Modeling Journey

Rob Ford talks about free perks for Toronto council

Updating the Prime Minister on Rob Ford and 416

Had an opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister in Ajax about Rob Ford's campaign and also the opportunity for Conservatives to finally break into the 416 ridings of Toronto. While he cannot officially endorse a candidate he was happy with the progress made for Conservatives in the city.

Random Thoughts:

Now that the Ontario PC Leadership Race is over, I am not quite sure what to do with my time. I congratulate Tim Hudak on his victory and am proud of the campaign that Frank Klees ran over the past few months. I think the PC Party will be stronger because of the race and I think Tim Hudak is off to the right start for victory in 2011 over Dalton McGuinty. I believe Tim Hudak will be the next Premier of Ontario. Overall I think Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, Christine Elliott and Randy Hillier raised their profile and did a great job contributing to the rebuilding process of our party. I think the leadership contest will also help us organizationally in Ontario for whenever the federal election comes. It was good to see the relationship improve between provincial and federal Conservatives. I am also excited about the prospect of former leader John Tory running for mayor of Toronto. The Tory tribute and keynote address from Peter MacKay was also very well done. There are only three complaints I have about the PC Ontario Leadership race after the fact. The first is that the contest was too short. A fall vote would have allowed more time to promote the party, the leadership candidates, PC policies/principles and of course provided the time to sell more memberships. The party currently has about 45,000 members. We had over 100,000 in 2002. My second complaint was that the media, supporters and candidates seemed to focus the entire campaign around the Human Rights Commission. While that issue certainly needs to be addressed, I think given the state of the economy there were other areas I would have liked to hear more from the candidates on. The Economy, education, energy, health care and transit should have got more attention. Finally I have noticed in general that media coverage is really lacking these days at Queens Park. I think this hurts our entire democracy because too many people are not getting the information about what is happening in Ontario politics. The major newspapers and television stations should have at least one reporting covering provincial politics despite their economic struggles.

I hope Tim Hudak reaches out to Frank Klees, Christine Elliott, Peter Shurman, Elizabeth Witmer and Randy Hillier with his shadow cabinet picks. We need to have the strongest team possible and all the signs I have seen so far is that the Hudak team is serious about unity. Perhaps we will see the shadow cabinet picked later this summer. The provincial legislature returns September 14.

At the end of June, my term as President of Newmarket Rotary Club ended. It was a pleasure to serve the club for a year as President and I appreciate all the support given to me by members of the club. I think we did a lot of good things in the community and around the world. Those with some extra time should really consider joining a service club. It is rewarding to give back to the community and I believe it is time well spent. Virtually every community in Canada has a Rotary Club, a Lions Club or another service club. These groups need members in order to continue the good work they are doing. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in giving back to their community to consider joining a service club in your area. If time is an issue, perhaps consider helping an organization for a weekend such as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers and Sisters, and various other charities or causes looking for volunteers, time or money. With the state of the current economy, there are many people in need. Government cannot solve every problem, so many are relying on volunteers to fill in the gaps.

Today also marks my fourth day without a cigarette. This is getting close to the tenth attempt at quitting I have made over the past five years. This time I am feeling confident and hope to be successful. More and more people are quitting everyday and more and more young people are not starting the habit to begin with. Addictions are painful to break and I would strongly encourage anyone reading this not to take up smoking. It simply isn’t worth it. The first four days are the hardest and withdrawal symptoms last about ten days. For now I am proud to have joined the ranks of non-smokers and hope to stay in that club. Financially if I quit I will save close to $3600 and of course health issues are the main motivation to give up the habit.

