Michael Cormican: YOUR Voice for Lethbridge

Update and 'Report on Federal Liberal Convention 2011'

2012-01-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

In response to readers that question why such a big hiatus in communication since the election I submit the following – shortly after the Federal Election I was asked to co-chair the Alberta Liberal Leadership which kept me very busy over the summer. Also, unfortunately in June I was diagnosed with a major health issue that had to be dealt with and I was under treatment until late in the year. However; I have recuperated and was able to attend the exciting Federal Liberal Convention held in Ottawa this past weekend and the following is a report on the Convention:

Since the last election several including Peter C. Newman, Craig Oliver kept pushing that Liberals were dead. However, a couple of people tell me that Peter’s book despite raising the question that Liberals are dead is kind to us. So much for such contentions; the National Convention this past week-end in Ottawa proved that we are very much alive. I was elated to see the upsurge not only young people attending but also the number of those that admitted that they had returned to the fold. Needless to say I am very happy that I was able to be part of such a dynamic week-end.

It was interesting to observe the newspaper reports that still tried to make the weekend sound controversial whether their reason is to try sell newspapers or what. All the predictions were off. They still tried to have us believe the “old boys/girls” network was active as ever. However, the outcome of the weekend demonstrated otherwise since the young people had their way electing young new President, Mike Crawley, former President of the Ontario Liberals. As we expected Bob Rae performed super electrifying everyone with his campaign-style speeches over the weekend.

There were apparently more Liberals at the convention than at Conservative and ND conventions combined and of course their reps attended and were welcomed. Olivia Chow was representing the NDP. Allan MacEachan former Cabinet-minister from Trudeau years was honored on Thursday evening for his many years of service and four former Prime Ministers attended the opening and Lethbridge was well represented. On Sunday a couple of us had lunch with our beloved Senator, Joyce Fairbairn. Unfortunately as it usually is in winter Ottawa was well below freezing and bitterly cold.

A lot of work was achieved and the majority of the resolutions were passed receiving the two-third majority required modernizing and bringing party policy in line with Canadian thinking and the party got its with to move ahead with arrangements for a call-center to help connect with members and increase funding to help us counter the increase in Conservative propaganda and attack adds that have destroyed and defined us in recent years. The major resolution put forward by the youth that would allow Canadians elect our own Head-of State did not receive adequate support and similarly one on US style Primaries due to discomfort with the wording.

One of the highlights was a spell-binding presentation by Don Tapscott, Best Selling Author and adjunct professor Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto on ‘Rethinking Government and Democracy for the age of Network Intelligence. He encouraged us to seize the opportunity before us akin to other major junctures in history i.e. Industrial Revolution needing a new way of looking at how we do things. We also had a presentation from a couple of experts from the US Democratic National Campaign team discussing how social media helped Mr. Obama outwit the Republicans to win the Primaries and the Presidency.

The whole w/e was most stimulating and invigorating with new ideas and challenges and I for one expect great things but we must all do continue our part. It still boils down to lots of hard work and personal contact with the electorate to win and keep winning. The biggest change and challenge will be to engage not only the many members that do little but also engage the broader category of supporters. Please share your ideas since we want to hear your ideas. Contact me or any member of the party and share your ideas.

Michael Cormican, Past Candidate

Report on May 28 and 29 ALP Convention

2011-05-30T15:51:00.000-06:00

As I had intended and published on social media I would be attending, I attended the ALP Convention in Calgary. As anticipated it was really exciting from several perspectives including that young people and obviously new faces were there. Some disclosed previous affiliation and disenchantment with other parties. Between those coming and going to attend sessions of choice I estimate the number to have been upwards of 200. I guesstimate about 150 to 170 for the banquet and riveting speech by former MP, Mark Holland who laid to rest any fears some may have had or projected about demise of the Liberal Party and the pervasive tone of the w/e encouraged all Liberals to work together and that we start immediately.

Sessions for the week-end were also different and exciting as inferred from the theme of the convention “Politics Re-imagined’ and unfortunately as usual we had to make choices since sessions were run simultaneously. In addition to some of the usual topics Rev. Kevin Powell, Lethbridge presented on community and there was also a lot of discussion on social media use and its benefits as part of campaigning strategy.

Kudos to our enthusiastic new young leaders – Matt Grant, Convention Chair, Erick Ambtman, President; Corey Hogan, Executive Director, Corina Ganton, Operations Manager, David Swann, Interim Leader and the many others that created and executed the successful schedule that achieved everything they wanted and which not only is long overdue but is most appropriately timely given the larger political climate. Thanks to all of you for such an upbeat successful w/e.

Another highlight of the w/e was hearing from the four declared Candidates viying for leadership of the Alberta Liberal Party. The other important information that surfaced though some had speculated on the possibility already is the high probability of the Conservatives calling an election for mid-November since Gary Mar, Conservative front-runner has already stated he will call an immediate election. Their new leader will be known on Oct. 2. So we can look forward to an exciting summer of political campaigning so we need everyone to jump on-board right-away.

From a strategic and pragmatic viewpoint it makes sense that we should expect a Provincial election soon since it is almost four years since last election and it is expected that Conservatives will want to use “campaigning momentum" in anticipation of re-election and before other party leaders can get established and gain momentum; so they think! (They also feel buoyed by their federal majority. Also, Wildrose Alliance support has apparently slowed varying between 25% and 30%. It is speculated Conservatives will want to take advantage of such as well as in hopes of avoiding further downturn that might occur in the economy). All constituencies need to ensure AGMs are held and Financial Statements submitted as required so they can be registered and actively organizing in election preparation mode.

Election preparedness must also include active financial generation as emphasized by Josipa and Ana Petrunic, co-presentors to help with election preparedness. Their dynamism was infectious. Since our new party openness is expected to facilitate those wanting to support but not wanting membership it is hoped many more people will be attracted and become more familiar with Liberalism. A special thanks to Corey Hogan and team for seeing through the long needed overhaul of ALP By-laws.

Convention attendees were also excited to hear that that the party has effectively eliminated the long-time debt from previous campaigns that has been hanging over our heads. So with a long established record, openness, transparency and being in the best financial shape ever it is anticipated we will continue to attract those wishing to harness and adopt change; however, everyone needs to take responsibility for expanding and increasing our numbers so we can take advantage of the spirit of change and opportunity all around us.

Josipa Petrunic and Michael Cormican, recent Federal Candidates were announced as co-chairs of the ALP Leadership Campaign. You’ll be hearing from us very soon since time is of the essence and the campaign will be short too culminating on Sept. 10 after conclusion of voting and announcement of our new Leader.

Michael Cormican, South West Regional Chair; Alberta Liberal Party

Review and Renewal of Liberalism

2011-05-27T15:08:00.000-06:00

It's great to see the new ideas being suggested and published by the younger Liberals with respect to review and renewal of Liberalism.

I agree with Bal, Tyler and the young folk; we shouldn’t rush into decisions though we need to start working on review and further ideas immediately - in a sense; get our act together, and fast. We must be open to new ideas and possibly loser arrangements as well as look at re-union of Federal and Provincial Liberals. Keep the ideas flowing.

I have believed for a long time that with having separate Provincial and Federal entities we’re feeding into separation and divisiveness which the Conservatives and others would like to continue since it will keep us out of the picture and success that much longer.

Re-union would eliminate duplicity and conflict and the time and energy saved can be put to better use expanding our great red tent. It must be possible since it seems to work for the Conservatives and from here-on we can not afford to waste time or resources; we just need to think of the best interests of the larger entity. Let’s get moving.

Regardless of what is decided this week-end you can expect to hear from me on what we need to do next. A major consideration for each of us must be; to get more people involved. If we are to plan appropriately for the future we must incorporate the ideas of the broadest possible swath of "would-be" Liberals - progressive thinking. Let's remember that basically Liberals are centrists believing in accommodating the most good for the most people as well as being realistic about our surroundings and especially the economy.

Reminder of ALP Convention, May 28 & 29; Calgary

2011-05-24T16:27:00.000-06:00

Looks like we can expect exciting things at ALP Liberal Renewal Convention Sat. & Sun., May 28 & 29 considering the latest musings on webon renewal and the w/e schedule. I look forward to exciting renewal of policy & friends & look forward to seeing you there too. You may register online @ Albertaliberal.com
Michael

Post-election and new cabinet announcement observations.

2011-05-19T13:33:00.000-06:00

Past couple weks been busy tieing lose-ends & resumed commitments as we awaited Mr. Harper’s new cabinet announcement. No surprise; it's larger & he followed with a camouflaged announcement adding defeated candidates to the Senate. So much for his previous concerns on size of gov and reform of Senate. We can kiss Senate reform goodbye. No wonder public continue cynical of gov. & politicians. I respectfully suggest, from hereon we need to watch as he looks for money for unnecessarily expensive jet-fighters & mega-prisons. Now that he has his majority we need to watch for possibility of increase in in human-rights and environmental abuses as they and the establishment race to increase their incomes during the extended opportunity for the next few years. Michael

Thank you to all for assistance in whatever way in the recent campaign

2011-05-17T13:35:00.001-06:00

In brief now that most aspects of the campaign are concluded I want to especially thank my campaign team and all that volunteered in whatever way to help put on a credible campaign as many including several Conservative friends even complemented us on. A special thanks to those that gave of their time and/or money to ensure we were able to do a successful campaign.

The following is a copy of the letter combined with the ‘Thank You’ card sent to my supporters; if I missed any please be assured it was not intentional and I hope to be in touch in the near future.

Letter:

Dear Campaign Managers, Campaign Team, Official Agent, Donors and all volunteers:

I would like to sincerely thank each of you for the time, effort, dedication and hard work you put into Campaign 2011. While we were not as successful as we would have wished, your dedication and hard work ensures that Liberal values and principles continue to live and thrive in this great country of ours. Most importantly, I would like to pay particular attention to you, managers and active volunteers. I appreciate all you have done. You are the people who took time from your careers, your family and your life and were the backbone of the campaign. Without you, the campaign and indeed our Party would not exist. Thank you for your dedication and putting up with, often cold pizza and sometimes going without to do the things needed in successful campaigns. Thank you for the long hours and hard work you invested in the campaign over the many days and weeks. Hopefully you’re having a well deserved rest before we start reviewing and restructuring.

To my Campaign Team especially; Tyler, Dustin, Greg, Kevin, Wayne, Alwyn and Agent, Jim Short - yours is the most thankless job of all. Each of you were superb and did what needed to be done with a cheery smile, patience, dedication and tact. Our Party is blessed to have benefited from all your talents and experience. I could not have done it without all of you.

I would like to single out a few people for special thanks, especially Tyler who generously offered to manage the campaign and spent every waking hour on it. Then there were Dustin, Greg and Kevin who held their full-time regular jobs and used lunch hours, other breaks, after-work hours and week-ends to get what needed doing done. Special thanks also to Wayne and Barry for getting the signs erected as well as Everett Tanis, Larry Sweder and Kesang Drawu as well as special thanks to those that accompanied me door-to-door – Bal, Herman, Helen, John and Kathy, Roger, Ron, Justin and our revered Senator, Joyce. A special thank you to those that contributed financially since we could not have purchased space, goods and services needed to put on a credible campaign without it. Also, thanks to those that wished us well as well as those that voted for me. I would be remiss if I did not thank Donna, Gavin and Marcie for helping with the pancake breakfast as well as Shaun Ward and especially Greg who took on the difficult and thankless job of collecting the money that most of us don’t like to do. Thanks all so much. If I have forgotten anyone please forgive me as it is not intentional. Please advise me of any omission and I will contact them. As soon as all lose ends are attended to you can expect to hear from us as we dig into reviewing ourselves, our situation, what we believe in as Liberals and what we want to do for the future. I look forward to your help in the needed review and I look forward our continued association and assistance in re-building the party.

Finally, on behalf of Liberals in Lethbridge and Nationally, I would like each of you to thank your spouses, significant others, children, parents and all of your loved ones who ever they may be for lending their support to me and to our cause. We; certainly I am, determined more than ever to ensure Liberalism survives. I look forward to and trust you will join us in the near future as we review and attempt to rebuild our party and to ensure it is in tune with people’s needs. Thanks again for your help to-date however large or small since every bit counts. From here, let’s move forward; onwards and upwards as we address issues and our future. If you need to contact, my phone number is 381-7635; I appreciate all input. You can follow me on the web at www.michaelcormican.com, email me at michaelcormican@telus.net or follow me on twitter at mcormican and facebook at Michael Cormican. Also, I’d appreciate any ideas on how to hold Mr. Hillyer to account. As I resume my former commitments I look forward to our continued association and help however much. Sincerely,

Michael Cormican, Liberal Candidate 2011; Lethbridge Riding

Why I'm Running

2011-04-29T11:10:00.003-06:00

People have asked me why I’m running to be Lethbridge’s next Member of Parliament. That’s a great question, especially given the uphill battle, and emotional and physical endurance test of a campaign.

I’m running because I am committed to faithfully and forcefully representing the people of Lethbridge. I’m running as a Liberal because I believe that social justice and and a free market compliment each other; we don’t have to choose between helping the disadvantaged or growing the economy. In fact, the Liberal plan does both.

I’m delighted that I have such a strong team of supporters who can help lead the fight for a better Lethbridge. I’m delighted that I have such a strong team of supporters who can help lead the fight for a better Lethbridge. Together, we can do great things!

I Will Earn Your Vote

2011-04-25T10:55:00.008-06:00

An unfortunate trend has been occurring: my supporters are hesitant to put a sign on their lawn.

At first I figured that their support might be a little soft, so then I’d have to work harder to earn their commitment.

“No, Michael, we’re behind you 200 percent,” they’d say, “We just don’t want a sign on our lawn.”

“Why not?” I’d ask?

“We put a sign on our lawn the last time you ran, and you wouldn’t believe what the neighbours would say to us!”

“What would they say?”

“Get that *blankety-blank* Liberal sign off your lawn! This is Conservative country, we don’t vote Liberal here! And I don’t want to see that *blankety-blank* sign every time I pull out of my driveway!”

Or, people put a sign on their lawn KNOWING that it will provoke a confrontation with neighbours who would use the same script of “This is Conservative country, don’t you dare vote for a Liberal!”

Yikes. I thought this was Canada, not North Korea.

At first I thought that this might just be a few people who live near come cranky Conservative supporters. But as the campaign has been progressing, I’ve been hearing more and more people who say that they’ve experience hostility from Conservatives. They’ve been personally insulted for wearing a Michael Cormican pin, or been flipped the bird from a car driving by.

And so I don’t push the issue with people. I obviously don’t put a sign where people don’t want one. I don’t want my campaign to intrude on the sanctuary that is their home. After all, they have to live in their neighbourhoods long after this campaign is finished.

This isn’t to say that I believe that there’s a widespread conspiracy on the part of the CPC to suppress our democratic freedoms, but I worry that a few Conservative supporters have an overinflated sense of entitlement when it comes to elections. For a vocal minority of Conservatives, voting for another party is tantamount to treason. Such an attitude poisons our democracy.

And we see this sense of entitlement in full bloom with Conservative candidate Jim Hillyer deciding that he won’t publicly defend the Conservative record or answer tough questions from his opponents. Clearly, he’s banking on southern Albertans to vote Conservative out of culture or habit, regardless of the platform or quality of the candidate, or even hearing from him. He’s obviously taking YOUR vote for granted.

But there is an alternative.

I am working hard to earn every vote. I try to answer every question I get asked. I am knocking on doors, visiting senior facilities, dropping by on businesses, talking to people on the street, chatting with students, and participating in public forums. I am listening to YOU.

I believe Lethbridge is a place where democracy flourishes, where people take an active role in the growth of their community, where the marketplace of ideas vibrates with energetic debate. I believe Lethbridge is a riding of new opportunities and fresh possibilities.

And I’m disappointed that the Conservative candidate doesn’t share my belief in what this riding can accomplish.

Consider the Facts when considering who to vote for

2011-04-24T14:15:00.001-06:00

Is it appropriate to throw away billions unnecessarily to corporations that so often benefits too few rather than helping the many struggling Canadians - students that have had to quit school because of debt for their education, young couples and seniors struggling to get by and the many Canadian workers and small independent businessmen that have no pensions. Canada's corporate rate is lowest of the G7 and 25% below that of the US. The experts and even the Gov. dept. tells us that this is not the best way to spur and drive the economy. I say it’s irresponsible to cut taxes for corporations at this time.

Then there's the unnecessary billions the Conservatives are intent on squandering on un-tendered fighter-jets and US-style mega prisons which approach to crime failed in the US and will fail in Canada too. Who was it that put us back in debt even before the recession took hold?

The Conservatives try to tell us they’re the best fiscal managers. Now after 5 and a half years of them running (or should I say ruining) our country, our debt is right back where it was in 1993, 570 billion when Liberals took-over from the Mulroney Conservatives. We took us out of debt then and we'll do it again. Check the facts! We need people with the ability to lead at home and abroad.

Response to question on Abortion from Mrs. Remus, April 2011

2011-04-24T14:04:00.005-06:00

Since others may have similar question on this issue I thought it best to publish my response on it to Mrs. Remus.

Dear Ms. Remus,

Thank you for your letter and a Blessed Easter to you.

One quick clarification, the Liberal Party of Canada does not support abortion, as you say, but supports a woman’s right to choose. In fact, there is a pro-life caucus within the party; members who have moral difficulties with abortion. There is vigorous debate within the LPC over this issue, but we all agree that abortion is always a tragedy, and we should be creating a social environment where women are not put in the position to make such a difficult choice. As we say, abortion should be “safe, legal, and rare.”

The other parties have a similar position. Conservative leader Stephen Harper has said that he isn’t interested in opening the abortion debate, and NDP leader, Jack Layton, while forcefully arguing that abortion is a womens health issue, nonetheless concedes to the moral problems the issue raises.

The Election Guide is thorough in its examination of the issues, not focusing on one particular item, and each party stands convicted if they had to be in agreement over every matter the bishops identify.

While abortion is often connected to the Liberals and the NDP, Catholics often fail to ask the Conservatives about issues such as poverty, affordable housing, and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, all of which are moral issues that the bishops identify as being important items for voters to consider.

But back to your original point, when Catholics are having abortions at the same rate as the rest of the population, I fear that the bishops are asking politicians to do what they cannot. All the issues the bishops identify in the guide and in other social documents, should be discussed and lived within the Catholic community before we ask other people to live according to our moral frameworks. Too often, we ask people to listen to what the church has to say without first receiving its Saviour. All our moral and ethical behaviour flows from our commitment to Christ and His Church.

On this most holy of days, the Resurrection of our Lord, I agree with the bishops, that God has been revealed to be the Lord of Life, and that life must be protected. As a committed Catholic I covet your prayers as I seek to live out Christ’s call of mercy and justice in our world, so that, as followers of the Risen Christ, we can proclaim His Kingdom of life and salvation in a broken and hurting world.

Thank you,

Michael

Your Priorities are My Priorities

2011-04-23T15:09:00.001-06:00

The CRTC and Net Neutrality

2011-04-23T14:18:00.005-06:00

The CRTC’s decision to support Usage-based Billing billing is unfortunate. It represents a fundamental misunderstanding of how commerce on the internet is transacted. This action is good news of the internet providers, but bad news for those trying to do business online as consumers will think twice about downloading a product if they worry it will cut too much into their data plan.

And I’m a BIG supporter of Net Neutrality. The power of the internet is that EVERYONE has a chance to participate, to find their niche, and build a business. The economy already favours large businesses, an attack on Net Neutrality is an attack on start-ups which offer the most innovative products and services found online. If we want to foster innovation and initiative, especially among our young people, the internet needs to stay neutral.

The Internet is today’s principal conduit for the free flow of ideas. To ensure it facilitates the uninhibited exchange that innovation requires, Canada’s Internet environment must remain open.

Internet traffic management must remain neutral, and maintain the open sharing of legitimate technologies, ideas and applications. A fair, effective wholesale regime is also essential to allow smaller Internet service providers to lease broadband infrastructure at fair prices.

To my Conservative Friends

2011-04-23T09:12:00.010-06:00

We need to talk. I know you have some hesitation about my candidacy, so I'd like to share with you a little bit about who I am, and what I'll do in Ottawa.

I have a proven track record of community leadership and sound fiscal management. I have taken principled stands on issues that are important to me and our community. I do not dodge the tough questions, but hit them head on. I do not fear the people I want to represent. I respect the voters and the democratic process too much not to be fully engaged in spirited debate. Our fathers and mothers fought and died so that we could have the freedom to choose our elected leaders. Our sons and daughters in uniform continue today in that heroic tradition. Failing to participate in the process diminishes their sacrifice.

I have lived in southern Alberta for almost 40 years. I am a proven leader, and have extensive executive management experience and community involvement. I have friends and colleagues from across the political spectrum. I have a history of bringing people together, not needlessly dividing them.

I can follow in the dedicated and trusted representation that Mr. Casson so ably provided for his terms in office. While our policies and perspectives differ, I know Mr. Casson to be a faithful public servant, who sacrificed much to give the Lethbridge riding the kind of representation it deserves and demands. He leaves big shoes to fill, and it is my hope that you will provide me with the same opportunity to speak for Lethbridge in parliament, continuing in his footsteps.

In Ottawa, I will work hard to earn your continued respect as I put the priorities of the Lethbridge riding first. I will ensure that the voice of southern Alberta is heard in parliament.

So, I ask that you trust me with your sacred vote, and to allow me to represent you and the interests of southern Alberta in Ottawa, as together, we make our community stronger and more prosperous.

On May 2nd I ask you to vote Michael Cormican for Lethbridge.

Thank you,

Michael

A Letter from Alberta Senator Tommy Banks

2011-04-19T12:03:00.001-06:00

There is only one thing about the outcome of the May 2nd election on which Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Harper agree.   It is that one of them will be the Prime Minister of Canada.   Mr. Layton, Mr. Duceppe and Ms. May are not in the running to form a government. They can't. It will be either Mr.
Ignatieff or Mr. Harper.

That is the choice, and it is a very clear - in fact, stark choice.
We will choose between openness or secrecy.
Between listening or refusing to listen.
Between someone who respects Parliament or someone who disdains it.
Between things we can and will do now or things that, (provided of course
that everything goes well), we might do in five or six years.
Between someone who answers all questions from Canadians, or someone who
won't accept any.

Between Mr. Harper who said "It's past time the feds scrapped the Canada
Health Act", or Mr. Ignatieff who said " . . . we don't want user fees.   We want
universal, accessible, free-at-the-point-of-service health care, paid out of
general revenue.   That's just bottom line. Otherwise we get two-tiered".

Between buying jets or helping vets.
Between real early childhood learning and care or Saturday-night
babysitting.
Between respect for our great institutions or contempt for them.
Between helping families or helping big corporations.
Between the Canada that we think we have, or the way in which Mr. Harper has
already changed it.

Over the past few years Mr. Harper's government has quietly engineered so
many changes that there are some ways in which our country is barely
recognizable.   Many of us don't yet realize the extent of those changes,
because many of them have been brought about very carefully and gradually -
almost imperceptibly in some cases.

This is diabolically clever.   If these things had all been done at once,
there would have been loud protests and reactions.    But moving just one
little brick at a time doesn't cause much fuss - until you realize that the
whole house has been renovated.   And we've hardly noticed.

These are changes that are at the very heart of who and what Canadians are.

They are changes to the protections that used to exist against the tyranny
of the majority - or against a single-minded my-way-or-the-highway autocrat.

These changes are losses to our very Canadian-ness.   Let me remind you of
some of them:

The Law Commission of Canada was created by an Act of Parliament in 1997.
It worked very well.   It kept an eye in a sort-of avuncular way, on necessary reforms of the law, including election law.   The Commission couldn't actually change law; but it was very good at letting governmentsand everybody else know when changes needed to be made and why.   It was our legal Jiminy Cricket, and it performed a valuable service for Canada.   The Commission was created by an Act of Parliament, and any government wanting to shut it down should have been up-front about it. It should have come to Parliament with a Bill to rescind The Law Commission
of Canada Act.

That's what any of our 21 previous Prime Ministers would have done.

But to Mr. Harper, Parliament is an inconvenience.   Somebody might ask "Why
are you doing this?"   But he didn't want to go through all that Parliamentary trouble; so, rather than proposing the abolition of the Commission (a proposal about which there would have been pretty fierce debate on all sides), they just eliminated all funding for it in the federal budget.   Governments can do that.
Poof - no Law Commission.

Nice and quiet.   Just one little brick.   Hardly noticed.

Then there was the Court Challenges Programme, set up in 1994, which was the
means by which a bit of legal help could be provided to a private individual
or small organization who didn't have a lot of money, and who was taking on,
or being taken on by, the Government of Canada.   It leveled the legal
playing field a bit.   It was a perfect example of fundamental Canadian
fairness.

By convincing a tough panel of judges of the reasonableness of your cause,
you could get a little help in paying for some lawyers to go up against the phalanx of legal beagles that could always, and forever, and at public expense, be brought to bear against you by the State.   In other words, if you weren't rich, and if you were taking on or being taken on by the Feds, you might have had a chance.
But Mr. Harper doesn't like being questioned, let alone challenged.   It's
so inconvenient!
Solution?   Quietly announce that the Court Challenges Programme is being,
er, discontinued.
Poof - no Court Challenges Programme - no court challenges.

Hardly noticed.

The Coordination of Access to Information Request System (CAIRS) was created
(by a Progressive-Conservative government) in 1989 so that departments of
government could harmonize their responses to access-to-information requests
that might need multi-departmental responses.   It was efficient; it made
sure that in most cases the left hand knew what the right hand was doing, or
at least what they were saying; and it helped to keep government open and
accountable.
Well, if you're running a closed-door government, that's not a good idea, is
it?
So, as a Treasury Board official explained to the Canadian Press, CAIRS was
killed by the Harper government because "extensive" consultations showed it
wasn't valued by government departments.   I guess that means that the
extensive consultations were all with government departments.

Wait! Wasn't there anybody else with whom to extensively consult?   Wasn't
there some other purpose and use for CAIRS?   Didn't it have something to do
with openness and accountability?   I guess not.   Robert Makichuk, speaking
for Mr. Harper's government, explained that "valuable resources currently
being used to maintain CAIRS would be better used in the collection and
analysis of improved statistical reporting".

Right. In other words, CAIRS was an inconvenience to the government.   So
poof - it's disappeared.   And, except for investigative reporters and other
people who might (horrors!) ask questions, its loss is hardly noticed.

And the bridge too far for me: Cutting the already-utterly-inadequate
funding for the exposure of Canadian art and artists in other countries.
That funding was, by any comparison, already laughably miniscule.   Mr.
Harper says that "ordinary" Canadians don't support the arts.   He's wrong.

And his is now the only government of any significant country in the world
that clearly just doesn't get it.

All these changes were done quietly, cleverly, and under the radar.
No fuss.   No outcry.   Just one little brick at a time.
But in these and other ways, our Canadian house is no longer the kind of
place it once was.
Nobody minds good renovations.   Nobody even minds tearing something down,
as long as we put up something better in its place. That's not what has
happened.

Mr. Harper fired the head of the Canadian Wheat Board because he was doing
his job properly.
He removed the head of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission because she
wanted to make sure that the Chalk River nuclear reactor was safe.

Hardly noticed.

There are many more things that were hardly noticed: Cuts to funding for
the Status of Women,  Adult Learning and Literacy, Environmental Programs, museums funding, and more.
All quietly, just one brick at a time.

Hardly noticed.

As to campaign promises, everybody in sight on every side is guilty of
breaking those.   Except the Federal NDP of course, who haven't yet had the
opportunity.   (It's very easy to make promises that you know you will not
likely have to keep).

But the government promised to end wait times in health care. They didn't.

They promised to end, once and for all, the whining of some provinces about
the non-existent "fiscal imbalance".   They didn't.

They said they had brought final resolution to the softwood lumber problem
with the U.S.   They haven't. They promised to create thousands of new
child-care spaces in Canada. They haven't.
They promised not to tax income trusts ("We will NEVER do that!" they said).
They taxed them.
They promised to lower your income tax.

They raised it.

They said they had a good "made-in-Canada" plan to meet our obligations on climate change.   They don't.   Mr. Harper has said plainly that whatever the Americans do is what we'll do too.

They campaign on a platform of transparency and accountability; but they're now trying to discredit the Parliamentary Budget Officer that they created, because he's trying to do the job that they gave him. Mr. Harper said that our form of government, evolved over centuries from the 900-year-old British Westminster tradition, was all wrong.   We had to have fixed election dates, because otherwise, democratic principles would be trampled. "Fixed election dates", he said, "stop leaders from trying to manipulate the calendar.   They level the playing field for all parties".

So Parliament (remember them?) at Mr. Harper's insistence, passed a law requiring fixed election dates, which Mr. Harper promptly broke.

Somebody once said that we get the kind of government we deserve.

