecting our world from evil.

Browner Gender Balanced Bouquets for the Year 2006
Female - Martha Hall Findlay she has changed the landscape of women in politics and within the Liberal Party of Canada and will be counted on for a major role in leading the party to government. She has her challenges and trusting and bringing close advisors into her thinking to better support her is one. She will be a force in the immediate future of Liberals in Canada. She will recruit great people and create good policy and will be a major player in shaping party dynamics as she did on the faithful Saturday Morning in December. The bus is gone but the drive is alive in '07!!!

Male - Gordie Steeves- The largest number of votes of any councillor and biggest win at Main Street plus a real ability to bring people together. 2007 will be his stepping out year as he is up to be the next President of the Canadian Federation of Municipalities. After 6 years at City Hall what will be his next step? Many speculate Mayor and the people around Sam Katz are hesitant to bring him in tight as a result. Others state Liberal Member of Parliament Winnipeg South and still others say a "legal beagle" with might on Broadway as a member of Hugh's team not Jon's. He has his faults and I hope he will grow as a political leader and not just a representative of the great people of St. Vital but the man is good. Whatever path he charts he has an extremely capable ability to achieve electoral wins and has the "smell of success" about him. Gord is a guy who sees the good in people and is one of the good guys.

A Reflection on '06 and the impending new Canadian Challenge

2006-12-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

This time of the year is always a great time to dissect the year that was and what might have been. I was particularly taken by a story a friend shared with me. Her niece, while happy to be alive and utilizing all the great new technologies at our finger tips JUST could not understand that different etiquette's exist and should be respected. The gal, a thriving 14, was at RWB and being unable to take the time to appreciate the performance and event became rather enthralled in texting her pals. When asked, politely and without direction, to perhaps ejnoy the performance and put away her phone she became appalled and would not leave the texting. My question - have we gone so far with tech toys that we no longer appreciate the traditional stimulus of a wonderful performance? OR are we, as a Canadian Society, just so self absorbed that we do no longer care what others think or how our actions affect them? Now before you answer I would simply suggest that at the crux of your answer is where we must move towards and challenge not only the leaders of tomorrow but ALL Canadians to become engaged with our country and way of life and not be bystanders in the cheap seats "yelling and cat calling" AND not trying to change our world. We must try to address this new era and try to make our society a better place to live, work and play. Deep but a real challenge to All Canadians to change the direction our society is headed from the "self absorbed stop-at-no-limits-for-my-own-pleasure-seeker" of the present day to a "new way" which encompasses some of each of our past victories - the "world peace keepers" of the 1950's, the "avante garde" aviators of the 60's and cutting edge innovators of the 90's ..what lies ahead for Canada and its citizens in the 21st century?

Martha's Big Red Bus up for sale on Ebay !!!

2006-12-24T06:23:00.000-08:00

Sad news Martha's Big Red Bus is on sale on Ebay ..what a buy

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190063854904

Truly a sad day that we could not generate more revenue for the women of substance !!

Blogs are BIG with Canadians

2006-12-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

A juicy little tidbit from the "Liblog King" Jason Cherniak - blogs are big with 60% of Canadians reading them ..here is the link for your viewing pleasure
http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/12750.asp

thought of the day ..I see my pal Ryan was misconnected on the flight to the "Gap" province but yet in his high finance kind of way uncovered a nice bit of cyber plagarism