On the garbage strikes in Toronto and Windsor, to me there is only one solution. York Region and Etobicoke use private collection companies and Toronto/Windsor should do the same if legally possible. In York Region I believe the company is Turtle Island that handles recycling and trash collection. I am not sure what value CUPE adds in Toronto that is not present in York Region and other places where garbage collection is outsourced. I also think that previous Toronto labour agreements and the council pay raise had a major role in this strike and the position of the union. In the private sector people are losing their jobs and unions have made concessions in the auto and airline industries. Toronto’s finances are in shambles and it is clear that taxpayers cannot afford another Miller style union-friendly contract. It is time for Toronto to live within its means and dump the socialist mentality. Frankly I don’t see much chance for improvement in Toronto until 2010. I would be proud to support Tory, Stinz, Smitherman or whoever the credible candidate is that runs against David Miller. God do I miss the good old days of Mel Lastman! The fact council will not even consider rolling back their "cost of living" raise tells me clearly that it is time to take a broom to city hall in 2010. The city of Toronto desparately needs change at the political level. Like in Windsor, taxpayers should be reinbursed for services not rendered.

Speaking of dysfunctional cities, I also hope Julian Fantino eventually enters the race for Mayor of Vaughan. If not mayor, perhaps he would consider being a candidate for the PC Party and future MPP in 2011? Armand La Barge would also be fantastic if he ever entered politics in my opinion.

I have seen lots of studies, funding announcements and talk, but will shovels ever get into the ground on the TTC Subway extensions into York Region along the Yonge and Spadina lines? On a positive note, I am excited by VIVA’s plans in Newmarket and throughout York Region. Now if we could only get hourly GO Trains from Newmarket to Union! Extension of the 404 and 427 North as well as the Bradford By-Pass would have been huge stimulus projects that I would have strongly supported. Public transit is important for sure, but so are roads and highways. It doesn’t make sense to bailout auto companies and then continue to fight a war on the car in Ontario. Tearing down the Gardener in Toronto makes absolutely no sense.

It is exciting that Magna is looking to acquire Opel and also potentially will manufacturer electric cars in Canada. Magna is a crucial employer in York Region and the riding of Newmarket-Aurora.

Stimulus spending is taking place in Newmarket and Aurora as we speak. VIVA, GO Transit, Newmarket Curling Club, Newmarket Soccer Club, Aurora Waste Water Infrastructure, Parks and Trails and the revitalization of Newmarket’s old town hall are some of the stimulus projects in my riding. Would love to see more GO Trains between Newmarket (or Barrie) and Union added to the list.

Can anyone explain to me why Schreiber has not been deported to Germany yet? It is time to end the dog and pony show and force him to finally face some justice. As predicted the Mulroney inquiry was a waste of time and money.

I really like the idea of a high speed rail link between Calgary and Edmonton as well as Montreal and Windsor.

I am disappointed that Ontario is going to hold off on nuclear energy. I think that is the only realistic solution at this point to meet energy demand while reducing green house gas emissions.

On federal politics there is no election but lots of political games. Will we go in the fall? Will we survive the Olympics? Will we fall on the budget? Are we years away from another election? Truth is I really do not know. I predict Harper will appease on EI, delay the next election until after the Olympics, fall on the budget and win another minority but drop some seats. With Ignatieff supporting another confidence motion in June, I don’t think he has any issue or point of differentiation to run on in September. His opinion on Afghanistan is the same as Harper. His position on the Middle East is basically the same as Harper. He voted for the budget. He supported the auto bailout. He backed most of the Conservative justice bills. He opposes a carbon tax (now at least). He supports the oil sands and is “concerned” about the size of the deficit. He backs Quebec as a “nation” and agrees that the self employed should be eligible for EI. Could any of my progressive friends share with me how Ignatieff is any different than Harper? So far I fail to see any significant differences between the two men that would justify an election during these economic times. Of course the fact we have abandoned most of our Conservative principles has helped in blurring the line between the two parties that have any real chance of winning. As usual the Bloc is strong but useless and the status quo in Quebec will not change. NDP is on the decline and losing relevance by the minute. Greens are simply not players and without a seat are barely different than the other fringe parties. If an election takes place in the fall, I predict the lowest voter turnout in Canadian history.