What did we do to deserve Mr. Harper?

He once said that we should all "Stand Up for Canada".   Well, let's do
that.

We just have to decide whether the present version of Canada is the one that
we'll stand up for.   Or stand for.

Thank you

Tommy Banks (an Alberta Senator.)

List of Candidate Forums

2011-04-18T10:25:00.000-06:00

Candidate Forums  Attend the forums ~ Ask questions ~ show Michael your support

  April 18 - Monday
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Indecision 2011: Alternative Candidate's Forum & Dialogue
SU Ballroom, Student Union Building, University of Lethbridge
Informal roundtable discussion; Free BBQ at 6 pm

April 19 - Tuesday
7:00 to 9:00 pm
SACPA Election forum
Theatre Gallery, Lethbridge Public Library (810 - 5 Ave South, Lethbridge)

April 20 - Wednesday
12:00 to 1:30
All Candidate Meet & Greet
Room A, Lethbridge Senior Citizen Organization (500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge)
7:00 to 9:00
Picture Butte Chamber of Commerce Election Forum
Picture Butte Community Centre (607 Highway Ave, Picture Butte)

April 26 - Tuesday
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Election Forum
Yates Memorial Centre (1002 - 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge 1002 - 4 Avenue South)

April 27 - Wednesday
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Coaldale Chamber of Commerce Forum
Coaldale Community Centre (1217 - 20 Ave, Coaldale)

April 28 - Thursday
7:00 to 9:00
YWCA & Social Housing Forum
Galt Museum & Archives (502 - 1 Street South, Lethbridge)
Focus on social housing, national housing strategy, women’s issues, equality, poverty, childcare, violence.

Rest and Preparation

2011-04-18T10:20:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a day for reflection, rest and re-invigoration. I attended church in the morning, and spent the afternoon and evening preparing for a week of upcoming debates with assistance of key members of my team.

This morning I read in the Lethbridge Herald that Mr. Harper continues attempts to escalate his politics of fear to further his attempt to get the majority he wants, raising separation as an issue which has not been raised for years. It’s as if he’s written off Quebec by bringing up an issue that gets Canadians riled up, while solidifying Quebec’s separatist base for the Bloc. It looks like Harper’s becoming Gilles Duceppe’s best friend.

Seems to me Harper is desperately trying to find a wedge issue that might be advantageous to him to get that majority he says he wants. But what is good for Harper is not good for Canadians.

A new Liberal government will bring Canadians together, not create division. We will focus on what unites us, not what divides us.

Fabulous Friday!

2011-04-16T13:48:00.001-06:00

Was surprised this morning when Justin, a young man that helped me campaigning previously knocked on my door, offering to help again, because he believes that the riding is winnable. I do too!  

(More and more people are coming out of the woodwork to work on the campaign or donate money, help me get elected. Something exciting is happening in Lethbridge!)

In the afternoon I shot a TV ad, with help from Chris, Tyler, and Dustin. George Clooney I am not, but it was fun to do. And I look forward to getting my message out to more people.

Then I popped in at the university and met with some students and staff. Was really impressed with their ideas and energy! I reminded the young people of the importance of voting. After all, we’re voting for the future of our country!

One of my twitter friends recognized me at the U of L, which was wonderful. Was glad to put a face to the username. Had a stimulating catch-up on each others perspectives.   And from there we went on a very successful door-knocking session along 13th Street North resulting in a few people asking for signs. Always glad to put some signs up! Thanks Anja, for your help. You were a wonderful door-knocking partner!

Then we dropped in on the combined Lethbridge East and West AGMs of the Alberta Liberal Party, and heard a frank update from MLA Bridget Pastoor.

Before retiring for the evening I dropped by to wish friend Sue well following her hip surgery.

All in all, it was a fabulous Friday!

Thursday Was a Day of Learning! But What's With the Snow!?

2011-04-15T10:25:00.000-06:00

Thought snow was finished but had to shovel for ¾ hr. to get out at home, then got stuck at the office. Attended SACPA session by Dr. Michelle Hogue discussing ‘BARRIERS TO SUCCESS FOR ABORIGINAL STUDENTS in POST-SECONDARY (SCIENCE) EDUCATION’. Excellent talk.

Then had and interview by a young lady with respect to why I’m running for office and my beliefs. Attended open house on the proposed Anaerobic digestion facility at the Perry farm at Chin. Great to hear about such imaginative and in keeping with the cycle of nature advancements in the farming industry.

I finished-off the day attending the Community meeting on the issue of Fracking held at the Library. Everyone was asked to convey their concerns about and request a moratorium on the practice until we can all be assured as to its safety not only in the short but in the long-term.

From the Globe and Mail - Letter to the Editor

2011-04-14T09:52:00.001-06:00

Letter to editor Globe and Mail April 13, 2011.

Making it work

Twelve years ago I worked with Michael Ignatieff as an editor in a writing program at the Banff Centre for the Arts. In order to work that summer, I needed to bring my two children and a babysitter, unprecedented in the program. “Fine,” said Mr. Ignatieff , “we’ll make it work.” He proceeded to get the housing I needed. He instantly supported my assumption that even during these child-rearing years I should work to my maximum potential.

That same summer he facilitated disability rights activist Catherine Frazee’s participation in the program by backing her request that the entire Banff centre be made wheelchair accessible. It was a stimulating, very productive summer for all of us as we worked on writing, activism and intellectual exploration.

Mr. Ignatieff was not a politician in those days. Equal opportunity for all was simply something he assumed, believed in, acted on and lived. Imagine what he could do for this country.

Kim Echlin, Toronto

Update and retrospective

2011-04-14T01:49:00.000-06:00

Great day again. Visited Seniors’ Care Center in am and businesses in pm. Great hearing of advances in greening technologies in pm and discussing rollback of pay-roll taxes and pensions for small business. Positive response about Michael's performance in the Leaders' Debate.

Aboriginal friend tells me people on the reserve unhappy there will not be voting station there. I’ve passed-on the concern.

Another Good Day!

2011-04-13T09:13:00.000-06:00

I can't tell if this campaign is a marathon or a sprint! Five weeks is short, but the days are busy and long!

After scan of the papers started day at Tim's on Scenic. Generally positive response. Then met with Rod from Metis Association followed by visit to Alberta Rose Lodge.

Had lunch in Coaldale and visited lodge and Senior Center with friend, Dr. Jim. Was joined by friend Bruce from Calgary door-knocking on North Parkside Drive followed by supper and the Leaders Debate in English.

Michael certainly performed well and they all did a good job reminding Mr. Harper of his record, deception, and lack of responsibility but side-stepped the issues playing the "poor defenceless kid being picked-on by the others" role.

Then Bal joined Bruce and I campaigning on McMaster Blvd where we secured locations for larger signs.

The First Two Weeks

2011-04-11T10:19:00.000-06:00

It has been a busy couple weeks and it is clear our Team has led the way in unveiling our platform. Each day policy details were released and which are on the web for all to see; and, our platform is fully costed.

Our Team will help PEOPLE instead of giving more money to corporations whose tax-rates are lowest in the G7 and 25% below those in the US. We need have no concern about inability to compete in the marketplace.

The most difficult issue for me on the campaign trail is those who are so closed-minded that they walk-away and/or in their rant tell me “you’re all the same" or something like that.

Our team will put the money thus generated into health care, education and help Canadians to green-up by retrofitting their homes and all of which will help our economy.

It will “strengthen families – without raising your taxes – if we stop corporate giveaways, turn the page on wasteful spending like $30-billion fighter jets, and focus on what really matters: giving every Canadian the tools to succeed in the years ahead.”

I also see preservation of public healthcare as a huge priority. The following is what we call the ‘Liberal Family Pack’.

1. Learning Passport

The new Learning Passport will open the doors for every young Canadian who wants to go to college, university or trade-school, and will help every family struggling to save enough to pay for it:
$1,000 a year over four years for every high school student in Canada to use when they go to college or university, or $4,000 in total.

For students in low income families, the amount will be $1,500 a year, or $6,000 in total.

2. Early Childhood Learning

To give our kids the best start while giving parents access to affordable, quality child care, a Liberal government will create a new Early Childhood Learning and Care Fund. This fund will help create new affordable child care spaces across Canada.

3. Family Care

To help Canadians who care for elderly or seriously ill loved ones manage the financial pressures of caregiving, the Liberal Family Care Plan will offer:

A new Family Care Employment Insurance Benefit, similar to EI parental leave, to let caregivers take six months off work to care for gravely ill family members at home; and
A new Family Care Tax Benefit up to $1,350 annually, modeled on the Child Tax Benefit, to help low- and middle-income family caregivers manage costs

4. Stronger Public Pensions

To make sure every Canadian has a secure retirement, a Liberal government will:

Work with the provinces and territories to gradually expand the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), the most reliable, simple and low-cost way to save;
Put forward the Secure Retirement Option (SRO), a voluntary supplement to the CPP for any Canadian worker who wants it. Under the SRO, Canadians could save a tax-deductible percentage of their pay in a secure retirement fund backed by the CPP; and
Help low-income seniors with a $700-million boost to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

5. Green Renovation Tax Credit

To help Canadians save on energy costs while helping the environment, a Liberal government will implement a permanent Green Renovation Tax Credit of up to $13,500. This fund will help families with the up-front costs of energy-saving home renovations such as installing energy-efficient windows, improving insulation, replacing old appliances, and upgrading roofing

Of course, we have proposed many other policies too and I will provide those policies as soon as possible too and I trust people will contact me on any concerns they might have.

Honouring the Sacrifices Made for Our Democracy

2011-04-10T13:42:00.001-06:00

“You’re all just a bunch of crooks, the lot of ya!”

“Same shit, different pile, that’s what I think of you politicians, I don’t give a damn what party you’re with.”

“They should get rid of all of ya and start from scratch, you damned politicians are just in it for yourselves.”

I could go on but you get the idea.

While the overwhelming majority of people I meet are positive toward me and the election, I encounter too many people with these attitudes, attitudes which I find offensive.

It’s not the language that bothers me (I’m a big boy I’ve heard it all before), it’s the casual and careless dismissal of our democracy, a democracy which our fathers, mothers, and grandparents died to defend, that I find galling.

I find it especially troubling this weekend as we remember the Canadian dead whose blood is still in the ground of Nord-Pas-de-Calais from the Battle of Vimy Ridge. We must never forget the sacrifices that they and their families made so that we can live in a free and democratic country. Casting our ballots honours their sacrifice. Cavalierly insulting politicians dishonours our soldiers’ legacy.

I personally know politicians of all political persuasions, and most of them are hard-working, honourable public servants who genuinely want to see a stronger and more prosperous Canada. We simply disagree (often vigorously) on how to achieve that goal.

Yes, there are corrupt politicians only interested in personal gain. But they are a small minority of members of a profession that prizes service to the community. Many politicians make personal, professional, and financial sacrifices to serve. If they’re in it for a golden handshake, they’re going to be sorely disappointed. There are easier ways to get rich than by running for office.

So, to dismiss all politicians as lazy crooks is to tarnish those who work hard to represent their constituencies, and who serve the people according to their consciences. And makes it harder to find publicly-minded people to run for office and serve our communities in the future.

So, when a politician arrives at your door, you don’t have to agree with him or her, but you should respect the democratic process that they - and we all - are involved with.

Next: Encouraging our young people to participate in democracy.

McDonalds, Malls, and Hot Chocolate

2011-04-08T09:29:00.000-06:00

Herman came with me to people at McDonald's in am, followed by a walk through the Bay Mall which was relatively quiet, so we when to Park Place which was busier. Met LOTS of people.

At noon I went to SACPA to hear about how our retreating Glaciers affect climate. Fascinating stuff.

Cathy accompanied me as I went door-to-door along Scenic. The day ended at Cybele for much needed hot chocolate.

It's also obvious that people don't trust Mr. Harper to preserve our public health care system. That's been a theme that I've been hearing from Lethbridge voters.

On the Campaign Trail!

2011-04-05T15:31:00.001-06:00

Started early today and got the latest policy release focusing on veterans (Vets not jets!) before visiting with people at the northside McDonalds. First hour was a little slow but after 9 the pace picked up.

Talked with LOTS of people. Some challenged me on Liberal policy (I LOVE good questions!), others were very supportive, and some had yet to make up their minds. Great! That's what an election is all about!

Again by and large very gratifying and uplifting. Also, did a little door-to-door and got more sign locations. Really enjoying seeing more signs go up!

Tonight I hope to get to the Vox Musica concert. Rutter's Mass for the Children is a wonderfully moving piece. Plus I'd like to connect with some fellow music lovers in the community.

Hopefully my schedule permits. But right now my main priority is meeting YOU and hearing what you have to say!

A Long, Full, Day

2011-04-03T16:51:00.002-06:00

Got home after 11 last night. Spoke to Gloria a few minutes and then on to the computer. Then quick scan of the papers of the day but dozed and unable to pull myself off the chair. Bed @ 2 or after.

However, had good day. First on Friday, visited Tim's on 43rd on own. Ran into some outspoken oil patch workers who forgot their manners at home.

However, better in pm where attended a fundraising dinner for Cancer at the Eagles Hall. The company and feedback was reassuring and the stake was bang-on. Hats off to the cooks and the Eagles org. for the great work they do. Also did some door-knocking along 13th St. South. A couple families asked for some lawn signs.

Yesterday also better - some coffee shop visiting at Scenic Drive Tim's. More and more people responding to the Liberal message. One patron at Tim's quickly noted the recent CBC poll which shows that answering yes to the questions posed suggests you are Liberal. Some readily disclose which way they're voting while some prefer to keep it private.

Attended a ham supper fundraiser at First United Church and renewed some friendships and made some new ones. The ham was tasty and tender. My compliments to the cooks. Keep-up the great work. That's the kind of stuff that generates community and goodwill which is what life's all about.

Then thanks to Tyler I topped off the day and really enjoyed a steel drum concert at the U of L.

Feedback continues heart-warming and uplifting.

Kickoff Speech

2011-04-03T15:57:00.002-06:00

Welcome Friends, Bonjour, Oki,

We are here today because we are concerned about the direction in which our great country is headed.

With contempt of parliament, fake lakes, and out-of-control deficits; we KNOW that Canada TRULY deserves better.

It’s time to return to caring, compassionate government, a government that puts the priorities of YOU and YOUR families first.

So, on May 2nd elect a government that chooses

PENSIONS not prisons
that chooses CHILD CARE not corporate give-away’s
that chooses an EDUCATED WORKFORCE not overpriced fighter jets.

Our plan IMPROVES peoples’ lives. Our plan puts our country back on track.

And I need your help. Because together, we will PUT PEOPLE FIRST, again.

I have been a community leader for over 30 years in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta, and I KNOW the issues of this riding, and I KNOW what needs to be done to make us stronger and more prosperous.

I have spent years working to increase access to opportunities for every Canadian.
I have secured housing for over 60 families.
I have built partnerships with our Aboriginal friends
I have provided programs for people with special needs. 

In my work as a health care practitioner and as a manager in Alberta health services, I have seen up close the devastating effects of a starved health care system. As chair of Friends of Medicare, I have defended our public health care system against those who would privatize it.

My fight doesn’t stop there.

I am committed to water conservation, and I am committed to opening economic doors so people from all walks of life can live with dignity and participate in the opportunities this great riding has to offer. 

Lethbridge includes the second largest senior population in Canada and we need to protect them. Our Family Care Plan provides REAL support for struggling seniors.

We are going to work hard.
We are determined.

With YOUR help, I WILL EARN the opportunity to serve the people of this great riding.

Together we will make history …
Together we will bring change …
Together we will create a stronger Lethbridge.
TOGETHER WE WILL WIN!

Thank You and Merci Beaucoup, Gaedmatsen

Pics From the Kickoff

2011-04-03T08:07:00.000-06:00

Michael meeting an enthusiastic supporter

Michael shaking hands with old friends.

Michael raising the roof with a rousing speech!

Michael rallying the troops!

Conservative G8 Legacy Fund had no controls, documents reveal Liberals launch G8/G20 “Wish you were here – you already paid for it!” postcard campaign

2011-03-31T10:39:00.000-06:00

Days after announcing a Liberal government’s plan to cut Conservative waste and stop corporate giveaways, Liberal candidate David McGuinty revealed new evidence today that there were no controls over the $50-million G8 Legacy Fund or any requirement that the projects actually relate to the summit.

“This confirms what we have been saying all along: Industry Minister Tony Clement used the G8 Legacy Fund as his own personal slush fund to pepper his riding with $50 million in taxpayer-funded vanity projects,” said Mr. McGuinty, Liberal candidate for Ottawa South.

The information was obtained through a House of Commons Order Paper response that was quietly tabled by the Conservatives just 70 minutes before their government was defeated for being in contempt of Parliament – likely in the hopes that no one would notice, said Mr. McGuinty.

The documents show that the $50-million fund was doled out to Mr. Clement’s hand-picked projects with no requirement for municipalities to report which companies received the funding, and no requirement for the projects to be connected in any way to the G8.

The documents also reveal the Conservatives wasted no expense requiring an Economic Action Plan sign be erected in front of each of the 32 projects, and they budgeted an additional federal contribution of $1,000 per sign.

“What’s clear now is that the G8 was used as a flimsy excuse to spray $50 million in public money across Tony Clement’s riding, with no controls and no connection to the G8 whatsoever,” said Mr. McGuinty. “We’ve already established that most of the projects had absolutely nothing to do with the G8, were located miles away from the summit site, and many were not completed until well after the summit was over – and now we know why.”

To commemorate the wasteful excesses of the G8, the Liberal Party launched a G8/G20 “Wish you were here – you already paid for it!” postcard campaign. The postcards, featuring marquee examples of G8/G20 waste, are signed “Love, Stephen & Tony.”

“These pork-barrel vanity projects are etched in the public consciousness as iconic symbols of Conservative waste,” said Mr. McGuinty. “A total of $50 million spent by Tony Clement to buy votes could have bought 50,000 annual Learning Passport grants for young Canadians.”

The postcards feature a landlocked wooden lighthouse that doesn’t light up, public toilets over 30 kilometres from the summit, a sidewalk 81 kilometres from the site, a $380,000 antique steamboat and the world-famous,$2-million fake lake pavilion.

“The Conservatives wasted no expense using GPS to track the $1,000 EAP signs that went in front of these projects, but didn’t bother tracking how $50 million of taxpayer funds were spent,” said Mr. McGuinty.

Michael Ignatieff on Family Care

2011-03-30T09:08:00.000-06:00

Harper Budget Offers Crumbs for Families

2011-03-28T07:10:00.002-06:00

* The Conservatives are offering crumbs for seniors, family care and learning and making the wrong economic choices by spending billions on corporate tax breaks, mega-prisons and stealth fighters.

* Seniors: The Conservatives spent more on the G20 in a single day than this budget has for seniors in an entire year. They are giving 20 times more to Canada’s richest corporations than to the poorest seniors.

* Learning: The Conservatives are spending 1,000 times more on fighter jets than post-secondary students.

* Family care: They spent three times as much on self-promoting advertising than this budget has for family care next year.

* Public safety: The Conservatives are spending 1,000 times more on mega-prisons than youth crime prevention.

* Conservative budget numbers don’t add up and can’t be trusted. The Harper regime ran up a record $56-billion deficit and has shown contempt for Parliament and Canadians by hiding the true costs of their $6-billion corporate tax cuts, $13-billion mega-prisons and $30-billion stealth fighters.

Small Business

* The Conservatives are borrowing $6 billion – and adding to Canada’s record debt – to pay for more corporate tax breaks for the top 5% most wealthy businesses in Canada – these extra tax breaks do not help small business.

* In January, the Conservatives raised job-killing payroll taxes for all Canadian businesses when they increased EI premiums.

Jobs

* There are more than 100,000 fewer full-time jobs in Canada today compared to the fall of 2008.

* All of the net new work created since then is part-time, a fact the Conservatives conveniently left out of their budget.

* Youth unemployment is nearly twice the national average.

Low-income Canadians

* The Conservatives deliberately excluded low-income Canadians from qualifying for measures under this budget – like the Family Caregiver Tax Credit and the Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit – by making the tax credits non-refundable. Non-refundable tax credits only help Canadians who earned enough income that year to pay income taxes. But low-income Canadians get left in the cold.

* Under the Conservative plan, a volunteer firefighter with a dependent who earns $20,000 a year would get no money from the Conservatives’ tax credit. The Liberal proposal is for a refundable tax credit.

* The Conservatives deliberately excluded the poorest caregivers, with a paltry $300 from a non-refundable tax credit that isn’t even available to low-income Canadians. A Canadian taxpayer earning $20,000 with a dependent wouldn’t qualify for any help as a caregiver. Compare this to the Liberal Family Care Plan that would offer up to $1,350 for low- and middle-income Canadians, and help Canadians take time off work with a Family Care EI benefit.

Seniors

* Under the Conservatives, a senior who earns $170 per month (outside of Old Age Security) is considered to be so rich that the new $50-a-month GIS supplement will be clawed back. And if they have a pension of $366 a month, they’re too wealthy to receive even a penny of the GIS increase.

* By choosing not to cut corporate taxes, the Liberal Party will be able to do more for seniors than this budget does.

Child care and affordable housing

* The budget has no plan for child care or affordable housing.

Health care

* We are on the eve of important negotiations with the provinces on health care. In 2004, the previous Liberal government invested $41 billion in health care. But that funding is set to run out in 2014, and must be renegotiated. This budget has no credible plan to deal with long-term health care costs and to improve care quality – and instead spends $30 billion on stealth fighters and $13 billion on mega-prisons.

Hidden costs

* This Conservative regime still refuses to provide Canadians with detailed information on the cost of their prison bills and their untendered stealth fighter jet deal. This completely undermines the credibility of the entire budget. They expect MPs to vote on this budget without knowing how much these things will cost.

* The Parliamentary Budget Officer has already said the costs of the jets is double what the Conservatives say. And both the PBO and the IMF have shown that the Conservatives’ promise to balance the books simply isn’t credible. In fact, they are on track to adding $200 billion in new debt over the next five years.

Great Day Yesterday!

2011-03-25T07:38:00.000-06:00

Fracking Conference @ UofL was great. Attendance over 300. Had the honour of attending naming ceremony for the Speaker, Josh Fox, Oscar winner after. Was great; speaker super. He won an Oscar for documentary on Gasland, pollution of water and air and methane gas.

In pm attended a presentation at the UofL by Nizar, Peace and Development, Edmonton on "The Complexities of the Middle-East". He was super; great grasp of it, really helps one understand.

I and Church and Social Justice minded organizations meet him tomorrow for lunch. I just wish more could have heard him. It is great to have organizations and people actively working for a better world and it demonstrates true ecumenism in action since Nizar is a Muslim working for a Christian Organization. He made it all feel alive and understandable.

Looking forward to another great day today!

Water Wars, Fracking in the Oil patch and a "townhall" with Scott BrisonMP, Nova Scotia.

2011-03-23T23:59:00.001-06:00

This evening viewed documentry, 'Water Wars' @ Lethbridge College. It chronicles some History and major water wars of recent years in Central America and elsewhere. I wish everyone could see it. It says to expect big water issues by 2025 and desalenization is not the answer. Push for privatization everywhere and Bolivians forcd government to legislate back the right of people to hold demonstrations and the people power forced Bechtel out of country. It all demonstrates the power and greed of the coporations and others from high places. Some may be surprised at some of the key figure involved in the purchase of land and water rights in Central America. Maude Barlow of the Council of Canadians and international leader in the water movement is to be admired for dedicating her life in the service and rights of others. May you live long and healthy andhopefully many will follow in your footsteps.

Tomorrow I'll be attending a conference at the U of L on the contrversial issue of Fracking. Also, earlier in the evening I sat-in on a "townhall" meeting by phone with Scott Brison who very ably,honestly and intelligently answered several questions raised throughout the call by listeners across the country.

(Unfortunately, time did not get to a couple questions I intended asking on the debts being chalked-up by student physicins studying outside Canada e.g. our daughter who wll owe a huge debt as she graduates this Fall. The other question I was ready with was a Liberal Government's intentions for dealing with lengthened sentences as a result of Mr. Harper changing legislation lengthening time served and thereby creating need for more pprison space. I wonder when will we encourage "alternative sentencing and an emphasis on rehabilitation?)

Michael

Contempt report undermines credibility of budget – and entire government

2011-03-21T21:02:00.002-06:00

March 21, 2011

OTTAWA – A report tabled in the House of Commons today that recommends the Harper regime be found in contempt of Parliament undermines the credibility of tomorrow’s budget, Liberal MPs said today.

“This contempt report – a first in the history of Canada and the Commonwealth – is the result of the Harper regime’s abuse of power,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff.

“How can we believe tomorrow’s budget has any credibility?” said Mr. Ignatieff. “The Harper regime continues to hide the costs of new mega-prisons, stealth fighter jets and corporate tax cuts – because they know their numbers don’t add up.

“Stephen Harper thinks he’s above the rules. Today’s contempt report shows that parliamentarians won’t let him get away with it,” he said.

In the House of Commons today, a report from the Procedure and House Affairs Committee was tabled concluding that the government is in contempt over its refusal to fully disclose the costs of its prison legislation, corporate tax cuts and untendered F-35 deal.

“The Parliamentary Budget Officer has already found that the F-35s will cost nearly $30 billion, not the $16 billion claimed by the government, and that just one prison bill will cost $10 billion or more,” said Liberal Finance Critic Scott Brison. “Yet the Conservatives refuse to release the full costs of their spending plans."

“Hiding their budget numbers is only part of the story,” concluded Mr. Ignatieff. “With two RCMP investigations, charges of breaking election laws, four Access to Information investigations, a $500,000 gag order on the former Integrity Commissioner, and a Minister falsifying documents and misleading Parliament, this is a pattern of abuse of power, attacks on democracy, and contempt for Parliament and the Canadian people.”

Michael Ignatieff on the National Debt

2011-03-21T20:57:00.000-06:00

By the numbers: Canada's national debt

Today, Canada's national debt will peak at $562.8 billion. In just five years - and after previous Liberal governments spent years wiping out our debt - Stephen Harper's government has returned Canada to its all-time-high 1996-97 debtload level.

Here is a look at Canada's debtload over the years:

'Politics and Pints' session at "The Stone" on Sunday evening.

2011-03-21T11:16:00.005-06:00

Kudos to Lethbridge East on the very successful 'Politics and Pints' session last evening at the stone. Great questions and issues raised and it was even better to welcome new people interested in such discussion. Thanks all.
Michael

Michael Ignatieff

2011-03-20T17:48:00.001-06:00

Wonderful introduction to the next Prime Minister of Canada.

The TV ads you've been waiting for

2011-03-16T13:43:00.002-06:00

Stephen Harper has attacked our democratic institutions and lost touch with the priorities of middle-class families. Sharing short link: http://lpc.ca/ads. Pass on.

THE TENTATIVENESS, FRAGILITY and IMPORTANCE OF DEMOCRACY

2011-03-16T10:35:00.003-06:00

(Copy of speech given this morning to fellow-Toastmasters)

Democracy is too valuable to be taken for granted. Wherever this form of government is, it was hard won and paraphrasing Winston Churchill ‘despite its deficiencies it seems the best form of government we’ve come-up with to-date’.

However, though most of us may think we’re more educated and civilized given recent unanticipated developments even disclosures of the past week in Ottawa we should be extra vigilant.

I’m referring of course to the rulings last week by the speaker of our House of Commons which if we think about them, must generate some concern that our rights and conventions are as some of us keep saying are being abused, over-ridden and ignored.

Today more than ever before in history, politicians and governments need to pay attention to and respect democracy or eventually they and subsequently we all will pay the price of their folly. And, as you’ve likely heard some say, “our actions come back to haunt us” and as some also say “what goes around comes around”.

All ‘The good Books’ proscribe and encourage us to respect each other. In fact; the purpose of the 10 commandments or the “Golden Rule” as some use is to help us regulate, guide and help us to live in harmony and respect with each other.

And, we expect those in authority especially politicians to adhere to the spirit of these codes in place to help order society. But often they don’t abide by them and we wonder why not since it seems common sense to minimize difficulties likely to arise down the road.

Of course, one reason is that they have totally lost touch with their constituents; otherwise how can they justify and allow the blatant abuse and inequities to occur, even continue.

Despite religion and increasingly educated populations common sense seems to be forgotten. Even if only from a common-sense perspective and a knowledge of ‘civics’ and psychology to reinforce the need for progressive adjustment to ever changing circumstances it must be recognized that we need some laws and regulations to help maintain some order and stability in society.

Usually, as everyone gets more educated and wiser they’re not as readily fooled nor are they prepared to accept being treated like children or second-class citizens. As has been said; “you can fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all the time”.

Sure; laws can feel harsh and cold. But because of individuals’ tendencies to forget over time due to getting caught-up in living and our inclinations and want to control and get our way, we need help or reminders which may be better taken if couched less harshly. As some come to realize “we catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”.