Great to be alive

2006-12-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

Lots of conjecture and opinions on blogs and their usefullness. My opinion is simply this I believe in the "good and just" nature of people especially Canadians dialogue is good and discussion brings about change and the more people at the table the better but RESPECT is not only requested but demanded. ...recent polls show Manitobans now have elevated Infrastructure ahead of Health Care and Crime as needing to be addressed. The ailing nature of Winnipeg roads has hit home and the Federal Government needs to take leadership and put money into ensuring we have safe streets to walk and drive on ...can you say Red Book and new policy direction......big birthday Bash at Baileys for the lovely Ms. Sheila Balasko she even gave a nice speech for those in attendance and WOW big turnout from the Gord Steeves Team ....speaking of Gordie he spoke at length on the Habs and their good start to the season..I agree BUT lets see it continue ...big controversy starting over at Aggy Canada employees taking up to four turns at the buffet lines around time and a healthy lifestyle initiative is needed especially in the "bean counters section on Main Street"...Question - what can we do to increase Liberal fortunes for Dr. Jon Gerrard and the Provincial Libs? - Answer start a multi- stakeholder committee to enforce some policy direction and creation and have non-political organizations buy in then back up the Mini Red Book with a stipulation that this must be done or the Leader changes..bold and innovative new and renewing ...thoughts?
Browners Bouquet - Sheila Balasko lovely, engaging and takes great care of herself..this girl has punch and pizzaz with a lively out look on life and can you say 29 and holding !!!

Christmas and Friends - Browner's Bouquet Joe A-L-O!!!

2006-12-21T05:55:00.000-08:00

A pal is going through a divorce and he is in rough shape emotionally and spiritually..just a good guy going through bad times my heart goes out to the journey he is about to take .....his life..it does get better...it seems separation, bad times and divorce are far more prevalent then we know..challenges and how we confront these are keys to success in today's society...great turnout for Stepane Dion breakfast and real energy about change and renewal as the Tories dismantle the Wheat Board the Libs provide more support as former Ag Minister Wayne Easter was along with Stephane ..Browners Bouquet of the Week Joe A-L-O having just lost a loved one to cancer this guy steps up to the plate and gets personal having his back waxed for Cancer and still manages to be the best morning guy in the Winnipeg radio market keep it going JOEY!!!

Big Leaf Wins and Lots of Optimism

2006-12-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

Well on the sports front Canada's team the Toronto Maple Leafs for the newbees are improving a HUGE win over the Rangers Saturday and a nail biter against Tampa Thursday spell good times for the Buds but some changes are still needed...man I tell listening to Joe A-L-O on 92 CITI in the am is awesome some great personalities such as Jimmy the Greek bring out some belly laughs on the way to work in the AM ..this morning he was talking about the Cincinnati Bengals and some nice comparisons on food and football such as "you can't hurry the curry" and such...just good natured "ribbing and laughing".. Joe carries the show..Coach has some good dialogue on sports and Olly and his news are superb ...
on the political front it is a time of celebration and join with friends and festive parties are everywhere..big turnouts for the Liberal family as Winnipeg Centre MP Anita Neville has her get together Sunday and Ray Simard in St B Big turnouts spell good things for the Liberal community as we move forward after an exhaustive leadership process ...the Manitoban Liberal community is alive and well...lots of discussion on Stephane naming Deputy Leader Michael Ignatieff - great move !!!! Next move should be Ray Simard as Whip and Ken Boshcoff as Natural Resources Critic..on the AGM front new date for next meeting Tuesday January 23 7 pm at Molgat Place .. everyone is singing the praises of Liberal President Sharon Appleyard .she is super and we need her for 2 more years so you heard it here first her ...lets start the move to keep her going ..ticket sales for Wednesday breakfast with Dion going very good slow start turns into a big end ...Wheat Board Single desk is here to stay and if the Tories take it down they will loose ..PERIOD!!! Adrian and Ward are here to stay!!!
Lots of talk about inclusiveness and the changes within the party new Liberal National President Poulin is really work hard to continue this with weekly meetings and calls contact and communication the key to any team
Browner Bouquet of the day ..Darryl Balasko "DB" as he is affectionately known by the large bench of pals - is a "go to guy" on policy and event management ..a great wordsmith he also knows how to bring the team to the game ..thanks for being you DB !!!

Browners Bouquet - Caroline Neufeld

2006-12-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

Todays kudos go to the lovely, talented and wise Caroline Neufeld.... a consummate professional Caroline has the pulse on the community and is definitely a "must have" for any campaign of substance she has managed to maintian a unbiased and objective outlook on politics and life and is the "get things" done kind of person we all know, need and love !! Thanks for just being you Caroline !!!

Great YouTube of Martha at Convention thanks to Jung Suk ..Awesome job!!!

