A Blog By James Curran

Pam Wallin Resigns

2013-05-19T08:07:00.004-04:00

Just in case you missed it on a busy long weekend.

The Face of a Liberal Winner

2013-05-15T00:18:00.000-04:00

And that's that.

Boston Strong Baby

2013-05-13T22:11:00.002-04:00

Enough said.

And the Next Prime Minister of Canada is............

2013-04-14T21:15:00.002-04:00

Lost in Trudeau's Speech

2013-04-07T09:56:00.001-04:00

In newspapers across Canada today you can read many a critique of the future Prime Minister's showcase speech.

You'll hear about how Mr. Trudeau channeled the key words hope and hard work. You'll read about his subtle injections of his father and the not so subtle acceptance of the fact that he's a teacher by trade. You'll read about his shots fired at Mr. Mulcair and the soon- to- be former Prime Minister Stephen Harper over their brand of divisive politics. You'll read about his wife and children. His lack of substance in his speech. His quest for service to Canadians above all. His love for this country and his extensive knowledge of this country and its people from coast to coast to coast. You'll even read about his notion that he will do politics differently and thereby end the skepticism and cynicism of the common voter and, indeed, all Canadians when they think of politicians.

What you won't read about in Canadian newspapers today is that Justin Trudeau promised "OPEN NOMINATIONS" in every riding across the country. OPEN NOMINATIONS he said. As in, OPEN.

WOW. Just WOW!

You see my friends, Justin Trudeau realizes that in order for Liberals to "do politics different" we must first become a truly democratic party on the inside first. Having open nominations is the beginning of that internal democracy and an integral part of sustained membership and fundraising.

Many of us have fought for this for a decade now, but to no avail.

In February 2006, at a small East Indian restaurant in downtown Hamilton, Michael Ignatieff promised a few of us the exact same thing - OPEN NOMINATIONS. He hadn't announced his leadership bid yet but it was enough to get me on his bandwagon. History shows, of course, that he never carried through on that promise.

I haven't known Justin Trudeau to break a promise - in as much as I've come to know him or of him. I don't suppose he intends to break this one either for fear of being one of those politicians that says one thing and does another. I, with others, will be watching to see if he caves to sitting members and caucus when they pressure him to protect sitting MPs.

Until then, go sell some memberships candidate wannabes!

Bertschi's Out

2013-03-21T08:13:00.001-04:00

He was the first out of the box. That took some moxy.

Perhaps some others will see the light shortly. However, I know one of them won't - even if they were guaranteed all but a single vote.

Looking forward to David's future candidacy. Good Luck David.

We Have a New Pope!

2013-03-13T15:15:00.001-04:00

Cardinal Bergoglio

294,002!!!

2013-03-06T12:15:00.000-05:00

Wow! That's a lot of eligible voters for a leadership race.

My prediction? Trudeau on the first ballot.

We Remember

2012-12-06T09:36:00.001-05:00

Dear John

2012-11-22T18:55:00.002-05:00

We still remember that you and Bobby were the catalyst.
Our greatest hope is within the next 12 years there is another Kennedy in the Big White House.

Team Sandra

2012-11-15T13:25:00.000-05:00

Last night in Stoney Creek Team Sandra recruited some more youth.

Dalton McGuinty Resigns

2012-10-15T18:33:00.003-04:00

Wow.

It's Amazing What A Little Bit of Good Hair Will Do for a Political Party

2012-10-15T09:16:00.002-04:00

Below, my pal Justin talks about his hair at a Burlington rally.

Today, Nik Nanos releases a startling poll showing the Liberals surging past the NDP. Coincidence? I think not.

If political parties were like stocks, today would be an excellent day to invest in the Liberal Party. Donate right here.

As in 2009...Leader, Leader, Leader......

2012-10-03T01:37:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentleman, the next Prime Minister of Canada.

Justin.ca

2012-10-02T19:23:00.001-04:00

Remember it. Read it.

Trudeaumania Begins Today

2012-10-02T06:51:00.002-04:00

Today is very big day for my friend Justin. My guess is his leadership speech will be something that gets the attention of many Canadians. Liberals that still think he's a man of little substance will have to admit the boy sure can speak. But, hey, what do I know.

FINALLY! THE NEXT TRUDEAU!

2012-09-26T09:08:00.001-04:00

Long awaited. Much anticipated. I will be supporting him...as all of you already knew.

Kinsella's Coffee Table Book

2012-09-11T08:38:00.000-04:00

Book. Meet table.

Not just for bathrooms ya know.

Martha Hall Findlay Sure Does Have Some Stones

2012-09-07T14:21:00.000-04:00

WTH!

