Darryl Wolk Blog

Queen's Park Staff Announcement‏

2011-02-20T20:20:00.002-05:00

I'm pleased to announce that Darryl Wolk will be assuming responsibilities as my Executive Assistant at Queen's Park effective February 21st.

Many of you know Darryl from his involvement on the NAPPCA Board and as an active volunteer on past Team Klees election and leadership campaigns. Darryl brings extensive experience in social media communications and his recent work experience in Government Relations will serve him well as he takes on his new role at Queen's Park. I am looking forward to working with Darryl in the lead-up to the October 6th election. His professional expertise and his political experience will be a welcome addition to our team.

Frank Klees, MPP

Happy New Year and all the Best in 2011

2010-12-31T18:30:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year and all the Best in 2011

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Seasons Greetings

2010-12-22T12:16:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Seasons Greetings

Tim Hudak GTA Leaders Dinner Speech - Nov 24, 2010

2010-11-25T15:01:00.001-05:00

Part I

Part II

Rob Ford Victory Speech

2010-11-25T15:00:00.000-05:00

Vote for Rob Ford on October 25

2010-09-22T14:48:00.000-04:00

Rob Ford talks about free perks for Toronto council

2010-09-01T10:13:00.002-04:00

Rob Ford talks about free perks for Toronto council

Updating the Prime Minister on Rob Ford and 416

2010-08-18T00:24:00.002-04:00

Updating the Prime Minister on Rob Ford and 416

Had an opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister in Ajax about Rob Ford's campaign and also the opportunity for Conservatives to finally break into the 416 ridings of Toronto. While he cannot officially endorse a candidate he was happy with the progress made for Conservatives in the city.

Photo of Next Premier of Ontario with Next Mayor of Toronto

2010-08-16T11:57:00.002-04:00

Photo of Next Premier of Ontario with Next Mayor of Toronto

I am proud to support both of these politicians fighting on behalf of taxpayers. This photo was taken at the PC Ontario Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. Tim Hudak had an excellent speech announcing the party is now debt free and has tripled party membership since the leadership race. Rob Ford is currently leading in the polls in the Toronto Mayor race running as a real Conservative in the city. If these two men are elected we will finally see real change in Ontario and Toronto.
-Darryl

Tim Hudak: 10 Ideas To Create Jobs In 2010

2010-03-24T12:01:00.002-04:00

Tim Hudak: 10 Ideas To Create Jobs In 2010

Ontario PC Party Leader Tim Hudak announces 10 for 2010: ten practical, affordable, and achievable economic ideas that if adopted now, will help return Ontario to its place as the province with the best jobs and strongest economy in all of Canada.

Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak held a groundbreaking electronic town hall to receive input from Ontario voters in advance of the 2010 Ontario Budget.

Tonight, 1,400 Ontarians joined the call with Hudak to share their ideas on how to create jobs in Ontario. Callers were also polled on important issues like the HST, LHINs, taxes and government priorities.

Hudak is the first political leader in Canada to use Teleforum electronic town hall technology, which allows individuals to connect with a large number of people at the same time through a telephone town hall meeting.

The electronic town hall is the latest example of how Tim Hudak and the Ontario PC Caucus are using cutting edge technology to connect with more Ontario families. Earlier this month, Hudak became the first Canadian political leader to offer his own iPhone App.

Quotes

“It’s important to be listening to the priorities of real families today. On tonight’s call, the results were clear. Callers are most concerned about the lack of jobs and the tax burden placed on Ontario families by Dalton McGuinty.”

– Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak
“This is the latest example of the new modern face of the Ontario PC Party. We will use the best possible cutting edge technology to reach out to all Ontario families as we prepare for victory in 2011.”

– Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak

Quick Facts

* During the electronic town hall, Hudak asked a series of questions and callers voted in real time on their phones. The results showed:

*Participants were most concerned about job creation and lowering the tax burden on Ontario families;

*93% of participants were opposed to the HST and 95% did not support Dalton McGuinty’s severance to HST tax collectors; and

*71% of participants thought that the dollars spent on LHINs would be better invested elsewhere in the healthcare system.

* Tim Hudak pioneered the use of Teleforum during the Ontario PC Leadership campaign. He is the first Canadian political leader to use this technology.

Stephen Harper YouTube Interview

2010-03-17T12:53:00.004-04:00

Stephen Harper YouTube Interview

I give Stephen Harper full credit for reaching out to voters via Social Media. I also respect that he answered the questions posed to him directly.
-Darryl

Great NBC Video on US/Canada Relations

2010-02-22T11:51:00.003-05:00

Great NBC Video on US/Canada Relations

A great video put together by NBC. I am very proud of the strong relationship between the United States and Canada. Thank you to NBC for putting this together. Very moving video.
-Darryl

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!!

2009-12-24T10:25:00.002-05:00

Stephen Harper Christmas Greetings

2009-12-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

Stephen Harper Christmas Greetings

Seasons Greetings and End of Year Press Conference from Tim Hudak

2009-12-23T09:03:00.002-05:00

Seasons Greetings and End of Year Press Conference from Tim Hudak

Christmas Greetings:

End of Year Press Conference:

Ontario PC Caucus Introduces 500,000 Amendments To HST Bill

2009-12-10T11:53:00.002-05:00

Ontario PC Caucus Introduces 500,000 Amendments To HST Bill

I love the forklift idea and am very proud that the Ontario PC Caucus has done everything possible to try and stop this tax grab.
-Darryl

New Evidence of Double Standards, Hypocrisy and Hatemongering at the Toronto Star

2009-12-09T16:37:00.010-05:00

New Evidence of Double Standards, Hypocrisy and Hatemongering at the Toronto Star

Once again the Liberal propaganda rag known as the Toronto Star has been caught red handed doing the dirty work of its Liberal masters.

The latest Liberal cheerleader employed by the Star is Jim Coyle, who has this time outdone himself when it comes to prostituting his journalistic principles in order to curry favour with the Liberals whose agenda the Star constantly promotes.

When Conservative MPPs Bill Murdoch and Randy Hillier staged a Legislative sit-in to protest Dalton McGuinty’s plan to ram through the HST without any meaningful public debate, Coyle actually went so far as to accuse the protesting MPPs of being wife-beaters and child abusers.

“They were faces of raving irrationality that any woman abused by her mate would recognize. They were faces of incoherent fulminating that any child terrified by a drunken father would know. They were the faces of inane intransigence with which most beat cops are wearily familiar.”

Compare Coyle’s ranting above to his reaction when a Liberal MPP named Alvin Curling used the exact same sit-in tactic to protest a Harris Government Bill.

Instead of accusing Curling of child abuse, Coyle wrote that Curling had emerged as “the unlikely champion of a campaign of civil disobedience,” and that he “looked for all the world like a latter-day Rosa Parks -- a man refusing to give up his seat.”

Unbelievable hypocrisy! To accuse democratically elected politicians of being wife-beaters and child-abusers is a new low even for Coyle and the Liberal rag that pays his salary.

At least we now know the stakes and the Liberal bias at the Star is there for all to see. To Jim Coyle, Conservatives who stand up for their constituents are wife-beaters. Yet Liberals who do the same are heroes. This is an astounding mix of hypocrisy and slander.

The really sad part is that Coyle wrote those appalling words on the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. Coyle’s drive-by smear only trivializes the real victims of violence against women. He should be ashamed to show his face at Queen’s Park and the Star should be humiliated for printing his words.

For the record; according to recent Angus Reid poll, 75% of Ontario residents agree with Hillier, Murdoch and the PC position that opposes the HST. Clearly Coyle and the Star’s views are not consistent with mainstream Ontario voters.

John Yakabuski's Holiday HST Carol

2009-12-09T16:36:00.001-05:00

John Yakabuski's Holiday HST Carol

John has a great voice!
-Darryl

Dalton McGuinty Tries to Ram Through His $3 Billion HST Tax Grab Without Consulting the Public

2009-11-26T15:09:00.002-05:00

Dalton McGuinty Tries to Ram Through His $3 Billion HST Tax Grab Without Consulting the Public

Great video about the PC Caucus and their efforts to stop the HST
-Darryl

Did “Cheque Republic” campaign backfire on federal Liberals?

2009-11-11T17:07:00.004-05:00

Did “Cheque Republic” campaign backfire on federal Liberals?

Today I came across a website affiliated with the federal Liberals at http://www.chequerepublic.ca

I haven’t seen the website before today, but it is loaded with Conservative MPs posing with cheques for their ridings complete with Conservative logos and personal signatures from the local MP. Obviously I see what the scandal is. Conservatives are handing out taxpayer money as if it comes from the party and not Canadians. Fair enough.

Under “Get the Facts” some of the messages

- “Last month, MP Gerard Kennedy led a Liberal investigation that found a disproportionate share of infrastructure stimulus funding was going to Conservative ridings.”

- “Investigative journalists at those newspapers found that nationwide 57 percent of all projects with more than $1-million in federal funding went to Conservative ridings. The investigation also found that Tory ridings landed 66 per cent of all projects so far announced under the Harper government’s Recreation Infrastructure Canada program (RinC). The investigation concludes that if you live in a Conservative riding, you’re receiving 23 percent more infrastructure stimulus funding than you would if project funding was distributed equally among all Canadian ridings.”

An entry in the Blog section of the website

- “Harper slush fund favours Conservative Northern Ontario ridings”

There is also an opportunity to cut a cheque to your friends from Stephen Harper and have it emailed to them (see photo above) explaining the issue to others.

I really do not know if Canada’s Economic Stimulus Package has been handed out on partisan grounds disproportionately to Conservative ridings. I really do not like pork barrel politics and free spending for partisan purposes. I do not know if these allegations are true. But let us assume for a second that these allegations are true. What does it mean for voters? Currently my riding is blue in Newmarket-Aurora. Assuming what the Liberals are saying is true, what incentive would I have to vote for the opposition so that Newmarket gets short changed like the other opposition held ridings as Liberals claim? By drawing so much attention to this “Cheque Republic” issue, are Liberals not encouraging opposition ridings to vote Conservative in order to get some pork for themselves? Could this partially explain rising poll numbers and the recent by-election results? Do Liberals really think Conservative held ridings are going to vote Liberal because their riding received an unfair proportion of stimulus money? From the Liberal point of view does it really benefit them to highlight this issue? Looking at current poll numbers and pundits calling for a Conservative majority in recent days, one has to wonder if areas like Atlantic Canada, Toronto, Northern Ontario and Montreal will be tempted to get on board the gravy train as well following the next election. If these allegations are true I will not try and justify them. Having said that, Liberals really need to think hard about if this campaign helps them politically or not. Perhaps it is something to think about when trying to explain the upset in Montmagny-L'Islet-Kamouraska-Riviere-du-Loup.

Personally I am not sure if these allegations are true or not, but I am sure that the Cheque Republic backfired and Monday night was evidence of that. Perhaps the Liberal war room should go back to the drawing board and find something else to attack the Conservative government on.

Lest we forget

2009-11-11T07:29:00.005-05:00

Lest we Forget

Highway of Heroes by Bob Reid

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Remembrance Day:

“Across this great country, from our largest cities to our smallest communities, we are united in remembrance and gratitude. On this Remembrance Day, we pause to remember the courage and sacrifice of those Canadian soldiers, sailors, and airmen and airwomen who served to defend our nation and fight tyranny, injustice and terror.

“Canada is proud of its forces. The world has seen the bravery of our service men and women at Vimy Ridge, on Normandy beaches, in Korean hills and in countless other missions throughout the world. When the cause is just, Canada has always been there to defend freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

“This is our heritage. It is a legacy handed down to us from those who sacrificed so much for our country, a legacy still carried on today by the brave Canadians serving in places such as Afghanistan.

“So, as we pause for a moment of silence this Remembrance Day, we ask ourselves, ‘How will I remember?’ We remember these brave Canadians by wearing a poppy over our hearts. We remember these brave Canadians by visiting our local cenotaph with our children and reflecting on the names etched in stone. We reflect on the fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters who never returned home. We remember these brave Canadians by sending a message of support to those serving overseas.

“However we choose to remember, we must keep the torch of remembrance burning for future generations to come. Let us never forget these brave men and women whose sacrifice served to make life better for others. We must remember, not just today, but every day.

“Lest we forget.”

25 ridings the Conservatives should target for a Majority

2009-11-11T01:39:00.003-05:00

25 ridings the Conservatives should target for a Majority

After last night's by-election, the Conservatives now hold 145 seats in the House of Commons. Assuming that the Conservatives could hold all of them (and that is a big assumption), here is 20 ridings the Conservatives should target to win a majority. Right now 10 more would be required to win that majority government. Current polls have shown Tory support ranging from 37-41%. The percentage is important, but ultimately in Canadian politics it comes down to seats. These targeted seats assume no breakthrough in Toronto and Montreal. 17 of these seats are currently held by Liberals, 6 by the NDP, 1 by the Bloc and 1 is an independent. Obviously there are a lot of close ridings the Conservatives won as well.

If current polls hold and Conservative MPs ensure re-election, 10 out of 25 of these ridings would be a majority government. In 1984, Brian Mulroney won 211 seats and over 50% of the vote. Stephen Harper currently holds 145 seats our of 308.

North

1. Yukon

Conservative Darrell Pasloski lost by less than 2000 votes in the last election while turnout increased and the Liberal vote decreased. The seat is currently held by Liberal Larry Bagnell. If former Yukon Party Cabinet Minister Brad Cathers runs for the Tories, the race might be close. Harper has made a big push in the North since winning government. Hopefully some of that Palin magic in Alaska crosses the border and energizes Conservatives in Yukon as well.

2. Western Arctic

Currently held by NDP Dennis Bevington, this riding is very winnable for the Conservatives especially with Harper's focus on the North. Last time Bevington got 5669 votes compared to Conservative Brendan Bell's 5146. Liberals were a distant third with 1858 votes. This time former Premier Joe Handley is running for the Liberals potentially opening up a strong three way race.

BC

3. Burnaby - Douglas

Currently held by NDP Bill Siksay, in 2008 this election was close with the NDP getting 37.94% of the vote compared to the CPC 36.25% Who is able to take the more of the Liberal 19.4% could make the difference in this riding. Ronald Leung ran for the Conservatives in 2008.