For some it is more palatable or accepting when regulations and laws are presented as guidance rather than cold proscriptions which can also stimulate the reverse to the intended effect.

Human inclinations and forgetfulness can lead us to become insensitive to others so we must have some laws and reminders to help us and assure the public good. However, we also need examples since most of us unconsciously model others, but we need good mentors with high expectations since “what we expect and verbalize is what we will get”.

Somehow, despite history showing numerous examples of follies and though many more are more-educated nowadays such wisdom eludes many leaders as evidenced by recent happenings especially in the Middle-East. And, "lest we forget";

Though wars from time immemorial show folly of all sorts and some say our worst folly occurred in Germany in the years leading up to WW 2 we do not appear to learn and we forget. Good-living, law and order abiding people got duped into accepting and allowing de-regulation that resulted in unconscionable atrocities. Some see analogies to what happened in Germany in the ‘30s in our own political situation when in a few years people were stripped of their rights and didn’t appear to recognize it.

As I speak, Mr. Gadaffi is viciously annihilating his own people. Is the only recourse and hope that their Arab neighbors will step-in and put a stop to such wanton annihilation and destruction; or should we be doing more, even intervening?

How can such people claim to believe in God but I, and I suspect you question that how then they justify and do what they’re doing. Despite progress and learning is bad inevitable. Hopefully their neighbors will intervene and not allow them to bully defenseless people with sheer force and tyranny so they can continue to have their way.

On the other hand some tell us that we don’t even need to consider such long past or further-away happenings reminding us that what happened in Germany is happening right here in our own country.

Consequently not only and especially politicians and those in authority but all need to be alert or we too can unwittingly allow to happen what we don’t want and quickly we could be the next similar to Egypt, Tunisia, Iran, Bahrain, Sudan and now Libya.

We need to speak-up to ensure those behaving contrary to our expectations know such is not acceptable. We even need to be prepared to turf them.

We need to cherish and safeguard democracy and we need people of integrity and proven record that work for its continuation. I trust your good judgement; that we will make the right decision and when the next opportunity arises we will pick such custodians. Long live democracy! Michael

Upcoming Workshop at U of L on Fracking

2011-03-15T23:19:00.001-06:00

A one-day conference on natural gas fracking on Thursday, March 24, 2011. Keynote speech will be delivered by Josh Fox, Oscar-nominated director of “Gasland”. Other speakers too. Keep tuned.
Michael

Accounting of day's activities

2011-03-15T23:01:00.003-06:00

Volunteering at Nordbridge Seniors in am followed by news, email and working on speech for Toastmasters in am. Attended SACPA on Campus Student Speaker Challenge Final session at the University on ‘What is Social Justice and how can it be achieved?' Both speeches of extremely high quality and assuring as to how our young people are thinking. Thanks to the speakers, Thomas Fox and Channing Stenhouse for such interesting and engaging speeches. Keep up the great work and here's wishing you the best.

Latest news - Gov. action on health Care another affront to democracy

2011-03-14T15:07:00.003-06:00

Latest news, the Harper government has given the unelected Senate the mandate to conduct a second mandatory review of the 2004 Health Accord. A previous review was conducted by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health in 2008. As noted by the Canadian Health Care Coalition “the move bypasses the House of Commons, where the Harper government is in a minority, to a Senate committee where the Conservatives are now in a majority”. This is another of anti-democratic actions by the Harper government.

As noted by CHCC, “hearings started today in the Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Social Affairs. Already, organizations that support a strong leadership role of the federal government in health care, including the Canadian Health Coalition, have been told they will not be allowed to appear and give testimony. “The message for Canadians is clear: The Harper government not only holds Parliament in contempt, it also seems to view Canadians who strongly support public health care with contempt as well.” Is this the kind of government you want? Please ensure you let your MP know your feelings on it.
Michael

Update and election preparations

2011-03-13T23:40:00.003-06:00

The past few days have certainly eventful not only in Canada but elsewhere. In fact, the destruction caused by the tsunami that hit Japan is downright scary. Really makes one thing how lucky we are and yet how tentative things can be. Then there was the unexpected political fall-out in Ottawa as well as surprise announcements by some Conservatives including a couple of government ministers of their intention not to run in the anticipated election. It is difficult not to wonder what may be
causing such resignations. It was a week I suspect Mr. Harper and the Conservatives would prefer not to have experienced. The rulings handed down certainly lent credibility to the Liberals that have been working diligently working and trying to help get the government accountable. It was a big slap in the face to a government that got to power using accountability as one of their key planks. Who could believe things could change so fast, however; as the saying goes, "the show must go on".

Also, with vacation over and the media projecting strong indications of a likely Spring Election to be precipitated by the upcoming budget you can imagine I felt the need to start preparation s for same. I have already got somethings in place including an office and yesterday we had our first meeting. I shared plans with those attending and received valuable feedback and we finished off the day with a BBQ and refreshments. Unfortunately not all were able to attend the BBQ. I thank everyone for attending and sharing. Watch for announcement of the next meeting and bring your friends as we still need more volunteers. Today I had my first indepth lesson from my friend Kevin to help me get familiar and using Twitter. If you have any issues or suggestions please contact me by email or phone me at (403) 381-7635.
Michael

Recent and Pre-election update and planning meeting

2011-03-11T22:19:00.002-07:00

As many are aware from news casts of recent weeks it is getting closer to an election call despite Mr. Harper’s denials of any orchestration. Along with same in other ways desirable to any party or politician “the Gods” seemed to favor him with increased preference in the polls. Everything suggested the stage was being set for election, the likely trigger expected to be a vote of non-confidence over the budget. However, almost like the weather that can quickly change suddenly results of some unfinished business needing conclusion were announced much to Mr. Harper’s and the Government’s chagrin that some suggest now may cause attempts to defer election to avoid accounting. Unfortunately, though hopefully money will not save them the governing Conservatives by their own admission and broadly-known have plenty of cash to help counter backlash as they have already been spending liberally financing dirty adds calling down the opposition especially their biggest contender Michael Ignatieff and the Liberals. Who would believe things could change so quickly. Take your pick, the issues are as follows:

30B fighter jet boondoggle

Bev Oda’s Dishonesty

In and Out Fraud

The ‘Harper Government’ Edict

(Jason Kenny’s) “Very Ethnic” funding request letter

Christine Ouimet’s gag order and severance pay-out; all issues that thumb their nose at democracy and Canadians. Though the government and Mr. Harper attempt to minimize the issues and rulings, speaker of the House of Commons, Mr. Millicken ruled the government in contempt on several issues and noted it as less than honest in costing for the purchase and servicing for the much touted F35 fighter planes. Apparently the cost is almost twice as expensive as they have attempted to lead the Canadian public to believe.

As the saying goes, “eventually the chickens come home to roost”. Despite Mr. Harper’s and his party’s money and expensive attack adds hopefully Canadians will see through them and their misinformation and realize who is the one really looking after the interests of average Canadians.
Who said – “eventually our misdeeds catch-up with us” was right and right will win-out once again!
Also, whoever said “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” or “pride comes before a fall”, were also and still are obviously correct.

It is hard to keep a good person down and eventually the cream rises to the top. Small wonder people do not want dictatorship! However and regardless it behooves us and we need to be ready for a campaign so Liberal supporters and friends are invited to meet and start the planning necessary to win.

Elect Michael Cormican Campaign Pre-election Planning Meeting

Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 2pm

Location: 1273 – 3rd Ave. South

Bring your friends and ideas

Agenda

1. Outline of planning to-date
2. Announcement of office, Team etc.
3. Review of platform, schedules and fundraising
4. Sign-up for committees
5. Qs and As etc.

Come, catch-up, meet friends and have fun! Refreshments provided.

BBQ to follow. Enquiries to (403) 381-7635 or email michaelcormican@telus.net

Michael Cormican, Nominated Liberal Candidate

Liberal vs. Conservative priorities for voter consideration

2011-02-09T23:50:00.005-07:00

Liberals focus on contrasting their priorities of pensions, learning, health and family care with the Harper Conservatives’ misguided priorities of spending billions of tax dollars on untendered fighter jets and tax cuts for the largest corporations.
Considerations
• After five years of Stephen Harper, Canadians are worse off.
• Harper’s real priorities are fighter jets, U.S.-style mega-prisons and more tax cuts for the largest corporations.
• Canada has become less equal. The rich are getting richer. The middle-class Canadian family's income is stagnating. The pressures on families are increasing. The elastic is stretched real tight.
• Liberals will make different choices and defend the priorities of Canadian families.
• We will cancel the $16 billion fighter jet deal and save billions by replacing the CF-18s in an open competition.
• We will cancel Harper’s corporate tax break and freeze tax rates at 2010 levels. Canada’s corporate tax rates are already among the lowest in the G7 and 25% below the U.S.
• While Stephen Harper runs a secretive, controlling, one-man show, Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal team have been listening to Canadians about their concerns and their priorities.
• Liberals will reinvest the savings in reducing the deficit and the priorities of middle-class Canadian families: pensions, learning, health and family care.
• There are the real issues affecting working families. These are the priorities that the Liberal Party will fight for.

Brief update on activities and issues especially with respect to my concerns about facing for oil and gas

2011-02-02T17:58:00.009-07:00

Of recent issues arising the most urgent has got to be fracing for oil and gas. To learn more I've attended a couple of community awareness sessions, read-up on it and have come to the conclusion that everyone should be doing the same and asking questions because of the apparent possible ramification. Consequently, I've written a letter to the Herald on my concerns which also reflects those of many people including especially some of our Aborignal people who will be more directly affected. The letter is as follows:

Concerns about ‘Fracing for Oil and Gas’; is our health and survival at risk?

Last fall I heard of the Blood Reserve and Murphy Oil agreement that would allow the company to use the relatively new technology called hydrolic fracing. My curiosity was raised; I wanted to know what it meant. Fracing uses high pressure injections of water, sand and a variety of chemicals to break up geology formations holding oil and natural gas. The fractured rock yields much greater quantities of natural gas or oil. Large quantities of water and sand are need for this process. Some of the chemicals and the amount of water used concern me. I’m concerned for the outcome, everyone and want the best for all especially our Aboriginal people.

Then I heard of the documentary 'Gasland' and attended encore showing at Lethbridge College which afforded me opportunity to link-up with band members and other friends that were equally concerned. Since hearing of the deal they have been seeking information and answers to very legitimate concerns. The deal may result in several hundred wells. To date, there have been too few answers provided to some very critical and basic questions i.e. will it affect our health and that of animals, vegetation, water and food; have impact studies and risk assessments been done; what are potential risks; what if any precautions need to be taken; where will water used and waste contaminants be stored; what are the long-term consequences etc?

Everyone should be asking similar questions, in addition to becoming more informed on the issue, the procedure and the short and long-term effects, of which too little is known. A recent issue of Oilweek magazine describes it and ‘Gasland' outlines huge concerns across the US from New York State to Arizona about fracing. A moratorium has been called in New York and Quebec and most recently Pensylvania has requested one. Should we be concerned? I strongly urge you to watch 'Gasland'. It can be found by googling 'Gasland' on the web or the public library may have it. Ask the questions. Pass your concerns to City Council and the Alberta Government. Medicine Hat which is down-river and depends on the Oldman River for water supply... they should be taking the same actions. This is not isolated. Our health, lives and even survival may be at stake. Be concerned. I am.

Michael Cormican

Report on Liberal Winter Caucus, Ottawa; January 26, 2011

2011-01-27T10:50:00.003-07:00

I just returned from our Federal Liberal Winter Caucus held in Ottawa, January 24th and 25th. What an up-beat and exciting event! It is awesome meeting and discussing such important issues for our well-being with such incredibly dedicated and positive people from across the country.

The schedule and themes were as follows:
Day 1. After kick-off by the three Campaign Co-chairs we got underway with a session the Importance of Compliance with the Canada Elections Act. These were followed by sessions on the Riding Services Package and Communications as well as an address from our Leader, Mchael Ignatieff. He also fielded questions. Fundraising, membership and the importance of Liberalist was emphasized.

Day 2. LPC Report, Election Readiness, Polling and Strategic Messaging occupied the morning and in the afternoon we had a rousing Economic Update led by Ralph Goodale, Scott Brison, Alexandra Mendes and Marc Garneau. Highlight of the day was a swinging address by Michael Ignatieff to much applause and several standing ovations. Emphasizing that we are ready he summarized the policies developed as result of our many consultations with Canadians over the past couple of years and which will assist in helping us move forward as well as regain Canadians’ trust as well as our respect in the world. We also visited the Liberal office and the Leader’s Office and concluded the day with a fundraiser at the ‘National Arts Center’ where we met dynamic young people anxious to do battle. For further details call me or join me for a coffee at the Food Court, Parkplace Mall from 4 to 5pm today, Thursday, January 27. Hopefully see you later.
Michael

Winding-up again

2011-01-26T23:08:00.002-07:00

With the Christmas and New Year break over and everyone getting into a normal routine again so too with us. I started meeting with Community Leaders again and on January 21 attended the Picture Butte Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner at which among others our Riding President, Everett Tanis was honored as citizen of the year. As noted there he certainly deserves it. Many thanks for your dedication and many years bettering the community. We wish everyone would emulate such great people and we wish you many more years of success. Michael

Update on 2010 activity and best wishes of the season

2010-12-29T13:38:00.002-07:00

Hi Friends:
It’s been another busy year for me personally, work and family-wise. Those that know I’m retired will likely question why I used the word “work”, however; like me you’ve probably heard many retired folk say how busy they are, even wonder how they fitted in all they did while working. Well; so too with me; sometimes I feel super busy and political responsibilities add to it. Part of my business is that I continue on many committees and activities some of which really keep me very busy, but I enjoy being able to be of help to others; it gives a sense of purpose and keeps me in touch and alert. Sometimes it is difficult to balance everything with all the demands of life. Some will understand too that with grandchildren in the picture and in my case political responsibilities as well, it can add-up to a hectic schedule as can be seen from the family update.

As chair of Friends of Medicare a lot of my time was consumed organizing rallies and speakers and I even spoke to many groups myself in our thrust to increase public awareness and to ensure the Alberta government in its cutting and reshaping of public health care didn’t destroy it. As you might have heard the Medicare agreement between the Provinces and the Federal government is coming up for review again in 2014 and it looked like the Alberta Government was determined to push the envelope as far as possible in the privatization process by cutting and reshaping which as history proves decimates the public service and demoralizes staff. In August due to being nominated I stepped down as chair locally though continue as Provincial chair. The fight in support of Medicare continues and as I have often said, we will always need to fight for it since entrepreneurs see health care as a potential goldmine, a guaranteed income generator.

On the political side, though it turned out not to be an election year; it became more hectic for me in August when I was nominated to be the Liberal Candidate for the Lethbridge Riding. Also, though there are not much signs of an election the possibility is always there that one can be triggered suddenly; so like the good scout one needs be prepared. Also, as I have often said, “one can not expect to win if campaigning is only done during the actual writ-period”. Common-sense suggests that the longer a person campaigns the more likely the possibility of winning and, though I have been active I’ll be increasing intensity in the New Year.

One reason I didn’t get into assertive campaigning following nomination was that this year was a municipal election year and as any experienced campaigner will tell you it would be confusing for those concentrating on the local aldermanic and school-boards elections; some would consider it irresponsible. However, I’ve been listening and taking opportunities wherever possible to hear people’s concerns and issues. I assisted one of the candidates in the municipal campaign and attended a couple of the forums, a great place to keep in touch on “bread ‘n butter” issues of concern to citizens on the local level. I also continued in Toastmasters and attending SACPA (Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs) a great forum to keep educated on issues in general. However, having decided to offer myself as a candidate for the Liberal nomination and to free time for campaigning I decided not to run for another term for SACPA’s Board.

Earlier in the year I attended LPCA and ALP Liberal Conventions and in the Spring I followed the Canada 150 Conference held in Montreal which had some of the brightest progressives across Canada and the World involved discussing ideas and the future as we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and beyond. On June 19 I and a couple other local Liberals including President Tanis attended the regional follow-up held in Edmonton. It was exciting rubbing shoulders with such high-powered thinkers and being involved in discussions and plans that will affect Canada for far into our future. I’ve also met with significant individuals and groups in the area and plan on doing more of same. In July I attended the Friendship Centers of Canada Annual Conference and AGM held in Hinton.
Over the summer I followed reports of Michael Ignatieff’s successful tour across Canada during which he unveiled lots of great liberal policy. Though often covered by the media for those who missed out because of vacation I intend to republish highlights as time passes. Details can be accessed on the Liberal website at Liberal.ca. On the cross-Canada tour Mr. Ignatieff and members of caucus visited over 160 locations touching base and meeting thousands of Canadians wanting to get to know him better. Others of the Liberal caucus were busy doing similar across the country as well. The tour is reported to have been a great success and he extended the invitation to everyone of progressive inclination to join us in our great big red tent.

On August 7 I was nominated as the Liberal Candidate for the Lethbridge Riding. On August 14 Senator Joyce and I attended the annual parade in Picture Butte and in the afternoon of the same day we attended the unveiling of a WW 2 Lancaster Bomber in the restoration process in Nanton. Also, in August local Liberals held a very successful garage sale bringing in some needed funds for the next election. Thanks to all who assisted in the endeavor. On August 25 I left on vacation to attend my niece’s wedding, caught-up with family and friends and enjoyed the best ever Irish weather. On return I attended a couple of conferences; most notable being one on ‘Racism and Discrimination’ which underscored the need for us to be sensitive and alert especially with respect to minorities and gay and lesbian rights.

On the National scene some of Mr. Harper’s and his government’s policies started back-firing on them. Their motion to kill the gun registry was defeated and their foreign policies started posing concerns too. For the first time Canada did not get a seat on the UN Security Council, an obvious blow to Canada’s prestige not only among member states but in the world and obviously a sign that they need to revisit their foreign policies.

Liberal policies released over the year appear to resonate with Canadians and present a clear alternative to Mr. Harper’s and the Conservatives’ divisiveness and opportunism. One of the most significant policy releases by Mr. Ignatieff in the Fall was the Liberal ‘Family Care Plan’. The policy is designed to relieve financial pressures on people caring for sick and dying family members and considering the population of this area it should be worth approximately $100,000.00. It obviously prompted Mr. Harper’s recent proposal that the government is considering similar tax-relief for those caring for sick and elderly and confirms that we are right on track and in sync with Canadians’ needs.

From hereon I’ll be updating my blog regularly, so please keep tuned. You can also find the latest and details from a National perspective at Liberal.ca; just follow the prompts.

In December local liberals enjoyed a Christmas party. And, here’s wishing you and yours the best of the season whether it be Ramadan or Diwali or Chanukkah Festival of Lights, Christmas or Chinese New Year and Happy New Year. I thank you for supporting us and taking time to celebrate.

May you always enjoy good health, peace and prosperity and by the way if you wish to contribute financially to receive a tax-receipt for this fiscal year, your contribution will have to be in the mail and date-marked before the end of the December. I appreciate hearing from people and I invite you to contact me either by email or phone me at (403) 381-7635. And, since everyone wants good and better makes us all look better we all have responsibility to push for good change and improvement for all of us.
Michael J. Cormican
Michael Cormican, Liberal Candidate; Lethbridge Riding

"Canada and Canadians in a Changing World"

2010-10-19T23:41:00.001-06:00

Today I heard famed CBC News anchor Peter Mansbridge who appeared at the U of L to share with students and southern Albertans his thoughts on a changing Canadian culture, politics, and society. He was presented by the U of L Students' Union (ULSU) with all proceeds from the event benefiting the ULSU food bank.

Mr. Mansbridge used three simple stories that demonstrate how readily outsiders know who Canadians are. For Liberal update check Liberal.ca.

Mr. Mansbridge who has interviewed many important people including President Obama started with reference to the elections of last evening in Calgary and Lethbridge. He noted the increased voter turn out as good for democracy and emphasized the importance of local politics which as he said affect our daily lives the most.

He also shared the warmth he experienced with Mr. Obama who despite an exacting schedule took the time to return and introduce him to a Canadian working for the Whitehouse making them both feel so important and appreciated. He also discussed his experience with a couple of famous people one of whom made him feel anything but appreciated.

He even discussed a little of his own career journey as well as the responsibility of any media, particularly the CBC to inform the public even their responsibility to present the not so nice issues humanity need to face.

The capacity audience was captivated with his examples depicting how outsiders readily recognize Canadians and the good associated with them. His simple yet graphic stories touched emotional buttons were as follows:
• The young Haitian girl who on meeting him and noticing his Canadian pin, pointed and said “Canadians good”. On his questioning as to why, she led him a little distance away to 3 Canadian Nurses from Vancouver who no one knew were there. They had taken time off from their jobs at their own expense to get there with supplies to help the injured.
• Next was his experience last year in the Netherlands where at celebrations recognizing that Canadians liberated them he asked a young lady with a 4 year old in her arms “why she would bring such a small child”. She told him she wanted him to know and remember that Canadians liberated them. And finally;
• Is the young Canadian CIDA worker in Kabul who he ascertained had been born in and escaped from Afghanistan and who was accepted by Canada and took out Canadian citizenship. After completing her education she “wanted to return to her motherland to share her experience about the benefits of living in a free democracy using Canada as the example”.
What I learned: A recurring theme is that Canadians are compassionate and caring locally, nationally and abroad. Questions and answers suggested “we don’t rule the world” and “we just explore … bad politics does not represent the majority … we need an informed electorate but it must want to be informed”. Another consideration is that “it is important for us to know … to present the news/info responsibly and his major concerns are “ignorance and apathy” and … we need to “teach and encourage caring, listening and engagement”. If presented with opportunity to hear him I recommend you take it to “get to know the man behind the scenes”. I was impressed. Michael

Exciting news again for Canadians from the Liberals!

2010-10-18T16:03:00.004-06:00

Today in speeches in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto Liberals released policy much needed to help provide hope to Canadians struggling with the continuing effects of our sluggish economy. The announcement follows close to the recently announced 'Family Care Plan’ all of which presents a clear choice to Canadians between Liberals and the Governing Conservatives. It outlines what a Liberal Government will do to help get Canada back on track, help regain our position in the world and provide Canadians hope for a better future. Our record speaks for itself.

For more details on ‘Liberals present clear economic choices to Canadians’ contact me or check at Liberal.ca Posted on October 18, 2010.

The following highlights what a Liberal government will do for middle class families, the economy as well as to help redeem Canada’s role in the world “by easing their economic pressures with strategic investments in health, family care, pensions, learning and jobs, and global leadership … read-on at Liberal.ca
Michael

Justin Trudeau on Michael Ignatieff

2010-10-15T01:53:00.002-06:00

Everywhere he went this summer, Michael Ignatieff invited Canadians into the Big Red Tent.

Each time the bus pulled into an event in one of the 13 provinces and territories he visited, the Big Red Tent grew a little bit bigger. Canadians, shut out by the Harper government, came to see what we were about — “to kick our tires” as Michael put it.

We need to keep bringing progressive Canadians from the left and the right into the tent this fall — that’s why Michael is hosting town halls across the country and that’s why I’d like to share something with you.

If you have friends, family, or colleagues that didn’t have a chance to meet Michael Ignatieff at one of the 160+ events this summer, then send them this video and introduce them to the good and decent man leading the party at the centre of Canadian politics.
Watch and share the video

There’s another good reason I need you to help me make this video go viral.

When the next wave of Conservative attacks come — and knowing Stephen Harper, they will come sooner rather than later — we need to be ready.

We can blunt their assault by making sure everyone we know has watched and shared this video. Because then, Canadians will be able to witness for themselves the strength, the sincerity, and the integrity of the man I’m proud to call both my Leader and my friend.

They’ll see a Leader who respects them. Who listens. Who takes their questions every chance he gets — like he’s doing each week in person and online at our Open mike town halls.

They’ll see a party that offers a progressive, compassionate and responsible alternative to Stephen Harper’s politics of division. A party that chooses families over more corporate tax cuts, and is fighting for their priorities in Ottawa — pensions, health care, learning and jobs.

And they’ll learn about our policies, like the new Liberal Family Care Plan to support caregivers and our Global Networks Strategy to restore Canada’s reputation in the world.

But instead all they’ll see is the Conservative caricature of us — unless you take a few minutes to share the video and say "Come on in to the Big Red Tent!"

Thank you.

Justin P.J. Trudeau

Email updates like this one are the most effective way for us to keep in touch. To change your email preferences, including preferred language, or to unsubscribe, please follow this link.

To contact the Liberal Party of Canada, please reply to this email. Our mailing address: 81 Metcalfe street, suite 600 Ottawa ON K1P 6M8.

To hear Michael speaking from the heart check Liberal.ca

Campaign Kick-off

2010-10-15T01:12:00.005-06:00

Hi Friends:
Summer and most people's vacations as well as the Liberal Nomination are over and though no election has been called we need to get the campaign started so we can win and get the change that people in this riding have been telling us they want. This summer was busier than usual for me including a couple of trips to the US as well as the Liberal Nomination followed by a trip to Ireland. It had been over four years since I saw my family. If you’re interested in checking out the acceptance speech I gave at the nomination meeting please highlight and hit ‘Address to the Lethbridge Riding Liberal Nomination Meeting’.

Though all trips were for pleasure and/or family catch-up the effects of the economic melt-down were evident in both the US and Ireland. People were happy to see us and we were amazed by the great bargains in US stores. “Sales” everywhere were offering half price in their effort to encourage consumers to spend. Ireland has unemployment of 13 %. Like the US the downturn has resulted in 384,000 homes either abandoned or left in an unfinished state and people are very angry. They’re blaming the government for the state of the economy.

Following return I spent a few days in retreat on Aboriginal issues and planning and last week I attended a three day conference organized by the city on Racism and Discrimination. The city is a member of the ‘Coalition of Municipalities against Racism and Discrimination’. It helped those of us attending realize that racism and discrimination continues especially towards gays and lesbians and that the population at large needs to be educated on it.

On the political level Mr. Ignatieff finished his cross-country tour of Canada which was a great success. He visited over 160 locations providing a great opportunity for Canadians to get to know him. Also, Parliament has resumed sitting and many people were very happy to see the first major release of policy by Mr. Ignatieff and the Liberals, the Family Care Plan’. It offers a clear alternative to Conservative policies and will relieve financial pressures on people caring for sick and dying family members. Considering the population of this region it should be worth approximately $100,000.00. For further details please check Liberal.ca. From hereon I will be updating regularly, so please keep tuned. You will find the latest from a National perspective at Liberal.ca.

Michael Cormican, Liberal Candidate; Lethbridge EDA

Update on ‘Canada at 150’ and the latest session held in Edmonton on June 19, 2010

2010-06-26T15:28:00.008-06:00

It's time again to provide some update. You can rest assured I keep busy in all sorts of issues, not least being in the health care area as chair of Friends of Medicare.

You may be aware of the thrust by Liberals, specifically our Leader, Michael Ignatieff who last year called for the largest get-together thrust in Canadian History in terms of discussing and formulating vision and policy for Liberals and Canada as we celebrate our 150th birthday in 2017. Of course, it goes much further than that; really looking at the issues now and as best we can anticipate them well into the future as well as also looking at how we can address them. Since unlike some that believe thay only have the answers for everythings and to assure we are in tune with what Canadians want everyone has been given the opportunity to give their opinion and thoughts; in other words to be part of the solution.

The thrust called on progressive thinkers regardless of affiliation or background and has resulted in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us. The synergy was palpable throughout sessions to-date; the closest and most recent encounter being set for Edmonton on June 19 to facilitate Canadians across the Prairies. I should note that some of us were already well-primed having followed the Montreal Convention in March in the media and/or on the web.

On June 19, Donna, Everett, Greg and I attended the historic ‘Canada at 150’ session in Edmonton. The session was planned as a follow-up to the March meeting held in Montreal which linked over 30,000 Canadians from over 40 countries. The Edmonton session being closer and another once ever chance that we felt we could not pass-up especially since due to space, cost and other considerations we were unable to attend the session in person in Montreal though many of us followed it closely on the web.

The Edmonton session was one of the 8 arranged across the country in follow-up to the March session and included input from young and old and people of all political persuasions and backgrounds since as or leader, Michael noted in his address and summary the great Liberal tent is large, accommodative and inclusive. He also appeared very comfortable with everyone and made everyone feel likewise and appeared to enjoy himself as did his wife Tsusanna. They deserve our support and admiration.

Maurel Bellanger, Co-chair from the March session kicked-off the session and several MPs and Senators including Ralph Goodale and Tommy Banks attended and spearheaded sessions. The audience included people from across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the NWTs and everyone left feeling psyched and special at having had opportunity to be part of planning and shaping our future. In short, this is a “National Discussion” to help ensure Liberals are looking at our future and in sync with Canadians so we can be the best we can be in all respects and in the best interests of all. We commend Mr. Ignatieff for taking such a bold and forward step and look forward in great anticipation.