Like a drunken friend once pleaded: "help me pay my bar tab off...... so I can start a new one".

Are you kidding me? Here's her letter.

Not Left, Not Right - Forward

Dear friend,

I hope you've had a great summer.

I'm writing to you because you contributed to one or more candidates for the 2006 Liberal leadership campaign.

I was not, at the time, one of the ones you supported, but I'm asking for your help now.

As you may know, I am considering running for the Liberal Leadership again. However, because of the difficult leadership fundraising rules (details below), I still have some campaign debt, and I do not feel that I should run until that debt is gone. For me to able to run, I'm asking you now to contribute what you can.

The rules allow a maximum of $1,100, so you can contribute the difference between that and what you contributed before. If you are not sure how much that is, please send us a note at info@marthahallfindlay.ca and we'll confirm for you. In any case, whatever you donate now, if it is more than your allowable limit, only the smaller amount will be accepted, so please don't hesitate -- please donate now by clicking here. Every contribution will help. Also, the contribution limits are per person, so please persuade anyone in your family or circle of friends and colleagues to contribute. If you prefer, you can send a cheque to: "LPC for Martha Hall Findlay" to PO Box 69522, 5845 Yonge Street, Willowdale, Ontario M2M 4K3. If you can help, please do so right away, as time is of the essence.

Although the limit does not refresh each year, the generous tax credits do. The first $400 this year gets a 75% credit, so it only costs $100; the next $350 gets 50%, so a $750 contribution only costs $275; and the next $350 gets 33.3% -- a full $1,100 contribution only costs $508.33.

A lot has changed since 2006 -- I was elected twice and held four different shadow cabinet positions (Associate Finance; Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; Public Works and Government Services; and International Trade). I worked hard for my riding, for the Party and for the country. Unfortunately, the Liberal Party's fortunes have fallen dramatically, and significant change is needed. I hope to be a part of that.

The financial challenge comes from the tough new legislation on maximum donations to leadership campaigns. Unlike the limits for all other political donations which re-start every January 1, my campaign cannot accept a donation from anyone who already contributed the maximum, in the aggregate across all candidates, and regardless of when that contribution was made, all the way back to 2006. Many have tried, generously, to contribute again, but having reached their maximum, are unable to -- it is extremely frustrating sending cheques back.

Much is at stake for Canada's future, and I know I have much more to contribute. I ask for your help right now so that I can.

Thank you so much in advance,

Martha Hall Findlay

Best Media Line of the Day

2012-09-06T15:38:00.002-04:00

“Do you know your responsibilities as a member of Toronto City Council?” “No, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.” “Oh, OK. Case dismissed.”

You win Matt Gurney.

Liberal Leadership April 14, 2013 in Ottawa

2012-09-06T12:04:00.001-04:00

Yes. My buddy Justin will be running. Yes he will win.

Yes Martha will be running too. She can't help herself. Maybe someone can talk her out of it. Doubt it though. Oh well.

Ontario By-Election Predictions for Today

2012-09-06T06:42:00.002-04:00

Today is the beginning of the end of Tim Hudak's leadership experiment. Today, Tim Whodat will lose not one, but two by-elections.

In Vaughan, the Liberals and Steven Del Duca will be victorious. Unfortunately, for Dalton McGuinty and his desire for a majority, Kitchener will go Orange. Yes, I'm predicting, of all things, an NDP victory in K-W.

Just sayin'.

Government of Canada is officially called "The Harper Government"

2012-08-17T14:50:00.002-04:00

Right here live on the Canada Revenue Agency's Official Website under the press releases. See the press releases here, here and here. It appears to be a new name as of August 1st. I guess that makes all Canadians officially Harperites.

You Shall Be Missed, My Friend

2012-07-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

Frank Sr. Aceti

ACETI, Frank Sr. - Passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side, at the Greater Niagara General Hospital on Friday July 6, 2012 at the age of 60. Beloved son of Ormano and the late Maria Aceti (2010). Dearly loved father of Frank Jr. (Genevieve) and MaryAnn Aceti (Ryan). He was a very special and devoted Nonno to Frankie who brought him so much happiness. Dear brother-in-law of Rita Aceti and uncle to Andrea (Bruno) Stranges and Julia Aceti. Predeceased by his brother Michael (1998). Frank was a well known local realtor for 32 years and he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Friends are invited to call at the PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main St. visiting Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Scapular Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The Vigil for Frank will be celebrated Monday at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In memory of Frank donations to Tender Wishes would be appreciated by his family. On-line condolences at www.pattersonfuneralhome.com.

Is this really Constitutional?

2012-06-18T12:39:00.000-04:00

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/canadian-airports-being-wired-listening-equipment-record-conversations-162241124.html