4. Vancouver South

Former NDP Premier and Liberal Star candidate Ujjal Dosanjh only defeated the Conservatives by 22 votes in the last election. Wai Young represented the Conservatives in 2008.

5. Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca

Keith Martin's riding. Last time he won by 68 votes against Conservative Troy DeSouza. Would love to see Martin cross the floor and get back in the fold. Otherwise this will likely be a close race again. Keith Martin was a former Reform/Canadian Alliance MP between 1993-2003 and is personally popular in his riding.

Alberta

6. Edmonton-Strathcona

NDP Linda Duncan upset Rahim Jaffer in the last election breaking up the Conservative Alberta sweep. Ryan Hastman will try and take it back in the next election. In 2008 the NDP took 42.5% of the vote compared to the Conservative 41.6%. Getting this riding back is probably priority one for the Conservatives.

Saskatchewan

7. Wascana

Ralph Goodale defeated Conservative Michelle Hunter by less than 5000 votes. Still a long shot, but this is the final red seat in the province. Goodale is winning this riding on personal popularity despite his party affiliation.

Manitoba:

8. Elmwood - Transcona

Winnipeg Jets legend Thomas Steen lost this riding by less than 2000 votes. NDP Jim Maloway is the incumbent here. Would love to see Steen take another shot at the goal.

9. Winnipeg South Centre

Conservatives held their convention in Winnipeg recently. Anita Neville won last time by less than 2000 votes and is the final Liberal in Manitoba. Trevor Kennerd ran for the Conservatives last time.

Ontario:

10. Ajax-Pickering:

Conservative star candidate Chris Alexander will face off against Mark Holland in the GTA. Will that be enough to make up the 3000 vote difference? This could be a huge win for the Conservatives in Ontario on the border of Toronto 416.

11. Brampton Springdale

Rudy Dhalla held this riding by just over 700 votes in 2008. She is a big target I am sure and Parm Gill has been working this riding like crazy. This riding is highly likely to go blue in the next election.

12: Brampton West

While everyone has been paying attention to Ruby Dhalla in Brampton Springdale, quietly Kyle Seeback was about 500 votes from Liberal MP Andrew Kania. This is probably even more likely to go blue than Brampton Springdale.

13. Richmond Hill

Conservatives made some big gains in the last election in York Region picking up Newmarket-Aurora, Oakridges-Markham and Thornhill. At one time this riding was represented provincially by Frank Klees and in 2008 the race was a lot closer with Liberal MP Bryon Wilfert fighting to keep his seat. A star candidate could easily close the 5000 vote margin here if current polls hold steady.

14. Mississauga South

Liberal MP Paul Szabo won by about 2000 votes in this GTA riding. Mississauga will be very competitive with the right Conservative candidates in the next election.

15. Welland

A rare tight three way battle where in the last election the NDP took 33% of the vote, Conservatives 32% and the Liberals 28%. NDP MPP Peter Kormos holds the seat provincially and NDP MP Malcolm Allenis the current incumbent.

16. Kingston and the Islands

If speaker Peter Milliken ever retired, this riding would go blue and is surrounded by blue. Like Wascana in Saskatchewan, Milliken is holding this riding on personal popularity.

17. Guelph
Liberal MP Frank Valeriote had 18,977 votes, CPC candidate Gloria Kovach won 17, 185 votes and Green candidate Mike Nagy finished third with 12,456 votes. The Green vote is the wildcard here.

18. Nipissing - Timiskaming

Northern Ontario should have strong potential for the Conservatives but right now it is largely dominated by the NDP. In Nipissing - Timiskaming Anthony Rota beat Conservative Joe Sinicrope by just over 5000 votes. In 2008 we saw an upset in Kenora. Is Nipissing - Timiskaming next? I believe Northern Ontario would be a good place to grow the Conservative base and build on our organizational strength. There is great potential for competitive three way races if time and resources are dedicated to the cause.

New Brunswick:

19. Moncton - Riverview - Dieppe

Current Liberal MP Brian Murphy beat Conservative Daniel Allain by just over 1000 votes. Closest riding in New Brunswick for the Conservatives to pick up.

Prince Edward Island:

20. Malpeque

1000 votes separated the Liberals and Conservatives last time. Wayne Easter would be a big target for Conservatives. Can Mike Duffy make the difference here? In 2008 Conservatives broke into PEI in the Egmont riding.

Newfoundland

21. Avalon 22. St. John's East 23. St. John's South-Mount Pearl

All three of these ridings were held by the Conservative Party and lost in the 2008 election. Is Danny Williams still a factor? Will Newfoundland want to be shut out of the federal government? St. John's South-Mount Pearl is the best chance. Turnout in the last election was low in Newfoundland despite the ABC campaign.

Quebec

24. Portneuf-Jacques-Cartier

Would love to see independent MP Andre Arthur formally join the Conservative caucus. He generally votes with the party and in the last election Conservatives did not run a candidate against him. He is in a close race and his personality would be an asset to the Conservative cause in Quebec. Arthur is a libertarian.

25. Louis-Hébert

Conservative MP Luc Harvey dropped the seat to current Bloc MP Pascal-Pierre Paillé. Could the Conservatives win this one back?

By-election Analysis

2009-11-10T21:53:00.003-05:00

By-election Analysis

Last night four by-elections took place in BC, Quebec and Nova Scotia. In general it is never a good idea to get too excited about by-election results, nonetheless they do mean something and can have large implications.

In March of 2009 in the riding of Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, John Tory was upset by Rick Johnson in a by-election in the province of Ontario. Tory had just come off of a strong convention, was PC Party leader and ran in a riding that was considered safe for the blue side following Laurie Scott's decision to step down to allow the leader a seat in the Legislature. Tory was defeated and resigned as leader the next day. Today Tim Hudak is party leader and a recent poll has his party leading in the Province of Ontario.

Federally in 2008 Rob Clarke won in Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River after local Liberals found themselves in a feud with David Orchard during the nomination process. In 2007 Thomas Mulcair pulled off an upset in Outremont and Denis Lebel won in Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean. All three still hold their seats today. Since the beginning of the 38th parliament in 2004, there have been ten by-elections federally. Only 3 or 30% changed party representation heading into last night. All MPs elected in by-elections since 2000 remain in the House of Commons today except Raymond Gravel a former Bloc MP. Some pundits think of by-elections as flash in the pan protest votes however vidence since 2004 shows that not to be the case. It is quite possible that all incumbents elected last night will hold their seats in the next general election whenever it occurs.

After last night there is spin coming from all sides but the results speak for themselves. The Conservatives picked up two seats and are now ten shy of a majority. The Bloc lost a seat and held another. The NDP held a seat in BC. The Liberals were not even in the game in any of these by-elections. Current standings have the Conservatives with 145 seats, Liberals 77, NDP 37 and Bloc 48. Andre Arthur is an independent but the Conservatives did not run a candidate against him in the 2008 election and he generally votes with the Conservatives as a self described libertarian. Following these by-elections only the Conservatives have gained seats and only the Bloc has lost a seat since the last general election. The Liberals and the NDP remain status quo.

In each of the ridings there was also some interesting messages. While results in New Westminster—Coquitlam, Hochelaga and Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley were widely expected, the upset in Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup is notable.
The fact the Liberals were not contenders in any of the by-elections and showed worse than Dion in three of the ridings has to be of concern to Liberal strategists. Clearly there is not much momentum for Ignatieff in BC despite the Liberal convention in Vancouver. The same can be said about Quebec where there was talk of big Liberal breakthroughs a few months ago. In Atlantic Canada - usually a considered a Liberal stronghold, the NDP finished second this time. The NDP also finished second in Montreal repeatng some of that Outremont magic. There is no way to spin that as positive for Liberals and there is a reason why Ignatieff, Kinsella and Liblogs have been silent today about these results. The NDP on the other hand have good reason to celebrate their results last night but let's not go to far. Even if they steal a few seats away from the Liberals in the next election, how satisified will the left be with a Conservative majority? Ten ridings is not that big of a hurdle now.

Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup had not seen Conservative representation since 1993 when PC MP André Plourde was defeated by Paul Crête who resigned to run in the provincial electon only to be defeated by Charest Liberal Jean D'Amour in that contest. Prior to that former ADQ leader Mario Dumont represented the riding from 1994 until March of 2009. Personally I always wanted Dumont to run for the federal Conservatives, but yesterday a new star was found in former La Pocatière mayor Bernard Généreux who pulled off the upset. Pundits and polls dismissed the Conservatives in Quebec. The coalition, ADQ demise, culture cuts, relations with Charest, gun registry and economy all proved theories false that the Conservative support had NOT evaporated in the province. This type of rural Quebec riding is exactly the type of riding Tories need to target in order to build the coalition required for a majority. Harper now at least has hope for future Quebec gains. Despite writing Harper off, the BQ once again find themselves in a fight with the Conservatives in rural Quebec and Quebec City while at the same time they are fighting a different battle with the Liberals and NDP in the Montreal area of Quebec.

In the 2008 election in Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley, Bill Casey deserved to be re-elected for standing up for constituents despite being expelled from the Conservative caucus. I like MPs with courage and an independent streak. Having said that, it is great news that Conservative Rob Armstrong easily won the riding following Casey's decision to retire as an MP after former Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald announced that Casey would be the senior representative for the Department of Intergovernmental Affairs in Ottawa for the province. In New Westminster—Coquitlam Conservatives finished a strong second to a strong NDP candidate in Fin Donnelly replacing Dawn Black. The HST and salmon issue proved to be winners in BC allowing the NDP to hold the seat. Even in the Montreal area riding of Hochelaga there was some positive news for Harper. Conservatives gained their share of the vote by 1%. The Liberal vote dropped 6% while the NDP increased 5% allowing them to finish second. There was less than 1000 votes difference between the Liberals and Conservatives. There was less than 2000 votes difference between the NDP and Conservatives. To be fair all three have a long way to go in order to defeat the Bloc who carried 51.2% of total votes. With that said, there doesn't seem to be much difference between Conservative and Liberal support in a riding close to the Montreal Liberal fortress.

Overall it was a good night for Conservatives and the NDP. A bad day for the Bloc Quebecois and Liberals. Bottom line is that the Conservatives are now two seats closer to that majority government. Liberals have clearly not gained any momentum with Ignatieff from where they were under Dion. I have seen a lot of Liberal spin that these by-elections do not matter and no one expected them to win. That may be true but if Dalton McGuinty would have taken that attitude in a recent by-election perhaps John Tory would still be leader and in Queen's Park grilling his government on eHealth today. At some point if Liberals want to win government, you have to gain seats in ridings where you cannot see the CN Tower. Right now the Liberal Party does not look very strong outside of the most urban ridings in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. On the flip side a Conservative majority is so close you can taste it.

Congratulations to Scott Armstrong, Bernard Généreux , Daniel Paillé and Fit Donnelly for their victories last night!

Darryl on Rex Murphy (St. John's Telegram)

2009-10-22T20:37:00.004-04:00

Darryl on Rex Murphy (St. John's Telegram)

I appreciate the tip from Rotarian Ian. It looks like the St. John Telegram quoted me on a Rex Murphy article.

Blogger Darryl Wolk chimed in: "Rex Murphy does a great job with this commentary on the Alberta oilsands and the recent photo spread in National Geographic."
-Darryl

***

The Telegram (St. John's)
Life & Leisure, Saturday, October 3, 2009, p. D1

The World... according to Rex
'National' commentator unleashes brand new collection of his opinions

Ashley Fitzpatrick

Maybe it was something he said on CBC's "The National" about the feud between Stephen Harper and Danny Williams.

Or perhaps it was something he wrote in the Globe and Mail on Afghanistan or Tim Hortons, on Obama or Madonna.

Whatever the topic of commentary, there are moments when Rex Murphy just gets it right - spot on.

Some of those moments are collected in his latest book "Canada and Other Matters of Opinion," copies of which will be on sale during a free Evening with Rex Murphy on Monday at Memorial University's D.F. Cook Recital Hall, School of Music, 7:30 p.m.

Murphy said moments in his work are subjective and he finds them only a handful of times in a year of work.

"Every now and then, everything connects," he said.

Those moments are jewels. Yet it is a rare commentary that gets nothing but applause.

In the Feb. 26, 2009 Point of View segment on "The National," headlined "High-Minded Hypocrisy," Murphy responded to the release of a National Geographic article on the negative environmental impact of Alberta oil projects.

The article included multiple high-quality photos, including aerial photos of the tar sands.

"What comes out of that 'necessary ugliness' is what's missing - the dignity of the person or family who found a job; the rescue of one region of the country by the prosperity of another; the smooth running of cities, manufacturing, the building of so many other necessary things. You can't take a picture of misery that didn't happen - or of hard times forestalled or mitigated," Murphy said in the television piece.

His piece got plenty of response, including this uncredited entry on the blog Let Freedom Rain (http://letfreedomrain.blogspot.com):

"Science is an inconvenience to wingnuts like Murphy. Like so many other authoritarian parents, teachers or preachers, he wants Canada to bow down in thanks to our father Alberta for all the shit it is doing to our environment."

On the CBC's website, a viewer named David Wilson posted a comment that said, "like many an over-educated and under-inspired old soak before him, our Rex indulges in highly entertaining but sentimental and ultimately vacuous rhetoric."

There were others as well.

"A brilliant commentary from Rex Murphy," Duncan Laidlaw wrote on the site. "Getting oil out of the ground in any way shape or form is dirty nasty business. Ask anyone who has ever worked on a rig."

Blogger Darryl Wolk chimed in: "Rex Murphy does a great job with this commentary on the Alberta oilsands and the recent photo spread in National Geographic."

Such is the life of the high-profile columnist - full of highs and the lows.

Murphy's new collection of commentaries follows his 2005 release, "Points of View."

The new book has commentaries separated into subtopics with titles such as "Obama Rising," "The Evil That Men Do," "The Canadian Identity" and "Newfoundland."

"Canada and Other Matters of Opinion" has an introduction by Murphy, as well as scattered grey-boxed additional thoughts to various column writings. (Read the book to find out what Murphy considers as "absolute proof that 'Never Again' was never a resolution - just a convenient slogan.")

While he is known to tell it like it is, albeit with a more creative use of language than most, Murphy said in a phone interview with The Telegram recently that he doesn't want anyone to take the commentary too seriously.

"I hope it's mildly amusing, and maybe it catches people's interest," he said.