I would still love to see Mario Dumont run for the Conservatives in the upcoming by-election in Quebec in his former provincial riding. I also think it is time to bring Maxime Bernier back to cabinet. Obviously we have a lot of work to do in Quebec. It is also well past time that Michael Chong was considered for another cabinet post as well.

I am very happy with the job Newmarket council and Mayor Tony Van Bynen are doing for this town. We are lucky to have a functional, mature and stable council in Newmarket that are putting the residents first. Keep up the good work my friends. Yesterday, Mississauga decided to cancel question period during council meetings. I am disappointed in this decision and think it is an idea that should be considered in Newmarket.

I don’t really have an opinion on the gay pride parade funding announcement. My question is why is the federal government spending taxpayer money on festivals at all?

It is a waste of time, resources and tax dollars for America to prosecute Mark Emery for selling marijuana seeds. Potential for serving 5 years in prison is a joke when compared to sentences being handed out for violent, sexual and other serious crimes here in Canada.

To some degree Obama has been a disappointment, particularly as far as domestic spending goes. I am not sure how much longer America will remain solvent and future generations are facing a massive tax hike because of the spending now and over the past few years. I think America’s role as the sole superpower has ended and we are seeing a transition into a multi-polar world. At the same time the Republicans do not have their act together and do not present anything close to an alternative at this point. I think Dr. Ron Paul is the only one who can cure that party right now. It has become painfully obvious that Sarah Palin is not the answer and unfortunately I am not sure who else is possible leadership material for the Republican Party right now. They need to return to their fiscal roots and rebuild the Reagan coalition. Right now the base is way to small while at the same time not inclusive. To be blunt, I fully expect Obama to serve a second term in the White House despite America’s current problems.

It is great to see people pushing for freedom in Iran and China. I also hope that democracy can be restored in Honduras and Zimbabwe soon. I also think we are not far from change in Cuba. Eventually democracy will prevail over tyranny. I am also optimistic about relations between Russia and the West as well as the potential for peace in the Middle East.

I do not want to see the Jays trade Halladay. I am happy about off season moves made by the Raptors and Bills. I am really happy with Burke’s efforts in rebuilding the Toronto Maple Leafs. It will be interesting to see who they acquire to score some goals. I know it doesn’t make sense on a rebuilding team, but part of me would really like to see Sundin retire as a Leaf. It is a shame that Koivu and Sundin were not able to finish their careers with the Canadiens and Leafs. I am also looking forward to UFC 100 this Saturday and hope to see a show live in Toronto some day. Brock Lesnar has added excitement to the heavyweight divison.

I am looking forward to a summer full of relaxation without having to think much about politics. Fall will be interesting as Hudak makes his debut as PC leader and of course the potential exists for a federal election in November or possibly even sooner.

Thanks for reading…

Darryl

Toronto, Montreal, Newfoundland, Nunavut, PEI and Vancouver...Don't allow yourself to get shut out of a Conservative majority government


We need representation in all parts of Canada. Today's article in the Globe is especially important. Areas where you can vote strategically Conservative to insure a representative in government include:

Toronto - Don Valley West John Carmichael and various ridings in the GTA
Northern Ontario - Kenora Greg Rickford and Thunder Bay Rainy River Neumann
Newfoundland - Avalon Fabian Manning
Prince Edward Island - Egmont Gail Shea
Montreal area - Vaudreuil-Soulanges Michael Fortier
Vancouver - Vancouver Quadra Deborah Meredith and North Vancouver Andrew Saxton
North - Nunavut Leona Aglukkaq