2006-12-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIxcBA4FdtQ&eurl=

Fergy has to gas the Tenders!

2006-12-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

Thoughts for this wet and slippery "WinterPeg" day the Leafs are in rough shape. A bare clawed win over Tampa and Fergy has to make some changes ...soon and painful changes or it is hello golf clubs in May. Tenders ALL should go and Pogge should be given a crack at the Bigs. The D ..Gill has to go and White needs some time in the Minors to get his act together ..upfront throw in Sundin for a good package deal with the Tenders and get a prolific goal scorer..Forsberg would be nice..Sakic...why not reach for the stars and go for Syd the Kid we need to shake up "Canada's Team"..
On the Liberal Leader front I hear ticket sales a "little light on the loafers" for 100 dollar a plate breaky Monday ...should pick up when this weekend..also hear the quota aspect of gender "enforcement" is not going over well with women's associations and groups

(article in toronto star - http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1165877415949)

interesting manner of approach on the subject of more women in politics create thresholds...hasn't that been done before and backfired? I cringe thinking of Linda Aspers comments on this one ...
Browner Bouquet of the Day ..Wizzer our ED is just superb at getting things done and trying to accommodate all our divergent liberal communities ..man we are going to miss her !!

WOW AGM 07 Going smooth - Notice for last meeting

2006-12-13T21:07:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share the last communique with the AGM committee and note that the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday January 16, 2007 at 7 pm ...

Lots of good discussion and some great ideas from those present including Darryl, John and Bill!!!

WOW !!! What a great weekend of Liberal action !!!
We have a refreshing and energetic new leader who plays the "quintessential Canadian card" and comes from behind to take victory. Great ideas and even more change for a party seeking renewal and a brighter future, add a few blogs , some sexy technology and some inspiring Former Prime Minister speeches which have instilled "participatory democracy" as a battle cry for the next election and we have a party moving "cyber-fast forward".

The AGM Committee Meeting will be held as scheduled Tuesday December 12 at 7:00 pm at Molgat Place 635 Broadway.

Agenda for the Meeting

The agenda for the night will again be within an hour and will include and not be limited to a brief introduction of the Committee to date, introductions of those present, a statement of the theme "Lets Get the Party Re-Started!" and the Proposed AGM Agenda (as of December 11). Before closing the meeting and setting the date for January's' Meeting we will discuss remaining open positions on the AGM Committee and updates on the Friday Event, Saturday Events and the Sunday Media Event. Also we need to have more direction and input on Programming/Speakers Committee as we may move from a separate Committee to the AGM Committee deciding on the program so please be prepared to bring your thoughts on this matter. Specifically yon that issue there has been some thought to Policy Session in the Morning and Election Readiness in the Afternoon with Party Elections on Sunday before the Media Forum. Your opinions will be solicited.

Please prepare yourself for an enjoyable meeting complete with yours and all participants unique viewpoints on how we can do things better. Our goal is to make this very important AGM a "uniting affair" and help move our party and way of thinking forward complete with a New Leader.

Please RSVP so that we know how many to expect.

Other progressions for the 07 AGM Committee :

Kristine McGhee has agreed to be AGM Co-Chair. If you do not know Kristine you will she is a women of substance and integrity. She is also the Nominated Provincial Liberal Candidate in Kirkfield Park.
Darryl Balasko of Balasko and Associates fame and an Event management Specialist has agreed to Co-Chair, along with Dave Petrishen, the Friday Night Liberal Event.
Carolyn Neufeld has agreed to take on the task of Registration.
John Petryshen has agreed to be Returning Officer.
Kevin Carlson has agreed to help on programming.
Chris Holloman has left the Committee
Theme song of "Lets Get the Party (Re) Started!" by Pink has become a real hit !!