The collection is a thought-provoking read, but also offers an opportunity to recall moments in time.

"We're in such a speeded-up age," Murphy explained. "Who remembers now when Hillary was so far in advance and Obama was a longshot?"

"We hop and skip across the most recent things, (but reflection) can serve some purpose and we can see some strands develop."

The title, "Canada and Other Matters of Opinion," reflects his own feeling about the country - that the Canadian ideal, the "common themes" and "strings" that tie the country together, are becoming harder to identify.

"I find that's woefully underarticulated," he said.

For example, Murphy said when then-prime minister Jean Chretien made the decision not to send Canadian troops to Iraq, the PM passed up an opportunity to talk about the country's history or its shared ideals.

"He missed what, I thought, was a rather magnificent occasion," Murphy said, "not for just announcing the decision, but for integrating it into the idea of the overall contract or compact that we have evolved. We drift forward and we don't tie the pieces together."

But Murphy makes those connections and attempts to provide context, asking people to consider what the loss of the East Coast outports or the rural family farm in Western Canada will mean to the country as a whole.

They are his opinions. But maybe they will spark a larger debate, a growth of the collective consciousness of a country.

Or maybe they'll just get him called a "wingnut" one more time.

afitzpatrick@thetelegram.com

Photo of the Day: Macleans

2009-10-15T11:44:00.002-04:00

Photo of the Day: Macleans

I really like this family photo. As a Beatles fan it is good to see! To read an interview conducted by MacLeans about Stephen Harper's musical talents click here.
-Darryl

Some interesting facts about agriculture and buying local

2009-10-14T19:29:00.008-04:00

Some interesting facts about agriculture and buying local in the GTA

Something to think about when shopping for food. Canadian farmers are struggling and as consumers we can obtain better quality food while supporting them. Retailers should offer choice for those that want to buy local and as consumers we should consider it. I think these numbers are quite alarming and should give us something to think about. Next to Newmarket we are lucky enough to have the Holland Marsh but not enough of their food is getting on your plate.

Tim Hudak calls for public inquiry into Liberal eHealth Scandal

2009-10-14T17:39:00.002-04:00

Tim Hudak calls for public inquiry into Liberal eHealth Scandal

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

NEWS

QUEENS PARK – Tim Hudak today called for a public inquiry to resolve the many unanswered questions that remain about the serious, and potentially criminal, abuses of the taxpayer money that occurred with the McGuinty Liberal eHealth Scandal.

Tim Hudak noted that the Auditor General lacked the mandate or the resources necessary to answer many of the most important unanswered questions about a scandal that saw hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars funneled to Liberal friendly consultants through untendered contracts and sweetheart deals.

Given the potentially criminal behaviour hinted at in the Auditor General’s report as well as the instances of overt obstruction of the Auditor General’s probe, the Ontario PC Caucus has concluded that only an independent, impartial public inquiry wilth a full mandate to subpoena testimony and documents will provide the answers the people of Ontario deserve to see.

QUICK FACTS

The following issues require a public inquiry to resolve.

The Auditor General’s report strongly suggests that there may have been deliberate collusion and bid-rigging at eHealth. Given that this is potentially criminal behaviour a deeper probe into the bidding process is required.

The Auditor General’s report highlights the role of the Power Management Board of Cabinet in waiving the rules relating to untendered contracts. Members of the cabinet have also admitted that the Management Board actively signed off on the awarding of untendered contracts. A Public Inquiry can fully investigate how extensively members of the Management Board were involved in the eHealth Scandal.

The Auditor General himself reported instances of overt obstruction of his probe by officials of the McGuinty government. This represents a potentially massive abuse of power that requires an independent probe.

The Auditor General’s Probe lacked the mandate and resources to fully examine the potential Liberal affiliations of the individuals involved in the scandal or to conclusively determine which individuals saw personal financial gain. A Public Inquiry can answer both questions.

Mystery Ads show up in Aurora

2009-10-14T17:11:00.008-04:00

Mystery Ads show up in Aurora

The first ad showed up in the Auroran newspaper on August 25 and in this week's issue we have now seen the fourth ad in this series. I am not sure who is behind this "Coalition for a Better Aurora" but like everyone else I have a few guesses but no confirmation. It will be interesting to see how this campaign develops heading into 2010 when municipal elections will take place in Aurora and elsewhere. Personally I am from Newmarket and am glad that our council is not dysfunctional like the ones we see in Vaughan and Aurora. I expect interesting races in Vaughan, Aurora and Toronto where there are loud voices calling for change.

Below is all four ads that I pulled from recent editions of the Auroran newspaper. The ads started appearing following this story. These mysterious ads have made news in the Star and elsewhere. The issue has led to lawsuits and is preventing council from functioning in the best interests of Aurora citizens. I do not support or oppose the ad campaign since I am not from Aurora, however I find it interesting that all of this began with well over a year before the next municipal election.

*Note: I was not paid to run these ads and have had no contact whatsoever with the "Coalition for a Better Aurora".
-Darryl

Stephen Harper sings Beatles song with Yo Yo Ma

2009-10-14T17:10:00.002-04:00

Stephen Harper sings Beatles song with Yo Yo Ma

A very respectable version of "With a Little Help from My Friends" by the Beatles. Personally I like it when Harper shows his true personality.
-Darryl

Message from Jim Balsillie on NHL in Hamilton

2009-10-01T09:03:00.002-04:00

To all Make It Seven supporters:

From the beginning, my attempt to relocate the Coyotes to Hamilton has been about Canadian hockey fans and Canadian hockey. It was a chance to realize a dream. All I wanted was a fair chance to bring a seventh NHL team to Canada, to serve the best unserved hockey fans in the world. I believe I got that chance. I respect the court's decision, and I will not be putting forward an appeal.

Nobody can deny that we are now a big step closer to having a seventh NHL team in Canada. It doesn't matter who owns that team. When that day comes, I will be the first in line to buy a ticket to the home opener.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my family for all their love and support. I also want to thank the more than 200,000 fans who supported the bid online and the countless others who contacted me personally to show their support. This bid always was about the game we all love.

Thank you,

Jim Balsillie

The Casino Power Plant More Liberal Mismanagement

2009-09-28T13:55:00.003-04:00

The Casino Power Plant More Liberal Mismanagement

Thank you very much to the reader who sent this in. A funny video but not so funny if you are a taxpayer in Ontario!
-Darryl

Social Media Revolution

2009-09-22T15:55:00.002-04:00

Social Media Revolution

I found this video on the power of social media to be quite interesting
-Darryl

Manning Centre School of Practical Politics Presents...Toronto Campaign Manager Program

2009-09-02T08:55:00.001-04:00

Manning Centre School of Practical Politics Presents...

Toronto Campaign Manager Program

Toronto, ON - September 25th-27th

With the potential of a fall election, NOW is the time to make sure you are prepared for the campaign. This highly intensive 3-day program promises to be the most comprehensive campaign manager training ever delivered in Canada. Taught by a mix of experienced and successful campaign managers, and experts in related fields from around Canada and the United States, the knowledge and skills you learn at this school can make the difference between winning and losing.

Presenters to include:

· Preston Manning - Founder of the Reform and Canadian Alliance Parties, former Leader of the Opposition, CEO of the Manning Centre

· Dimitri Pantazopolous - Pollster of Record, Conservative Party of Canada for the 2004 and 2006 Elections

· Richard Ciano - Former Conservative Party Vice President and founder of Conservative Campaign University

· Tom Long - Ontario PC Campaign Chair for 1995 and 1999 Provincial Elections, former Canadian Alliance leadership candidate

· David Akin - National Affairs Correspondent for CanWest News Service

· Stephen Taylor - Founder of Blogging Tories, social media expert

There will be a strong participatory model for the training, which will see students formed into teams and competing in practical exercises to help master the topics covered. Breakfast and Lunch will be served.

Registration is $299 (earlybird - September 14th) or $349

Contact Christy MacPhail at: cmacphail@mcbd.ca

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday

8:30-9:00	REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST
9:00-9:15	WELCOME & OPENING VIDEO
9:15-10:30	Campaign Organization: Major Jobs and Roles
10:30-10:45	BREAK
10:45-12:00	Campaign Plan
12:00-12:30	LUNCH
12:30-2:00	Campaign Strategy and Research
2:00-2:15	BREAK
2:15-3:30	Where are your votes?: Poll-by-poll breakdowns, demographics and coalitions
3:30-3:45	BREAK
3:45-5:00 5:00-6:00	Scheduling / Handling the Candidate Practical Exercises
Day 2 - Saturday

8:30-9:00		BREAKFAST
9:00-10:00		Recruiting, Motivating (& Keeping) Volunteers
10:00-10:15		BREAK
10:15-11:15		Canvassing Door-to-Door
11:15-12:30		Voter Contact by Phone (paid/volunteer)
12:30-1:00		LUNCH
1:00-2:15		Coalition Building and Outreach
2:15-2:30		BREAK
2:30-3:30		Your Online Presence
3:30-5:00 5:00-6:00		Other Communications: Signs, Paid Media, Direct Mail Practical Exercises

Day 3 - Sunday

8:30-9:00		BREAKFAST
9:00-10:30		Fundraising Basics / Finance Plan
10:30-10:45		BREAK
10:45-11:15		Personal Solicitation
11:15-12:15		Direct Mail Fundraising
12:15-12:45		LUNCH
12:45-2:00		Media and Communications
2:00-2:15		BREAK
2:15-3:15		Field Organization
3:15-3:30		BREAK
3:30-5:00 5:00-6:00		GOTV: Get Out The Vote Practical Exercises

Photos from Prime Minister Harper BBQ in Oakridges-Markham last night

2009-08-14T13:51:00.019-04:00

Photos from Prime Minister Harper BBQ in Oakridges-Markham last night

King Mayor Margaret Black to run against Lois Brown in Newmarket-Aurora

2009-08-06T12:25:00.002-04:00

Liberal Party of Canada Announces Four New Women Candidates in Ontario

Published on 03 August 2009

OTTAWA - Ontario campaign co-Chairs Brenda Kurczak, Jeff Kehoe and Chris Koddermann announced today the nominations of four exceptional women candidates to run for the Liberal Party of Canada in the next federal election: Christine Innes (Trinity-Spadina), Deborah Gillis (Halton), Margaret Black (Newmarket-Aurora) and Kimberley Love (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound).

“These incredible women boast a proud personal history of accomplishment and service to their community,” said Ms. Kurczak. “We look forward to their contributions to the political process in our province and our country.”

“The nomination of these four exceptional candidates brings the Ontario campaign four big steps closer to being ready for the next election,” said Mr. Koddermann. “Their unique skill-sets and perspectives are a testament to the importance of female participation in Canadian politics.”

"The talent and experience of these four women represent the tremendous strength of the future Liberal government," said Mr. Kehoe. “These candidates are further proof of the talent our Party is attracting under the Leadership of Michael Ignatieff.”

-----

Background

Christine Innes has been nominated to run in the riding of Trinity-Spadina. A Toronto-based lawyer and a dedicated community activist, Ms. Innes brings a depth of experience both inside and outside government. Early in her career she worked on Parliament Hill for the Hon. Jim Peterson and at Queen’s Park for the Hon. Greg Sorbara. Following her graduation from Osgoode Hall Law School, she became a litigator with the well-known Toronto firm Fraser Milner Casgrain. She currently serves as a senior advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Ms. Innes balances her family and professional life with numerous community pursuits, including fundraising for the Alexandra Park Community Centre, Parent’s Association Executive, her community church and as founder and Co-Chair of the Bloor-Borden Market which brings local farmers and their produce to the inner city.

Deborah Gillis has been appointed to run in the riding of Halton by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. Ms. Gillis has advanced women’s causes through both her professional and community pursuits. As Vice President, North America for Catalyst, she has worked globally to promote the advancement of women in business. A breast cancer survivor, Ms. Gillis is a patient representative on the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario and has raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research through her participation in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. Her distinguished career includes work for the Governments of Ontario and Nova Scotia, as well as PricewaterhouseCoopers and Grant Thornton.

Margaret Black has been acclaimed as the candidate for the Liberal nomination in Newmarket Aurora and will be nominated on August 12. Ms. Black has served her community for five terms as Mayor of King Township and Councillor for the Regional Municipality of York. A lawyer by profession, her extensive experience includes a term as Chair of the York Region Police Services Board and service on the boards of the Southlake Regional Health Centre, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, and the Greater Toronto Agricultural Action Board. Ms. Black has been recognized for her distinguished political career as a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Award and the Rural Female Politician Award.

Kimberley Love has been nominated to run in the riding of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. A marketing and communications consultant and lecturer at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ms. Love has deep roots in Grey County and is passionate about traditional Liberal values as well as agricultural issues. Having lived in both rural and urban Canada, she brings a unique perspective which makes her ideally suited to represent the people of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

Hudak selects Frank Klees as Transportation and Public Infrastructure Critic

2009-07-29T14:30:00.003-04:00

HUDAK SHADOW CABINET TO FOCUS ON JOBS AND ECONOMY

Hudak selects Frank Klees as Transportation and Public Infrastructure Critic

(Queen’s Park) – Leader of the Official Opposition, Tim Hudak (MPP Niagara West - Glanbrook) is pleased to announce that Frank Klees MPP for Newmarket-Aurora is appointed to the position of Official Opposition Critic for Transportation and Public Infrastructure.

“With his experience as a Minister of Transportation and Minister of Tourism, along with being an MPP in both government and opposition, Frank Klees has a history of service focused on the best interests of Ontario families,” said Hudak. “In his role as critic for the Ministry of Transportation as well as Infrastructure, Frank will be holding Dalton McGuinty accountable to ensure policies and investment are focused on recovery and prosperity for the people of this province.”

“Our Caucus will provide a principled conservative plan and a winning alternative to the failed leadership of the McGuinty Liberals,” said Hudak. “I am looking forward to working with Frank as the critic and to expanding our party together as we work to victory in 2011.”

“Infrastructure and Transportation are priority portfolios and I look forward to assuming those responsibilities on behalf of the PC Caucus,” said Klees. “York Region will be particularly affected by provincial transportation and infrastructure planning and funding policies.”

