By the end of tonight, Meryl Streep should have won her third Oscar for portraying Margaret Thatcher in the iron Lady.  This quick video examines the lasting impact that the Thatcher administration had on the United Kingdom by talking to one of the former prime minister’s key advisers and biographer’s.

 

There is definitely a buoyant feeling in the air;  if not online coming out of last week’s Ontario PC AGM. There has been an overwhelmingly positive reception from most party members to Tim Hudak’s keynote address on Saturday afternoon. Confirming his commitment to craft a Conservative alternative for Ontario.

“This is our voice. It’s a voice of hope, for those who’ve lost hope. A voice of optimism for those who could use some right now. A voice that says it’s time for conservatives to lead again!”- Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak,

 Moreover, Hudak’s speech was a starting point for the grassroots to flesh out and frame a core set of Conservative ideas that will shape the party’s identity going into the future. This is not a moot point.  It is integral for the provincial Tories to develop a set of core principles not unlike our federal cousins. To this end the Ontario PCs have set up a tab on their website and want to hear from as many individuals as possible to help  shape a robust and unique identity in the days ahead. 

The Drummond  report has a good chance of shaping fiscal reforms across the country.

I think the Drummond report could serve as a blueprint for fiscal reform across the country,” said Mark Milke, a fellow at the Vancouver-based Fraser Institute. “Look, Ontario is the biggest province, obviously. What Ontario does matters.”

Whether it acts on any of the recommendations, the “tough medicine” in the report, will be an indicator of how serious Ontario is about getting back into the black.

 

Earlier today Richard Ciano became the newest President of the PC party of Ontario. You can read some media reports hereand here.

First, I want to congratulate the Ciano team on their well-earned victory. Now it is time for the party to focus on starting to build towards the goal of winning the next election and making sure it’s a majority mandate. As for Kevin Gaudet and John Snobelen they both made great contributions in the process leading up to this year’s AGM. They will always be valued members of the Ontario PC family.

Last night Tim Hudak received a ringing endorsement from thousands of Ontario PC members who gathered in Niagara Falls this weekend for their annual convention. Now that Hudak is reconfirmed as  leader, I will be interested in seeing what Conservative ideas  the Ontario PC caucus comes up with in the ensuing months.

As well, here is a terrific post from Rob Dekker  former PC candidate on his experience at the AGM. On another note Blue like you has one of the best takes on the convention so far,  her assessment of the mainstream media is pitch perfect.   Finally , the Toronto Sun has even more  musings about the upgraded Hudak.