Though I didn’t count it appeared as though about 150 to 200 attended. After welcoming statements and to make the most of everyone’s time the agenda provided forced us to choose between breakout sessions on topics as follows:
• Jobs Today and Tomorrow
• Real Life Issues for Canadian Families
• Energy, Environment, Economy
• The Creative and Competitive Economy
• A Strong Presence in the World of 2017

So Lethbridge could get most benefit we chose to ensure someone attended each session and so we could report better on the conference. Mr. Ignatieff attended either the first half of last part of all the sessions. Detailed notes from all of the sessions will be shared with those in attendance and can be likewise shared with anyone. Following a wonderful lunch, the Panel - Enhancing and Protecting our Fresh Water Resources presented and fielded questions and comments. Information presented was supportive of our Water Policy which went to National following the LPCA convention in Lethbridge.

Mr. Ignatieff ended the day summarizing most accurately what he and we all heard and he assured us he will come to Lethbridge. The organizers deserve our thanks for such a well-run conference and our Leader, Michael deserves special recognition for his vision and foresight in bringing about such a much needed exercise and undertaking to ensure that we are prepared and foremost in leading for our future in the world. Hats off; let’s all roll-up our sleeves and do our best so we can assure ourselves a true leader that makes us feel proud to be Canadian again!

Summarised by: Michael Cormican

Some people's take on Mr. Harper

2010-03-19T12:16:00.002-06:00

Thought some that may read my blog might be interested in what Murray Dobbin, author, free-lance writer and journalist has to say on Mr. Harper. His take is interesting. So as not to distort or misinterpret what he says her it as he presented it. If you are interested in checing him out further you may check him at www.canadians.org.

"Stephen Harper’s Assault on Democracy
Author and Rabble.ca columnist Murray Dobbin details the harm Prime Minister Stephen Harper is doing to the political and social fabric of Canada in a new, hard-hitting essay commissioned by the Council of Canadians titled Harper’s Hitlist: Power, Process and the Assault on Democracy.

As Dobbin explains in the opening paragraphs of the essay, “This study is intended to examine the most serious violations of democracy committed by the prime minister and his government. Some are clearly more serious than others. But taken as a whole they add up to a dangerous undermining of our democratic traditions, institutions and precedents – and politics. These violations are not accidental, they are not incidental, and they are not oversights or simply the sign of an impatient government or ‘decisive’ leadership. They are a fundamental part of Harper’s iron-fisted determination to remake Canada, whether Canadians like it or not.”

Harper’s Hitlist: Power, Process and the Assault on Democracy
Download report here 1 MB or in sections below:

•Part 1 - Stephen Harper’s Assault on Democracy
•Part 2 - Two Prorogations in Less Than a Year
•Part 3 - Thwarting Democracy
•Part 4 - Controlling Critics
•Part 5 - Manipulating and Muzzling the Media
•Part 6 - A Personal Agenda
•Part 7 - Failing to Protect Canadian Citizens
•Part 8 - Harper Attacks Rights
•Part 9 - Political Advocacy Under Fire
•Part 10 - Conclusion

About the Author
Murray Dobbin has been a freelance journalist, broadcaster and author for thirty-five years. He is also a leading activist and analyst in the movement against corporate globalization. He has written extensively on various trade agreements and their impact on democracy and on neo-liberalism’s attack on social programs. He is a past executive board member of the Council of Canadians and author or Word Warriors, and online activism tool hosted on the Council’s website at www.canadians.org."

Michael, March 19, 2010

Preparing for the Canada we want in 2017 and beyond

2010-01-31T22:57:00.003-07:00

I applaud those providing this opportunity for Canadians to review and especially look at the future; in essence to dream, share and express our hopes to help us and our great country to continue working toward being the best we can be. Though relatively new as a nation, in the context of the history of nations; our size, resources and reasonableness we are blessed with and the influence we have acquired it is timely to assess and be prepared for not only our 150th milestone but for well into the foreseeable future. We have a responsibility to keep up with our maturity and to continue as the beacon that people will continue to look to and emulate. I truly appreciate being afforded the opportunity to participate and contribute to help ensure that as many as possible of the broadest spectrum of ideas and aspirations possible are shared and used to encourage hope, to redefine our vision, engender confidence and recalibrate us as we continue our journey. It is great to note the number of Canadians that have responded obviously from across the political divides, as it should be to share their vision and ideas to help develop the broadest consensus possible.

In preparation to achieve our goals I believe we need a “Canada first” policy but with a caring eye and our hand ready to reach-out to those near and far who are less fortunate. We need to encourage cooperation rather than versus partisanship and get away from the rugged individualist attitude that may have worked in bygone days but must give way to cooperation if we want to survive. We need to cultivate our caring strengths and to work as a team, and we need to believe “we can do it”. We need to get away from the negatives i.e. “the sky is falling”, or worse still, the punitive and vengeful “pound of flesh” attitude, and encourage the positive or we too will be brought down if as predicted by some western civilization collapses. We should recognize the fact that other people progress and enjoy quality of life too, and we must get away from a politics of fear and division. We must encourage everyone to contribute, participate and share so that everyone can enjoy comfort and security.

We need to encourage, re-kindle, engender and maintain a sense of fairness, equity and “win/win” for each other and everyone in our dealings with each other, so that those challenged, whether young or old, female, or of whatever status or minority regardless of affiliation or orientation feel fulfilled.

To minimize and avoid mistakes of the past, let us ensure that we have reasonable regulations in place for those institutions responsible for our welfare and security, especially in the food, health and financial production, and provide regulations that will not stifle, but assure quality, safety and equity. In respect to financial losses, I suggest that in balancing overall best interest, the individual should have first right to fair compensation over the collective or corporation, and stockholders or directors’ needs should be secondary.

Not only because of the fragility of the environment and finiteness of resources but as responsible people we must manage them with prudence and sustainability to ensure not only our own survival, but that of our progeny and that of other species and our environment. We need to encourage and reward frugality, environmentally conscious life styles and innovation, while accepting and encouraging diversity and alternatives, rather than feeling threatened and squelching dissent or difference in initiative.

In a world of limited resources we need to learn to “make do” with less, learn to be and to develop value for quality of life rather than being a slave to activity and consumption. We need to encourage reuse of used resources and waste as much as possible and we should use passive energy resources wherever possible, in keeping with conservation and sustainability principles and to learn to be satisfied with much less and realize there’s more to life than consumption.

Our governments need to return as soon as possible to balanced budgeting and encourage contingency (“rainy-day”) saving plans that can be drawn on when times unexpectedly become challenging due to catastrophe or natural upsets; and we need to assist neighbors in need, whether near or far-away. And;

We especially need to encourage and develop systems that allow everyone eligible to be fully involved in the democratic process so they will exercise their franchise and fully enjoy the widest array of the benefits of democracy. We especially need to assist each other to respect each other’s differences of opinion as well as the right to speak one’s opinion without fear of retaliation; and we need to respect traditions and conventions.

We need to clarify the role and responsibility of government for ensuring order, stability and balance in the best interest of all citizens; and we need to protect rights of competing interests to assure equity for all. Furthermore, we need to clarify government’s responsibility as being to serve the people, and to ensure and balance the greatest good, regardless of partisanship, beliefs or other considerations. We need to work assertively ensuring all segments of our great society can enjoy individual and our societal benefits equitably and we especially need to ensure everyone has access to basic health care and supports endeavoring to ensure our well-being with specific reference to Medicare. We really need to take a stand and finish the second phase so we can assure and have the healthiest citizenry and workforce as we continue our journey and building our great nation.

It would be a positive step to provide the most detailed guide possible outlining expectations and conduct for those serving us in public office. It should be clear that once elected a representative is expected to hear and serve all regardless of affiliation, belief or other status. Any such guide should include the expectation that individual and public meetings will be held as frequently as is feasible, to increase and ensure sensitivity and up-datedness in keeping with needs.

Regardless of the potential outcome for parties that benefit from the existing electoral system we immediately need to seriously determine which form of proportional representation would best suit our needs, and to institute it so that our democracy can provide the best and most objective government possible in the best interests of all Canadians. Likewise, I am convinced we need the input, review and balance provided by a second house of government, our Senate; but we need to seriously review and determine whether or not senators should be elected, and for how long they should hold office.

We need to continue to push for continued progress in equity, rights and quality of life for all people and beings on our planet.

Michael Cormican; Lethbridge, Alberta

Best Wishes for 2010 and may it be kinder to us than 2009 was!

2010-01-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

In review of the past year I note as follows; I continue on the various committees I’ve been involved in for years i.e.

• Lethbridge Social Housing Leaders Committee and the city’s Affordable Housing Committee,
• Sik-ooh-kotoki Friendship Society - as Secretary, and the
• Aboriginal Housing Society of which I am Vice-chair. Though in existence only a few years, Aboriginal Housing has successfully completed its first development in housing. We’ve accommodated 30 families and we’re working frantically to get our next plans underway. It’s exciting to be involved with such dynamic people and in such rewarding work.

I’ve enjoyed many local events and meetings assisting in strategic and future plans and we foresee exciting times ahead for Sik-ooh-kotoki and Aboriginal Housing. In February we had a successful 40th Anniversary Gala for Sik-ooh-kotoki and in August I attended the annual Convention of Friendship Centers of Canada in Niagara Falls.

I also continue on the local Federal and Provincial Liberal Associations and the annual conventions as well as the National Liberal Convention in Vancouver in May. In June, with encouragement of my wife and friends, I treated myself by accepting an invitation to Ottawa. In addition to a tour of Parliament with our gracious and enthusiastic Senator Joyce Fairbairn, I met with some key Liberal politicians. For the reference and the record I presented in a brief outlining needs and issues that had been raised by various local political and community representatives in earlier contacts here. Hopefully in time and as the economy improves the effort will bring the desired results for the area. Unfortunately, Mr. Casson was busy and unable to meet with me. To assist them or anyone dealing with or visiting the area I also presented a profile I compiled of the area.

Throughout this past year, I devoted much time and energy on health care issues due to being elected chair of the Lethbridge Chapter of Friends of Medicare. Being the 40th Anniversary of Medicare in Alberta we planned to celebrate but had to return to our advocacy role when the Alberta government started major aggressive cuts and changes through its new organization, Alberta Health Services. Friends of Medicare which is a province-wide organization could not sit idly by.

We held rallies, information sessions, meetings and arranged for speakers to inform the public on the facts, and sustainability of Medicare. The fight continues. Not only should every Albertan be concerned but every Canadian should be concerned about the cuts and privatization the Alberta Government is implementing. They have totally demoralized the health workforce and ironically they are moving closer to privatized medicine just as the US moves closer to establishing what Canadians have enjoyed for 40 years!

In review, I must admit that we Liberals have had a tumultuous year; however; being an optimist, I foresee the outlook changing. We need to continue doing our best and what is right. Mr. Harper appears to be testing “the limits of tolerance”, especially with the issues concerning Afghan detainees, the environment and Canada’s representation in Copenhagen and now, the final insult, another prorogation of Parliament. If I can be of assistance please contact me by email mgcormic@telus.net or phone at 403-381-7635.

Michael Cormican

Canada noted by the world as environmental laggard

2009-12-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

Harper: environmental laggard
Ignatieff: environmental leader

ISSUE

While the Harper government is isolated at the Copenhagen climate talks for their inaction and leaving the provinces to pick up the slack, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has committed to a national project for building a cleaner, more prosperous economy.

KEY MESSAGES

Canada’s hard-won reputation as a progressive, fair dealer is being destroyed by the Harper government.

Four years, three environment ministers and zero progress is the Harper government’s environmental legacy – and now the world is taking note.

Canada is being left behind on both environmental and economic fronts. In this leadership vacuum, provincial governments are taking matters into their own hands, with eight provinces setting tougher targets than Ottawa.

And there’s still no plan in place to achieve the Conservatives’ meagre targets.

As Canadians, we have all the brains, knowledge and know-how we need to lead in the new world economy. What has been lacking is the political will.

FURTHER MESSAGES – THE LIBERAL PLAN

In contrast to the Conservative record, Liberals are committed to ambitious carbon pollution reductions in line with other developed countries, with the goal of containing global warming to within two degrees Celsius.

Our verifiable and binding cap-and-trade system would be equitable to all regions and cover all industries, with hard caps leading to absolute reductions.

We are also proposing a historic investment in clean energy and energy efficiency jobs with an ambitious target of quadrupling Canada’s production of renewable energy by 2017.

Finally, our plan contains concrete initiatives to protect our air, water, forests and Arctic.

These are steps we can take right now. We can change course, restore Canada’s international reputation, and build a cleaner, more prosperous new economy that will create the jobs of tomorrow and improve our quality of life.

Wind-up after summer break, thoughts, observations and renewed hope in the air

2009-09-02T12:24:00.003-06:00

With summer almost over, children winding-up in school again and likely most people feeling refreshed after a summer break I thought I too should share some thoughts, observations the latest news from Liberal perspectives. First, I trust you and yours had a nice break and feel refreshed though given the continued effects of recession and government inaction and games such may be difficult. However, let me assure you Liberals have been working hard in every respect. Admitedly it has been difficult dealing with a government bent of getting its way despite being a minority and representing a minority of Canadians.

Despite verbalizing intent to work with the other parties it appears to continue bent on retaining power at all costs as they continued their games as the economy and increasing numbers of Canadians continued to suffer the effects of economic down-turn.

It is obvious that Mr. Harper and the Conservative Government lack any vision or the wherewithall to assist the economy and people in need. Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Opposition kept their promise to work with the government that has made no effort to reciprocate, continues playing politics in every way possible, especially noted in the much touted "supposed" economic stimulus.

Apparently, in reality almost two thirds of announced funding has still not found its way as designated as well as observed to be largely directed to benefit ridings likely more Conservative-friendly in the event of an election.

You likely noticed from the newsreports etc Mr. Harper creating photo-ops at every opportunity as though in election mode though denying any such intent. I couuld keep going but the latest 'Talking Points' from the Party presents key points for consideration very succinctly. You may be also interested in Michael Ignatieff's latest address to the Party as follows:

Talking Points:

ISSUE
• The Harper Conservatives are resorting to fear-mongering in a desperate attempt to forestall an election.

KEY MESSAGES
• The Harper Conservatives have zero credibility to be preaching about elections causing economic instability or “screwing up” the economy’s recovery.
• Remember, the Conservatives provoked the last two elections, and caused a political crisis by putting forth an economic statement on the eve of a recession that offered no stabilizing economic stimulus.
• The real source of economic instability in this country is a Conservative government with no plan to guide Canada through the restructuring in the global economy.
• This is just like John Baird’s patently false claim that stimulus projects will be stalled by an election – when it’s their own cumbersome politicized process that delayed new construction jobs.
• No infrastructure projects will be jeopardized by an election. We have approved $250 billion in spending in Parliament, which means the government can continue to approve projects, even during an election.
• Next Stephen Harper is going to scare Canadians into thinking that an election would mean no home renovation tax credit. This is nonsense.
• Remember there would be no home renovation tax credit if we didn't force the Conservatives to rewrite the budget in the first place.
• Liberals support this tax credit. If an election comes, we will honour it.
• Canadians should now see this fear-mongering for what it is – a Conservative party afraid of Michael Ignatieff’s resurgent Liberals.

Michael Ignatieff, MP
Leader of the Opposition

Remarks to the National Liberal Caucus

Sudbury, Ontario September 1, 2009

Thank you. Welcome to Sudbury!

Last night we had 600 people out. You feel the energy here and you know we’re going to make Sudbury Liberal again.

Everywhere I’ve been this summer, I’ve seen the same enthusiasm—all while apparently remaining completely invisible. Hundreds of people didn’t notice me out in Victoria back in June. Or in West Vancouver. Or in Cape Breton.

I was perfectly invisible in front of nearly a thousand people at the Calgary Stampede. Ralph (Goodale) is still wondering how I pulled that off. Same story at National Aboriginal Day at Crawford Lake.

I was never in Quebec City for Saint-Jean-Baptiste, or in Miramichi and Caraquet for le Grand Tintamarre. Let’s not even talk about Edmonton, la Beauce or la Gaspésie.

The media like to say that I was invisible, but I’ll tell you one thing—I wasn’t. Everywhere I went, across eight provinces and the Northwest Territories, Liberals are energized and set to work hard to put Stephen Harper out of a job.

We should be proud of the work we’ve done this year. We’ve grown our Party—with new members, new ideas, and the best fundraising in recent memory.

We’re more united than we’ve been in a generation. We’re ready to fight in every riding in the country.

And we’re ready to bring smart, compassionate government back to Canada. I know it can be frustrating at times.

We’re working against opponents who make politics personal—who distort and deny the truth and put partisan gain ahead of the national interest. We’re working against a government that’s ready to sacrifice national unity to stay in power.

But we have a secret weapon: Stephen Harper’s own record. The worst unemployment record in two decades;

The worst deficit in our history; And last quarter, the worst performing economy in the G7.

Stephen Harper didn’t see a recession coming last fall. Now he’s missing something bigger: what we’re going through is more than a recession—it’s a fundamental restructuring of the global economy.

Stephen Harper doesn’t get that. He doesn’t get that Canada’s in a race—that we’ve got to position our country to compete in the twenty-first century. We’ve got to make Canada a world leader again, and we’ve got to do it now.

He doesn’t get what foresters in Northern Ontario and BC and Quebec understand—that we can’t just wait for the housing market to pick up in the United States; we’ve got to build brand new markets and deliver brand new products that the world wants to buy.

He doesn’t get what autoworkers in Windsor and Oshawa know —that we’re not just going to have to win back customers; we’re going to have to re-invent the car, with brand new technologies and brand new environmental standards.

He doesn’t get what the people of Sudbury know—that when our workers and our industries are under threat—when the choice is between defending Canadian jobs and Canadian technology—we need a strong government that will defend our interests. Stephen Harper doesn’t get it. We do.

For more than a century, we’ve built our prosperity on our natural resources. But if we’re to prosper in the next century, we have to turn our resources into products and technologies the whole world wants to buy. We can’t get there unless we have the vision and ambition to build a competitive, compassionate future for Canada.

We can’t get there unless we open up new markets for Canadian exports in countries like China and India. We can’t get there with Stephen Harper.

Stephen Harper has been prime minister for four years, and he’s never visited China. We’ll be there next week. After that, we’ll plan a trip to India.

That’s where we need to be as a country—if we want to secure markets for the next generation of our exports—if we want to compete with the best in the world—if we want to get out of the trade deficit the Conservatives have created, the first in thirty years.

We can do better. Next summer, Canada is hosting the G8 Summit in Huntsville.

It’s an opportunity to demonstrate Canadian leadership, to shape the world’s agenda—the way Paul Martin did, and Jean Chrétien before him. Stephen Harper hasn’t even come up with a guest list.

A Liberal government would invite new members to that meeting. We’d use Canada’s G8 Summit to begin the process of evolving the G8 to a G20, as the world’s steering committee.

We cannot make progress on global challenges without China and India at the table. The G8 has served its purpose well, but its time has passed.

Instead of resisting change, Canada must be a catalyst for change. We must lead the world to embrace a more effective, more representative forum—where we can demonstrate global leadership that’s been Canada’s hallmark since Lester B. Pearson.

We must be ready to devote our own resources toward strengthening the G20—by funding and hosting a permanent Secretariat in Canada.

In Huntsville, Canada could set an agenda that furthers our interests and the world—starting with new frameworks for financial regulation, to prevent the sort of global collapse we saw this past year.

Canada can lead in a changing world, but only if we dare to act. Stephen Harper wants to keep us on the sidelines. We can do better.

Stephen Harper hasn’t just failed to stand up for Canada—he’s also failed to stand up for Canadians.

Suaad Mohamud. Omar Khadr. Makhtal. Bahari. Mohamed. Abdelrazik.

Being a Canadian must mean the Canadian government will stand up for you—no matter where, no matter when. This is at the heart of what every Liberal believes: a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian.

A Liberal government would stand by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We would stand by our citizens.

And we would bring forward legislation to protect Canadians abroad—to make it illegal for the government to pick and choose which citizens it protects—to make sure these abuses never happen again.

Stephen Harper leads a government that doesn’t care. A government that doesn’t believe in government. A government that refuses to govern—even in a crisis.

A Liberal government would stand by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We would stand by our citizens.

And we would bring forward legislation to protect Canadians abroad—to make it illegal for the government to pick and choose which citizens it protects—to make sure these abuses never happen again.

Stephen Harper leads a government that doesn’t care. A government that doesn’t believe in government. A government that refuses to govern—even in a crisis. Let’s remember how we got here.

A year ago this month, Stephen Harper told Canadians there wouldn’t be a recession in this country. He said a slumping stock market meant “good buying opportunities,” but no cause for alarm.

Last November, he presented a partisan economic statement that triggered a political crisis. And Stephen Harper escaped defeat only by shutting down Parliament.

In January, we put Stephen Harper on probation – and we’ve kept him on life support ever since. We forced his government to accept the toughest accountability standards in the G8—with full budget reports to Parliament each quarter.

After a disappointing June report, we set out four simple benchmarks Stephen Harper would have to meet. We said we were prepared to work with Stephen Harper to fix Employment Insurance—to make it fair for all Canadians, no matter where they live, for as long as the crisis lasts.

Not one single proposal came from the other side—only spin and deceit.

Second, we demanded straight answers about job creation and infrastructure stimulus.

Rather than answer, Stephen Harper spent the summer trying to hide his failure to create jobs—re-announcing projects that should have been underway months ago.

In fact, only two hundred of the twelve hundred infrastructure projects that the Conservatives announced in Ontario have actually received the funding they were promised.

Only Stephen Harper could count that as being 80% underway. Third, we demanded a credible plan to get Canada out of deficit.

Stephen Harper’s response has been: “Don’t worry, give it a few years, and the books will balance themselves.” You can put that next to his promise not to run deficits in the first place.

Or his promise not to tax income trusts. Or his promise not to appoint Senators.

For a decade, under liberal governments, Canada led the world in debt reduction. We had the best fiscal performance in the G8. But the conservatives put us back in the red, even before the recession.

And now they can’t even tell us how deep a hole they’ve put us in, let alone their plan for getting us out of it. That’s not good enough.

We’ve had four years of this—four years of a government that mismanages our public finances, and a prime minister who divides the country to score political points.

You can’t count on a government that can’t count—and a prime minister who’s only good at division. Finally, we demanded a plan to deal with the health care crisis. Twice on Stephen Harper’s watch there’s been a breakdown in the supply of medical isotopes.

Instead of acting, what did Stephen Harper do? He fired the whistle-blower on isotopes. Then he cancelled the MAPLE reactors that would have guaranteed Canadian leadership in isotope supply.

Two years later, he finally revealed his plan: To get out of nuclear medicine and let the provinces pick up the difference. That’s not good enough for the tens of thousands of Canadian families waiting for cardiac and cancer care for their loved ones.

And that’s not good enough for the millions around the world, who have relied on Canadian leadership for half a century. It’s simply unacceptable to have the world ask: “Where’s Canada?”

We can do better and we will do better. A Liberal government will restore Canadian leadership. We’ll stand up for Canadian research and Canadian families. We’ll stand up for Canadian know-how and ensure the world never asks again “Where’s Canada?”.

Right now, while Americans are fighting for a public health care system, Stephen Harper has refused to utter a word in defence of our own. Liberals proudly support public health care in this country—and, unlike the Conservatives, we’re not afraid to defend it.

In June, we set out four tests for Stephen Harper. Mr. Harper, you have failed all four.

You’ve failed to protect the most vulnerable. You’ve failed to create jobs. Failed to defend our health care. Failed to restore our public finances. After four years of drift, four years of denial, four years of division and discord—

Mr Harper, your time is up.

The Liberal Party cannot support this government any further. We will hold it to account. We will oppose it in Parliament. And if elections are called, we will be ready to offer a better future for our country. Canadians deserve better.

Over the past days and weeks, I’ve heard from our caucus, and we’ve all heard from Canadians: Our job as Liberals is to give them a choice. A choice between two parties. Two sets of values. Two visions for Canada.

We can choose a small Canada—a diminished, mean, and petty country. A Canada that lets down its citizens at home and fails them abroad. A Canada that’s absent on the world stage. That’s Stephen Harper’s Canada.

Or we can choose a big Canada. A Canada that is generous and open. A Canada that inspires. That leads the world by example. That makes us all proud. 2017 will be our 150th birthday.

We can be the smartest, healthiest, greenest, most open-minded country there is—but only if we choose to be. We can build a Knowledge Society, from pre-school to post-secondary, with quality early learning and childcare for every Canadian child.

We can ensure that every Aboriginal Canadian gets a world-class, not a second-class education—with the opportunities to match. We can create tomorrow’s job by investing more, not less, in research and innovation.

We can invest in our environment—and invent the clean energy technologies that will have the world beat a path to our door. That’s our Canada. A liberal Canada. The Canada we can believe in. The Canada that awaits us—but only if we dare. Only if we act. Only if we choose now.

Only with the smart, compassionate leadership this Liberal team can provide. Our country is waiting—Let’s get started.

Kindly submitted - Michael Cormican

Where are the shovels, the jobs, the stimulus?

2009-08-16T11:35:00.002-06:00

August 16, 2009
Hi Folks: I trust you are having a nice summer but lest you had not seen this article I thought you might be interested in it. It is by Carol Goar, TORONTO STAR, as follows:

Where are the shovels, the jobs, the stimulus?

Because no one else is doing it, Liberal MP Gerard Kennedy and his staff of four are attempting to track the $12 billion in new infrastructure funding in the government's January budget.

Their research is not complete, but Kennedy estimates that between 15 per cent and 25 per cent of the money has actually flowed. The rest has been promised, approved, allocated or announced – but municipalities don't have it.
Following the money isn't easy. Ottawa has 16 different infrastructure funds in play. Conservative MPs have announced a blizzard of local projects this summer. Even when a project has been authorized, municipalities still have to negotiate contribution agreements with Ottawa and their provincial government.

The federal finance department says 80 per cent of the stimulus is "already implemented." But that means the money has been committed, not delivered. Infrastructure Canada, which disperses the funds, has not released any figures on how much has gone out and where it is being spent.

To cut through the confusion, Kennedy is contacting every municipality that applied for funds and asking how much it has received. Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver have yet to see a cent. Smaller communities, especially in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, have fared better. Surprisingly, most municipalities in Alberta are still waiting.

"The government is going to underspend its target, there's no doubt about that," the Liberal infrastructure critic says. He also has concerns about what is being built. "We could be paying for a lot of shoddy stuff and sprawl. They (the Conservatives) know they'll never be held to account." One complaint that has cropped up repeatedly is that contractors are jacking up prices, knowing municipalities have little bargaining power.

To qualify for federal funding, work must be completed by March 2011. While collecting his data, Kennedy has been thinking about what kind of infrastructure policy the Liberals should take into the next election.
He can't speak in specifics because he hasn't presented his proposals to the party, but he outlined some of his priorities in an interview last week.

He believes federal infrastructure funding should serve two primary purposes: to make Canada's cities more sustainable and to renew the quality of life in northern and remote communities. This would make Ottawa less open to proposals to widen highways and accelerate road-building in urban areas and more open to proposals to find new uses for public buildings in towns struggling with depopulation.

He thinks the gas tax fund, through which Ottawa transfers a portion of its gasoline tax revenue to the municipalities, should be the principal vehicle for distributing infrastructure money. The Conservatives did add $1 billion to the fund in January's budget, but Kennedy would like to have seen most of Ottawa's infrastructure funding delivered that way.

As well as being more efficient, he points out, gas tax transfers allow municipalities to use federal money intelligently, rather than coming up with hasty proposals to take advantage of on-again, off-again infrastructure programs. He would like to break the link between infrastructure spending and political pork barrelling. It is hard to blame Canadians for being cynical, Kennedy admits.

For generations, politicians have used capital projects to reward their friends and pay back voters who supported them. "We need to convince Canadians we can use their money to make their lives better." He hopes to release his cross-Canada tally by the end of August. Kennedy knows voters will question his motives. He has a vested interested in discrediting the government, after all. He hopes skeptics will do their own scouting. They won't find many shovels in the ground or jobs openings for unemployed construction workers.

Carol Goar's column appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

If you have any suggestions, please call me at (403) 381-7635. Michael Cormican

Happy Canada Day/Bonne Fete du Canada mon ami !!

2009-06-30T23:59:00.002-06:00

Happy Canada Day/ Bonne Fete du Canada mon ami:
I trust you will enjoy our national Holiday, relax and enjoy with family and friends. No need toelaborate; Mr. Ignatieff's message to us says it all as follows:

Date: July 1, 2009

Statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on Canada Day

“Today, Canadians across this great nation are proudly celebrating Canada’s 142nd birthday – and we have much to be proud of,” said Michael Ignatieff.