Under Dalton McGuinty, Ontario’s taxes and government waste have hit new heights. Meanwhile, on Dalton’s watch, Ontario lost 330,000 manufacturing jobs, became a have-not province, and has a record $18.5 billion provincial deficit.

“We need innovative ideas grounded in conservative principles in order to get Ontario moving,” said Hudak. “Together, united and strong, we can focus on the issues that matter to middle-class families, defeat Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario Liberals, and bring prosperity to our province.”

"The people of Newmarket-Aurora are fortunate to have an MPP of the calibre of Frank Klees representing them in the Ontario Legislature," Hudak said.

-30-

For more information:

References:
Frank Klees MPP
Newmarket-Aurora
416 509 8999

HUDAK SHADOW CABINET TO FOCUS ON JOBS AND ECONOMY

2009-07-27T11:01:00.002-04:00

For Immediate Release
July 27, 2009

HUDAK SHADOW CABINET TO FOCUS ON JOBS AND ECONOMY

(Queen’s Park) - Leader of the Official Opposition, Tim Hudak (MPP Niagara West - Glanbrook) today announced the appointment of his shadow cabinet to hold the Dalton McGuinty government to account in the key areas of job creation and economic renewal.

“We need a government that gets the fundamentals right and lays the foundation for private sector job creation to bring jobs back to this province”, said Hudak. “With so many of our energetic and talented MPPs focusing on jobs and the economy, we will be able to hold this government to account.”

Hudak also named a strong team of Caucus Officers and additional Critics. Key among those appointments includes Christine Elliott (MPP Whitby-Oshawa) as Deputy Leader of the PC Caucus and critic for Health and Long Term Care. “I am looking forward to working with Christine Elliott as Deputy Leader and to expanding our party together as we work to victory in 2011.” Veteran Bob Runciman (MPP Leeds-Grenville) will be House Leader for the Official Opposition.

Under Dalton McGuinty, Ontario’s taxes and government waste have hit new heights. Meanwhile, on Dalton’s watch, Ontario lost 330,000 manufacturing jobs, became a have-not province, and has a record $18.5 billion provincial deficit.

Norm Miller (MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka) will take on an important job as the new Finance Critic. Lisa MacLeod (MPP Nepean-Carleton) will focus on leading the fight against Dalton McGuinty’s new tax hike, the HST, in the Revenue portfolio, as well as taking on a new role as watchdog for Government Accountability. Frank Klees (MPP Newmarket-Aurora) will be Infrastructure and Transportation Critic, focusing on breaking gridlock and placing a priority on fixing Ontario’s lagging infrastructure.

Peter Shurman (MPP Thornhill) moves to the Economic Development and Trade portfolio and will also keep his current Critic portfolio of Francophone Affairs. Randy Hillier (MPP Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington) is the new Critic for Labour as well as Northern Development and Mines and Forestry, reflecting a focus on job creation in the resource sector and across northern Ontario.

Several other MPPs will also focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs in their portfolios, including those of energy, small business, agriculture, training, tourism, and colleges and universities.

“We need innovative ideas in order to get Ontario moving”, said Hudak. “Together, united and strong, we can focus on the issues that matter to families, defeat Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario Liberals in 2011, and bring prosperity to our province.”

The full list of Progressive Conservative Critics and Legislative positions is attached.

-30-

For Further Information:

Jennifer Reid

(416) 325-1330

Full List

Critic Portfolio	New Critic
Aboriginal Affairs	Ted Arnott
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs	Ernie Hardeman
Attorney General	Ted Chudleigh
Children and Youth Services	Sylvia Jones
Citizenship and Immigration	Tim Hudak
Community and Social Services	Sylvia Jones
Community Safety and Correctional Services	Garfield Dunlop
Consumer Services, Small Business and Red Tape	Julia Munro
Culture	Ted Arnott
Economic Development and Trade	Peter Shurman
Education	Elizabeth Witmer
Energy	John Yakabuski
Environment	Toby Barrett
Finance	Norm Miller
Francophone Affairs	Peter Shurman
Government Services	John O’Toole
Health and Long-Term Care	Christine Elliott
Health Promotion	Gerry Martiniuk
Intergovernmental Affairs	Norm Sterling
Labour	Randy Hillier
Municipal Affairs and Housing	Joyce Savoline (Urban and Housing) Bill Murdoch (Rural and Northern)
Natural Resources	Jerry Ouellette
Northern Development, Mines and Forestry	Randy Hillier
Public Infrastructure	Frank Klees
Research and Innovation	Jim Wilson
Revenue and Government Accountability	Lisa MacLeod
Seniors’ Secretariat	Gerry Martiniuk
Border Issues and Tourism	Bob Runciman
Training, Colleges and Universities	Jim Wilson (Colleges and Universities) Bob Bailey (Training and Apprenticeship)
Transportation	Frank Klees
Women’s Directorate	Elizabeth Witmer

Caucus and House Positions
Deputy Leader	Christine Elliott
House Leader	Bob Runciman
Deputy House Leader	John Yakabuski
Deputy Speaker	Jim Wilson Julia Munro
Chairs of Standing Committees	Garfield Dunlop (Estimates) Norm Sterling (Public Accounts) Ernie Hardeman (Government Agencies)
Vice-Chairs of Standing Committees	Bob Bailey (Estimates) Ted Arnott (Public Accounts) Lisa MacLeod (Government Agencies)
Chief Whip	Norm Miller
Deputy Whip	John O’Toole Ted Chudleigh
Caucus Chair	Toby Barrett
PC Party Executive	Randy Hillier
PC Ontario Fund	Ted Chudleigh Peter Shurman Elizabeth Witmer

Tim Hudak works quickly to put team together

2009-07-27T10:58:00.001-04:00

Tim Hudak works quickly to put team together

Dear Colleagues,

When the Legislature resumes this fall, we will need a team that is ready and eager to hold the Dalton McGuinty government to account and that can help prepare us to defeat them in 2011. We know that Ontario needs a government that will take them in a new direction and that has a plan for economic renewal, lower taxes, responsible public spending and a secure future for our province. Today, I am pleased to share with you the appointment of six key members of our team.

Barbara Cowieson returns to Queens Park as Executive Director of PC Services. Barbara is no stranger to Queen’s Park, having served the Caucus and staff for almost 35 years and I am thrilled that she has decided to re-join us. She will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of PC Caucus Services. We thank Barbara for her volunteer work under interim leader Mr. Runciman and welcome her as part of our team.

Laurie Scott will focus her energy on the Party, specifically readying our Riding Associations for the 2011 election. As part of her new role as Special Advisor to the Leader of the PC Party, she will develop and run a Speakers’ Bureau to co-ordinate Caucus Members with riding fundraisers and events. Laurie will also serve as the Caucus’ Liaison with the Party and Leader’s Office. Laurie’s past experience as MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock will be invaluable in both roles.

Allan Williams will be Director of Outreach. Allan has over 20 years experience in outreach, organization, communications and policy and was most recently Deputy Chief of Staff to interim Leader Bob Runciman. Allan and his team will be responsible for strengthening our relationships with opinion leaders and stakeholders across the province, including a focus on community outreach.

Jennifer Reid will be Press Secretary in the Leader’s Office. Jennifer has more than ten years experience as a journalist including her most recent position as the Queen’s Park Correspondent for CH News in Hamilton. Jennifer served as Press Secretary in the Leader’s Office in 2009 and as my Executive Assistant in the recent leadership campaign.

Sonia Richards joins us in the Leader's Office as Manager and Personal Secretary to the Leader. Sonia Richards comes to us from the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association where she is the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO. Sonia has also worked closely with Tim as Minister of Northern Development and Mines and in two subsequent portfolios.

Trisha Rinneard will be Executive Assistant to the Leader. Trisha will be responsible for ensuring I am prepared and briefed for all meetings and tour and will travel with me throughout the Province. Trisha first joined me in my MPP office as Legislative Assistant in 2006 and became my Executive Assistant in 2008.

I’m delighted that such talented individuals have accepted the invitation to work as part of our Queen’s Park staff as we prepare for the next provincial election. Their unique combination of energy and experience will serve our team well. Please join me in welcoming everyone to the team.

Tim Hudak

Tim Hudak names Chief of Staff

2009-07-23T20:51:00.010-04:00

July 22, 2009

Dear Colleagues,

As we work together to defeat Dalton McGuinty in just two short years, it is vitally important that we put in place a team and a plan that will get us to our goal. We have a tremendous amount of work to do between now and 2011. However, with the strong foundation of our talented and experienced caucus, all PC Caucus staff and our newly energized membership base, I know we will succeed in forming Government and starting the important task of leading Ontario on a new course to prosperity. Today, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of two key members of our team.

Following an extensive search, I am pleased to announce that Lynette Corbett has accepted the position of Chief of Staff and Carrie Kormos is joining us as Principal Secretary in the Leader’s Office. We need experienced and skilled people leading our team toward the election in 2011 and these appointments reflect the important work ahead of us.

Lynette joins us from Ottawa where she held senior management roles including Director of Strategy and the Director of Policy to the Prime Minister of Canada, and Chief of Staff to the Federal Ministers of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She holds an M.A. in Political Science and an L.L.B. from the University of Western Ontario. Prior to her political career, Lynette worked as an associate at McArthur Vereschagin and Brown LLP, specializing in management side labour and employment law. She also has extensive campaign experience federally with the central campaign team and has worked locally in my riding during provincial elections. Her skills will be a great asset to our election readiness efforts. Lynette will assume her duties at the end of July.

As Chief of Staff, Lynette will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Leader’s Office, in addition to overseeing PC Research and Services. Lynette will also work closely with Caucus Members and their staff.

Carrie comes to us from OEB Enterprise where she leads the public relations and marketing communications practice and works with clients on creating and implementing integrated communications strategies. In her capacity as Vice President of Public Relations, Carrie has created campaigns that have garnered national and international PR awards and accolades. Carrie was a key member of my first election team in 1995 and then served as my Executive Assistant at Queen’s Park. She was my Chief of Staff at Northern Development and Mines and at Tourism, Culture and Recreation. Carrie left Queen’s Park in 2001 to work in the private sector. Before joining OEB Enterprise she was Director of Corporate Affairs and National Director of Brand Marketing at Magna and Magna Entertainment. Carrie will join the team in mid-August.

The Principal Secretary will be responsible for strategic communications, planning, tour as well as public and stakeholder relations.

We are extremely fortunate to have two such talented and committed individuals to head up the Leader’s Office. Their proven abilities, valuable experience in both the public and private sectors, leadership skills, and combined knowledge of politics and government will be a
tremendous asset as we build a winning organization to defeat the Dalton McGuinty Liberals in 2011.

I want to thank Laurie Scott and Allan Williams for their leadership over the past number of months. They will continue in their current roles during this period of transition and will both be part of our team going forward. Please join with me in welcoming Lynette and Carrie to their new roles in the coming weeks. As we continue to build the team, we will share with you additional staff announcements in the near future.

In closing, please accept my best wishes.

Sincerely,
Tim Hudak,
Leader of the Official Opposition
MPP Niagara West-Glanbrook

Ad in the United States attacking Canadian health care system

2009-07-17T08:57:00.001-04:00

Ad in the United States attacking Canadian health care system

I caught this ad on CNN yesterday. It comes from the group http://patientsunitednow.com/

Random Thoughts: PC leadership, garbage strike, Fantino, Stimulus, Federal election, Dumont, Newmarket, Pride Parade, Emery, Iran, Leafs and more

2009-07-09T09:42:00.000-04:00

Random Thoughts:

Now that the Ontario PC Leadership Race is over, I am not quite sure what to do with my time. I congratulate Tim Hudak on his victory and am proud of the campaign that Frank Klees ran over the past few months. I think the PC Party will be stronger because of the race and I think Tim Hudak is off to the right start for victory in 2011 over Dalton McGuinty. I believe Tim Hudak will be the next Premier of Ontario. Overall I think Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, Christine Elliott and Randy Hillier raised their profile and did a great job contributing to the rebuilding process of our party. I think the leadership contest will also help us organizationally in Ontario for whenever the federal election comes. It was good to see the relationship improve between provincial and federal Conservatives. I am also excited about the prospect of former leader John Tory running for mayor of Toronto. The Tory tribute and keynote address from Peter MacKay was also very well done. There are only three complaints I have about the PC Ontario Leadership race after the fact. The first is that the contest was too short. A fall vote would have allowed more time to promote the party, the leadership candidates, PC policies/principles and of course provided the time to sell more memberships. The party currently has about 45,000 members. We had over 100,000 in 2002. My second complaint was that the media, supporters and candidates seemed to focus the entire campaign around the Human Rights Commission. While that issue certainly needs to be addressed, I think given the state of the economy there were other areas I would have liked to hear more from the candidates on. The Economy, education, energy, health care and transit should have got more attention. Finally I have noticed in general that media coverage is really lacking these days at Queens Park. I think this hurts our entire democracy because too many people are not getting the information about what is happening in Ontario politics. The major newspapers and television stations should have at least one reporting covering provincial politics despite their economic struggles.

I hope Tim Hudak reaches out to Frank Klees, Christine Elliott, Peter Shurman, Elizabeth Witmer and Randy Hillier with his shadow cabinet picks. We need to have the strongest team possible and all the signs I have seen so far is that the Hudak team is serious about unity. Perhaps we will see the shadow cabinet picked later this summer. The provincial legislature returns September 14.

At the end of June, my term as President of Newmarket Rotary Club ended. It was a pleasure to serve the club for a year as President and I appreciate all the support given to me by members of the club. I think we did a lot of good things in the community and around the world. Those with some extra time should really consider joining a service club. It is rewarding to give back to the community and I believe it is time well spent. Virtually every community in Canada has a Rotary Club, a Lions Club or another service club. These groups need members in order to continue the good work they are doing. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in giving back to their community to consider joining a service club in your area. If time is an issue, perhaps consider helping an organization for a weekend such as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers and Sisters, and various other charities or causes looking for volunteers, time or money. With the state of the current economy, there are many people in need. Government cannot solve every problem, so many are relying on volunteers to fill in the gaps.

Today also marks my fourth day without a cigarette. This is getting close to the tenth attempt at quitting I have made over the past five years. This time I am feeling confident and hope to be successful. More and more people are quitting everyday and more and more young people are not starting the habit to begin with. Addictions are painful to break and I would strongly encourage anyone reading this not to take up smoking. It simply isn’t worth it. The first four days are the hardest and withdrawal symptoms last about ten days. For now I am proud to have joined the ranks of non-smokers and hope to stay in that club. Financially if I quit I will save close to $3600 and of course health issues are the main motivation to give up the habit.

