Tory Redux

Author: Jon Siemko

  • Conservatism and Cultural policy

    Originally appeared in The Prince Arthur Herald

    With the upcoming budget later this month, we will focus many eyes and much press on the expected 10% cut to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and what that means for the future of Arts funding in Canada. Of course, the friends of the CBC and other left-wing advocacy groups will raise a hue and cry over continuing indifference of our public broadcaster. With one of the most expected austerity budgets in recent memory, it is important to re-examine the relationship or ask questions about Canada’s broader cultural policy and how it can flourish in today’s society.

    Along with fighting the war of ideas, the Conservative Movement also needs to focus on the Cultural aspects of Canadian society, it has as much impact as any other governmental policy. The Conservative Party approach to Cultural policy is markedly different from the traditional Liberal method. From a political standpoint the Conservatives in counterbalance to the Liberals have focused more on historical and traditional institutions with the maintaining of the Canadian identity focusing on institutions like the monarchy and historical events such as the War of 1812. Therefore, rebranding and reinforcing the Canadian identity. This is in contrast to the traditional “Trudeau-utopian” model, where there was a myriad of grants and cultural organizations that everyone paid for but no one saw.

    Economic freedom and cultural liberty are intertwined and the individual should be able to choose what art he or she supports, as this principle should be paramount in the ideal world based on free market principles. Currently, we have to live with the hand that they deal with us. Most Canadians although, not a top priority do support arts and culture. Conservatives now need to take a twin pronged approach first constructively criticize and point out any waste or mismanagement of publicly funded Art. In addition, start being an active participant in cultivating culture that reflects not only your voice but your values.

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  • Get Set for the Manning Centre Conference 2012

    Originally appeared inThe Prince Arthur Herald

     

    If any rumbles came out of Washington last month it was as a result of the free marketplace of ideas known as CPAC. The Conservative conference is a hallmark of the political calendar in the United States; it is the ultimate intersection of ideas and the political Grassroots. Similarly, sowing the seed of Conservatism in Canada is the Manning Centre for Building Democracy. The Manning Centre has been fostering the next generation of Conservative leaders and thinkers since 2005. They’re annual networking conference is a must for anyone interested in learning more about, individual responsibility, free markets and how government can get out of the way. It is a hybrid between the latest technical know-how and theory based policy.
    In fact, a trailer promoting the upcoming conference has been circulating the Internet for about a month now. The short one minute video clip takes the viewer on a patriotic and panacea journey of the opening and building of the Canadian frontier. In addition to highlighting quaint brief glimpses into Canada’s past, along with the stunning visuals, it splashes well-known quotes across the screen, from such diverse sources as Québécois artists Félix Leclerc to former Liberal Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier. The Video leaves one with the feeling that the Manning Center is trying to not only stay connected to Canada’s past but set out on a bold new vision for the country’s future. As for the conference this year, slated for March 8-10, the schedule of programs includes “Beyond The Welfare State” and a “Conservative View Of The Military”. As well there will be distinguished speakers such as world-renowned British M.E. P. Daniel Hannan including Conservative strategist, Nick Kouvalis; along with a slew of federal MPs including the Minister of Immigration Jason Kenney. Clearly for one weekend this will be the center for small C. conservative thought in the country.
    In short, the Manning Centre event has turned into a hub not only for free market solutions to today’s policy questions, but the premier place to promote Conservative ideas. Recently a poll was released by AngusReid showing that most Canadians believe the country has become more Conservative in the last decade. However, the paradox of this poll was that overwhelming numbers in Central Canada still believe that there is a significant role for government in funding the social safety net. Although more Canadians than ever believe Canada is shifting in the right direction politically; it is still essential to continue cultivating a political environment that is receptive to center right concepts. At times like these it’s nice to see that institutions like the Manning Centre are in tune with the political questions of the day; for instance take One of this year’s programs  for the conference “Government As A Facilitator”. Furthermore, the intent of the conference is to create a sense of Conservative collegiality, going so far as to marketing it, as a Conservative family reunion. Although there might be differences in geography, backgrounds and vocation, all Conservatives can rally behind a similar set of basic values. Traditions do not just spring up overnight, hopefully the Manning Centre Conference events will become a staple of Conservative thought and engagement for years to come.

  • Michael Sona Responds

    Tonight former conservative staffer Michael Sona released his first public statement to the media since resigning from Eve Adams office last week.

    Source  CTV

    I wish to address the allegations and accusations levelled against me in the media over the last six days. I have remained silent to this point with the hope that the real guilty party would be apprehended. The rumours continue to swirl, and media are now involving my family, so I feel that it is imperative that I respond.

    I had no involvement in the fraudulent phone calls, which also targeted our supporters as can be attested to by our local campaign team and phone records. On Thursday, I offered my resignation to my employer. The role of a staffer is to assist their employer in their responsibilities, and that was impossible to accomplish with the media continually repeating these rumours. It is for that reason and that reason alone that I resigned from my position.

    Michael Sona