“After 142 years of accomplishment and leadership, Canada is a beacon of hope in a world of uncertainty and division. Since 1867, we have set an example for all others in our global community.

“We speak two official languages and countless others from every corner of the world. We are home to a wealth of diverse cultures and creeds and religious traditions. We look to different distant shores, or to different corners of our land, to find our families’ roots. And still we are one – one great people sharing one great country, strong and free from coast to coast to coast.

“As we gather with our neighbours today to mark our success as a nation, we also look to a future of greater unity, greater compassion, and greater prosperity for all.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary caucus, I wish everyone – young and young at heart – a very Happy Canada Day!”

Click on the link below to see a video message from Michael Ignatieff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TWoXHg53gs

Contact:

Press Office Office of the Leader of the Opposition 613-996-6740

Au nom du Parti libéral du Canada et de notre groupe parlementaire, je souhaite à tous les Canadiens, les jeunes et ceux qui ont su le rester, une très joyeuse Fête du Canada ! Michael Cormican

Update and Continued Concern with respect to Alberta Government's approach to Public Healthcare

2009-06-29T00:04:00.004-06:00

Amongst the many issues I feel concerned on as many know one of my big and continuing concerns is with respect to Health Care. As you might guess I support our prized Medicare system and believe we need to take a stand to assure that it will be there for generations to come. It also appears as though many Albertans are likewise concerned as judged by the number of people speaking out on the issue especially with respect to the government's thrust with respect to DAL (Designated Assisted Living) for Seniors. Though our tendency may be to take things easy for the summer I would like to caution that we need to be on the alert and to take an active stand in support of improved healthcare to assure hat it will be there for everone when needed.

Michael Cormican, Past Candidate

2009-06-25T00:05:00.002-06:00

Bon Jour Cheri:
Due to all my engagement I missed wishing our French Speaking Canadians the best on the ocassion of St. Jean Baptiste Day but hopefully better late than never. I wish you the best. I was waiting for a response from one of my new French Cannadian friends recently moved to Lethbridge but got too busy with the Health scene. Anyhow, I wish you and yours the best now and always. Bonne Saint-Jean !!
Au revoir,
Michael Cormican

Conservative Attack Adds backfiring - Canadians don't like negativity

2009-06-02T12:09:00.002-06:00

Fellow Citizens --

Following a week of bad news for Stephen Harper’s Conservatives, today it gets even worse. His one hope to divert attention away from his government’s incompetence—the personal attack ads against Michael Ignatieff—can be completely neutralized. We need your help to do it, it doesn’t take much effort and it won’t cost you a penny.

An independent Angus Reid study published today finds that Stephen Harper’s strategy is backfiring and that Michael’s honest and personal response to the attacks resonates strongly with Canadians. Stephen Harper is spending an estimated $750 000 dollars a week on this campaign, but you can help beat it with nothing more than a few clicks of your mouse.

Check Michael's response on the web @ Liberal.ca
Watch Michael's response to the attack ads and share it with your friends.

Let’s take this message Canada wide. Forward it to everyone you know and show Stephen Harper that Canadians won’t be distracted from the real story—the economy—and are ready for a new kind of politics.

Rocco Rossi
National Director, Liberal Party of Canada

Michael Cormican, Lethbridge

Monsieur, Madame --

Après une bien mauvaise semaine pour les conservateurs de Stephen Harper, aujourd’hui, les choses s’annoncent encore pires. Son ultime tentative pour détourner l’attention des Canadiens de l’incompétence de son gouvernement, à savoir les attaques publicitaires contre Michael Ignatieff, peuvent être totalement neutralisées. Nous avons besoin de votre aide pour y arriver. Cela ne vous prendra pas beaucoup de temps, et ne vous coûtera pas un sou.

Un sondage indépendant réalisé par Angus Reid et publié aujourd’hui** montre que la stratégie de Stephen Harper se retourne contre lui et que les Canadiens apprécient la réponse honnête et personnelle donnée par Michael Ignatieff à ces attaques. On estime que Stephen Harper dépense 750 000 dollars par semaine pour diffuser ses publicités négatives, mais vous pouvez le combattre en seulement quelques clics de souris.
Cliquez ici pour visionner l’intervention de Michael @ Liberal.ca

Faisons passer le message à tout le pays. Envoyez-le à toutes vos connaissances et montrez à Stephen Harper que les Canadiens ne se laisseront pas détourner de la vraie priorité, l’économie, et qu’ils sont prêts pour une nouvelle façon de faire de la politique.

Rocco Rossi
Directeur national, Parti libéral du Canada

** L’article est présenté dans la langue officielle de sa parution.

Michael Cormican, Lethbridge

Alberta Government talking publicly again about changes in public health services!

2009-05-25T15:24:00.002-06:00

You may have noted recently increased reporting with respect to reporting in the media on possible changes to health services in Alberta. Also, I note that 'Medicare' as we know it has been officially with us in Alberta for 40 years, consequently Friends of Medicare that formed to ensure Medicare continues decided to clebrate and held a very successful support Rally on May 22nd. FOM deserves our support for their dedication to such a worthy cause. Guest speaker was Heather Smith, President, UNA (United Nurses of Alberta). Her message suggested that we all need to be on the alert since the government means business with respect to cutting which will result in increased privatization opportunities.

Michael Cormican, Past Federal Liberal Candidate

Recent Nuclear Power Survey

2009-05-16T10:52:00.001-06:00

Hi Whoever and Government of Alberta:
I refuse to complete this obviously slanted, so-called survey seeking my opinion but as in the opinion of the imminent Doug Roche in the Edmonton Journal on May 6, 2009 and to paraphrase him, it is obviously "slanted" to squelch the opinion of any of the public that might be against nuclear power so the industry and Government can say they sought people's opinion. As Mr. Roche further said - "It is not so much the technical feasibility of bringing nuclear power to Alberta that needs to be examined and commented upon, but the political, economic and ethical wisdom of such a move. I am against nuclear power. There are plenty of other, safer and much less expensive alternatives available to us to provide and enhance our power needs i.e. sun, wind, methane etc. as well as cell capture. Let's just remember that the half-life of spent rods alone is 500 hundred years (meaning they continue hot/radioactive for at least that long. Give us a break.
Michael Cormican

Report on an 'Exciting Liberal (Vancouver) Convention'

2009-05-06T23:36:00.004-06:00

From April 30 to May 3, over 3,000 Liberals, in fact 3,143 Liberals from across the country descended on Vancouver for a much anticipated convention. It especially renewed our hopes for the future at seeing 8 young Liberals from the enthusiastic U of L group attending in addition to the regular delegates from Lethbridge, and; of course there was also great representation of young people from across the country including Calgary. Everyone felt ecstatic, many described it as an "electric" few days. I didn't meet anyone whose expectations were not met. Some seasoned folks even thought it somewhat reminiscent of ’68 as was even suggested in some of the speeches.
Though the first and second day was a mixture of some mundane yet necessary issues interspersed with speeches the highlight came on Saturday afternoon.

Topics ranged from policy to discussion of renewal and revitalization through commission meetings, policy think tanks, and election readiness workshops on issues including youth, women, seniors and Aboriginals to help us shape party policy, to help us increase issue awareness and to reach out to Canadians. Everyone felt re-invigorated and reassured that our party is in good hands and Saturday afternoon capped the week-end with rousing speeches by Bob Rae and Dominic LeBlanc nominated Michael Ignatieff.

While most Lethbridge delegates started traveling a few days ahead of the convention to visit family and/or friends along the way in interests of time and conservation, to lessen impact on our environment, to take advantage of a professional doing the driving and use the time to get to know other Liberals some of us joined some Calgary Liberals on a chartered bus. Unfortunately, though the return trip went without a hitch we started late as a rsult of waiting for a couple of delegates that went to the East Safeway instead of the West location.

[As you might guess we chatted, some read and later dozed. Shortly after midnight, North of Chase we were brought to a halt by a convoy of vehicles ahead of us forced to stop as a result of an accident. Earlier a large truck and trailer had jack-knifed on a turn leaving it straddling the road and the trailer in the lake and the road was narrow. Every time our driver checked he was told it would be another couple of hours before the road would be cleared. However, as soon as daylight broke our bus driver decided to attempt to turn the bus around and after careful maneuvering succeeded so we started on an alternative route.

In the mid-morning and in order to ensure having enough gas to get to our destination the bus-driver decided it was best to obtain same at the bus-terminal in Kelowna as well as to allow us passengers to fresh-up and fuel-up. Here we encountered our next delay; two of the three staff hadn't shown-up for work leaving the cook to do everything for an extra busload of hungry passengers. Over an hour later we were on our way again. However, you guessed it; another delay was about to occur.

Approximately an hour North of Merritt we were suddenly alerted by a loud bang and the immediate abnormal noise from it indicating a tire had blown. Another 3 hours was added enjoying the sunshine on the roadside before we got under way again. Surprisingly everyone remained composed as we waited for help. Needless to say friendly joking ocurred suggesting that the driver must have been tipped-off by the gov. to delay us. We arrived at the hotel 9 to 10 hours later than expected. Staff quickened registration and we were underway registering for the convention.]

Saturday saw us wading through well-organized sessions on constitutional policies, most of which passed without much discussion; however, some were a little contentious. The “one man one vote” issue though it generated quite a lot of passionate discussion passed overwhelmingly. At 2 pm the speeches and the crescendo started to build and the dynamism was palpable. The hall was packed; even the back of the hall was standing room only. It was great to see all the young people being show-cased including Justin Trudeau who did a super job co-chairing the session.

Next, we were treated to testimonials from across Canada after which Michael was ushered into the hall followed by hundreds of chanting young people. He had to push his way through the aisle to the stage, everyone near the aisle wanting to shake his hand.

Earlier Mr. Ignatieff and former Prime Minister Paul Martin both addressed a packed room of youth delegates, where they encouraged them to keep bringing forward the fresh ideas that keep the Liberal Party progressive. “Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Martin reminded us how many of the ideas at our party’s core started as youth policies – and how they got their start in the party as Young Liberals,” said Cory Pike, President of the Young Liberals of Canada. Mr. Martin also led a panel discussion on Aboriginal affairs as part of the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission meeting. Delegates “engaged in frank and honest discussions about the unique challenges facing Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit people – and how we can fight for change from within the Liberal Party.” Policy from our changing economy to rural Canada, and from social justice to Canada’s place in the world. We also turned our minds to election readiness, sharing best practices on new techniques for successful campaigns to help ensure Canadian democracy continues.

Stephane Dion honored: On Friday evening, Liberals gathered to pay tribute to former Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion for his leadership and contribution to a more united, greener Canada. Mr. Dion spoke about his enduring love for Canada, and his vision for a richer, fairer, and greener Canada. Michael Ignatieff and former Prime Ministers Jean Chretien and Paul Martin recognized Mr. Dion for his leadership and vision, including his lasting contribution to national unity. A cogent defender of a strong Quebec within a strong Canada, Mr. Dion worked alongside Prime Minister Chretien to pass the Clarity Act and defend Canada following the 1995 Quebec referendum. Mr. Chretien said, “Stéphane Dion came into my cabinet at a time of great need for the country … he withstood the attacks levelled at him with an unwavering defence of federalism, upholding the nation-building efforts of those who came before him.” It was noted that during his tenure as Environment Minister in Prime Minister Martin’s government, Mr. Dion spearheaded the creation of the 180-country Montreal Action Plan on climate change in December 2005 and how this experience inspired him to seek new ways to build a more sustainable economy, society and environment as Liberal leader from 2006-2008. It was noted, “Stéphane has fought for a progressive Quebec, defended Canada, fought for a better world, and I know for certain that everywhere in the world, Stéphane Dion will keep on fighting for the environment,” said Mr. Martin. “Stéphane Dion is a man of integrity and principle, who makes us proud to be Liberals and proud to be Canadians,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “All of us here tonight – and all Canadians everywhere – owe a debt of thanks to Mr. Dion for his tireless dedication to public service, to national unity, and to a richer, fairer and greener Canada.” Other prominent Canadians sharing new ideas for the country were; Eric Hoskins, President of War Child Canada; Madame Justice Louise Arbour, former United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights; Olympic medallist Charmaine Crooks; and Blaine Favel, President and CEO of One Earth Resources.

As noted by Mr. Ignatieff, grassroots Liberals voted to make their party more open, inclusive and democratic by giving all members a vote for choosing future party leaders. “Now all Liberals can have a say in choosing who they want to be their Prime Minister, … they have voted to open their party to Canadians by offering them the chance to make their voice heard on the national stage.” The new one-member, one-vote (OMOV) leadership selection process is regionally-balanced by giving each riding in Canada equal influence. Future Liberal leaders must obtain the support of over half of all Liberal members through preferential ballot voting.
“This simple new process speaks to the progressive nature of the Liberal Party,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, co-chair of the Special Committee on Party Renewal. “For the $10 price of one red Liberal membership card, all Canadians - regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances - can play a meaningful role in our democracy.” Liberals also voted on policy resolutions developed by grassroots Liberals through commissions and local riding associations. The resolutions were debated online through the EnFamile.Liberal.ca community forum in the lead-up to the Vancouver convention. Policy resolutions passed at the convention provide the parliamentary caucus with a barometer of where grassroots Liberals are moving. Resolutions passed by Liberals at the convention include support for:
• An emergency convention resolution to express sympathy for the victims of H1N1 influenza and to show confidence in our public health system;
• A national water policy to conserve and protect Canada’s clean water supply;
• Boosting economic growth through investments in research and development;
• Implementing a national early learning child care plan;
• Improved education and economic development for Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples;
• Aging with dignity through housing, homecare and learning enhancements for seniors; and
• Regional economic and business development through essential infrastructure

Calling for a new politics, Michael Ignatieff reached out to Canadians with his vision for the future of the country as Liberal delegates voted 97 percent in favour of confirming him as the new leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. “If you ask what I want for my Canada, it is this – that we surprise ourselves. Astonish ourselves. That we astonish the world,” Mr. Ignatieff said to a packed convention hall of over 3,000 delegates and observers. Mr. Ignatieff called for a new politics replacing spite and spin with civility and common purpose, laying out an inclusive vision of economic recovery that leaves no Canadian out in the cold by unlocking the creativity of every citizen. He spoke directly to Stephen Harper, condemning him for failing to unite Canadians by setting province against province, group against group, region against region, individual against individual. “All our efforts will be focused on one task – to unite our people again, to feel the strength that comes when Canadians know they are acting together,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “We will turn crisis into opportunity and become more competitive than ever, by becoming the most adventurous and entrepreneurial people on the planet.” Mr. Ignatieff called for measures to unite Canadians and treat everyone fairly, delivered by a government that is as competent, courageous, co-operative and creative as Canadians themselves:
• A common national standard of eligibility for Employment Insurance
• Investing in scientists, researchers and the green economy to create the jobs of tomorrow
• An equal start for every child with world class early learning
• A renewed commitment to women for equal pay for work of equal value
• A promise to every student that if they get the grades, they get to go to the best higher education in the world
• World class, not a second class education for every Aboriginal child
• Support for creators, artists and filmmakers to succeed on the world stage
• Hope and opportunity for farming communities, small towns, northern and remote regions.
“The Canadian way is a way for the whole world,” said Mr. Ignatieff, speaking of Canada’s longing to lead rather than follow on the world stage. “This is the moral purpose of our country – to teach tolerance diversity and citizenship to a troubled world.”
Following nominations by the Hon. Bob Rae and Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Young Liberals Mona Kassis and Yasmine Abdelfadel added their names to those of over 3,000 people who nominated Michael Ignatieff online before he was declared leader by convention chairs Justin Trudeau, Bobbi Ethier and the Hon. Ujjal Dosanjh.
“Let us dare to dream but let us also dare to act,” Mr. Ignatieff concluded. “Let us get back to the Canadian way. We deserve a government that does not make us feel any less than a great people with a great future - and to a great people, given great leadership, nothing is impossible.”

Mr. Ignatieff’s summary:
I am deeply honoured to be your Leader. I laid out my vision for a stronger, more united Canada – a Canada where we surprise ourselves, where we astonish ourselves. A Canada that astonishes the world.

I said that though the road back to prosperity may take time, we know which way will get us there. It is the Canadian way. We must build a society around fairness and opportunity, a society where every Canadian is able to contribute fully to the success of our country. A country that dares to dream. That dares to act.

We’re leaving Vancouver as a strong, united Party, with a renewed sense of purpose. We’re ready for the challenge ahead, and we’re ready to win the next election.

With your help, we will do better. Yours, Michael

Another media summary by Mr. Ignatieff:

"Friends; I had the privilige to speak at our Biennial Convention in Vancouver. What an incredible feeling! We had a room packed to the rafters with passionate Liberals, every one of us energized by the work we’ve done and ready for what’s still ahead".

[To hear and see Michael’s speech and some of the Convention proceedings and his introduction on Liberal.ca]

A Summary:
Total number of participants at the Liberal convention: 3, 143 and hundreds of volunteers. Total number of former Prime Ministers in attendance at the Liberal convention: 3 – all Liberal and all policy sessions were open to members of the media. Total number of policy resolutions debated at the convention – 32. Total number of supporters who signed Michael Ignatieff’s nomination form - 3,516. Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien, getting better with age, was the best ever with jokes and quips; even applauded by a Conservative observer. Also, the latest poll shows our standing increased a few points and contributions to the party for the first quarter over last year are up at $977,801.58. Keep it up folks.

Another highlight - Mr. Ignatieff unveiled a new logo for the Liberal Party of Canada today during the convention in Vancouver. The new Liberal logo, in maple leaf red, symbolizes a re-energized Liberal Party emerging from a process of renewal engaging all Liberal members.

Let's continue the momentum and readiness preparation so like the good scout "we're prepared" and ready for the challenge when the call comes.

Michael Cormican

Let’s Remember Vimy Ridge

2009-04-09T16:52:00.002-06:00

Today is the 92nd Anniversary of Vimy Ridge. Though for may the word Vimy may conjure a vague thought of, “oh yes; I remember that from history” many of us may have forgotten the significance. However, some of us too realize history can teach us lots. Most of us know readily of some of the atrocities committed in the Second World War and realize that we certainly don’t want anything remotely similar to occur ever again.

However, atrocities and injustices continue to occur as still happening in many places in our world, whether in Afghanistan or Darfur even latest is Sri Lanka, and; they will continue unless we all talk about and remind ourselves and each other to speak up and to let our leaders know as well as our friends and neighbors that we don't want such and we need to ensure they take action on our behalf.

Some that will see this may not realize that their grandfathers or great-grandfathers may have fought and even paid the ultimate price at Vimy. So, let’s express our thanks by at least remembering their sacrifices and let’s remember and commit to do all in our power to minimize the possibility of such happening again.

Also, let’s support those brave men and women that defend us. We can do so by wearing red on Fridays or pins are available at the Royal Canadian Legion. Most of us wear a poppy on Remembrance Day but do we think further about the significance of it. Do we reach a hand and thank them for what they did? We need to keep vigilent and often remind ourselves to keep sensitive of the human tendency to forget. To help me, I joined the Legion and I’m aware that some kids are leaving this afternoon for Vimy in France. The following is a release and reminder sent yesterday from Denis Coderre, Liberal National Defense Critic:

Canadian soldiers remembered at Vimy Ridge

VIMY, France - Liberal National Defence Critic Denis Coderre will pay homage to Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War when they captured Vimy Ridge.

"In the name of all Canadian Parliamentarians, tomorrow I will lay a wreath of flowers at the foot of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, upon which are engraved the names of the 11, 285 Canadian soldiers who died in France and whose final resting place is unknown," said Mr. Coderre. "Because of them, we live in a better world today, and we owe it to them to honour their memories in this way."

Mr. Coderre's gesture is part of the Remembrance Ceremony marking the 92nd anniversary of the Battle of Arras, and the efforts of Canadian soldiers in the capture of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917.

Of course, atrocities and inequities continue to occur throughout the world. Some of us realize they result from lack of consideration by those of us that are stronger intellectually when we allow ourselves to get caught-up in the race for survival and/or worldly things. Inequities result in low wages and/or lack of benefits and time thus limiting or allowing no choice for many of our fellowman, even neighbors and relatives. Let’s ask ourselves, is this right; and, if not what are we going to do about it?

I say it all looks much better if every member of our society, however close or faraway is doing relatively well. One guy sure can not need millions or billions to live and expect others to eke by on a pittance unnecessarily experiencing pain and wasting valuable time that she/he could be spend on improving his/herself and others; in essence, living decently. If you have any thoughts on such issues please contact me by email or phone me at (403) 381-7635. And, I wish you complements of the season again the greatest being peace and health.

Michael Cormican

Political Update – April 8th, 2009

2009-04-09T16:24:00.003-06:00

I anticipate you have noticed from ongoing reports in our media that our economy continues to chug along, though it sounds like with lots of ups and downs, some occasionally suggesting positive signs. It's also great to hear experts and to see some industries taking the lead in greening.

One can not help feeling vindicated and reassured that the Liberal policies proposed during the last election would have been best for the colapsing economy that Mr. Harper was either minimizing or out-to-lunh on as we were obviously the last bastion only due to the good fortune of our resource riches. I keep hoping voters will remember that when it comes to voting next.

It's becoming clearer that the majority of experts concur that we can anticipate the recession being around for a long time regardless of how Canada may weather it. Keep up the greening everyone and hopefully we can change some of the even more scary changes occurring i.e. warming of our oceans especially the gross proliferation of the deadly jelly fish not to mention extinctions and other changes.

As we might expect Mr. Harper and the government continue to put a positive spin on the situation, which I will not fault him for; though none-the-less anomalies and signs of their real inclinations, especially in minimization, containment and cutting frequently break through. I suspect most like myself, hope they’re putting the emphasis on the right spots. In a sense, we’ve got to be condition ourselves like the farmer who quickly learns to hope that “next year will be better”.

I suspect others have observed too and find it interesting how the government has had to eat crow so much contrary to what they tried to make us believe right up to Election Day. Fortunately, we had a determined opposition that forced him to rethink and it appears as though Michael Ignatieff is doing a great job for us keeping Mr. Harper in check.

However, and as we hear from newscasts it is obvious that many of the so called achievements most recent in dispute again the so called ‘softwood lumber settlement’ is raising problems again. Apparently the U.S. has imposed a 10% levy on Canadian softwood lumber imports one more example of how the Harper Conservatives lack a coordinated approach with the new U.S. administration. As Liberal International Trade Critic Scott Brison and Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae said, “it is hurting Canadian industry ... and hurting our workers again.”

Other examples of mismanagement are “the auto sector, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the U.S. country-of-origin labelling regulations – known as COOL … yet another example of delays on the part of the Harper government and a lack of coordination with the U.S. and is hurting Canada,” said Mr. Brison.

On a brighter note, the latest opinion poll shows Canadians increasingly favouring the Liberal approach. Feel free to share your opinion with me at www.michaelcormican.com or phone me at (403) 381-7635. Have a great Easter!

Michael Cormican

Government needing a message to get serious about 'Food Safety'

2009-03-26T22:30:00.002-06:00

Hi Folks:
I just received this from Jim Thompson, Advocate on Food Security and because of the importance of food to all of us I thought you should have it.

Dear Michael,

I think you’ll be shocked when you read this message.

I attended yesterday’s first meeting of the Parliamentary committee that’s investigating food safety.

Before even beginning to work, the Conservative MPs on the committee totally hijacked the meeting with procedural tricks that allowed them, and only them, to keep talking until the clock ran out.

Please join me in sending a message to tell the Conservatives to stop playing politics with the safety of our food!

No one but the Conservatives got a word in and there was zero progress on getting on with the job of making our food safety system better.

As far as I can tell, the Conservatives plan to continue to prevent this committee from doing its job – ever.

I hope you will join me in sending a message to tell Prime Minister Harper to stop playing politics with our food safety system. Please send the PM a message to urge him to rein in his MPs so the committee can get on with the job of making our food safety system better.

Yours sincerely,

Jim Thompson

P.S. In addition to hijacking the meeting, the Conservatives seem to be trying to hide information from the parliamentary committee as well, according to a report in today’s Ottawa Citizen.

You may contact Jim at advocacy@foodsafetyfirst.ca or email me and I will send you his letter and link.
Michael Cormican

Belated St. Patrick's Day Celebration and "Liberal Helpings" Event

2009-03-25T23:47:00.004-06:00

Hi Friends - Liberals.

You are invited to come celebrate, meet new friends and hear the latest from Michael Ignatieff, Liberal Leader especially for such celebration. I’ll be linking by phone with Michael just before 8 pm so he can speak to us giving us the latest from Ottawa.

Place: Call Michael at (403) 381-7635 for directions
Date: March 27, 2009
Time: 6 pm

Theme - Belated St. Patrick's Day Celebration and "Liberal Helpings"

We will provide beverages i.e. pop, punch, wine and nibblies. Guests may bring own beverage of choice if they prefer other than provided. We will provide a main dinner dish, a tossed salad and "colcannon"; could you get more Irish than that? So; we'll have basics. (It's been suggested that a pot be in place for those wishing to contribute towards the food) A couple of people said they will bring something additionally and suggested others might do same i.e. nibbly or veggie, or salad or desert or whatever?

Since the event is a fund-raiser for those wishing to make a donation to the party $15 to $25 is suggested for which you will get a tax-receipt. This means that a $25.00 donation costs you $6.25 and you are helping the party to be ready for the next election. I've set the goal at $300.00 for the evening but I expect it to surpass that since as we all know it takes money to do anything, in this case run a credible party and to be ready. Also, please bring a joke or two and a story. A piano [layer is scheduled and we all look forward to a great evening and catch-up with the latest from Ottawa from Michael Ignatieff. I’m excited and looking forward to seeing you here. And, we've even got a professional piano-player.Until then; take care.

Michael Cormican

“LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA in Alberta CONVENTION 2009”

2009-03-05T23:47:00.000-07:00

A few of us from Lethbridge: Dianne King, President; Zack Moline, Youth representative; Everett Tanis and I as past Candidates, attended the LPCA Convention in Edmonton this past week-end. Although the coverage in the Edmonton Journal on Saturday was good, so often due to distance such events get little attention in the local media, so here is an update:
The banquet with Michael Ignatieff, Leader on Friday, Feb. 27 was a sell-out success with over 800 in attendance; and Mr. Ignatieff did not disappoint! He gave a rousing speech emphasizing Alberta as the leading province and stating how no government should take Alberta for granted. He also emphasized the need to assist the oil industry in the tar sands in their greening process and suggested that rather than sending it unprocessed to the US that we need to consider installation of up-grader plants. He also said he will not allow the Conservatives to do to him what they did to Mr. Dion and he emphasized the need for increased grassroots involvement and funding in order to be ready for the challenge if the government falls. (On Thursday, Feb. 27 I had attended and heard Mr. Ignatieff speak in Calgary. Several hundred attended).
The Women’s Commission meeting on Thursday afternoon discussed ideas on how to entice more women to be involved. The Renewal Commission followed chaired by Dr. Bennett, similarly seeking ideas from attendees.
Saturday began at 7 am for those of us interested in the Agriculture meeting with the former Liberal Agriculture Minister Wayne Easter. Senators Banks, Fairbairn and Mr. Hodgeson, the LPCA President, attended the session as well. The standing committee on agriculture is ably chaired by Bob Russell from St. Albert, and along with Don Thompson and the other members of the committee, includes many experienced and notable farmers from across the province. Bob presented a brief from the committee outlining issues and recommendations. Issues included WCB, grain, cattle and even the listeria situation that occurred this past year. Bob and Don regularly travel across the province to talk and support where necessary, and do this at their own expense. They also lobby power and other interests to use wasteland for industrial and transmission purposes, so as to maximize the use of good land for crop production.
The major session of the morning consisted of reports and Kevin Feehan directed the afternoon session focussed on reviewing proposed amendments for the party’s constitution. Kevin did a super job. The more contentious were identified first and dealt with individually before the final resolution was adopted. The final session was a ‘bearpit’ format on Renewal. Several spoke and emphasized the need for “one person one vote’.
Several including Rocco Rossi emphasized the need for fundraising to guarantee our sustainability. Whether we like it or not, the reality is money is needed, especially for advertising. I note that the Conservatives raised 4:1 the amount the Liberals raised this past year. They garnered over $ 21 million versus Liberals approximate $5.6 million. Apparently only 5% of Liberals have been donating versus 50% of Conservatives; so we must change this
If we want to survive as a party and to be a serious contender to get the Liberal approach we desire we must all get serious about increasing our numbers and funds. Given Mr. Harper’s and his government’s lack of progress and questionable practices, we need to be ready in the event of a possible early election call.
As we returned home from the Convention, discussing and reflecting on the weekend’s events and process, we realized that we must make sure that our concerns and recommendations reach the right people in time for the National Convention in Vancouver, so that we can assure the expected empowerment of the grassroots.
We are a keen and involved group. Our monthly committee meetings are lively, as are our committee discussions; and Lethbridge is one of the more active ridings in the country. During the previous leadership campaign we had 9 of the 11 contenders come to our city and we intend to keep that pace.
So please, I appeal to every individual to assist by getting more involved. It should not be too much to ask that each of us sign up at least one new member. If everyone got one new member we would double our membership. I have already signed more than one and continue to press for more. Please call me if you need help or a membership form and remember there’s lots of great information on our website at www.liberal.ca.
Michael Cormican, Lethbridge EDA Liberal Candidate ’06 and ‘08

Activity Update

2009-02-22T22:17:00.001-07:00

Wow! What changes over the past couple of weeks!