On the garbage strikes in Toronto and Windsor, to me there is only one solution. York Region and Etobicoke use private collection companies and Toronto/Windsor should do the same if legally possible. In York Region I believe the company is Turtle Island that handles recycling and trash collection. I am not sure what value CUPE adds in Toronto that is not present in York Region and other places where garbage collection is outsourced. I also think that previous Toronto labour agreements and the council pay raise had a major role in this strike and the position of the union. In the private sector people are losing their jobs and unions have made concessions in the auto and airline industries. Toronto’s finances are in shambles and it is clear that taxpayers cannot afford another Miller style union-friendly contract. It is time for Toronto to live within its means and dump the socialist mentality. Frankly I don’t see much chance for improvement in Toronto until 2010. I would be proud to support Tory, Stinz, Smitherman or whoever the credible candidate is that runs against David Miller. God do I miss the good old days of Mel Lastman! The fact council will not even consider rolling back their "cost of living" raise tells me clearly that it is time to take a broom to city hall in 2010. The city of Toronto desparately needs change at the political level. Like in Windsor, taxpayers should be reinbursed for services not rendered.

Speaking of dysfunctional cities, I also hope Julian Fantino eventually enters the race for Mayor of Vaughan. If not mayor, perhaps he would consider being a candidate for the PC Party and future MPP in 2011? Armand La Barge would also be fantastic if he ever entered politics in my opinion.

I have seen lots of studies, funding announcements and talk, but will shovels ever get into the ground on the TTC Subway extensions into York Region along the Yonge and Spadina lines? On a positive note, I am excited by VIVA’s plans in Newmarket and throughout York Region. Now if we could only get hourly GO Trains from Newmarket to Union! Extension of the 404 and 427 North as well as the Bradford By-Pass would have been huge stimulus projects that I would have strongly supported. Public transit is important for sure, but so are roads and highways. It doesn’t make sense to bailout auto companies and then continue to fight a war on the car in Ontario. Tearing down the Gardener in Toronto makes absolutely no sense.

It is exciting that Magna is looking to acquire Opel and also potentially will manufacturer electric cars in Canada. Magna is a crucial employer in York Region and the riding of Newmarket-Aurora.

Stimulus spending is taking place in Newmarket and Aurora as we speak. VIVA, GO Transit, Newmarket Curling Club, Newmarket Soccer Club, Aurora Waste Water Infrastructure, Parks and Trails and the revitalization of Newmarket’s old town hall are some of the stimulus projects in my riding. Would love to see more GO Trains between Newmarket (or Barrie) and Union added to the list.

Can anyone explain to me why Schreiber has not been deported to Germany yet? It is time to end the dog and pony show and force him to finally face some justice. As predicted the Mulroney inquiry was a waste of time and money.

I really like the idea of a high speed rail link between Calgary and Edmonton as well as Montreal and Windsor.

I am disappointed that Ontario is going to hold off on nuclear energy. I think that is the only realistic solution at this point to meet energy demand while reducing green house gas emissions.

On federal politics there is no election but lots of political games. Will we go in the fall? Will we survive the Olympics? Will we fall on the budget? Are we years away from another election? Truth is I really do not know. I predict Harper will appease on EI, delay the next election until after the Olympics, fall on the budget and win another minority but drop some seats. With Ignatieff supporting another confidence motion in June, I don’t think he has any issue or point of differentiation to run on in September. His opinion on Afghanistan is the same as Harper. His position on the Middle East is basically the same as Harper. He voted for the budget. He supported the auto bailout. He backed most of the Conservative justice bills. He opposes a carbon tax (now at least). He supports the oil sands and is “concerned” about the size of the deficit. He backs Quebec as a “nation” and agrees that the self employed should be eligible for EI. Could any of my progressive friends share with me how Ignatieff is any different than Harper? So far I fail to see any significant differences between the two men that would justify an election during these economic times. Of course the fact we have abandoned most of our Conservative principles has helped in blurring the line between the two parties that have any real chance of winning. As usual the Bloc is strong but useless and the status quo in Quebec will not change. NDP is on the decline and losing relevance by the minute. Greens are simply not players and without a seat are barely different than the other fringe parties. If an election takes place in the fall, I predict the lowest voter turnout in Canadian history.

I would still love to see Mario Dumont run for the Conservatives in the upcoming by-election in Quebec in his former provincial riding. I also think it is time to bring Maxime Bernier back to cabinet. Obviously we have a lot of work to do in Quebec. It is also well past time that Michael Chong was considered for another cabinet post as well.

I am very happy with the job Newmarket council and Mayor Tony Van Bynen are doing for this town. We are lucky to have a functional, mature and stable council in Newmarket that are putting the residents first. Keep up the good work my friends. Yesterday, Mississauga decided to cancel question period during council meetings. I am disappointed in this decision and think it is an idea that should be considered in Newmarket.

I don’t really have an opinion on the gay pride parade funding announcement. My question is why is the federal government spending taxpayer money on festivals at all?

It is a waste of time, resources and tax dollars for America to prosecute Mark Emery for selling marijuana seeds. Potential for serving 5 years in prison is a joke when compared to sentences being handed out for violent, sexual and other serious crimes here in Canada.

To some degree Obama has been a disappointment, particularly as far as domestic spending goes. I am not sure how much longer America will remain solvent and future generations are facing a massive tax hike because of the spending now and over the past few years. I think America’s role as the sole superpower has ended and we are seeing a transition into a multi-polar world. At the same time the Republicans do not have their act together and do not present anything close to an alternative at this point. I think Dr. Ron Paul is the only one who can cure that party right now. It has become painfully obvious that Sarah Palin is not the answer and unfortunately I am not sure who else is possible leadership material for the Republican Party right now. They need to return to their fiscal roots and rebuild the Reagan coalition. Right now the base is way to small while at the same time not inclusive. To be blunt, I fully expect Obama to serve a second term in the White House despite America’s current problems.

It is great to see people pushing for freedom in Iran and China. I also hope that democracy can be restored in Honduras and Zimbabwe soon. I also think we are not far from change in Cuba. Eventually democracy will prevail over tyranny. I am also optimistic about relations between Russia and the West as well as the potential for peace in the Middle East.

I do not want to see the Jays trade Halladay. I am happy about off season moves made by the Raptors and Bills. I am really happy with Burke’s efforts in rebuilding the Toronto Maple Leafs. It will be interesting to see who they acquire to score some goals. I know it doesn’t make sense on a rebuilding team, but part of me would really like to see Sundin retire as a Leaf. It is a shame that Koivu and Sundin were not able to finish their careers with the Canadiens and Leafs. I am also looking forward to UFC 100 this Saturday and hope to see a show live in Toronto some day. Brock Lesnar has added excitement to the heavyweight divison.

I am looking forward to a summer full of relaxation without having to think much about politics. Fall will be interesting as Hudak makes his debut as PC leader and of course the potential exists for a federal election in November or possibly even sooner.

Thanks for reading…

Darryl

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

2009-07-01T12:31:00.003-04:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Video: Frank Klees convention speech

2009-06-30T09:18:00.003-04:00

Video: Frank Klees convention speech

Tim Hudak is announced the winner. Frank Klees follows up with speech.

Frank Klees thanks supporters at after party

Klees hosts breakfast. Talks about unity

A MESSAGE FROM FRANK KLEES

2009-06-29T10:39:00.002-04:00

A MESSAGE FROM FRANK KLEES:

I would like to thank all party members for participating in our leadership process. I’d also like to thank everyone who supported me, including the thousands of people who for the first time ever joined the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. We’ve travelled far in the past few months, and I am proud of our accomplishments.

Together, we set out to rejuvenate our Party, to grow our membership and to share the Progressive Conservative values of fiscal and social responsibility with New Canadians and Ontarians across this province. Together, we carried forward the message of recovery, prosperity and hope, a message that was enthusiastically received in every community that I had the privilege to visit in the course of this campaign. Together, we ran a clear, focused and positive campaign, with the goal of claiming victory, not over my fellow leadership contenders, but over Dalton McGuinty, who has taken Ontario from first to last, destroying all that our Party has accomplished in the time I served as Cabinet Minister and MPP.

With this leadership campaign, our Party has taken the first important steps towards renewal. Today, the real work begins as we start to lay the groundwork for our victory in 2011. I look forward to working with you to rebuild our Party and create a platform that will return prosperity to Ontario, making it once again the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Video Tim Hudak Victory Speech

2009-06-28T12:49:00.003-04:00

Video Tim Hudak Victory Speech

Here is the Tim Hudak victory speech from yesterday. Congratulations to Tim on becoming leader of the Ontario PC Party. It is time to unite behind the leader.
-Darryl

Part 1

Part 2

Let’s leave Markham united and strong as a party

2009-06-28T12:26:00.003-04:00

Content from http://www.unitedandstrong.ca Great website for coverage from this past weekend's convention.
-Darryl

Let’s leave Markham united and strong as a party

Posted on 26 June 2009
Tags: 2011, Bloggers, competition, Elliott, fun, Hillier, Hudak, John Tory, Klees, McGuinty, rally, respect, strong, united

By Darryl Wolk of Darryl Wolk Politics

I would like to congratulate everyone who took the time to participate and vote in the Ontario PC Leadership Race. I believe the campaigns from Frank Klees, Tim Hudak, Randy Hillier and Christine Elliott all played important roles in putting forward new ideas, recruiting new party members and putting us in a stronger position to defeat Dalton McGuinty in 2011. Although the leadership race was very short, I acknowledge that many people have put a lot of time into this leadership contest since John Tory was unfortunately defeated in the recent by-election in the riding of Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock on March 5.

I have nothing but deep respect for all of the candidates who put their name forward in this process. I also have nothing but respect for the members who worked so hard to promote their preferred candidates.

The last few months of competition among Conservatives has been fun but the real work begins now. I think the party is much stronger because of this race but we must all work together to get our membership and support levels up to where they were a decade ago.

This weekend the results will be revealed at the convention in Markham. I think it is important as party members that we all go to the convention prepared to rally behind whoever is chosen by the grassroots who cast their votes on June 21 and June 25. On a personal level, I will be proud to support whoever wins and have nothing but respect for the four individuals who put their name forward in this contest.

I am also looking forward to the John Tory tribute where we can thank John for his efforts leading our party and hopefully convince him to run for mayor of Toronto against David Miller where his talents are most needed right now.

Recent polls show that after this weekend we still have a lot of work ahead of us as Progressive Conservatives. Dalton McGuinty is going to be a tough opponent in 2011 and it is important that we do not lose any time in preparing for the next election by failing to unite following this leadership race. The talents from all campaigns are going to be required to change government in 2011 and bring Ontario back to have status and prosperity.

Saturday of course we will all go into the convention rooting for our candidate of choice. Once the announcement is made, I encourage everyone to demonstrate unity and put their unconditional support behind whoever is elected. After Saturday, I am looking forward to working with my PC colleagues and friends on the real election that matters. We cannot afford another term of Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal government. In order to bring change, we need all hands on deck. I look forward to connecting with members from all the leadership camps this weekend.

See you all in Markham!

I love the Stephen Taylor Moby remix video

2009-06-28T12:20:00.002-04:00

I love the Stephen Taylor Moby remix video

The Frank Klees song seemed to get a lot of coverage. I have to say I really like the remix Stephen Taylor did with Moby. I would hire you as a DJ :-)

Congratulations Tim Hudak on becoming leader of the Ontario PC Party

2009-06-27T18:04:00.003-04:00

Congratulations Tim Hudak on becoming leader of the Ontario PC Party!!!

Congratulations Tim Hudak and his campaign team for winning the Ontario PC leadership. Thank you to everyone on Team Klees who worked so hard throughout the campaign. I also congratulate all the other candidates and their supporters for their contribution to the Ontario PC Party renewal process. It is now time to leave Markham united and strong. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and friends to defeat the Ontario Liberals in 2011. I think Tim Hudak will be a strong leader for our party and will be the next Premier in 2011.
-Darryl

Final ballot: Tim Hudak vs. Frank Klees

2009-06-27T15:28:00.004-04:00

Final ballot: Tim Hudak vs. Frank Klees

Please visit http://www.unitedandstrong.ca for frequent updates of the convention!

Results after second ballot count among Randy Hillier's supporters:

Hudak 4128
Klees 3299
Elliott 2903

*5000 votes are required to win

Overall there is a strong feeling of unity at this convention. There is no doubt that several people here are passionately supporting their candidate of choice and I full respect that. We have had a fun couple of days this far. Last night there were hospitality suites with Randy hosting the best party of the the night. Today the first ballot results were read and now the second round has happened as well. Final results are coming around 4:30. Earlier in the day there was a moving tribute to John Tory. Premiers Ernie Eves, Mike Harris and Bill Davis are all present today and several MPs as well. I am looking forward to the final results and also uniting behind whoever wins later today. Final update coming later. I congratulate Randy Hillier, Christine Elliott and their supporters for running great campaigns.
-Darryl

Please visit http://www.unitedandstrong.ca for convention coverage this weekend

2009-06-26T16:51:00.002-04:00

Please visit http://www.unitedandstrong.ca for convention coverage this weekend

Now that the voting has been completed in the Ontario PC Party leadership contest, there is a need to rally behind whoever wins and come out of the Markham convention united and strong. Please visit http://www.unitedandstrong.ca for convention coverage this weekend. All campaigns will be represented as we come together and prepare to defeat Dalton McGuinty in 2011.

To read my post, please click here.

I hope to see you all in Markham!
-Darryl

A "tailgate" breakfast bash AND Klees Victory Party

2009-06-26T14:08:00.002-04:00

A "tailgate" breakfast bash AND Klees Victory Party

You’re Invited

to the

Frank Klees Tailgate Breakfast

Join Frank Klees and his Team at a ‘tailgate’ breakfast bash to celebrate a successful PC Leadership Campaign and our Party’s unity.

Enjoy complimentary pancakes, sausage and coffee as you gather with fellow Progressive Conservatives to begin a new chapter in the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario

When: Saturday, June 27 th, 8:45 – 9:45 am

Where: South Parking lot, Convention Centre (convention entrance)

Why: Join your fellow Progressive Conservatives in unity and celebrate a successful PC Leadership Campaign

Hope to see you there - Rain or Shine!

