Tory Redux

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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

       

    • Decision Time for Drummond Report

      Megan Harris’s column  in today’s Toronto Sun is spot on here is a taste of the closing paragraph . Although the whole article is well worth a read.

      Now, McGuinty and the Liberals are exactly where they neither wanted nor expected to be — holding the bag when tough decisions have to be made. Once again, it looks like they intend to pivot and punt the tough decisions into the future while Ontario’s debt continues to grow.

      Now that the inconvenient truth is out about the true state of Ontario’s economy, all parties, especially the Liberals, can no longer hide from the facts.

      Drummond’s report is a real indictment of the last eight years of the McGuinty government.

      We know the NDP is not capable of putting Ontario’s economy back on track. So, its time for Tim Hudak and the Ontario PCs to outline their strategy for restoring Ontario’s finances, economy and future.

      The premier needs to face up to reality and show leadership.  If he isn’t up for the job, then we need to elect someone who is.

    • The Iron Lady Fact and Fiction

      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.

       

    • It’s Time To Promote Conservative Ideas

      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. 

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