There are still available positions which would suit a wide variety of individuals so if you have anyone in mind who would make a contribution to our committee

Dion and Liberal Futures

2006-12-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

Well a very thought provoking analysis by our good friend in DC the high finance of DC has in fact not tainted his love of life and people and the true Canadian compassion, understanding and appreciation for the world community !! Having said that a few items are unstated in his analysis of the Liberal Party and the future course for our new leader, our 3rd from Quebec, Stephane Dion. The entrenchment of the establishment ( a use the term for the loosely nit fabric within the Liberal party containing both intelligentsia, donors and post 1968 organizers) and their influence is no longer a comfort we can take for granted. This is particularly obvious in the Prairies where Alberta Derek Raymaker, Saskatchewan Ralph Goodale and Manitoba Lloyd Axworthy all were defeated. This is astounding and an important change for the Liberal Party of Canada. I will speak more so to The Prairies and Northwestern Ontario as these are areas were I have literally the same hundreds of conversations than to the East and BC. The NWO Prairies Region in effect has an in consequential establishment and today, 2007, not only need but demand that a systemic change/overhaul take place in fundraising, organization, communication, policy development and recruitment. No easy task for an organization as old, clearly branded and well respected as the Liberal Party of Canada - but possible. I Will simplify my concerns into what I feel is the first line challenge - the new age manner in which we as a party approach this overhaul. I mean do we simply revert into the past practises and replace the Provincial Lieutenants with new ones OR do we apply a best practises 21st century model and create stronger, divergent committees complete with discussion and dialogue and which are based on an inclusion model which integrates not only the varying riding associations but also the new constituencies of 21st century and the global economy of the 21st century. All bets are off as to which model will be assumed. Divisions, strong, exist and the need to be properly dissect and heal these wounds is necessary and we must respect our history before we can chart a new future. When we move boldly forward I for one hope to be apart of the changes.I will also address one other movement which was identified in the original blog - Martha Hall Findlay move to Dion Saturday morning. This move not only was the "king maker" but one which Martha, I feel, made with considerable input and with her own biase clearly in tact. She made that move because of a leadership process that placed the candidates in a bubble bringing the full menu of personal characteristics of each candidate. Martha honed her instincts through that process and she applied her life ling and very much worldly understanding on people and situations. A learning curve none of us has had the pleasure of going through but one which very much has changed the complexion of the Liberal party.The honeymoon on new leader if we consider Turner , Chretien and Martin is roughly 6 months before the back benchers OR the more myopic MPs start choosing their futures..I only hope in that 6 months we have a strong enough network of ERC's across the 13 Provinces and territories.

My challenge to myself and my colleagues of which I enjoy pursuing the grander notions of life, love and liberty is how do we get to where we want to go?

Live, Love and Liberalism

2006-12-10T18:24:00.001-08:00

This was sent to the Martha Hall Findlay Big Red Bus Team in early October..I thought it capsulized my thoughts well...any comments would be appreciated...

Live, Love and Learn !!!

I gotta tell you I love this campaign ..spirit ..energy ...and a life changing cause that will impact our country and way of thinking for generations to come ...all by joining the Big Red Bus....If I have not had the pleasure of meeting ANY of you .....I hope to meet YOU ALL in December ...

I enjoy helping support a person of Martha's integrity and conviction and I am helping her organize Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba. You may have seen by the results of the 27 delegates we had none in the 17 riding which I helped organize on Martha's behalf were elected ..my mother actually lost on coin toss in Thunder Bay Rainy River organizer...although this is a major set back for my organizational resume as I have been doing this for quite some time and put hundreds of hours of time and energy into the organization and have working knowledge on what works and what does not .....I also comprehend why we lost the way we did in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario and want to fight EVEN STRONGER to have Martha's Big Red Bus on the stage and heard in December '06 ......