KLEES VICTORY PARTY

Thanks to your enthusiasm, dedication and efforts, our Team ran a clear, focused and compelling campaign and on Saturday it’s time to celebrate that victory.

Join Frank and enjoy a fun night of friendship, food and campaign stories as we celebrate an outstanding Leadership Campaign.

Who: Frank Klees Campaign Supporters One and All

What: Klees Victory Party

When: Saturday, June 27 6pm (or immediately following the convention)

Where: Delta Markham , 2 nd floor, Chocolate Ballroom 50 East Valhalla Drive Markham, Ontario (Highway 404 & 7) (Just minutes from the Convention Centre)

Message from Frank Klees

2009-06-25T21:05:00.002-04:00

Message from Frank Klees

Good Evening,

Now that the polls have closed and ballots are about to be counted, I would like express my thanks to all party members for participating in our leadership process.

I’d also like to thank everyone who supported me, including the thousands of people who for the first time ever joined the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. We’ve travelled far in the past few months, and I am proud of our accomplishments.

Together, we set out to rejuvenate our Party, to grow our membership and to share the Progressive Conservative values of fiscal and social responsibility with New Canadians and Ontarians across this province.

Together, we carried forward the message of recovery, prosperity and hope, a message that was enthusiastically received in every community that I had the privilege to visit in the course of this campaign.

Together, we ran a clear, focused and positive campaign, with the goal of claiming victory, not over my fellow leadership contenders, but over Dalton McGuinty, who has taken Ontario from first to last, destroying all that our Party has accomplished in the time I served as Cabinet Minister and MPP.

While with this leadership campaign our Party has taken the first important steps toward renewal, the real work begins this Saturday as we start to lay the groundwork for our victory in 2011. I hope to see you at the Convention and I look forward to working with you to rebuild our Party and draft a platform that will return prosperity to Ontario, making it once again the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Frank Klees, M.P.P. (Newmarket-Aurora)

A message from Jaine Klees

2009-06-25T12:39:00.002-04:00

A message from Jaine Klees

June 25, 2009
Good Day Team Klees,

This is Jaine Klees and today, as Progressive Conservatives across Ontario cast their vote for the Leader of our Party, I want to encourage you to put the number 1 next to my husband’s name, Frank Klees, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora, and the best candidate to lead our Party to victory in 2011.

In March of this year Frank and I discussed the prospect of his candidacy for the leadership of our Party. Frank’s experience as a MPP, a Cabinet Minister, his success in the world of business and his long history of commitment to our Party were all reasons for which I believed that Frank’s leadership would benefit the PC Party and the people of Ontario. But I also knew that, especially during these tough economic times, we need a Leader who is unequivocally committed to serving our province, and having witnessed Frank’s dedication to our family, I knew that no other candidate could be as committed as Frank to steering Ontario back on the right track.

I know how Frank’s sense of purpose has driven him to make sacrifices for the betterment of our community. Whether it’s been as a business leader, a Cabinet Minister at Queen’s Park or an opposition MPP, Frank’s steadfast support for the PC Party of Ontario, through thick and thin, speaks to the value he places on civic responsibility.

This is the overarching reason why Frank would make the best Party Leader and Premier: a sense of commitment unparalleled in Canadian politics. Frank’s personal and professional life is testimony to his belief in the core Progressive Conservative values of fiscal and social responsibility. He not only has the experience to lead this Party to victory in 2011 and bring prosperity to our province, but he also has the character, dedication and perseverance that will once again make Ontario the best place to live, work and raise a family, for each and every Ontarian willing to work hard for themselves and their families.

If you haven’t already voted in this Leadership Campaign, then today is your opportunity to choose a Leader who will transform our province. Today I am encouraging you to mark your ballot with the number 1 next to the name Frank Klees.

Sincerely,

Jaine Klees

Video: People behind the Frank Klees campaign

2009-06-22T16:50:00.000-04:00

Video: People behind the Frank Klees campaign

Video: Frank Klees casts his vote in Newmarket-Aurora today

2009-06-21T15:45:00.002-04:00

Video: Frank Klees casts his vote in Newmarket-Aurora today

I was also happy to cast my vote for Frank Klees earlier today
-Darryl

Klees News Release: Hudak Team Breaks 11th Commandment

2009-06-21T14:09:00.003-04:00

A news release from the Klees campaign.
-Darryl

Hudak Team Breaks 11th Commandment
PC Party of Ontario ruled Hudak’s Complaint “without merit”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 21, 2009

Hudak Team Breaks 11th Commandment
PC Party of Ontario ruled Hudak’s Complaint “without merit”

(Klees HQ) The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario has completed an internal hearing by the Rules and Appeals committee, with all PC leadership campaigns invited, concerning the complaint raised by the Tim Hudak Campaign against the Frank Klees Campaign.

The Party has concluded the following: “Upon hearing the submissions and evidence of the Tim Hudak Campaign and the Frank Klees Campaign, the Board determined the complaint was without merit.”

“The Hudak Campaign broke their much-touted 11th Commandment by falsely accusing the Klees Campaign of breaking campaign rules,” explained John Capobianco, Klees Campaign Chair. “I am pleased that the PC Party of Ontario, in its deliberations, came to the right decision – that the complaint launch by the Tim Hudak Campaign was without merit.”

To read the decision in full, click here: http://ontariopc.com/~/media/7C856423D85B4397A711FE522826B594.ashx

"There has not been one speech that Tim Hudak has given during this campaign in which he hasn't stated that every member of his campaign team has sworn to uphold the Ronald Reagan 11th Commandment that 'Thou shall not speak evil of another conservative'. Regrettably, that commandment didn't include making false accusations against other campaigns,” said Capobianco.

Frank Klees and his campaign have been consistently communicating a message of recovery, prosperity and hope for Ontario. Frank and his campaign will continue to run a positive campaign and encourage those who wish otherwise to reconsider. For more information about Frank Klees and his vision for Ontario, please visit: www.frankklees.com.

-30-

For more information, contact:
Monika Bujalska, Press Secretary
Frank Klees Campaign
416-268-9100
monika@frankklees.com

Frank Klees Get out the Vote Campaign Song

2009-06-21T12:53:00.003-04:00

Frank Klees Get out the Vote Campaign Song

Mr Frank Klees is a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, ON and is a currently serving Member of Parliament running for the Leadership position of the PC Party to contest against Liberal Leader and current premier Dalton McGuinty 2011. Dr. Isa Odidi is a well renowed pharmaceutical scientist in the field of Controlled Drug Delivery and is also a long standing member & supporter of the Conservative Party. Di'ja is an up and coming singer / song writer who won the 94.5 FM Beat Music Contest in BC last year and was also nominated for Best New Artist at the Canadian Radio Music Awards 2009. You can check her out at www.dijamusic.com

Frank Klees Message of the Day - June 21, 2009

2009-06-21T12:46:00.003-04:00

Frank Klees Message of the Day - June 21, 2009

Good Day Team Klees,

Today is the first of two days that you can mark your ballot with a number 1 by the name of PC Leadership Candidate Frank Klees!

It is important for you to come out and cast your vote to choose the next Leader of the PC Party of Ontario today. The polls open at 11 am today and close at 5 pm.

Today is an important day for our Party…it’s the day that you, as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, have an opportunity to decide the direction that our Party will take as we move toward the next provincial election in 2011.

Your involvement, as a grassroots member, is imperative as we move toward developing a platform that must resonate with Ontarians across our province if we are to beat the McGuinty Liberals in 2011.

As Frank traveled across our province over the last three months, speaking to Ontarians of every background and from every walk of life, he encouraged them to join our Party for two reasons: Our Progressive Conservative values of fiscal and social responsibility resonate with the people of Ontario, including New Canadians, and; that if you don’t get involved in the political process, you are destined to be governed by those who do.

Today is also an important day for the Klees campaign. A few days ago, the Tim Hudak campaign launched a frivolous attack against us – they went to the media and accused us of breaking campaign rules. We knew we didn’t, but the Party carried forward with a formal hearing of the Rules and Appeals Board. Last night, the Party ruled in our favour! In the decision, they wrote, “upon hearing the submissions and evidence of the Tim Hudak Campaign and the Frank Klees campaign, the Board determined the complaint was without merit.” Click here to see the full decision by the PC Party of Ontario: http://ontariopc.com/~/media/7C856423D85B4397A711FE522826B594.ashx

Just like the attack by the Hudak campaign was without merit, so is an idea raised during this campaign –abolishing the Human Rights Commission. Frank Klees has been clear from the beginning of the campaign that the thought of abolishing the Human Rights Commission is without merit – that it needs to be fixed and refocused. Frank is concerned that by talking about such a radical step as abolishing it sends entirely the wrong message to the people of Ontario. The Toronto Star agrees – read this story by Haroon Siddiqui to see why: http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/653912.

Today and Thursday, June 25 are important days for our Party. By signing up to become a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario you have taken the first step.

By participating in this process, we have made our Party stronger. We need to make sure all of this hard work will matter. We’re asking you to take the next step and, as you mark your ballot, place the number 1 by the name of PC Leadership candidate Frank Klees.

Thank you for your support!

Toll Free: 1 (866) 991 – 4768
www.frankklees.com

Frank Klees Campaign
45 Vogell Road, Suite 101
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 3P6

Vote for Frank Klees today in the Ontario PC Leadership Race!

2009-06-21T09:55:00.001-04:00

Vote for Frank Klees today in the Ontario PC Leadership Race!

Video of Last Frank Klees Campaign Meeting today

2009-06-20T16:28:00.006-04:00

Video of Last Frank Klees Campaign Meeting today

Voting takes place June 21 and June 25. Below is some video taken today from the Frank Klees campaign meeting in Richmond Hill today. Frank was in Windsor and Kingston today and is also contacting voters and working hard in these final days.
-Darryl

Sandra Buckler

Paul Sutherland

Bob Stanley

Volunteer of the Week

Video: TVO PC Ontario Leadership Debate

2009-06-20T01:49:00.002-04:00

Video: TVO PC Ontario Leadership Debate

Credit: www.frankkleesblog.com

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Frank Klees video about the HST

2009-06-19T10:49:00.000-04:00

Frank Klees video about the HST

Bill Clinton: United Nations new Envoy to Haiti

2009-06-17T10:17:00.000-04:00

Bill Clinton: United Nations new Envoy to Haiti

United Nations, New York, 15 June 2009 - The United Nations new Envoy to Haiti, President Bill Clinton, says now is the best time for the country to escape its dark history.

Speaking at a press conference at the UN Headquarters in New York, President Clinton told the media that the current political leadership of Haiti and the UN peacekeepers have "done a good job" of making the country a safer place.

In his role as envoy, Mr Clinton says he wants to help Haitians take control of their own destiny.

Photo Slideshow of Frank Klees on the Campaign trail

2009-06-16T18:32:00.001-04:00

Photo Slideshow of Frank Klees on the Campaign trail

Here are some images taken from the campaign to elect Frank Klees as leader of the Ontario PC Party
-Darryl

Video from Focal Point on chances of federal election:

2009-06-16T15:36:00.001-04:00

Video from Focal Point on chances of federal election:

Last Wednesday I was on Rogers Focal Point with John Taylor discussing the prospects of a federal election campaign this summer. Click here to view the video from that episode. Rogers Focal Point airs in York Region.
-Darryl

Iggy does the media rounds

2009-06-16T13:06:00.003-04:00

Iggy does the media rounds

Update: Click here to view the At Issue Panel last night that I was referring to

Yesterday, Ignatieff was working the media circuit. Here is some footage from his appearances on Don Newman, the National and Newsworld. Commentators on the "At Issue" Panel yesterday did not think the Liberal leader had a good day.
-Darryl

Don Newman

CBC National

CBC Newsworld

Video: Harper on Fox News

2009-06-16T10:37:00.002-04:00

Video: Harper on Fox News

I believe this aired in the USA this past weekend
-Darryl

Video: Frank Klees at Ottawa Debate

2009-06-15T23:52:00.002-04:00

Video: Frank Klees at Ottawa Debate

More videos available at Frank Klees' YouTube site http://www.youtube.com/klees4leader
-Darryl

Klees Closing Statement in Ottawa

Klees on Leadership

Klees vision for Ontario in 20 years

Klees on Pension bailouts and asks Jim Flaherty about HST letter

Pros and Cons from Iggy's Perspective of forcing an election

2009-06-12T17:30:00.002-04:00

Pros and Cons from Iggy's Perspective of forcing an election

Apparently today or Monday, Michael Ignatieff is going to tell Canadians if he plans to force an election on one of the opposition days or if he will abstain allowing the government to survive through the summer at least. There has been a lot of speculation on the odds of an election ranging from no chance to a 85% chance of Canadians hitting the polls this summer. Let us first look at the facts.

1, Canadians last went to the polls late in 2008. The current minority parliament has not yet lasted a year.
2, Since the time of Dion’s leadership, Conservatives have largely governed with the support of the Liberals on confidence votes.
3, A coalition was formed in December and January of this year. It was rejected by Canadians and as a result Ignatieff supported the budget and killed the coalition.
4, Since the coalition, several recent polls consistently indicate Liberal support ahead of the Conservatives with Liberal fortunes improving in the 905, Quebec and BC.
5, The NDP and Bloc are on record as recently as yesterday suggesting they will not support the government.
6, The NDP would likely lose seats to the Liberals in the event an election took place in the near future.
7, The BQ might lose seats around Montreal but are likely to pick up seats around Quebec City. Several Bloc members qualify for full pensions starting in July.
8, It appears Stephen Harper will not back down on EI due to the already large deficit
9, Based on his voting record and statements; there are not many policy differences between Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff at this point in time.
10, Canadians do not want an election and could get angry if politicians spend another 600 million on the fourth election in five years only to get another minority during these economic times.