Though the weather has remained cold, on the political level, attitudes across the country appear to have warmed and changed substantially. Whatever precipitated the change: the economy engaging everyone's attention, the fact that the government heard the wake-up call in the tête-à-tête with opposition parties, or the focus on the preparations for President Obama’s visit, Mr. Harper sure appears much more amenable. Mr. Ignatieff appears to have settled in fast to his role in leading the Opposition and appears totally comfortable with it.

President Obama’s visit, though very brief, is now history and it appeared as if he fulfilled everyone’s expectations. Hopefully he will be back again when he does not have so much demanding his attention at home and hopefully he will be able to remain as persuasive as he has been with respect to the economy, especially on matters that affect trade between Canada and the USA.

On the home-front I keep busy too. I very much enjoyed my involvement with the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki 40th Anniversary celebrations. It was great meeting so many from near and far, as it helped ensure the success of the overall celebration. I also attended the annual dinner of the Lethbridge and District Ethnic Association and the Gala introducing us to the Water Resources Institute at the U of L. In addition to the usual other committee meetings, I had a couple of meetings and contacts regarding the much talked of anticipated change in local fire and ambulance services.

I’ve also been in touch with some of my agricultural contacts to monitor the effects which the changing economy is having on them. It appears that some of the issues noted to me last summer and fall have intensified, while a couple of them appear to have less significance, i.e. oil and fertilizer costs. Nevertheless, they suggest that government and other authorities need to keep working on them. My contacts say the need is greater than ever for changes to facilitate trade in cattle with the USA. I have forwarded the information to Bob Russell, Chair of the Liberal Party Agricultural Committee to help us in our meeting on Saturday with Hon. Wayne Easter, former Liberal Agriculture Minister now Opposition Agriculture shadow-Minister.

Given the winds of change for our American cousins and the worsening economic situation for us too, we should not only to be ready if called upon to form a government, but to ensure that our policies are in tune with people’s needs. With this in mind, a number of us met this week and reviewed the recommendations contained in the Red Ribbon Task Force 2006 Report. We’ll be passing them on to the current ‘Renewal Commission’ preparing for the LPC upcoming Vancouver Convention.

It is high time that everyone, not just Liberals, needs to change their way of thinking and acting in order to change the Conservative grip, especially in Lethbridge area. I believe anything is possible if we put our minds to it. Who would have thought last year that the American people would have changed so fast to the point of electing an African-American to lead them? It restores my faith in the power of good. We too need to believe change can occur. Together we can do it!

Michael Cormican

Congratulations to Sik-Ooh-Kotoki (Medicine Tree) Friendship Center on your 40th Anniversary

2009-02-11T19:11:00.002-07:00

This a copy of my recent letter to the Lethbridge Herald on Friday, Feb. 6, '09.

‘Thank you’ Sik-Ooh-Kotoki staff for the most successful Gala Evening last Saturday, February 1 commencing celebration of the 40th Anniversary of founding in 1969. It made my heart swell with pride for you seeing the huge El Rancho ballroom packed with representations of the community to share in the celebration and recognizing forty years of service to our community. It was also a nice surprise to renew friendships with several that came from across the country.

As we heard and some of us realize it has not been an easy road for you. We commend founders, Leroy Little Bear, Rose Yellowfeet and Rod McLeod for their foresight, dreams and determination as well as current President Roland Cotton, Jim Short and Lydia First Rider for their able leadership over the past ten years. We wish you continuing success.

We hope everyone will take the opportunity to come out and enjoy the many other celebratory events over the next month. There’s something every week; a pow wow this w/e, the following w/e boxing etc., and all funded without government assistance. Way to go! A great demonstration of what can be achieved when we believe in ourselves, reach out to each other and reach for the stars. It bodes well for our future.

Thanks Lethbridge for your continued support the dream of a home and mingling place for all regardless of status or colour. A special thanks to Travis and your team for the terrific emcee job, fun and friendly jibes both politically and with our friendly security colleagues. You guys looked superb!

Special thanks to guest-speaker, Mr. Elijah Harper, for your words of wisdom and encouragement. Many of us indeed remember you years ago speaking out as an MLA and MP. It was a real treat to meet you at last. As you suggested; let’s all soar like the eagle and our community will be the better for it.

It’s great to see the rubber hitting the road and everyone working together at last since it is the best way to achieve our best and human potential. Thanks again all. Keep up the great work. I look forward to the rest of the events and fun. Congratulations again for a job well done. Dream-on and continue to reach out and expand “The Spirit of Bridging Friendships”.

Michael Cormican

Observations on the Budget of January 27, 2009

2009-01-29T13:20:00.003-07:00

I thought I should provide a few observations with respect to the much anticipated budget upon which so many Canadians - individuals, families and business - pin their hopes, as they feel pinched as a result of the quickly shrunken economy.

Some will feel helped, but in listening to the budget and follow-up discussions I couldn’t help but feel as though some of it is “smoke and mirrors” and will take time to see if it all pans out as projected. Certainly it is much better than what we would have been treated to if Mr. Harper had not been stopped in his tracks. What a huge turn-around from the fiscal update he provided two months ago, an update which was obviously either misleading or naïve.

Even I was aware of the worsening world situation in early October. My brother in Ireland told me in a phone-call how the Irish Government had just broken ranks with the EU and said it was going to bail-out a couple of their largest banks. A few days later we saw British PM, Gordon Brown soliciting support in the Middle East and months before most of us were aware of Fanny Mae etc. in the US.

However, despite the severity of our situation, with thousands who have already lost jobs and many more cut to part time, I believe that Canada, with its resource wealth, will survive better than most. However, like a heart-attack or cancer the conditions were developing long before, this may take much longer to correct. My wish is that everyone will survive with the least hurt.

As Mr. Ignatieff has said, the main measures of the budget’s efficacy must be:
• Will (the budget) help business and industry survive?
• Will it alleviate the stresses of those affected by the downturn?
• What length of time it will take to get out of deficit again. (With the huge amounts involved, this is my biggest concern!)

Nevertheless, let’s think and talk positive like Mr. Obama, so that we can feel better and get back to normal again. Also, as suggested by Mr. Obama, we all need to do our bit, learn the needed lesson and become responsible in our day-to-day living. We need to realize the interconnectedness of all of us all and the universe.

We also need to realize that if we keep approaching issues and the future with the same approaches, undoubtedly we will get more of the same. We need to dream, take calculated risks; to reach for the stars and to expect the best from those who serve us. These are some of the traits we see in Mr. Obama. He has renewed our hope and trust. We need to listen and emulate them too.

And, now that circumstances have helped bring us some of the much needed reason and cooperation we expected of our politicians, let’s expect better from them from now on, and likely we will get what we expect. Of course, I would appreciate hearing your observations too. I can be contacted by email at mgcormic@telus.net or by phone at (403) 381-7635.
Michael Cormican

Justice needing to be restored in case of Omar Kadhr

2009-01-19T23:05:00.003-07:00

I find it difficult to keep quiet when repeatedly hearing and now seeing evidence proving continuing injustice especially to someone who is unable to do anything for themselves. Shortly my last blog insertion I turned the TV to channel 15 to catch-up on Newsworld and happened on the latest update on Mr. Kadhr's case I suspect most people have heard about many times and like many people not believing such injustices and torture still occurs had not taken action to date. The reporters and Canadian Lawyer did a super job challenging and providing evidence that countered almost every piece of evidence attempted by the US defence in the case which is about to go to court. It spurned me to take action and the following is a copy of my action. To contact Mr. Obama I was directed to correspond on his facebook. You will also see that I have sent it to Prime Minister Harper and other significant politicians. Here goes:

Hi Mr. Harper, Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Casson:
Firstly, Mr. Casson since I have difficulty locating and address for Mr. Harper and since I anticipate you have one in easy reach I would really appreciate if you can forward this correspondence to him at your earliest convenience.

Following is a copy of my correspondence and request to President-elect Obama as he assumes the role of President of the US tomorrow. It is with respect to the Omar Kadhr case as noted above. Like many Canadians I expect our Government that appears to have been complicit in the injustices and torture as well to end the continuing injustices being perpetuated and restore Mr. Kadhr's Rights and Freedoms. See as follows:

Hi Mr. Obama:
This is my first attempting to contact with you. Though I had not done so until now and though I am Canadain I have been supportive of you from the start and when some that were supportive of other primary contenders were questioning or making statements that Americans were not ready for a black President I kept reminding them of your ease, sincerity and intelligence. Now I want to wish you well as you start your awesome responsibility. I suspect others may have made the same request of you. I just watched the iinvestigative report on Newsworld on Mr. Kadhr, Canadian being held in Guantanamo and being tried on what appears to be unfolding as the biggest concoction of lies attempting to frame him. Even the CIA and interrigators iinvolved question the evidence being given. I ask that you do whatever you can to end the injustice. I am also about to write to our own Canadian government on the matter. Thank you for your attention. Appreciatively,
Michael Cormican

Thank you in anticipation of positive action.
Michael Cormican

Happy New Year! May we and our Government be thoughtful of our future too!

2009-01-19T21:25:00.001-07:00

I guess it never too late to wish good things, and the year is still young enough to do so. As usual, I always wish the best for everyone. It would be a much better world if everyone tried to cultivate a positive outlook, then no one would feel excluded. Unfortunately, it appears that for quite some time the majority has got into an exclusionary mode, focusing on themselves or their own group, resulting in less consideration for others. We all have a responsibility to consider others and how our thoughts and actions will affect them. Liberals, because of our philosophy, have a special responsibility to reach out and to ensure that others feel included and valued.

Fortunately, towards the end of the last year the sudden changes in the world economy, as well as the winds of change from the USA, forced everyone to re-evaluate. Circumstances forced an about-face to seek cooperation in the political sphere, once again proving that tough time and cooperation bring out the best in us. So let’s keep positive that the new attitude will hold.

Nevertheless, I hope that Mr. Harper will not be too soft under the pressure of trying to respond to everyone. I hope he will be cautious and prudent, since we don’t want a huge debt hanging over us for the long-term future; a situation which could easily happen. I trust he will be reasonable in his upcoming budget and ensure that some thought be given to plans for getting back to normal.

However, all of us have a responsibility to cooperate and be reasonable too, not only in our expectations but in our actions as well. Let’s all show we have learned the vital lessons of prudence and cooperation. We must be prudent with credit, as well as remembering that there will be many who hurt and need our help. In doing this we will realize the positive multiplier effect that occurs when we share.

Also, at this time I remind Liberals of the need to renew their membership and to donate, since the latter (other than increasing the numbers and fundraising activities) is the only way the party can survive. We should not leave all of this to the dedicated few who are the nucleus. We must all make it our responsibility to actively support and give our best to our party, since it is the best the democratic world has come up with. We need only listen to the news to be reminded of what can happen when a society is ruled despotically and tyrannically. We need to minimize the possibility of that happening here.

Our riding is one of the most active in the country, so there are many opportunities available. Monthly meetings are held and there is lots of committee work as well as other activities. Also, there are the upcoming conventions, through which much work is done. If you want to attend these you must have a current membership. For this, you can join or renew online at www.Liberal.ca or www.lethbridgeliberals.ca; or you may contact our president, Dianne King, or myself and we will be happy to get a form to you. You can also keep up-to-date on those sites. Also, if there is any way in which I can help, or if you have concerns or suggestions please email or call me. My phone number is (403) 381-7635 and email is mgcormic@telus.net.

Best regards,
Michael Cormican

Wind-down Observations for the year

2008-12-22T08:47:00.003-07:00

Cautious, working together and positivity good

As we come to the end of a year of huge change, we should review and assess how we might improve for the year ahead and make some New Year's resolutions.

It is amazing how fast a situation can change, even in politics, as with the recent American Election.
The same can happen in Canada too. Although it is difficult to be patient, we must remain assured that things will change.

Change is the essence of life, and positivity is contagious. Let's hope the current signs of change and cooperation are for real. It's good to be cautious but we also need to work together and to be positive!

As told biblically the "mighty fall fast" too; even rich, untouchable Alberta is talking about a deficit for the coming year, and the latest news indicates that Mr. Harper and Mr. Flaherty are predicting a 30 billion dollar deficit.

Hopefully we have learned that we must not live beyond our means, or we may soon be in more trouble. Let's all be responsible, auditable, considerate and inclusive, as appears to be the trend in the international arena. Hopefully the G7/8 will want to also share the wealth too, as soon as the international crisis is resolved.

Of course, we should always remember that we're dealing with people, whether local or further away, and if we're not too hung up on the bottom line, it will work out. Another laudable outcome will likely be improved communities.

A couple of regrets I have (as I suspect Mr. Flaherty and Mr. Harper have too), is that we had that 13 billion dollar surplus which the Liberals had in place when turning over government; and that the 2% GST was still in place; which would sure have helped now, and in fact would likely have resulted in balanced, instead of deficit budgets over the next couple of years.

It's also seems to me that the seven weeks of inaction from the government not sitting, and not dealing with the crisis will have contributed to worsening the crisis! Also, I must confess disappointment that our MP, Mr. Casson, excused himself as not having time for a debate which our illustrious SACPA attempted to arrange for December 30 to discuss the prorogation of Parliament.
Hopefully we can expect more from him in the New Year.

At this special time would like to wish everyone the best of the season and for the New Year. If you have any concerns or suggestions you would like to discuss I may be contacted by email at mgcormic@telus.net or at (403) 381-7635.

With best wishes always,

Michael Cormican

HOW QUICKLY THE TIDE CAN TURN

2008-12-21T22:47:00.002-07:00

How how quickly the situation can change. As I suggested in my last blog we need to be careful of our approach since it can come back to haunt us. Little did I realize the Canadian political atmosphere would change so fast for Mr. Harper. Assess or call it whatever we want but some will say he deserved to have the tables turned on him. Was it a momentary slip on his part or ineptitude or are we seeing more of the real Mr. Harper?

A couple of sayings come to mind; one – we can only lie for so long and another is “the zebra doesn’t change his stripes”. Seems like Mr. Harper could not help himself, obviously believing he was on a roll and lacking wisdom to realize he didn’t have a majority government. Thankfully he didn’t and I suspect many are thinking and feeling similar too.

Thankfully too the opposition had more stamina than Mr. Harper estimated and hopefully more Canadians realize better what his real intentions are. I can imagine if he had got away with his assault on democracy how much of his agenda would be rammed down our throats. Good reason to keep on the alert.

Many who supported Mr. Harper must be wondering how they could allow themselves to be taken-in. Hopefully he will not get away with as many stunts from hereon and I hope all Liberals will stand behind our new Opposition Leader, Michael Ignatieff and hopefully when Parliament resumes it will be more interesting and civil and hopefully too, the budget will be more user-friendly and reflect and deal with issues, especially the faltering economy and people.

Michael Cormican

Interesting Times politically in Canada

2008-11-29T00:24:00.002-07:00

No one can say I'm overusing my blog, or bad-mouthing and/or not giving Mr. Harper and his "new government" a chance, however; as I have long ago came to realize and I have often said we all need to be careful how we project ourselves and/or deal with others since it is liable according to the law of karma to come back on us. Similarly, we need to be careful what we say. Also, as the saying goes in this area about the weather, wait awhile and it will change. Often the same can be said about politics, and; sure enough, almost as quick as the economy changed the political outlook suddenly appears to have changed for our new Conservative government. However, given the Conservative's espoused ideology and what they have done since getting to power one does not have to be a genious to realize with the down-turn in the economy there was not much room for them to manouvre.

As we have seen, since after almost three years in power the Conservatives could not blame the current economic down-turn on the Liberals they have started saying it is part of the world situation. Of course, during the latter stages of the campaign as the worsening world economic situation escalated they told us Canada would not experience recession or deficit because of our strong economy though as soon as elected started changing their position and prediction. I suspect most Liberals found such about-turn difficult to accept. However, it was gratifying to see them use some of our ideas. I was re-assuring too to hear most of the economic experts recommend the approach for an economy in recession is stimulation as outlined in the Liberal platform. Given Canada's by then quickly deteriorating economy I for one expected they would have taken greater action to help it in their Financial update however, they continue their games to obviously perpetuate themselves in power for as long as possible. However, the cruncher for opposition parties is the government's blatent attack on democracy with their proposal to strip the legislated financial support for political parties. Opposition parties, even the Bloc seeing the threat have been quicly in communication and appear prepared to fight election if necessary which it looks like the Conservatives had not bargained for and feeling caught in a trap of their own making appear to be stalling for time and ideas as to how to get out of their predicament. It will be interesting to see how it will end. Keep tuned.

Michael Cormican, Immediate Past Candidate, 2008 Federal Election

Candidate Report/Review of Election 2008

2008-10-30T22:34:00.002-06:00

Hi Liberals/Supporters/Friends:

Election Day 2008 is history and the results were not as some of us wished for locally or across the country. My numbers being down so much from last time begs the question; why. Overall our only consolation is that Mr. Harper did not get the majority he was hoping for and as you probably saw on the federal level the knives were out right-away if we are to believe the media. Also, though Mr. Dion announced that he will be leaving as soon as a new leader is elected they appeared to expect me to project blame and they continue to speculate on possible infighting in search of a story. Since it will likely be awhile before another election we can hope that Mr. Harper quits jacking around and starts with the business of governing, hopefully in the best interests of all Canadians.

Before proceeding further I want to take this opportunity to thank my campaign team and all that supported me whether in actively campaigning or by voting for me. Though I did so on Election night and individually I hope I didn’t miss someone which I can see might be easy to do. Some days I didn’t make it to the office because of how schedule and commitments worked out so I may not have met some supporters. However; I will take the chance and recognize the following: Russ, Lorne, Mary, Lynn, Pat, Mel, Bal, Frank, Hubert, Leslie, Rita, Marie, Dianne, Diane, Audrey, Stan and students, Roberto, Ryan, Andrew, Zack, Jessica and Anastasia. Thanks a mil all.

Also, since good business practice suggests we should do a review, assess the process and outcome and compile a report I developed a questionnaire to assist me get feedback I believe may be helpful for next time and I have arranged for a get-together to review and debrief with the team and others on Saturday Oct. 25. Though a more tangible measure it’s idealistic to expect everyone to respond. To date those returned confirm some observations expected and identified room for improvement.

As you likely know since nomination I took every reasonable opportunity available to attend community events, went door-to-door and kept abreast of party information and the political scene in general to help get known. As you might anticipate I got questioned as to why I was doing it when an election had not been called. Some suggested it to be a futile exercise given the entrenched Conservative tradition here. None-the-less I soldiered on occasionally doing door-to-door since it is also an opportunity to hear from some people what they perceive the issues to be. I also attended as many public events as possible where the same sentiments were also expressed. Many appeared to have bought into the unrelenting Conservative propaganda in addition to which Mr. Harper and the Conservatives provided no plan until no opportunity was available for it to be challenged. Likewise, they continued to deny a recession was underway until the election was over. It’s interesting to observe the dance of avoidance and euphemisms used and now they even admit openly that they plan to elicit buy-in by the opposition so they can not be blamed. I’m anxiously waiting to hear if any voters feel lied to the same as in the Spring when the Provincial Conservatives unabashedly granted themselves a 34% remuneration increase that wasn’t raised in the platform or election campaign. It baffles me how those that vote for them can in good conscience do so for a party that only provided a vague plan at the last minute when there was no opportunity for debate and allowed themselves to be conned into believing such party governs best when history shows otherwise. What a mockery; within hours of re-election Mr. Harper started admitting the potential for problems in our economy? He even produced an action plan to deal with downturn which action he had ridiculed Mr. Dion on. He now freely admits the possibility of deficit budgeting. So I respectfully ask; in retrospect, who was being truthful? No wonder the majority of the public are skeptical. However, let’s get back to the review and report on the campaign.

As you might guess, because of people’s time, responsibilities and other commitments it is difficult to entice supporters to commit to a role other than a general commitment that they’ll help when the time comes. As you might also anticipate when the time comes the realities of living and circumstances dictate the need for other considerations. Life and living just doesn’t always cooperate the way we desire. Unfortunately, health or other circumstances had intervened for some and consequently we were left scrambling for replacements. Whether because of an increasingly wobbly economy or what, it was difficult to get volunteers, and since everyone including candidates are volunteer it becomes equally difficult to accept criticism as volunteered by one individual that “it was the worst-run campaign she had ever seen”.

Fortunately, most feedback received is relatively objective and positively framed making it easier to accept. It sure helps one empathize with and understand what Mr. Dion, such a person of integrity and honor had to go through, though on a much larger level. Assuming everyone did their best and to put the election experience and results in perspective I suggest we remember the huge pessimism amongst so much of the electorate and the corresponding drop in voter turn-out that continues to worsen. The lack of a valid reason for an election at this time doesn’t enhance the prospects for in the near future. Unfortunately these considerations don’t address the issue of voter apathy which we all need to think long and hard about. We need to realize how dangerous apathy can be. What happened in Nazi Germany springs to mind and I hope all of us would want take action against the increasing fundamentalism that encourages isolative thinking that polarizes rather than draws people together as one should expect in a world which with passage of time and experience should be more enlightened as knowledge. It seems like the more free time we get, the more self-indulged we become the more apathetic and increasingly intolerant we may become consequently the more we need to become aware of our outlook.

For better or worse, Mr. Harper appears to have caught-on and understands how to get in power and hang on at all costs. It appears the end justifies the means for him. Part of his strategy is to get the opposition started prematurely so volunteers will tire. Also, the public are likely to perceive one as anxious and/or jumping the gun. At the end of the spring session of Parliament Mr. Harper sensed the need to move for several reasons and over the summer psyched the public into accepting a need for an election despite his set election date for Oct. 2009. Shortly before his actual call it became clearer that they meant business this time which was underscored by the Conservatives’ starting to engage offices. We too decided it was time to move on securing space. Unfortunately, the first couple of possibilities we unearthed fell through and we were already a couple of days into the campaign before good fortune hit. As a result of my connections and thanks to Aboriginal Housing we secured ideally located space that became our campaign office.

Though Russ, Mary, Lorne and Pat kicked into gear right-away others because of commitments had difficulties extricating and freeing the time required right-away. As anyone that has worked closely in a campaign knows there’s lots that needs to be attended to especially right-away. In retrospect, an office ‘work-plan’ (see attached sample based on the 2008 campaign) would have been helpful from the start since a campaign office must run independently though of course for and without the candidate who has so many duties. When not busy on getting up-to-speed on policy, platform, politics in general, there are interviews, forums, open-houses and speaking engagements and in the balance of time available he must fit in door-to-door campaigning. Required activities and expectations leave little time for much else when attempting to fit all that is expected into the shortest campaign-time in Canadian history. It was difficult to carve out time for practice of speeches though fortunately I was reasonable familiar with party policies most of which were eventually weaved into the platform. I also had to endeavor to keep my policy manual current since no stepped forward or was prepared to monitor, generate and update the manual which is a must for quick reference in the forums. This manual is most important and needs highest priority in any campaign. Due to lack of time I was only able to drop by the office occasionally as time and commitments allowed. On return home at night there are phone calls to be returned and many received responses to their emails at 2 or 3 am.

Issues raised varied depended on location, those raising them, the day and current national issues. As you might guess the main issues were; health, the carbon tax, the Wheat Board and choice for farmers and later in the campaign the economy. Though I hate to admit it I often found myself defending our leader, the Green Shift and gun-control; some even resurrected the NEP and some questioned the need for the election. Many appeared to doubt the Green Shift tax return plan and some appeared hung-up ideologically about crime, childcare and abortion. In an attempt to obtain feedback and to help bring conclusion to the campaign I developed and fanned out a questionnaire and requested feedback.

Review of returns of the Post-election Review questionnaire distributed to obtain feedback indicates 8 of a possible 25 respondents completed and returned the survey and one provided a brief scathing freelance observation that “it was the worst managed campaign they had seen over the years”. In summary, all answered the first question affirmatively. Five answered question 2 positively and 6 answered questions 3 and 4 in the affirmative and similarly the majority responded affirmatively to the next 3 questions. Four responded affirmatively to questions 5 and 6. Three responded negatively to questions 5 and 6. The majority answered questions 7,8, 9 and 10 affirmatively and two did not rate q 10. Question 11 was 50:50 and 3 responded affirmatively to qs 12 and 13 while four gave no indication. One did not respond to number 14 and the other 7 respondents varied in degree of feedback for additional observations. A couple of memos from young people over the past couple of days were most insightful are summarized as follows:
"oh well; this is SA, the green shift was not well packaged and difficult to sell, the Cons. were well-financed and used it to decimate Stephane and our message in the minds of voters and then we were side-swiped by the economic down-turn which the Cons. used to full advantage and people obviously bought". Otherwise they appeared positive to go again. I encouraged and pointed to the need for young people to be involved in party activities. It was noted that stars must align; people, money, leadership, economy, timing and there must be no turning back once on the train. Everyone must be supportive and aggressive in pursuit of as much funding as possible to ensure the best job possible and to not only counter the opposition but be in the lead disseminating the message we want the electorate to have. One person can not be expected to be a miracle worker doing the job and trying to turn the tide. We must remember the purpose of a party, in this instance the Liberal Party is to further Liberal policies and assist in electing a representative that will achieve this goal. In joining a party we agree with these goals and principles and do our utmost to achieve the richer, fairer, greener, gentler Canada we all so much want.

Having reviewed operation of this last campaign the following is a Summary of Recommendations for next Campaign:

1. Generation of an organized, up-to-date ‘Policy Manual’ should be the number 1 priority
2. Next, a tentative ‘Work Plan’ should be developed for the next election based on 38 days (that identifies the need for daily updates in keeping with the various deadlines required as well as the length of the election campaign).
3. The ‘work-plan’ should identify need for office to be rented as soon as positive indications of a pending ‘Election Call’ i.e. the governing party arranging same.
4. That the work-plan identify earliest possible date for arrangements for installation of phones, furniture and computers
5. That work-plan to identify the need for and indicate regular dates for staff meetings as well as for meetings with candidate.
6. That the work-plan should identify the need for a letter to be drafted on the first or second day of the campaign addressed to list of identified donors – members and supporters asking for a contribution at the earliest possible time since expenditures and what needs to be done depend on funding available. Letter should identify the necessities required for a successful campaign i.e. office, phone and furniture rentals, signs, brochures, mailing, travel and how because of the short duration of a campaign suppliers will only supply C.O.D (Volunteers need to be assigned right-away to follow-up after the letter should be received. It should be noted that Elections Canada rules require that only personal cheques can be accepted and they will be income-tax receipted. It is best that as soon as the individual offers that they plan on contributing we personally offer to pick-up and deliver the cheque to the agent).
7. That the work-plan to identify the need for manager and office staff to identify the date for mailing brochures to both rural and urban areas, (Work Plan to identify the need for the Brochure Committee to complete and arrange for production of same as soon as the Party Platform is released).
8. That work-plan should suggest early date for phone follow-up re donations and a subsequent follow-up if necessary and specify the need for in-person contact and to offer immediate pick-up.
9. That work-plan to identify need for arrangements for distribution, location and tracking of signs (to assist later with pick-up).
10. That work-plan to identify need for arrangements for closedown of the office and returns.

Conclusion:
Thanks to the party for affording me the opportunity to serve you and our community in such a prestigious and honorable undertaking. Thanks especially to all those that helped whether with financial support, in the office, door-to-door, signs or whatever else and sorry that despite our Trojan efforts the number of those voting Liberal actually dropped contrary to what I certainly hoped for. Special thanks to Mary Insley, Russ, Lorne, Pat, Lynn, Mel, Frank, Doug, Bal, Lee, the many others that helped in whatever way, and especially Senator Joyce who accompanied me to many outlying locations. Unfortunately, it seems like it was not meant to be and we didn’t get as much money as we’d hoped for either. Starting we had almost $11,000 from the trust account and our spending was approximately $23,000 consequently we only raised approximately $12,000. Thanks to all the contributors including those that contributed the maximum allowable. Unfortunately, it appears that some people believe that corporate support is still allowed but unfortunately; it is no longer allowed under Elections Canada guidelines. Thanks again all.