Of course in Newmarket-Aurora the same argument holds. If you want a voice in the government; Lois Brown and the Conservative Party are your choice. There has been a lot of talk of strategic voting to stop Harper. I think more intelligent strategic voting would be to make sure your riding and region has a voice in the government benches and cabinet. Newfoundland, PEI, Montreal, the North, Vancouver and Toronto being shut out of a majority government would not be helpful in any way to the residents of these places. The national outcome is decided and Harper will remain Prime Minister. At best it will be a majority government. At worse it will be a much stronger minority. NDP is close to second place and with 10 days to go, it is hard to imagine all of the gains made by May, Duceppe and Layton will consolodate behind Dion's weak leadership in these final days of the campaign. Vote strategically and vote Conservative. We are now in the final days of this campaign. Over the next ten days Harper will try and close the deal on a majority. For that to happen, the real focus will have to be on each of the individual battlegrounds that are considered "too close to call" by Democraticspace.com and Electionprediction.org. Keep working hard Conservatives...victory is so close you can almost taste it. The dream of a united right coming together and governing this country with a majority is within reach.
-Darryl

NDP tied with Liberals, Toronto should vote "strategically" Conservative

Stephane Dion and the Liberal Party seem to be falling without any indication of a floor in support. Today's Toronto Star poll now has the NDP and the Liberals tied. They are also reporting that the NDP is surging in cities and that may cut into their former stronghold of Toronto. Gerard Kennedy must be sweating right now in a tight race against Peggy Nash. The Star poll also has Conservatives in majority territory before the English language debate where Harper is expected to do well against Dion as well Layton.

This is not a time to get cocky or to relax our efforts. October 14 is still 18 days away and it is crucial we work hard until this sale is closed. Having said that, this should be good motivation for Conservative and NDP troops while at the same time completely demoralizing for Liberal volunteers. Liberals are trailing in most swing ridings including in Newmarket-Aurora right now.

The longer this campaign goes, the stronger the support for the Conservatives, Greens, NDP and the Bloc it seems. Strategic voting may be tough for the left now as Jack Layton surges. Who do "progressives" unite behind at this point?

I recommend a different kind of strategic voting to avoid getting let down like last time when Liberals abstained from voting 42 times. If I lived in the city of Toronto right now, I would be looking at these numbers and saying a Conservative majority is likely if not probable. Under those circumstances would you not want to have a representative in the government party? Voters in Don Valley West (vote John Carmichael) should especially think long and hard about their vote this time. I have no authority to hand out cabinet posts obviously, however if I was a betting man I would gamble that any Conservative who gets elected in the 416 will go to cabinet. There is no reason to fear a Conservative majority, but if I was a resident of Toronto I might fear a majority government with the entire city of Toronto in oppositon. Anyone heard from Danny Williams lately? I think it is time to consider some blue representation in Toronto. 416 voters could always hold their Conservative MP accountable if they feel Toronto is not getting a fair deal. I guarantee you a Toronto MP in caucus will get more done for cities than a Liberal MP caught in a leadership race and forced to abstain in order to avoid another election they aren't prepared to fight. I don't know who will finish second between Dion's Liberals and Layton's NDP. I do know Harper will be the next Prime Minister unless a major gaffe takes place over the next 18 days. Majority or minority? Rigth now it is too close to call, but GTA residents should consider voting strategically for the Conservatives!

The choice in Newmarket-Aurora is also clear. We need a voice at the table. Lois Brown is that strong voice!

I hope I do not come across as over confident, I just want voters to think about how they cast their vote given these current poll numbers. The GTA is important to this country and there are several issues around the 905 and in the city that the government needs to address. For current Conservative supporters, please do not look at these polls and come to the conclusion that your vote is not needed. We need every vote we can get in Newmarket-Aurora and throughout the GTA. I hope we get at least one seat in Toronto proper as well this time. Keep working hard!!!!!

Thanks for reading...
-Darryl

TORONTO STAR/ANGUS REID POLL

40% Conservatives

21% Liberals

21% NDP

10% Bloc

7% Green

Margin of error: 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

Sample size: 1,508 respondents.

Conducted: Sept. 24–25.