Based on those facts, here are some reasons Ignatieff might avoid an election:

-He will look opportunistic should he decide to go to the polls. He voted for the budget, the Afghanistan extension, Harper’s justice policies and has supported the Harper Conservatives on virtually all confidence votes since he was elected leader. His only policy difference right now with the Conservatives is this EI policy proposal that has not caught on with Canadians. During this recession, Canadians will want to see an alternative vision to what the current government has implemented. EI is not an election winner and no platform or ideas have come out at this point in public. Kelowna Accord, national childcare and other recycled Liberal policies are not affordable unless he either raises taxes or cuts spending elsewhere. If his argument is that the stimulus isn’t being spent fast enough, he will have to explain how an election will speed it up. If he complains about the size of the deficit, he will have to tell Canadians what programs he will cut or what taxes he will raise in order to reduce it. At this point, he lacks a defining issue that would resonate with Canadians on the election trail. He lacks a policy Canadians are excited about. He lacks a scandal that Canadians are angry about. At this point all he has is a few polls in his favour and a lot of voters hurting because of the recession. While he leads in the polls, a win is not a slam dunk for him right now.

-Although he has a lead in several polls, the lead is not as large as some would expect given the economic crisis that would be tough on any incumbent government. Any backlash for calling an unnecessary election or a successful negative campaign by the Conservative Party could result in him losing the next election. If that happens will his leadership be safe?

- Liberals are just starting to nominate candidates now and have so far yet to recruit any new blood. A few potential stars have been rumoured such as Louise Arbour, Phil Fontaine and David Dodge but to my knowledge none of these people are officially confirmed as running for the Liberals in the next nomination. Some incumbents did not meet the requirements and will now face a nomination race. Others could potentially retire. If the plug is pulled on June 19, do Liberals have enough time to get the quality candidates in place? Obviously money, technology, volunteers and platform are other areas where it is unclear if Liberals are ready to fight an election.

- If Ignatieff waits, do his chances of victory or majority improve? Economy while showing signs of recovery could still not have hit rock bottom. Some have predicted the economy will recover by the end of the year. Others predict it will take much longer. If Ignatieff pulls the plug now, does he risk missing a majority that could be attained should he wait until the fall or spring?

- The summer presents a good opportunity for Iggy to work the BBQ circuit and become better known to Canadians. While universally considered superior to Dion; it is not exactly Iggymania at this stage. It is also unknown how damaging the last round of Conservative attacks were and how damaging future attacks might be.

Based on the same facts, here are some reasons he might call an election now or at least vote non-confidence:

- When Stephane Dion was leader, he found himself in a nasty trap that made him look weak thanks to the NDP and the Bloc. The reason for that trap was Dion wanted to avoid an election more than any of his opponents. As a result he abstained and propped up Harper leading to Rick Mercer and others making a mockery of him as leader. Dion never was able to shake the image and it cost him in the last election. Michael Ignatieff wants to avoid this happening to him, but so far he has been unsuccessful. When the coalition was rejected by Canadians and Conservatives were polling at over 50%, Ignatieff was appointed leader and had to support the budget in order to avoid an election and distance himself form the coalition. While he could claim he forced some concessions, the NDP/Bloc accused him of forming a “coalition” with Harper. Today Iggy is stronger than Dion ever was, but as I mentioned in point one of why he may not call an election; he has yet to differentiate himself or paint an alternative vision to Harper and the Conservative Party. The NDP and Bloc have again attempted to lay the same trap by coming out early and saying they will oppose the government on upcoming confidence votes. Iggy may want to call their bluff to break this cycle of having to abstain or prop up the government to avoid an election. The fact of the matter is the NDP would have their seats reduced if an election were called anytime soon and Layton’s leadership could be threatened. 16 Bloc members could find themselves gambling with their pensions if an election takes place before July. If Ignatieff comes out today or Monday and says he is voting non-confidence; it is quite possible that Layton would back down and pay a price with his credibility. If not, an election might be a better alternative for Liberals than looking weak. Certainly they have more incentive to hit the polls than the NDP and have no reason to back down as they have in the past. Announcing that Liberals will no longer support the government could break this pattern even if there is no election.

- The polls are currently showing that the Liberals would win if an election took place right now. The NDP and Bloc have said they will vote non-confidence. This might be Iggy’s best and only chance to win. The economy is bad right now but is showing signs of recovery. A budget could later be turned into a campaign document and perhaps appease the Conservative base currently upset about spending, bailouts and deficits. Harper would also have the opportunity to be Prime Minister during the Vancouver Olympics perhaps spiking his popularity. If the economy recovers, Conservatives will get credit. Is there a risk of backlash? Yes. Do Liberals have a platform? No. Are Liberals truly ready for an election? Perhaps not as ready as they would be in the fall or spring. Despite this, these opportunities do not come everyday. Passing on this opportunity may come back to bite him later.

- Conservatives have gained some baggage. The budget is a record in Canadian history. Spending has increased. The auto bailout is not popular. Unemployment is up. There is not money to promise much or to load pork into ridings. Conservatives are in freefall in Quebec. The situation in Southern Ontario is not looking very good. There is Lisa Raitt and a few other Ottawa scandals. There is some concern a lot of Conservative voters could stay home in the next election. Harper’s positives are equal to Ignatieff but his negatives are much higher. It is tough to convince regular Canadians that the government is on the right track when economic times are so tough. All of these issues may not be there six months from now.

- Canadians will be angry about an election being called, but those Canadians are more likely to stay home altogether than vote Conservative to send a message to Ignatieff for calling the election. Canadians did not want an election in 2004, 2006 and 2008 either.

- Liberals do not like being in opposition. It is a party motivated more by power than policy. It will be too tempting to avoid an election when they are up in the polls and can taste government and all the perks that come with it.

Chances of an election:

I would not be surprised if Canadians vote in July and I would not be surprised if we don’t. Here is what each leader has to consider.

Stephen Harper – an election is largely out of his hands. He could roll the dice and back down on EI and implement the Liberal proposal. Doing so might buy him time but it would further alienate the base.

Michael Ignatieff – will put a non-confidence motion forward so at worst he does not look weak and sends a message to the NDP/Bloc or at best causes an election he believes he can win. Only way he backs down is if internally the party is not ready for an election or if he lacks confidence in his chances for victory. I suppose he could back down and say “Canadians do not want an election” but ultimately that would mean supporting Harper again. This hurts his chances in the fall or later for the same reasons that are creating obstacles right now.

Jack Layton – has constantly accused the Liberals of supporting Harper and being absent in their role as official opposition. Claims Iggy has just recently championed EI, while the NDP has been fighting this battle for years. He would love to vote against Harper, but if he thinks Liberals will too and can’t be sure of Duceppe’s plan; next to the Conservatives, he probably has the most to lose if an election happens this summer. The ultimate flip flop might cost him his credibility but it is better than his job along with half his caucus. Iggy putting forward a confidence motion on EI would put the NDP into an impossible position of sacrificing their credibility vs. getting destroyed in an election campaign. Ultimately over the long term the results would be the same. I believe Layton is the most likely to back down.

Gilles Duceppe – some members may not want to lose their pension, but there isn’t much to gain or lose if the Bloc goes into an election. Seats they lose to the Liberals they would likely make up by winning seats from the Conservatives. There is no challenger to Duceppe at this point. Some Bloc members might abstain to protect their pensions and to avoid an inconvenience of a summer election. Unlike the NDP however, they have much less reason to fear an election.

Overall, I put the odds of an election at 75% but would not be too surprised if at the end of the day a summer election is avoided. What is clear is that every confidence vote from now on will be a risk that the government falls.

Thanks for reading…

Darryl

Photo: Klees with Supporters in Ottawa

2009-06-12T13:22:00.002-04:00

Photo: Klees with Supporters in Ottawa

A good photo from the debate in Ottawa. All regional debates have now concluded. I am looking forward to the final debate on TVO Agenda where for the first time, there will be interaction among the candidates and a televised audience. With just over a week to go, we are now in the home stretch of the Ontario PC Leadership Race. I believe Klees is ready to be leader today and Premier tomorrow.
-Darryl

With another week of connecting with Party members, Klees proves why people should mark a #1 by his name!

2009-06-12T12:14:00.002-04:00

With another week of connecting with Party members, Klees proves why people should mark a #1 by his name!

Good Day Team Klees!

This week, Frank Klees has been at the forefront of the debate on the most pressing issues facing Ontarians. Whether he has been debating the issues in Ottawa or Markham or announcing new policy ideas, Frank has led the leadership race’s debates.

What has he done?

• Challenged the McGuinty government’s addiction to spending by sending a letter to the federal Minister of Finance and every Ontario Conservative MP requesting funding for the HST to be withheld from the Ontario government

• Received agreement from each leadership opponent to sign his letter asking to withhold funding for the HST

• Appeared on Goldhawk Live to answer questions on health care, education and the HST

• Presented a clear call to action that unites Progressive Conservatives and Ontarians

• Committed to enhancing property rights and protecting the livelihoods of Ontario peat farmers

And that’s only in one week!

In light of the clear and principled positions Frank has taken, he has received endorsements from a multitude of Progressive Conservatives. Here’s what a few of these PCs have said about Frank:

"Watching the leadership race I have been impressed with the quality of all of the candidates. However one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Frank Klees. His vision, courage and integrity make him the ideal leader for our party. His long experience make him ready to be premier from day one. I urge everyone to get behind Frank and start working to win the next election." Eugene McDermott, Candidate of Record, Conservative Party of Canada, Don Valley East

“Frank is the candidate who can unite and energize our Party and rid Ontario of the Liberal scourge that has taken our province from first to last. Ontarians know we’re running for the Premiership and our Party must choose based on who is best suited to oust Dalton McGuinty and best qualified to occupy the Premier’s office. There is no one else that I would trust to steer Ontario back in the right direction. Peter Shurman, M.P.P. (Thornhill)

“Frank is a man of the people, and nowhere is that more important than in the North. There’s only one choice for me and it’s Frank.” Leo Bernier, former Minister of Northern Development in the Bill Davis Cabinet, also known as the “Emperor of the North”

"We need a leader with the business experience and the understanding of how to make government work better. Frank's the one that can deliver." Kevin Nguyen, Candidate of Record, Conservative Party of Canada, York West

Thank you for your continued support. Please remember that you can vote for Frank by placing the number 1 beside his name on June 21 or June 25.

Toll Free: 1 (866) 991 – 4768
www.frankklees.com
Frank Klees Campaign
45 Vogell Road, Suite 101
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 3P6

Klees second interview with Stephen Taylor

2009-06-11T14:37:00.002-04:00

Klees second interview with Stephen Taylor

Conservatives both provincially and federally are very lucky to have the talents of Stephen Taylor working on our side. I am constantly amazed by what he does online for our party. I appreciate his coverage of this Ontario PC Leadership Race and the interviews he has done with all candidates. Below is the second interview he has conducted with Frank Klees. To visit Stephen Taylor's blog, please click here.
-Darryl

Stephen Taylor interviews Frank Klees (2nd interview) from Stephen Taylor on Vimeo.

Darryl on Rogers Focal Point with John Taylor tonight!

2009-06-10T09:51:00.004-04:00

Darryl on Rogers Focal Point with John Taylor tonight!

Tonight from 8pm-9pm, I will be a guest on Focal Point with John Taylor. The topic will be the federal political climate and the possibility of a federal election this summer. The show airs live and there is an opportunity to call in with questions and comments. The show will replay on Rogers tomorrow and eventually will be posted online here.

John Taylor

8:00 PM
Host John Taylor and political experts talk about the state of the federal political climate - are we close to another election?

Click here for more information on Focal Point

Copy of HST Letter to Jim Flaherty that all Candidates signed

2009-06-09T16:08:00.002-04:00

Copy of HST Letter to Jim Flaherty that all Candidates signed

At the debates in Markham on June 4, Frank Klees drafted a letter to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty asking him to delay the transfer of 4.3 billion for the implementation of the HST until after the next provincial election. All candidates eventually signed this letter and it has now been forwarded to the federal Finance Minister and every Conservative MP. An example of Frank taking a leadership role as the PC Party tries to fight this new McGuinty tax grab. Click on the photo of the letter above to enlarge. The video below explains the context of the letter from the Markham debates.
-Darryl

Frank Klees supports elected senators, free votes and recalls for MPPs, completes Canadian Taxpayers Federation Survey

2009-06-08T22:17:00.003-04:00

Frank Klees supports elected senators, free votes and recalls for MPPs, completes Canadian Taxpayers Federation Survey

Frank Klees has completed his survey from the Toronto Taxpayers Federation. I am personally excited about the fact that Frank is on the record supporting free votes, recalls for MPPs who lose the trust of their consituents and an elected Senate. He is also committed to the grassroots policy process presenting ideas that would have to be ratified by the party before entering the election platform. Klees policies are worth a serious look.
-Darryl

Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Nobailouts.ca

debtclock.ca

http://www.nocarbontaxes.com/

Crunch time for Klees' leadership bid

2009-06-08T17:22:00.002-04:00

A great article that appeared on the front page of the Era Newspaper in Newmarket and throughout York Region.
-Darryl

Crunch time for Klees' leadership bid

Aurora

June 07, 2009 10:36 AM

Despite rigours of provincewide campaign, MPP still full of energy
By SEAN PEARCE

Leader today. Premier tomorrow.

That was the chant heard loud and clear from supporters of Newmarket-Aurora MPP and Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership hopeful Frank Klees Thursday night.

Mostly decked out in blue shirts and brandishing signs proudly indicating he is the man for the job, those in the Klees camp were brimming with energy prior to the leadership debate at Seneca College's Markham campus.

If the contest to become the leader of the party was decided solely on the basis of enthusiasm, Mr. Klees might be the one to beat.

It was a tough call to say if Mr. Klees' supporters were the most numerous, but they may well have been the loudest.

(Click the link below for the full story)

http://www.yorkregion.com/article/92824

Klees Introduces Bill on Human Rights Commission

2009-06-06T20:51:00.001-04:00

Klees Introduces Bill on Human Rights Commission

Click here for for more information and to follow the progress of Bill 197, Human Rights Code Amendment Act (Freedom of Expression), 2009
-Darryl

Debate Video: Frank Klees Markham Opening and Closing Statements

2009-06-06T16:14:00.002-04:00

Debate Video: Frank Klees Markham Opening and Closing Statements

Another strong performance by Frank Klees on his home turf. This video comes from the Markham GTA debate this past Thursday. Today Frank spoke to the Toronto Board of Trade. I am looking forward to the final debates in Ottawa and on TVO Agenda.
-Darryl

Opening Statement

Closing Statement

Video: Klees supporters in Markham

2009-06-06T15:10:00.002-04:00

Video: Klees supporters in Markham

Team Klees was out in full force at the Markham debates. These are various videos I shot before and after the debates
-Darryl

More Frank Klees Policy Ideas

2009-06-05T10:29:00.002-04:00

More Frank Klees Policy Ideas

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
In a recession, the McGuinty government has mandated that more products and services be taxed. With the implementation of the HST, the McGuinty government has demonstrated its addiction to taxing and spending. Ontarians don’t need any more deterrents to economic prosperity and job creation. I will continue to vigorously oppose the implementation of the HST. If Dalton McGuinty refuses to listen and the HST is implemented, I will fight to reduce the sales tax burden to all Ontarians.