My walk with Martha ...I first became aware of Martha in the 2004 Election when she came up just short of the Conservative (later turned Liberal) Belinda ..I thought ..from afar ....that this gal has substance and "pizzazz" and we need her fighting the Liberal cause in Parliament ...I then watched as the seasoned Liberal strategists and organizers with their "heads up there collective asses" proceed to treat her like "a child with a balloon" nice novel new idea , looks great and nice to smile at .............HELLO ....Martha whom has been involved in our country and way of thinking throughout her lifetime ...as a parent ...as a coach ... as a small business owner ...as a volunteer ...as a thinker with Couchiching Institute ...as an athlete with our National Ski team ..all this over a period of decades ...you want accountability and a vetting process try helping parents with children learning to ski ...or consumers find a niche market item ..she attained success at every level ........................new kid on the block ..give me strength..

anyways I watched and listened as she accepted her plight that the establishment of the party has tried to and is trying to predetermine as old school influence shapers became scared and worried about the unknown commodity - the free thinker ...they ALL want - more than anything - the stability for themselves and they ALL fear that this free thinker may get some strength and really change our party and THEIR PLAYPEN ..I watched some more as MP's and new Liberal thinkers (Post Martin and Post Chrétien) say good, fluffy things about the new spirit in the party BUT give no support ...I went initially to Maurizio Bevilacqua because I felt he had worked hard, been left in oblivion as well and whom I felt represented the Canadian Dream of coming up intergenerational into the decision making bodies of our society but alas my faith in him was forever tarnished with his sell out - for power to the Rae camp...I was going to just sit back and watch all this go down and say "I tried and failed"..... then epiphany hit ....I let my idealism and spirit be forged and say "NO!" I am going to help change it !!!! I called Martha and asked her some pointed and personal questions, chatted and talked about the future then I told Mr. Dryden, Mr. Ignatieef and Mr Kennedy all of whom had phoned me that I would not be supporting them and that I would be supporting Martha .....I gotta to tell you lots of silence on the other end of the phones but to Mr. Dryden and Mr Ignatieff's credit they wished me well (Mr Kennedy said I was making a mistake - I hung up)

This campaign is about Martha and her battle cry for change and renewal but to give you a small window into why I am a supporter of Martha Hall Findlay - I have been involved in politics since I was Student Council President at the age of 16, ran myself and lost by 300 votes to Howard Hampton, organized campaigns, Chaired AGM's, presided over ridings associations, organized marches of protest and of support, lobbied Conservative and New Democrat Governments, presented Memorandums to Cabinet on behalf of Ministers and 3 decades later I am involved because I want to help my community and country grow , I want to help support a refreshing spirit and a person of honesty and integrity .. Martha has ALL that PLUS a inherited strong and pure energy, a strength of conviction which could bend steel, an intelligence that makes people stand up and say "wow" and a passion to change our world ...my world .....BUT the thing I most admire about her is her cleansing approach to politics she wants help and knows she needs to bring in allies in her cause but WILL not "make a deals with the devil" to achieve the "good end with the wrong means" this is not only reasonable in the Post Gomery Canadian Body Politic ......but represents what every Liberal should respect and admire - strength of conviction for not only herself but for those coming after her and with her .....admittedly I am fearful for her and her aspirations ....actually most fearful for her as her "battle cry" although worthy is lofty (to say the least) but I will do anything I can to support her and carry her message of change and renewal...

Before I go I gotta to share with you my most inspiring moment with Martha it was at the Winnipeg Free Press Editorial Board and its 5 members are peppering absolutely interrogating Martha like she is the bank robbery with all the money and has it hidden for no one to find ...question after blessed question on private health care this ..new change why ...health problems since the act came in ...no stone left unturned 2 hours later I am absolutely sweating thinking about the headlines the next day and feel I have forever let Martha down by not stepping in to stop the "blood letting"...anyways after it is all said and done the Legislative Reporter whom I have known for years and know can be anti-Liberal at times comes up to me and says in a hushed quiet voice "Great bus when we going to have beer on it?" ......Here is me expecting "Can we get her written policy for this or can we have that in writing" but no he wants to meet and chat and be a part of something bigger and better than what we have ..Martha Hall Findlay and her Big Red Bus ...I lost about 4 pounds of water sweating and just about had a heart attack of relief when he asked that but what a great moment to be alive and a part of our campaign ....I guess I will have to wait until the General Election to bring the reporter on board for a cold clear Molson Canadian !!!:)

thanks for the chance to share my thoughts on Martha and her Big Red Bus and looking forward with great anticipation in seeing each and every one of you in December !!!!