The outcome overall and locally was disappointing. It was my hope to increase the number voting Liberal here rather than getting less than last time. Please accept my apologies. I accept some but not total responsibility since a candidate can not be responsible for long-standing cynicism, disconnection and voter apathy, but deserves everyone’s support in everyway possible and underscores once again the importance of the greatest membership base possible as well as funding whether on the local or national level. The national campaign and platform was hijacked by the super-financed Conservatives who were prepared to do anything to hold-on to power. They figuratively assassinated Mr. Dion right-away on his assuming leadership and saturated the media with advertising emphasizing the carbon-tax aspect of the Green Shift which was questioned by many voters by then skeptical added to which their (Conservative) luck increased when signs of the economy spluttering showed in the last week of the campaign. They quickly latched to it suggesting the need for Canadians to stay the course with the “tried and true” rather than risking new ideas and tax-increases. The outcome is now history.

I recommend that as the Conservatives did over the past 3 years we continue campaigning so we’re ready as soon as the next writ is dropped, likely in a couple of years, quite possibly 18 months since they (Conservatives) will not want a new Liberal Leader to get established. I predict Mr. Harper will do his utmost to have it appear as though it’s our fault again when the next election is triggered. I also recommend that the recommendations noted herein be adopted for the next campaign. Respectfully submitted,

Michael Cormican, Liberal Candidate 2008 Election

Mr. Dion prepares the way for a new Leadership race

2008-10-20T20:46:00.002-06:00

In follow-up to the outcome of the recent election and as you likely know by now Mr. Dion announced that he will step-down as leader of the Liberal Party and over the next several months, the party will conduct a leadership race to determine a successor.

The Harper Conservatives may have won the battle this time but at some point the results of their actions will likely catch up with them. It is my firm belief that the negativism, misrepresentation and character-assassination will come back to haunt them. Money can only do so much, eventually people will see through them. The Conservatives used millions in attack ads and misused government mailing privileges in their attempt to destroy Mr. Dion and the Liberal Party and we lacked the resources to counter the false image they pushed of Mr. Dion and our platform. Mr. Harper and the Conservatives provided no plan until the last minute when there was no opportunity to question it, many voters didn't bother to vote and unfortunately enough people obviously were prepared to vote without knowing his plan and so they won.

As Mr. Dion has said we can not allow a repeat to happen again; however, all our help is needed. Right-away we Liberals need to ensure the Liberal Party will have the financial resources to counter the Conservative push that will likely continue. We need to be generous and contribute to get rid of all debts and establish the financial resources required to ensure we are successful in winning the next election.

We simply must win. And while a one-time donation will help, for long-term strength and stability, we all need to consider making a monthly contribution of $10, $15, $25or more. We believe our vision of a richer, fairer, greener Canada is worth fighting for.

So please, help now to ensure that the next leader of the Liberal Party can turn our vision into a reality. Please check Liberal.ca for updates and to contribute. Your will receive a tax receipt for your contribution which means our contribution only costs us a portion of what we give. Let's support democracy in action. Thank you.

Michael Cormican, Candidate
Liberal Party of Canada, Lethbridge

Conclusion of 2008 Election Campaign

2008-10-17T22:42:00.001-06:00

Sorry I was unable to keep my blog as up-to-date as I would have liked but as you might imagine with the short timeframe for the campaign and all the demands on ones time it is difficult to find time for these extra expectations unless someone volunteers to do such. Though it may be redundant at this stage suffice it to summarize that the last week flew by. We had a couple of forums, an open house and interviews etc. though Senator Joyce and I managed to get in visits and some main-streeting in Milk River and Coutts as well as Magrath and Coaldale.

Usually we were greeted by someone or other telling us they never see a politician in these areas. However, I believe it is important to visit all key locations in the riding; I just wish we had time for more. We met a couple of the mayors and other key people who were most receptive and friendly. Some of the issues on their minds concern maintaining the vibrancy of their community as well as infrastructure issues and they are always so proud of their community and rightly so. The main issues on farmers minds appear to be the high cost of inputs for farming especially oil and fertilizer and I heard loud and clear that with respect to the Canadian Wheat Board they want it retained but want choice, the same as Ontario, even if they don’t use it. It was all very tiring.

On Friday, October 10 Gloria, I and Senator Fairbairn joined the Liberal contingent attending the October Fest at the German Canadian Club. On Saturday I attended the military display in Galt Gardens and the Parade at 1 pm. It was cold! Later, Gloria and I were guests of Senator Joyce at the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the local 18th Regiment. It was a memorable evening attended by the Lieutenant Governor and lots of Military brass. We are so fortunate to have such dedicated people and for such generous people defending our security.

Since campaign contributions were insufficient to mail brochures to every home in the riding we decided North Lethbridge and the rural areas should get them and we had to get volunteers to deliver as much as we could in Coaldale and the remainder of Lethbridge. A special thanks to all those that volunteered; especially the students and special thanks to Gloria and our family for putting-up with my lack of attention because of my campaigning priority. E day came and of course, we all know the results did not show as we wished. So we can only hope, like the farmer, that next time will be in our favor and we must all learn to live with the outcome. Needless to say gossip and speculation is rampant suggesting Mr. Dion should resign. However, knowing the man of honor he is, I trust he will decide in the overall best interest. Apparently, he is scheduled to make an announcement on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, Oct. 15 we emptied out the office and started collecting the signs so we don’t run afoul of the regulations. Today went breaking and storing signs, trying to catch-up on yard work and I made a nice stew to get back to routine of a healthy meal again.

Though I have individually thanked my campaign team at this time I want to take opportunity to thank everyone that helped spread the Liberal message and though we did not have the honor of getting the garland I like to believe we are still winners especially when we consider the odds. Unfortunately, numbers wise we died not do as well as the last campaign which is somewhat difficult to understand given the even worse scenario we campaigned in in 2005/6. However, there were fewer that voted this time.

I’m still convinced our platform was and is a good one. It reminds me of Mr. Trudeau’s 'Just Society' and I still believe that if other parties were fair and had not derogated Mr. Dion and promulgated their wrong slant on our platform; it is what most Canadians want. As I said several times during the campaign the Green Shift is akin to a second Industrial Revolution and our proposed tax changes the most radical approach since income taxes were introduced. I believe it would be a boon to industry and euntrepreneurs. The big question is, how can we engage the disconnected majority of potential voters? I want to thank the team and their families for affording them the time to help me. I hope I didn’t overlook anyone. I really appreciate them taking the time for this important aspect of living and governance.

Now we must be honest with ourselves since electioneering is serious business. I plan to do a survey to help obtain tangible feedback on our platform and presentation and my presentation of it as well as call a review meeting while everything is still fresh in our minds and to compile recommendations to help next time around. If you have any great idea on how we could do better I’d appreciate hearing it. Until my next update I’ll wish you the best and with respect to governing we can only trust that Mr. harper will get down to it seriously in the best interests of all of us. Appreciatively,

Michael Cormican, Past Candidate 2008 Election, Lethbridge

Federal Election Day, October 14, 2008

2008-10-14T09:41:00.001-06:00

Hi on Election Day! Yes, today is voting day and I trust if you have not already done so that you will do so before 7:30 pm the time the polls close. May I suggest that you present as early as possible before closing time since I suspect there will be the usual bit of a last-minute stampede. I have done my best to present the Liberal platform, as my fellow candidates have with their party's platform. I have posted summaries of the platform and our Green Shift plan which can be accessed at Liberal.ca or thegreenshift.ca. in one of my earlier blogs.
Good luck in your decision. Hopefully, the results will be in the overall best interest. I thank you for your interest and if you need assistance or a ride to the polls please contact our office at (403) 524-3839 or my cell at 317-0829. Have a great day! It’s a great day for democracy.

Michael Cormican, Liberal Candidate, Lethbridge Riding

Summary of week's activities and platform

2008-10-13T00:22:00.002-06:00

Hi again!

Time flies and we’ve covered a lot of ground since last communication and alot has happened including a BBQ for the staff on October 5. In all we had about 7 or 8 forums, open houses, preparation for interviews and in between we fitted in visits to most of the key communities in the Riding. It was nice meeting so many nice people including mayors, reeves, school principles and senior. Several people expressed amazement at seeing a politician noting they have never heard of one visiting their area. Most of the usual issues are mentioned and some noted the possible need for assistance with upgrading historical homes and/or stores and the main issue with farmers appears to be the high cost of inputs for farming including oil and fertilizer. Many farmers emphasized that they want to have the right to choice with respect to marketing their crops but do not want the CWB disbanded. It was great to be able to discuss and share ideas on the issues as well as our platform. Of course, we all noted the major issue that is on many minds since last note is the economy. Some people remarked how it was nice to see Mr. Harper appearing “like a deer caught in the headlights instead of Mr. Dion being projected thus by the Conservatives and many noted how well Stephane Dion did in the national Debates and hope people don’t feel too sorry for Mr. Harper suggesting it was nice he get a dose of his own medicine. As I have said more than once we all need to be careful since “birds tend to come home to roost”. It would also serve well that we remember which governments have tended to have the country near debt I,e, Mr. Mulroney and the Conservatives owed 42 billion in 1993. It took the Liberals to clean it up and it looks very like we may have to do so again since even Mr. Harper this week reluctantly admitted that our economy is in a perilous state it being noted that they got rid of the 3 billion contingency the Liberal government left them on change of watch almost 3 years ago. Given such history I ask; how could anyone think the Conservatives could be trusted to manage an guide the economy through the obvious rough times they expect ahead.

The following speech is a good summary of our platform.
The Liberal Party platform for families and businesses

The Liberal Party's platform will help strengthen Canadian families and businesses by providing lower taxes and investing in the Canadian economy, said Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion.

"A Liberal government will get the fundamentals of the economy right," said Mr. Dion. "We will build a richer Canada by cutting taxes for all Canadian families and businesses, making them more competitive; we will build a fairer Canada by directing significant tax benefits to families with children, increasing benefits to the disabled, seniors and families struggling to achieve success; and we will build a greener Canada by targeting tax cuts to Canadians and businesses to invest in renewable, energy efficient technologies."

A Liberal government will build a richer Canada by:
.leaving more in the pockets of Canadians by lowering the lowest- and middle-income tax rates. Lowering income taxes as much as 10 per cent for many Canadians;

.increasing the competitiveness of Canadian small businesses by lowering the small business tax rate to 10 per cent from 11 per cent. This represents a nine per cent cut in small business taxes;

.lowering the corporate tax rate to 14 per cent by 2013, making Canada one of the most competitive business jurisdictions in the world, driving the Canadian economy and creating jobs; and

.investing in the future and simplifying the tax system for post-secondary students providing most students approximately $1000 each year, and extending the $400 per month education tax credit to apprentices.

A Liberal government will build a fairer Canada by:

.introducing a new $350 refundable child tax credit that will benefit all families;
. increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors by $600 a year for low-income seniors even if they don't earn enough to pay taxes, and by $800 a year for low-income senior couples;

.improving the employment credit for low and middle-income Canadians and putting up to $250 more into their pockets;

.making the Disability Tax Credit refundable, significantly improving the incomes of disabled Canadians with low incomes;

.finally indexing the Northern Residents Deduction so the tax benefit addresses the changing costs of Northern Canadians;

.improving the Working Income Tax Credit for low-income Canadians and help them get over the welfare wall; and
. creating a new Guaranteed Family Supplement for the poorest families with children, worth $1,225 a year more per family.

A Liberal government will build a greener Canada by:
. providing up to $10,000 in refundable tax benefits to Canadian families for investments in energy-saving retrofits to their homes. This will improve energy efficiency, contribute to the fight against climate change and save Canadians money;

. implementing an Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance rates, which will provide new tax benefits to Canadian businesses that invest in green technologies. As the price of fossil fuels rises, this tax benefit will accelerate the investment in the technologies that will improve the competitiveness of Canadian companies; and

. improving the Science, Research & Experimental Development tax credit, giving tax benefits to Canadians that innovate and build the solutions of the future.

"The Conservatives have not invested in Canadians, have not lowered income taxes or invested in innovation. That is why Canada has had the lowest growth and productivity since 1990," said Mr. Dion.

"The Liberal Party is the only party that will lower taxes for Canadians in a progressive and effective way. Only a Liberal government will get the fundamentals right and build the economy for all Canadians."

In brief and in summary:
The theme of our platform is “A Richer, Fairer, Greener Canada and we propose that a Liberal Government will tax what we burn, waste or pollute and we will cut taxes on income, investment and innovation. All tax collected on carbon will be returned in amount of $15.1 billion contrary to what the Conservatives push. We plan to cut the rate of tax on the lowest three levels of income-tax by 1.5 % for the lowest and 1% for the next two levels as well as to cut a percentage point from business tax over four years. Also, we have planned several flexibility funds to help business green-up as well as accelerate the speed of return of investment costs. Likewise we propose an increase of $350 in addition to the $1,200 being given for each child as well as increase the GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) as well as many other benefits. Our plan has been fully costed and is hailed by all kinds of experts and organizations as the best and most appropriate way to stimulate the economy as it splutters more than Mr. Harper wanted to admit until this week. Among them are the Conference Board of Canada, the Conference of Chief Executives, David Suzuki, numerous professors, a Laureate and even the renowned and conservative think tank, the CD Howe Institute. So how could anyone think the Conservatives would be the best to manage the economy. Likewise; I ask, who was the party and so-called leader that made all the boo boos, not Stephane Dion or the Liberals? So, let’s get on with the job of governing and get the country back on its feet again so we can be the leader the rest of the world expects us to be. Let’s ‘Vote Liberal’ … ‘Vote Michael Cormican’.

Check Liberal.ca or Michaelcormican.com. See monica_samec@yahoo.com re costs and benefits of GSP.
Michael Cormican, Liberal Candidate

Platform Tidbits

2008-10-04T12:40:00.002-06:00

Sorry I have not been able to keep up on thiis as well as I would like. As you might guess it's difficult to keep up on everything from phonecalls, door-to-door, meetings, forums and interviews with the paper etc. however, suffice it to say I detect a very different attitude out there sine the last election. Most people are pleasnt and many are fearfull of Harper and the Conservatives. They do not trust him or them and I say rightly so. Most of his henchmen are former harrisite from the Ontario government and despite implying to Ontarians everything in the garden was fine left Ontario and the new Liberal Government of McGinty with almost 6 billion in debt. Now Flaherty and gang are ourkey Federal Ministers and look at what Flaherty said - don't invest in Ontario. Is that leadership? And, why would anyone believe the Tories are good manager anyway? Remember Mulroney left us with a 42 billion debt and it took us - Paul Martin to turn the ship around.

We should always remember what Tories stand for as well as their record and as the saying goes "Tory times are hard times", not to mention that Harper and gang have been the biggest spenders, told business and others they are on their own but could come up wit millions for election promises and still have produced no platform. Now we are teetering again and no contingency to tide us over the rough times ahead. harper is the most mean-spirited PM we have had; he is calculating and called this election giving the shortest time ever for a campaign so the oposition owuld have the least time to try putting out their message. Let's read Naomi Klein's book on how the right operate. their so -called tax-breaks amounted to nothing, just helped the rich since the poor can not buy mch and food is exempt. Heis the most divisive PM in history; just look at his record and what he stood for before he became PM. The rich have got richer and the poor continue to struggle to survive.

It gives me pleasure to introdue you to our platform as follows:

For Immediate Release September 22, 2008

The Liberal Party platform for families and businesses

OTTAWA – The Liberal Party’s platform will help strengthen Canadian families and businesses by providing lower taxes and investing in the Canadian economy, said Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion.

“A Liberal government will get the fundamentals of the economy right,” said Mr. Dion. “We will build a richer Canada by cutting taxes for all Canadian families and businesses, making them more competitive; we will build a fairer Canada by directing significant tax benefits to families with children, increasing benefits to the disabled, seniors and families struggling to achieve success; and we will build a greener Canada by targeting tax cuts to Canadians and businesses to invest in renewable, energy efficient technologies.”

A Liberal government will build a richer Canada by:

• leaving more in the pockets of Canadians by lowering the lowest- and middle-income tax rates. Lowering income taxes as much as 10 per cent for many Canadians;
• increasing the competitiveness of Canadian small businesses by lowering the small business tax rate to 10 per cent from 11 per cent. This represents a nine per cent cut in small business taxes;
• lowering the corporate tax rate to 14 per cent by 2013, making Canada one of the most competitive business jurisdictions in the world, driving the Canadian economy and creating jobs; and
• investing in the future and simplifying the tax system for post-secondary students providing most students approximately $1000 each year, and extending the $400 per month education tax credit to apprentices.

A Liberal government will build a fairer Canada by:

• introducing a new $350 refundable child tax credit that will benefit all families;
• increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors by $600 a year for low-income seniors even if they don’t earn enough to pay taxes, and by $800 a year for low-income senior couples;
• improving the employment credit for low and middle-income Canadians and putting up to $250 more into their pockets;
• making the Disability Tax Credit refundable, significantly improving the incomes of disabled Canadians with low incomes;
• finally indexing the Northern Residents Deduction so the tax benefit addresses the changing costs of Northern Canadians;
• improving the Working Income Tax Credit for low-income Canadians and help them get over the welfare wall; and
• creating a new Guaranteed Family Supplement for the poorest families with children, worth $1,225 a year more per family.

A Liberal government will build a greener Canada by:

• providing up to $10,000 in refundable tax benefits to Canadian families for investments in energy-saving retrofits to their homes. This will improve energy efficiency, contribute to the fight against climate change and save Canadians money;
• implementing an Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance rates, which will provide new tax benefits to Canadian businesses that invest in green technologies. As the price of fossil fuels rises, this tax benefit will accelerate the investment in the technologies that will improve the competitiveness of Canadian companies; and
• improving the Science, Research & Experimental Development tax credit, giving tax benefits to Canadians that innovate and build the solutions of the future.

“The Conservatives have not invested in Canadians, have not lowered income taxes or invested in innovation. That is why Canada has had the lowest growth and productivity since 1990,” said Mr. Dion.

“The Liberal Party is the only party that will lower taxes for Canadians in a progressive and effective way. Only a Liberal government will get the fundamentals right and build the economy for all Canadians.”

-30-

Contact:

Liberal Party of Canada Press Office 613-783-8888 or Michael at 524-3839

Summary of key-points of platform.
Background
A Richer Canada
The Liberal platform stays true to the Liberal legacy of strong economic and fiscal management, including commitments to:

• Balance the budget: We will restore the $3-billion contingency fund abandoned by the Conservatives to give Canada’s government more room to maneuver in tough economic times.

• Tackle the infrastructure deficit: We will work with provinces, territories and municipalities to implement long-term funding for infrastructure that underpins our economic competitiveness and quality of life. We will help to improve our transit, our water treatment, our roads and bridges and our sports and recreational facilities so we can raise our families in healthy, vibrant cities and communities.

• Bolster the manufacturing sector: We will create a $1-billion Advanced Manufacturing Prosperity (AMP) Fund to help Canada’s manufacturing sector retain and create jobs as it transitions to a greener future.

• Provide access to post-secondary education: We will help make post-secondary education accessible to every Canadian by boosting and simplifying existing support for students, and increase investments to support research to help more Canadians succeed in the 21st-century knowledge economy.

• Promote Canadian arts and culture: We will restore the ideological cuts made by the Conservatives, defend artists from censorship, double the budget of the Canada Council for the Arts and provide needed assistance to both artists and institutions in an industry that fosters vibrant, livable cities and communities, supports innovation, helps us understand our past and imagine our future, and stimulates our economy.

A Fairer Canada
The Liberal platform also commits to building a fairer, more inclusive society by:
• Implementing the 30-50 Plan to reduce poverty: We will launch a full-scale attack on poverty in Canada, with the goal of reducing the number of people living below the poverty line by at least 30 per cent, and the number of children living in poverty by at least 50 per cent.

• Creating child care spaces: We will work with the provinces and territories to create new early education and child care spaces that are centered on the quality, universally-inclusive, accessible and developmental (QUAD) principles, giving families a real choice.

• Investing in health care: We will work to clear the bottlenecks that are currently slowing Canada’s access to health professionals, so that more Canadians will get the care they need, with shorter wait times. We will also introduce a national plan for catastrophic drug coverage that would ensure Canadians living with serious illnesses can focus on their health instead of worrying about their finances.

• Investing in new Canadians: We will reverse the irresponsible immigration measures introduced by the Conservatives last spring and invest a total of $800 million in new federal funding to deal with the immigration backlog, welcome more new Canadians, and ensure that they succeed.

• Bringing back the Kelowna Accord: We will bring back the Kelowna Accord and work in consultation with Aboriginal Peoples and provinces and territories to improve Aboriginal health, education and housing outcomes.

A Greener Canada
Building on the Green Shift plan, the Liberal platform contains measures that will:
• Help Canadians go green: We will provide up to $10,000 in direct financial support, and introduce an interest-free Green Mortgage program for up to an additional $10,000 for homeowners making eco-friendly improvements to their homes.

• Protect our health: We will introduce tough new measures to ensure Canadians have cleaner air, fresh water, non-toxic consumer products and safe food.

• Preserve our natural heritage: We will create new National Parks and Marine Protected Areas to help preserve Canada’s cherished wilderness areas and biodiversity.

Canada and the World
• Restore our independent voice of leadership: We will lead, not hinder, multilateral efforts to fight the climate change crisis and we will return to Canada’s traditional position of opposing the death penalty on the global stage.

• Recommitting to development: We will increase Canada’s international assistance contributions and restore Canada’s special relationship with Africa which has been abandoned by the Conservatives.

• Clarity and transparency on Afghanistan: We will unequivocally commit to ending the current military mission in Afghanistan in 2011 and will deliver the same message to our NATO allies who have been too often left to guess what the true position of the Conservative government is. We will carry out the remainder of the mission guided by the principles of accountability and transparency because Canadians deserve to know the whole truth about this mission.

For more details please go to Liberal.ca for platform or to see your benefits through the Green Shift go to thegreenshift.ca

Michael Cormican

Profile

2008-10-04T09:10:00.001-06:00

Hi and Welcome to my website!
.
I’m Michael Cormican. I’m aspiring to become your MP in the next Parliament. However, I need your support and your vote to make it. Here’s a little about me.

I’m committed to improving the quality of life and opportunities for everyone in this great country. I have what it takes, speak from the heart and follow through on what I say I will do.

I love life and believe in the sanctity of life from beginning to end and I’m against capital punishment. I’m an optimist; I try to be positive and I expect the best from everyone. I believe there is an answer and I work for solutions. I keep my word.

I have a long record of volunteering in our community and I still serve in several local organizations. Those who know me will confirm I’m considerate; a person of action, fair, positive and approachable. I pull for the little guy and I believe in balance..

I believe the most important issue in the upcoming election is the question of what values will guide our nation. Will they be values of inclusion, sustainability, prosperity and respect for the fundamental dignity of all or will we continue on the road from which there may be no return?

I want a government of vision and that puts people first. I want a government that manage our finances responsibly, is committed to a sustainable environment, supports business and social programs built on the principles of social justice and inclusion that will be available for future generations.

“A Richer, Fairer, Greener Canada”

Please help me make our community and Canada the best by establishing the Early Learning and Childcare Plan, literacy and affordable housing programs and to help eradicate poverty. We need to follow-through on the Kelowna Accord and to reestablish our credibility in the world again. I thank you in anticipation of your support.

My Profile:
• Born in Ireland in 1948; I have been a proud Canadian citizen since 1977.
• Gloria and I were married in 1976, and; we are proud parents of four adult children. Gloria is Family Studies Program Administrator at Lethbridge College.
• My background is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and I was the Mental Health Programs Contracts Coordinator for Mental Health in Chinook Health Region for 22 years.
• Those who know me can verify that I follow-through on what I set my mind to do.

Without planning it my job addressing health and social issues and community service involvement with youth, underprivileged and aboriginal peoples, affordable housing and poverty helped me to understand people and needs and assist them obtain the help they needed prepared me most appropriately for the role I now seek.

Some of my Community involvements:
Church and School Councils and Scouts,
Habitat for Humanity,Social Housing in Action, and
Aboriginal Housing in Action;
Medicine Tree (Sik-Ooh-Kotoki) Friendship Centre,
Southwest Alberta Coalition on Poverty,
Knights of Columbus,
Natural Family Planning Assoc. of Alberta,
Regional and Provincial Mental Health Advisory Councils,
Local Provincial and Federal Liberal Party Associations, and
Friends of Medicare September 2008

Belated Update

2008-09-30T09:45:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone:

You probably guessed it I have been busy - public forums, school forums, open houses, responding to calls and trying fit in calls or respond to them wherever I can. Not getting in as much door-knocking as I would like. The issues vary - income trusts, environment, health and food security, affordable housing, water, the Kelowna Accord, gas and fertilizer prices and abuse of parliamentary privileges were raised. Also, been out to several of the outlying communities and find almost everyone very receptive to our message. It renews my confidence in the collective will of the people. So let's not slow-up and to help assure that everyone is clear about our message I provide the following summary.

We Liberals are excited about our visionary platform that will help us achieve the ‘Richer, Fairer, Greener Canada’ everyone wants.

Our Green Shift will encourage us to change how we operate so our environment and resources will be sustainable for our children and grandchildren. The tax-cuts will give us more money to do it. It is simple – “tax what we burn” or don’t want (pollution, waste and green-house gasses), and cut taxes on what we want (income, investment and innovation). It’s a “win, win” for everyone though the Conservatives want you to believe otherwise.

A new Liberal Government will create jobs, keep the budget balanced, cut taxes, and build the strongest economy in the world. Let’s remember that it has been Liberal Governments that have rescued us and led to recovery each time we got in trouble i.e. after the war and again after Mr. Mulroney racked-up 42 billion dollars debt. We turned over a surplus of 13 billion and Mr. Harper got rid of it and the 3 billion contingency that would greatly help in the looming economic crisis; so it’s evident which party is the better manager.

As usual we need any help we can get so I thought it would assist ot insert here Mary Insley's appeal. Everyone are super, working flat out. However, we need to assure that we win this seat as well as enough across this great country so we can form government and return Canada to the role we are proud of and do so well - peacekeeping. Thanks for your continuing support and spread the message far and wide. Have a great day.
Michael

Dear

A federal election is under way. The crucial decision of how this country is run and what it stands for is in our hands. If you feel that Canada is a nation built on respect, tolerance, freedom and responsibility, you can be assured that the Liberal Party of Canada represents your values.

The time has come to do what is right – not what is easy!

On behalf of Michael Cormican’s Campaign, I am writing to ask for your vote on October 14. In addition, because a campaign is costly, your financial support is essential. Please do what is right and send your donation to:
Mary Insley, Financial Agent for Michael Cormican
1273 – 3 Avenue South (or Mary’s home address)
Lethbridge,

The Liberal agenda for a strong stand on economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and social justice will build the Canada you desire. Your contribution to Lethbridge candidate, Michael Cormican and your grassroots assistance can mean the difference between victory and defeat in this election. I am hoping we can count on your support.

Yours truly,

Mary Insley, Financial Agent for Michael Cormican

RICHER, FAIRER, GREENER: An Action Plan for Canada in 21st Century

2008-09-22T15:41:00.002-06:00

Now, more than ever, Canadians need a government that will help our country grow and thrive.

With the Liberal platform we are announcing today, we have the opportunity to turn the page from the small-minded vision of Stephen Harper and choose a government that will provide Canadians with a strong economy and a greener environment.

I invite you to read RICHER, FAIRER, GREENER: An Action Plan for Canada in 21st Century

2008-09-22T02:23:00.002-06:00

Open Town Hall with Honourable Stéphane Dion
Monday, Sept 22 at 7pm
Calgary - Greenwood Inn & Suites (3515 26th Street NE)

Don't miss this opportunity to meet Stephane Dion and ask questions that are important to you.
This is also an excellent opportunity to meet the Southern Alberta Liberal candidates who will be on-hand to listen to your concerns and answer any questions.

For more information email diontownhall@gmail.com or call 403-541-1052.

Or contact my office. Several of us will be attending.

Campaign Office Opening

2008-09-20T03:52:00.002-06:00

I invite you to attend the opening of my Campaign Office.

Saturday, Sept 20 at 1 pm
1273 - 3 Avenue South

Phone: (403) 524-3842
michael@michaelcormican.com
liberal.ca@live.com

Senator Joyce Fairbairn will be attending.

Come by the office, say hello, and take a sign.

Your help is needed.
Door-knocking is easier and faster when others go with me.

There is a lot of work to do.
- Calling party members and other volunteers
- Putting up lawn signs and the big ones too!
- Delivering brochures
- and more

Your support is appreciated

Issues and Liberal Policies

2008-09-17T00:59:00.001-06:00

Before getting to policies, I’ll update you the past couple of days. There have been several calls from the media and others arranging for forums. Some team members have been busy getting the office ready. I was in Calgary a couple of times; Saturday I attended the unveiling of the Liberal candidates from Southern Alberta. We met in the campaign office of Sunam Kang in Calgary NE. He is touted as a good possibility to win his seat. On Sunday I attended a media workshop.

I have also done some door-to-door work to hear issues and touch base with electors. Reactions have varied from respondents not realizing an election is underway to pleasantly engaging. Some said they had not given much thought to it or that they really don’t think there should be an election. A few were irritated with Mr. Harper for breaking his word and calling an election. People mentioned health care and the high cost of gas as issues. This evening Lorne accompanied me and was surprised by how pleasant people were with me. While some didn’t provide feedback others were appreciative for the visit.

Before I delve into Liberal policies and the Green Shift I would like to note how well the first week has gone for us, despite some biased reporting. I do not wonder at people’s confusion about our policies considering some of the negative advertising on the airwaves from the Conservatives. It appears that some of it backfired on them and a couple of high ranking Conservatives lost their jobs. They were blamed for Mr. Harper’s blunders. He is trying to convince the voters that he’s only the lowly leader. Some leader! He’s more like a dictator who wants to take credit for what he considers positives but when things go wrong he quickly finds a scapegoat. It seems that Mr. Harper has no qualms about whom or what he uses to get what he wants. In his book the end must justify the means.

The Alberta platform has been released and through Mr. Dion significant announcements have been offered for your consideration. However, the National Liberal Platform has yet to be released. Still, our major plan, the Green Shift, has been released. If it has raised questions for you, I will be very happy to answer them. It seems that Mr. Harper has no qualms about whom or what he uses to get what he wants. In his book the end must justify the means.

Liberal policies are in stark contrast to those of the Conservatives. The major reasons Stephen Harper called the election:
• his anticipation of a new administration in Washington
• outcomes from the many scandals
• the economy teetering again, the liberals will have to straighten it out

Here is the good news of the Green Shift:

1. The prices on Carbon in the Liberal platform have been costed – this means that the costs are clearly set out in the document.
(Liberals are the only party promising what can be delivered! The other parties offer vague or empty promises or hidden surprises attached to their platform. Worse, other plans will take too long to initiate and not capture the immediate benefits.)

2. Decrease of Personal and corporate income taxes.
(This puts money in the pockets of all Canadians.)

3. Oil and gas companies will continue to receive the full market value for their hydrocarbons.
(This is the distinction from the National Energy Program.)

4. Our environment and the economy will receive a boost from the initiatives.
(This is a further distinction from the NEP.)

5. Liberals are committed to your health care.

6. Liberals are clear about their commitment beyond Carbon pricing.

7. Strong assistance will be given by the Liberals to the poor and disadvantaged.

8. We have offered extra incentives to farmers and rural residence.

9. Special attention has also been given to fisheries, the lumber industry as well as immigration and business.

We aim for a "Fairer, Richer, Greener" Canada!

Thursday, September 11, ‘08

2008-09-12T12:20:00.001-06:00

Another busy day; it started with the usual routine of papers review, computer and phonecalls etc. Mid-morning Russ, a couple of team members and I met to check the proposed office. Today Russ is expected to be making arrangements for phones and the equipment we will need.

The office address is 1273 – 3rd Ave. South. As soon as the phones are hooked up we will publish them and notify you.

Thanks to my Aboriginal friends as they have offered to share their space with us. The location and office fit our needs in every respect. It is already a busy office. As you may know, I have been a member of the AHIAS (Aboriginal Housing Board) since its inception.

As we carry out our activities we will need to be cognizant and respectful of each other and use common sense protocols as in any sharing situation. The AHIAS is well underway with our first major project of 29 houses to help alleviate the homeless issue that continues to worsen for urban aboriginal people. We extend a huge thank you to our Aboriginal friends for your consideration, offer and enthusiasm. Your offer is an obvious sign of your confidence in me and our Liberal platform that considers all Canadians. It demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together. Thank you Roland, Boyd and AHIAS I really appreciate your support. Once we again have a Liberal Government we will honor the Kelowna
Accord approved by Parliament. Then our Aboriginal brothers and sisters can live in dignity and share pride in each other.

Everything we do reflects on the rest of society –If any segment of society looks bad, it’s a reflection on the rest of us and likewise the reverse also reflects us poorly..

Following our forenoon meeting I attended the very well attended Mayors luncheon for the arts which honored Dr. Van Christou, Minda Rogerson and the Kinsmen for their contributions to the arts. I too offer you my congratulations and best wishes. It is reassuring to see the arts being regarded as vital in understanding ourselves and each other. May they ever flourish and may we likewise remember their importance. During the lunch I was able to reacquaint with friends and made new acquaintances with several interesting people.

The campaign team met again last evening and things are progressing nicely. The calendar is filling up with numerous forums we will be attending. Keep tuned; hopefully our next chat will get into policy issues. Of course, if you or your friends want to jump on board to ensure I get elected I would be most appreciative of whatever you can do. I may be contacted at 381-7635 or Cell 317-0829. For update on the Liberal platform please check: http://www.liberal.ca/default_e.aspx

Also significant on this day, is the 7th anniversary of ‘September 11, 2001’. Let us not forget all those who lost their lives on that fatal day. This includes 24 Canadians who also lost their lives. In addition let's remember our fallen soldiers and their families that have paid the ultimate price in their endeavors at making the world a better place. We thank them all for their sacrifice so we can live in greater security. Although we Liberals want return to our tradition of excellence in international peacekeeping as soon as we can we must always be supportive of the continuing efforts and generosity of their comrades and their families. We look forward to their safe return.

Michael

Campaign Trail Update; Wed., Sept. 10, ‘08

2008-09-11T02:02:00.000-06:00

A busy couple of days! Hardly time to think. Day starts as usual around 7 am with scanning the papers, phonecalls and returning phonecalls. Several call following leads for office. Guests here for our friend’s wedding departed. Global TV arranged for a session. On Tuesday attended a breakfast with a group of seniors in Picture Butte at 7 am; then coffee with a group of farmers. Issue of costs raised. Read daily papers, returned phonecalls and calls in search of place. A couple we had banked hopes on fell through. Friendship Center meeting and calls and computer catch-up before retire to bed. Wednesday; Sept. 10 commenced with a Toastmasters meeting at 7am followed by meetings and phone-calls scouting for an office. I had a meeting in the afternoon and an Aboriginal Housing meeting through which I got a lead on a likely office. On Thursday, I will be attending the Mayors Luncheon for the Arts and a Campaign Team Meeting is called for 7 pm at my home.
Michael

Tuesday, September 9, ‘08

2008-09-09T23:42:00.001-06:00

Today I visited Picture Butte and enjoyed breakfast with the senior at invitation of Everett. I met some great people there and renewed some acquaintances from previously and listened to their observations and concerns. It was great to see so many out so early, eager and pleasant. Afterwards we joined a largely farming group for coffee at ‘The Cactus’. Most of them I had met previously and again listened and shared. A major concern expressed was with respect to the hugely increased input costs for fertilizes which has jumped to $900 plus dollars from about $350.00 per ton three or four years ago. They expect the price to continue escalating, possibly doubling over the next few years. The main reason speculated is the price of oil and demand by China. Needless to say I assured them I will pass it on. This afternoon I attended an Aboriginal meeting in town.

Tomorrow! Keep tuned.
Michael

Update and Election Call

2008-09-09T22:28:00.002-06:00

The guessing is over and the election has been called despite Mr. Harper having forced legislation last year for a fixed election date. Many have postulated that Mr. Harper realized and had come to accept that the polls and his chances for re-election as a government were about as good as they were going to get. Opposing indicators i.e. economic slow-down, increasing scandals and Mr. Dion’s and the opposition’s lack of cooperation in not putting forward a non-confidence motion made it difficult to predict if Mr. Harper would follow through on calling an election. However, he started preparing public opinion in the hope that they will come to believe that Parliament had become unworkable and thus an election needed. Many indications were contrary though both Liberal and Conservative sources suggested he was prepared to risk and pull the plug this time.

Obviously, Mr. Harper prefers to be the one in charge and having been upstaged in the summer by Mr. Dion with the Green Shift Plan he was determined to get back in charge. Also, of concern was that the public at-large and most experts considered the Liberal Plan a solid one for our future. Mr. Dion didn’t fall for his baits so Mr. Harper decided to move ahead with plan B suggesting the current Parliament was untenable and there was need and inevitability for an election. In the interim to help confuse things he had called four bi-elections which were automatically cancelled by his subsequent General Election call. What irresponsibility and waste of time and money estimated by Elections Canada at 3.5 million dollars. Imagine how many poor and struggling people such amount would have helped. What foolishness from the guy and party that ran last time claiming to be accountable and transparent. No wonder so many are cynical of politicians! One of the major issues they pushed in the last election was to legislate fixed election dates so governments could not manipulate timing of elections more likely to favor their own re-election.

However, Mr. Harper had realized the fixed-date legislation was not working to suit him, so he decided he must bite the bullet and contrary to his prized legislation and a few weeks of careful grooming and manipulation of many he decided he had valid reason to call the election. However, most of us realize the other whys and wherefores as to his timing including the winds of change blowing amongst our Southern neighbors which many believe will likely bring results and a new Whitehouse administration that will not favor Mr. Harper and his party’s re-election. So here we are.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for me including looking for an office and touching base with as many as possible of those that had told me they would help when the election was called. Unfortunately, despite following every lead possible on vacant properties we can only hope that one or other of the vacancies pursued will materialize in the next day or two. We'll notify as soon as we secure it. To keep up-to-date please check Liberal.ca and michaelcormican.com. We had a couple of campaign team meetings to help revitalize the team and on Sunday Russ and I attended an election preparedness session in Calgary. Also, I’ve been contacted by the media and was in the news to help keep the public up-to-date. As you know issues change from week-to-week even day-to-day.

The various Conservative scandals sagas continued to percolate which is likely a major reason Mr. Harper called this unnecessary election. Our MP, Mr. Casson and other Conservatives across the country were busy last month continuing abuse of MP mailing privileges. I was among some that received several quasi surveys each consisting of a statement on one or other of their old five point plan and all asking the respondent to identify who they thought was the best leader. I noted as did others that the return address on all was the Privy Council Office confirming that they have lost all sense of boundaries with respect to separating activity on behalf of the party from that of government. And, guess what; a legal opinion obtained from Elections Canada confirms that such activity is in contravention of the rules of parliamentary privilege. Like the anticipated outcomes of the other issues under review this and all are conveniently swept under the mat with the election call and likely Mr. Harper’s hope is that nothing will surface until he is well re-established; or so he thinks! Also, despite his assurances following the election call that he wouldn’t be negative the party has been saturating the airwaves for weeks with negative ads that contain outright lies. I’ll provide corrections and the truth in my next update. Obviously, Mr. Harper and his party fear the authenticity and validity the Green Shift has received. So you can feel assured and help reassure others I strongly suggest that you check what the benefit for you will be from the Green Shift at the end of the tax year. It’s so simple. Please check thegreenshift.ca on the web, hit the calculator and answer the few simple questions. It will identify how much you can expect when you file your taxes. It differs for each because of the situational variables.

Also, contrary to Mr. Harper's and the Conservatives' lies that Liberals plan to cancel the $100.00 per month per child allowance they say they instituted I assure you the new Liberal Government plans on the $350 per year in addition as outlined in the Green Plan. With respect to the 100 dollars in question that was announced with great fanfare at the time I was assured by Child Welfare people at the time that Albertans were already receiving it since Alberta was one of the three Provinces that had signed and was already providing the benefit before the Conservatives got to power. Let’s remember, Mr. Dryden had negotiated the agreement between the Feds and the Provinces long in advance. They’re also perpetuating another lie with respect to their support for gun control which was another major issue in the last election. As soon as they got in they "scrapped" the program and put no further money into keeping the registry up-to-date. The other mistruths I will deal with later. As you and I know there is no need for this election. If you need to contact me or to offer support or suggestions so I can do the best job possible I can be contacted by phone at (403) 381-7635 and/or 317-0829. Respectfully,
Michael Cormican

Update

2008-08-25T14:50:00.003-06:00

On August 9 Senator Joyce Fairbairn and I attended the Cardston Breakfast and Parade. It turned out to be on one of the hottest days we’ve had this summer. As a result I was privileged to be invited to attend the Mayor’s Luncheon with Senator Joyce, where I had the opportunity to meet a couple of other Mayors and councilors, and Chief Wayne (and Mrs.) Plume of the Blood Reserve. I also met and spoke with Broyce Jacobs, MLA and Mr. and Mrs. Kue Quon. I felt it was a very fruitful day.

Also, since last update, I attended several of the usual meetings, as some of the organizations don’t take a break for the summer. Time appears to fly, and at Aboriginal Housing we’re all excited that the site and foundations preparations are well underway for the Aboriginal ‘Koh Koonoon’ (Our Home) Housing project. Carrier Construction was the successful contractor.

Also, I had lots of family activity over the past couple of weeks with visits from both our sons and their families. On August 20th some of us attended The 20 cent Man, a play written by and featuring Peter Mueller. We’re all so busy it seems like time flies too fast. We really enjoyed the show which describes some of the hard life and experiences of some of those involved in building the Chief Mountain Highway in the 1930’s.

Also, I was accorded the honor of representing the Sik-ooh-kotoki Board of Directors along with President, Roland Cotton in the Lethbridge parade on August 19. Later that day over 50 local Liberals and supporters attended the annual ALP Picnic and corn roast at Henderson Lake Kiwanis Picnic Shelter. Provincial Leader, Kevin Taft and Jeanette attended as usual. In gratitude for his years, accomplishments and support to us in Lethbridge area we presented him with a copy of The High Level Bridge, a bottle of wine and a BBQ apron signed by those attending, courtesy of Adele Downs. Thank you for all your organizational work.

This past week we were all saddened by the announcement of the killing of ten French soldiers, the wounding of several others in the latest ambush in Afghanistan, as well as the killing of three more Canadians: bringing the total killed to 93. We extend our sympathy to the families of those brave people and hope the violence and outlook change soon.

In Ottawa the Tories continued their assault on democracy, as most of the Government MPs called to account by the Parliamentary Review Committee on the ‘In and Out’ Funding Scandal refused to show up, and the Conservative Party campaign chair came earlier than scheduled. It is speculated that he did so as a diversionary tactic, as well as to intimidate any witnesses that might show-up. When asked to leave he refused to do so and had to be ejected. Polls haven’t improved for the Government either.

With their latest cuts in Arts funding, one really has to wonder if the government is bent on self-destruction. Also, in keeping with their Tactical (‘Dirty Tricks’) Manual they’ve disrupted Commons Review Committees hearings, which some suspect is to justify calling an election ahead of the legislated October 2009 “fixed date” which Mr. Harper forced through last year supposedly to get away from perceptions that government manipulates election-timing to suit its needs. He’s also trying to blame the opposition for the mayhem when it’s plain to see it’s of their creation. Most of those involved in the “In and Out’ scandal who were summoned to testify to the committee, didn’t show up; eleven on one day and a couple including Doug Finley the Campaigning Chief and Sam Goldstein, both of whom had to be ejected for their behavior.

No wonder the public is cynical about politics! Fortunately for those interested in sports, however, the upbeat Olympics provided respite, and…wow! didn’t China really shine in their performance in the opening? What a spectacle! They really set the bar high for the next and subsequent Olympics. A big thank you to all the athletes, especially Canadians, for their performances and achievements.

On August 22nd I attended the ‘Welcome Home to Theo Tams’ in Coaldale. We’re very proud of our Canadian Idol finalist! On the 23rd I attended the Parade in Nobleford, met some of the local residents and had a burger. It was great to see so much pride and enthusiasm. Keep tuned for continuing developments, and if you have questions on the Green Shift please contact me and let’s continue our endeavor to make a ‘Richer, Fairer, Greener Canada’.

Michael Cormican
Liberal Candidate Lethridge Riding

Summary of Issues and Activity at the National Level in July

2008-08-04T11:15:00.004-06:00

The following is a listing of recent key issues:
• Harper sought to keep Canada's negotiated climate change commitments to minimum at G8.
• July 10 - Bob Rae told Mr. Harper to “Engage, don’t rebuff China”
• July 11 - Demands again by Mr. Rae for repatriation of Omar Khadr to Canada
• Gerard Kennedy enlists Canada’s teachers to fight climate change and poverty by supporting the green shift
• Stéphane Dion discusses Green Shift with Alberta youth (and wins “Best Dressed” at Calgary Stampede)
• “In and out” scandal continues to plague Conservatives and they continue to see no wrong.
• Reports indicate that under the Conservative plan, the CFIA will, among other things, pull back from inspecting meat and meat products, animal feed, and commercial seeds.
• July 16 - Canadians Speak Out in Support of Stéphane Dion and the Green Shift. See on liberal.ca
• Also; I’ve got plenty of major newspaper ‘Third Party’ quotes applauding Mr. Dion and the Green Shift for his stance. If you’re interested please contact me.
• July 17 - Canada's Premiers and Territorial Leaders requested a meeting to revive and expand the Kelowna Accord
• July 17 - Conservative spokesperson confirmed that attacking Mr. Dion’s ‘Green Plan’ will be a key plank for next election
• July 17 – Benefits for rural and Northern Canada outlined in the Liberal Green Shift plan emphasized
• July 17 – John McCallum noted Economic woes, job losses and inflation mounts; Conservatives out of touch with global reality
• Tories' scurrilous attacks on election boss continue (and are ludicrous)
• Received a memo from a John Welsh saying Al Gore is using similar language now to Mr. Dion re “Green Shift’ i.e. "Tax what they burn, not what they earn".
• July 23 - Tory ad scheme in Quebec was illegal, watchdog says
• Brochure available on how Green Shift Plan will affect Seniors
• July 24 – Bevilaqua - Short-term workers not a long-term solution for immigration
• July 25 – Toronto Sun - Harper hits a snag: Who would've thought Stephane Dion could look like a winner?
• July 25 - Prime Minister Harper announces by-elections for September 8, 2008
• National Aboriginal Women’s Summit reinforces the need to address the root causes of violence against Aboriginal women.
• July 31 – National Post Editorial suggesting Elections Canada's Double Standard. And,
• The Green Shift continues to be well received.
• Aug 1 – Liberal Party response (also includes good news) to National Post misleading Editorial as follows:

Re: Elections Canada's Double Standard, editorial, July 31.

This editorial incorrectly states that, "Under the Elections Act, these [outstanding leadership] obligations should have been paid in full by June 3 of this year." In fact, June 3 was not a "repayment" deadline. Rather, leadership campaigns were required to report the status of unpaid claims and loans on that date, which then allowed them to be subject to a "binding agreement to pay." All our leadership candidates complied fully with the statutory requirements.

I also take issue with the statement: "There is little chance the remaining millions will be paid by the end of Elections Canada's grace period." In the past four months, the former leadership candidates raised a total of $977,381.97. As was reported today in La Presse, Liberal leader Stephane Dion raised $331,110 between April and June, and is on track to pay off the remainder of his debt.

On the other hand, the Conservatives seem to merit the special attention of Elections Canada. Chief Electoral Officer Marc Mayrand, appointed to his post under the current Conservative government, has stated that the Conservative party is the only one to have participated in the "in-and-out" financing scheme in the last election. As a July 15 Canadian Press story notes: "Marc Mayrand indicated that the transactions may eventually put the Conservatives in violation of election spending limits by more than $1-million."

Douglas Ferguson, president, Liberal Party of Canada, Ottawa.

Provided by: Michael Cormican, Liberal Candidate, Lethbridge

Government and Tories continue Questionable Activities

2008-08-04T10:56:00.003-06:00

Sorry Mr. Casson and fellow citizens:

The Conservative Party and the Conservative Government "don't get it", furthermore have no sense of boundaries. Twice in two days I've received a quasi survey form asking only one question and making misstatements some consider lies. I find it difficult to comprehend that anyone will tolerate one party exaggerating how great they are and in the same breath calling down others. It appears to have become the Conservatives approach to follow the lead of their Republican brothers using negative and scare ads to entice voters to them. Again, I'm reminded of the March "franking" issue which involved yourself and others.

Detraction and bullying may work sometimes, but for how long? Also, I'm reminded that detraction is a sin in some people's book. I shouldn't be surprised since you were like that when in opposition. Let's remember a zebra doesn't change stripes. News mediums showing unedited behavior from the House of Commons, even trips abroad speaks volumes. Really, you must feel threatened.

With no sense of boundaries one sees no line between what should be done by Government and what should be done by a party. On July 31, the Lethbridge Herald noted you "defended the practice as a means of disseminating the Federal Conservative message "unfiltered by the media"; yet you expect the public to accept your prejudiced presentation of the Liberal message e.g. the "Green Shift Plan" which you attacked and still attack despite what the experts say.

Your attitude smacks of "father knows best". One wonders about those around here who have said - "should there be anything else (but Conservative)". Are you aiming for a one party state? It's all typical of a "top down approach" or dictatorship.

You were elected to serve and care for people's needs, the economy, and govern instead of bullying. Mostly what we've got from you is broken promises, cut programs, a teetering economy and never an inkling of what's discussed under the Peace and Prosperity Agreement; and, all of you ferociously continue to tear Mr. Dion apart at home and abroad. Is that statesmanship?

The latest major concern is raised by the recently released Health Canada report that tells us frankly to expect increasing major health issues as a result of the worsening climate change you have denied for so long. Can we now expect more positive action?

Also, can you please identify what parties and when they used public taxes to advance their party's interest? Elections Canada hasn't given any such indications. Hats off to Mr. Mayrand, the man of integrity who since he was courageous enough to stand up to those that appointed him I trust would have no problem holding anyone else to account for wrongdoing.

I often said; I've lived long enough and seen how "good eventually prevails" and though some think they can get away with bad it only last for awhile. Please develop some sense of decency and refrain from such questionable behavior.

I believe Canadians are bright and in the next election will choose a government they believe will respect them and take the action needed and lead us off the dangerous road we're on. The government will help us rehabilitate our injured environment, open countless opportunities that will benefit us all and at the same time put more money in our pockets. Canadians want to be seen again as the caring community we've been known as; Canadians want a Richer, Fairer, Greener Canada we can all feel proud of again.

Michael Cormican, Liberal Candidate, Lethbridge

Friendship Centers 37th Annual Convention in Quebec

2008-08-03T20:43:00.002-06:00

As I said earlier I would publish this summary overview and it gives me great please to do so; here it is -

Association of Friendship Centers’ of Canada
Overview of 37th Annual Convention, Quebec City July 22 to 25, 2008

I felt honored with being given the opportunity to attend the above on behalf of Sik-ooh-kotoki Friendship Center, Lethbridge along with President Roland Cotton and Financial Advisor, Jim Short. Because of duties on the National Board Roland went a day before us and Jim and I flew out on July 22nd. The weather was more on the damp side except for the last day which had the sun shining and since it was in the middle of Quebec’s 400th Anniversary Celebrations we took in the opportunity to see the fireworks display on Wednesday, July 23. It was the most spectacular any of us saw to date. As we all agree such a milestone is a great achievement however, we should also remember the even greater achievement in that Aboriginals celebrated their same milestone thousands of years ago which reminds me of the graciousness of all speakers recognizing and thanking Quebec city and the Huron Wendat Indians for hosting us on their territory. Roland was waiting anxiously with Stetsons for us as we arrived in the hotel. I had to miss the first-time attendees session and we just had enough time to check in, drop our luggage and quickly return for the opening. The Alberta delegation wore Calgary Stampede Stetsons and what would a conference be without availability of trinket and clothing booths.

The official opening of the conference commenced at 6pm. Right-away I was impressed with arrangements for headphones. The guys in charge had it down pat; if you wanted same you exchanged your driver’s license for it. The booth for same was set-up inside the main doors in the conference room and all one had to do was exchange your driver’s license which was returned when you returned the set. It was intriguing to watch the speed with which they worked. Also, every session started and finished on time. Sure blows out the window any stereotypical thinking one might have with respect to “Aboriginal time”. Also, they accommodated with ease those needing to vent frustrations about bureaucracy and the residential schools resulting in it appearing as though adequate catharsis was allowed yet smoothly returning to the agenda each time. It was the best organized meeting I’ve seen in a long time. Keep it up guys!

Elder Dominique Rankin led prayers each morning recognizing the Great Spirit Creator and expressing appreciation for the bountifulness of earth and mother-nature. The conference Chairperson, Vera Pawis Tabobondung did a super job chairing as did those giving reports on their area of responsibility. Copies of all reports were included in the Conference Manual. For everyone’s benefit the goals and objective of Friendship Centers and the conference were summarized as reflected in promotion of equity and social justice for Urban Aboriginals. Various dignitaries, i.e. MNA, City etc. brought wishes from their respective posts. Areas reported on included the work of the Women’s Commission, Senators and Youth as well as each Province. A common emphasis was the need for leadership and that each needed to take responsibility for being the change that they want as well as the need to respect nature. Provincial Reports consisted of the usual progress and highlights over the year. Resolutions were dealt with appropriately including a report on the issue of Two Spirited’ (Homosexual oriented) people. Apparently it generated heated discussion last year.

Day two commenced with moving tributes of remembrance for two respected Senators that passed on to the spirit world during the year – Walter Schoenthal and Maurice Blondeau. Both Senators had decades of service and hours to their credit and are seen as most worthy of emulation. This was followed by presentation of the Financial Statement for the year and which was approved. The constraint presented by inadequate funding was noted. A new Auditor for the next three years was chosen. Apparently, funding doesn’t allow for expansion, thus necessitating waits by new locations wanting centers that must demonstrate viability on a volunteer basis before consideration for assistance freed from others not utilizing all their funding. It was also noted that there is no increase in funding for Aboriginal Apprenticeship programs.

Friendship Centers are encouraged to utilize elders and to use education and culturally appropriate programming. The need to use and put forward applications for the National Achievement Awards and Centers are encouraged to respect and formalize relationships they take seriously as well as to encourage the use of educational bursaries. The continuing issue of disenfranchisement of Aboriginal families from benefits as a result of member volunteering to serve in Canada’s armed forces was also raised and noted. It was noted more than once that the Federal Government needs to respond with more than money to back up the recent apology to those who suffered as a result of the Residential Schools and hopes were expressed for follow-through on the Kelowna Accord. We also heard from the Assistant Commissioner for RCMP Complaints Committee and we were assured of its independence, impartiality and process. People are encouraged to file complaints if issues arise.

Peter Dinsdale, National Executive Director updated us on policy and Research Initiatives and it was noted that of the 250,000 homeless Canadians about 80,000 are Aboriginal and efforts to deal with the homeless were lauded though it was also noted that discrimination persists to varying degrees. The shared model of Governance was lauded and the process which deferred voting to next day allowed time for participants to familiarize with nominees for Board and Executive positions. The necessity for nonalignment - independence of those elected at any board level was emphasized.

Day 3 saw a heated discussion with respect to the new secure ‘Certificate of Indian Status’ card to replace the old one in use for a number of years. Pilot projects were done in a couple of locations across the country and it is hoped to commence the project in September. Laptops will facilitate home visitation to register the incapacitated and the card will be in compliance with the North American Security and Prosperity Agreement. The Retail Association of Canada has endorsed it and discussions are underway with Pharmacy organizations. The card will be provided at no cost to the individual and once implemented in January or March will be accepted in place of a passport on entering the US. Although there was pressure for similar arrangement with other countries, there’s no assurance that such is possible because of international passport requirements. The evening concluded with us walking to the Citadel ramparts where we were treated to a banquet and Huron-Wendat traditional dance ceremonies. The ground was soaked but we were dry under canvas.

Questions had been raised ahead of time as a result of various Crown Ministers asking if Friendship Centers felt appropriately placed under Culture versus Indian Affairs and participants were prepared vote against any attempt to reposition them under INAC. However we were assured that there is no such move afloat. The major limitations noted were that the Indian Act does not deal with Aboriginals living off reservations and the Kelowna Accord does not deal with Metis. The importance of capacity-building and relationships was emphasized and lots of feedback was provided on various issues especially the lack of adequate funding for Friendship Centers.

In evaluation, as I said earlier, I was most impressed with the organization and smoothness of the conference and I felt included and appreciated in accord with one of the emphases of inclusion. Right-away, I was impressed with the organization, precision and timing as well as with the linguistic abilities of organizers and speakers. All spoke fluently in at least three languages; French, English and that of their tribe and alternating paragraphs with ease in all three as we heard the translations on our headsets. I felt assured the organization is in good hands, moving in a positive direction and I believe they deserve every support we can give since as I have often said “if any segment of community looks bad it is a reflection on all of us”. I wish and highly recommend that every member should take such opportunity to attend if possible and I express sincere appreciation for what I consider was an honor of a lifetime. And, yes; I got a couple souvenirs for my family. Gedomatsen.

Summarized by; Michael Cormican, Sik-ooh-kotoki Board, Lethbridge