A Business-Friendly Ontario
McGuinty’s tenure has made it more difficult to run a business. Increased taxes have made Ontario’s corporate tax rate among the highest in North America. I will propose a reduction in business taxes and the creation of tax incentive zones to attract new industries and create jobs.

Tax Incentives for Manufacturing
Manufacturers in Ontario have not felt today’s economic challenges since the early ‘90s, if not the late ‘30s. I will propose a tax credit against corporate income taxes for new manufacturing jobs in order to assist in the creation of new jobs.

No Tax on Severance
Many Ontarians are experiencing the hardship of job loss today. Government should not benefit from taxing the severance income of the unemployed. To lessen the difficulty of being unemployed I will propose to declare a tax amnesty on severance payments.

Northern Ontario Broadband
One of the greatest economic challenges facing Northern Ontario is the lack of a reliable broadband communications network. I will propose the implementation of reliable broadband communication networks to assist northern communities to realize their economic potential.

Tourism
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, but it is not presently being tapped as a source for economic prosperity. I will propose that the ministries of Tourism and Natural Resources be designated as priorities in order to improve destination marketing and celebrate our natural environment.

Addressing Student Needs
Rather than pass legislation that makes it illegal for our youth to drop out of high school, let’s give them something to drop into! I will propose that we review education policy to ensure all of our students have the opportunity to pursue the education and training best suited to them so that they can reach their full potential.

No Faith-Based Private School Funding
A Frank Klees government will not allocate tax dollars to fund faith-based private schools in Ontario. I will focus instead on improving a public education system with the highest of standards and leading edge facilities.

Graduation “Head Start”
Following graduation from post-secondary institutions, the toughest jobs for any students are finding secure, long-term employment and paying off debt. I will propose a 4-year Ontario income tax holiday for graduates from universities, colleges and trade schools.
Assisting Special Needs Children and Their Families
No Ontario family should be forced to mortgage their home or go into debt to provide their child with the very basic needs and skills of life. Whether they are students with learning disabilities, hearing or sight impairments, physical disabilities or children with autism, I will address the inequities in the treatment of special needs students once and for all and ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity to become the best they can be.

Anti-bullying Strategies
Children’s safety in schools is of paramount importance to parents. I will propose that we enhance anti-bullying strategies in schools in order to protect students and assist administrators and teachers to prevent and resolve bullying incidents.

Innovation
Health care in Ontario can benefit from private sector innovation within the guidelines of the Canada Health Act. I am committed to allowing the private sector to contribute to our publicly funded health care system, as long as the services are provided to all Ontarians with an OHIP card.

Financial Accountability
Patients have a right to know how funds are spent in Ontario’s health care system, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that every cent collected under the health tax will be spent on health care, not hidden in general revenues. I will propose the issuance of receipts outlining a description of the services provided and the cost to provide those services when patients leave a hospital or medical clinic.

Accountability Council
Ontarians are confronted with difficult decisions to make on their health throughout their lives. From flu shots to tests and surgeries, patients need to have all the available information to make informed decisions. I will propose the creation of a council that will provide a second opinion to patients in order to address and resolve complex decisions and problems encountered by patients.

E-Health Record System
Establishing an electronic health record system will benefit patients and strengthen Ontario’s health care system. I will establish an efficient electronic health care record system through a detailed and transparent tender process to ensure health care providers throughout Ontario have access to accurate and up-to-date information regarding a patient’s history.

Mental Health Strategy
Mental health issues should not be cause for embarrassment and aren’t discussed as prominently in public as they should be. I will work closely with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to propose the implementation of a comprehensive mental health strategy for Ontario including $200 million for youth mental health services, as recommended by the McMurtry-Curling Report, “Roots of Youth Violence.”

Best Practices in Long-Term Care
Ontario seniors represent an important group in our society and they need to be protected while receiving quality care. I will propose to review long-term care facilities and human resource needs and fully utilize Canadian best practices in the funding and management of long-term care facilities.

Eliminate Local Health Integration Networks (LHINS)
LHINs have been a costly and bureaucratic failure. They are an extra layer of bureaucracy with little to no benefit to the public. I will propose that we replace LHINs with front line health care services to increase accountability and reduce LHIN’s unnecessary costs and inefficiencies.

Long-term Planning
A proactive, instead of reactive approach to planning is required if Ontario is to remain competitive in the world economy. I will appoint a Minister responsible for Long-Term Planning with the responsibility of coordinating planning and projects across every Ministry in the Ontario government.

Trans-Ontario High-Speed Rail
Economic prosperity is dependent on efficient and affordable transportation. I will propose the development of a trans-Ontario high-speed rail link connecting east, west, north and south to facilitate efficient travel and additional commerce.

Infrastructure
The Ontario government must do whatever it can to improve our economic performance. I will provide stable, predictable and reliable funding for transportation infrastructure projects endorsed by our government.

Inclusive Ontario
Ontario is fortunate to have a multicultural society that contributes to the success of our Province. These diverse cultural groups need to be engaged in the political process and not taken for granted. I will continue to reach out, connect, and involve Ontarians of all backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures to partner with government to achieve its collective goals.

Accountability in Green Energy
Ontario’s energy policy must be based upon respect for local government, respect for individual property rights and the use of competitive solicitation to procure all types of power – none of these principles can be found in the McGuinty Green Energy Act. I will propose an energy policy that embraces renewable energy as an important component of Ontario’s overall energy supply and will ensure that green energy projects such as wind turbines will require consultation with local governments and their communities.

Affordable and Sustainable Energy
A prosperous economy requires an energy supply that is stable, cost-effective and reliable. Ontario’s energy supply meets none of these criteria, and the McGuinty government has unnecessarily created policies that will dramatically increase power prices for those who need it most: households, institutions and businesses. I will pursue affordable and sustainable energy that will allow renewable generators to be a part of a balanced mix of electricity generation through a competitive process.

Lois Brown MP endorses Frank Klees

2009-06-05T10:24:00.002-04:00

Lois Brown MP endorses Frank Klees

"I am pleased to provide my support to MPP Frank Klees, my long-time friend and provincial colleague, in his bid for Leadership of the Ontario PC Party. I am confident that Frank will represent our province the same way he has served his York Region constituents the last fourteen years, with exemplary dedication and effectiveness. His record for getting things done, and experience in business and government, makes him our best choice for bringing prosperity back to Ontario as the next Leader of the Ontario PC Party and future Premier."

- Lois Brown, MP Newmarket-Aurora

PC Leadership Coverage in the Canadian Chinese Media

2009-05-31T10:09:00.002-04:00

PC Leadership Coverage in the Canadian Chinese Media

Good outreach efforts on the part of the PC Party of Ontario
-Darryl

Video: Frank Klees on Canada in the Rough

2009-05-30T22:06:00.000-04:00

Frank Klees on Canada in the Rough

Frank's recent appearance on 'Canada In the Rough' in which he expressed strong support for hunters and anglers

Frank Klees Opening and Closing Statement in Sudbury Debate

2009-05-30T20:35:00.001-04:00

Frank Klees Opening and Closing Statement in Sudbury Debate

A strong performance for Frank Klees in the North
-Darryl

Frank Klees Opening and Closing Statement in London Debate

2009-05-30T20:32:00.001-04:00

Frank Klees Opening and Closing Statement in London Debate

Momentum has been growing for Frank Klees after a strong debate performance in both London and Sudbury. He is showing he is ready to be leader today and premier tomorrow.
-Darryl

Video: Frank Klees speaking at event in Toronto

2009-05-30T14:50:00.001-04:00

Video: Frank Klees speaking at event in Toronto

Video: Frank Klees on Don Newman Politics

2009-05-30T14:16:00.001-04:00

Video: Frank Klees on Don Newman Politics

I think Frank did a great job here.
-Darryl

Frank Klees on Don Newman tonight between 5-6pm EST

2009-05-29T09:53:00.003-04:00

Frank Klees on Don Newman tonight between 5-6pm EST

Frank Klees will be a guest on Don Newman's "Politics" show this evening between 5-6pm Eastern Time. The show airs on CBC Newsword and you can also view a live webcast online. Past episodes can also be found at the link below. Frank will also be speaking at the Toronto Board of Trade for Lunch on Friday June 5 at 1st Canadian Pace. Klees also has the opportunity to speak to the Economic Club in June.
-Darryl

http://www.cbc.ca/politics/

Klees leads off Question Period May 25

2009-05-25T14:54:00.003-04:00

Klees leads off Question Period May 25

An example of how Klees would handle Question Period as leader. Each candidate gets a chance to do the lead.
-Darryl

FRANK KLEES ARGUES AGAINST “HST” TAX GRAB

LABELS McGUINTY’S PLAN AN OVERBURDEN TO ONTARIANS

QUEEN’S PARK -Frank Klees (MPP Aurora-Newmarket) today rebuked Dalton McGuinty during Question Period for his backdoor scheme to take more tax money from hard-working Ontarians during the worst recession in decades.

“This is the wrong thing to do at the wrong time,” said Frank Klees of the Liberals’ proposed harmonization sales tax (HST) plan. “How are those on fixed incomes and the unemployed going to cope? Will the Premier at least familiarize himself on the impact of his HST?”

With the proposed plan, the McGuinty Liberals will add more tax to services previously exempt from provincial sales tax, like gasoline and home heating fuel that will increase in price by 8 per cent.

Klees stated that McGuinty, “chose not to listen. In the face of all of the evidence and all of the pain that it will cause families and businesses … will he agree to stop this nonsense?” To watch Frank Klees today in Question Period, visit www.frank-klees.on.ca

The domino effect of the tax will cause serious setbacks in economic prosperity and job creation for the province. In order to administer the HST, businesses will incur substantial costs. Consumers will have less to spend on necessities.

Frank Klees, a candidate for Progressive Conservative leadership, was the first to speak out against the HST, even before the McGuinty Liberals introduced it. A recent survey says that seven out of ten Ontarians are also against the HST.

Frank Klees has a plan for creating opportunity for all Ontarians...

2009-05-25T12:44:00.002-04:00

Frank Klees has a plan for creating opportunity for all Ontarians...

Frank Klees has rolled out some initial policy ideas through his website at http://www.frankklees.com Frank is committed to the PAC process and all ideas must be approved by the party grassroots before being included in the platform.

-Darryl

Ontario Needs An Economic Strategy

Ontario has been hemorrhaging jobs for the past year – we need an economic strategy to preserve and create jobs now.

Frank Klees advocated for the creation of a Select Committee of the Ontario Legislature that would have served as a basis for a plan to get the province into economic recovery. Premier McGuinty ignored Frank’s proposal and now the Premier is paying the price.

Not only has the government been unable to turn Ontario’s economy around, the government has embraced NDP-style tax and spend policies to spend our way out of recession and create jobs. The establishment of a non-partisan Select Committee last fall could have helped steer the Ontario economy out of the worst depths it is now experiencing.

Stop The HST

In a recession, the McGuinty government has mandated that more products and services should be taxed. With the implementation of the HST, the McGuinty government has demonstrated its addiction to taxing and spending. Unlike other provinces that implemented harmonized sales taxes, the McGuinty government is not reducing the provincial component. This punishes already-suffering industries such as the housing sector and the financial services sector. Ontarians don’t need any more deterrents from economic prosperity and job creation.

Reduce the HST’s Negative Side Effects

At a time when Ontario’s businesses don’t need anymore costs to do business, Ontario business will incur substantial costs to administer the HST. Once it’s implemented, the HST will be difficult to undo; however, the negative side-effects of the HST will still be felt. This is why Frank Klees proposes to reduce the HST to overturn the significant tax burden imposed by McGuinty.

Ontario Needs To Be Business-Friendly

Throughout the McGuinty government’s tenure, it has made life more difficult for the operation of a business. They have increased corporate taxes (making Ontario’s corporate tax rate among the highest in North America) – not to mention forcing businesses to pay a higher minimum wage in a time of economic crisis.
Frank Klees proposes to reduce business taxes and to create tax incentive zones to attract new industries and create jobs.

Let Business Lead The Way:
Tax Incentives For Manufacturing

Manufacturers in Ontario have not felt economic conditions like today since the early 1990s, if not the 1930s. To provide incentives for manufacturers to hire new staff, Frank Klees proposes a tax credit against corporate income tax to be paid. This means that if a manufacturer hires new employees, it will receive a tax credit for contributing positively to our economy. If the company is not profitable (and not paying income tax), the tax credit will be available to be carried forward until the company is profitable.

Youth Get Head Start

Following graduation from school, the toughest jobs for any student are finding secure, long-term employment and paying off debt. To encourage youth to pursue post-secondary education and help pay off educational debts, Frank Klees proposes a 4-year Ontario income tax holiday following graduation. For those who complete a university, college or registered trades program, they will not have to pay any income tax on income earned for four years after graduation.

Frank Klees has a plan for creating opportunity for all Ontarians. See Frank Klees’ website to learn more about his proposals for creating an economic recovery and opportunity for all.

Please visit: http://www.frankklees.com for further updates on policy ideas and information on how to get involved.

Frank Klees talks the economy, tax cuts, grassroots policy process, empowering MPs, education and autism during London |Debates

2009-05-25T09:20:00.001-04:00

Frank Klees talks the economy, tax cuts, grassroots policy process, empowering MPs, education and autism during London Debates:

Below are some videos of Frank Klees taken from the Ontario PC Leadership debates.
-Darryl

The Economy:

Grassroots:

Video: Quotes from Frank Klees at the London Ontario PC Leadership Debate

2009-05-24T21:04:00.001-04:00

Video: Quotes from Frank Klees at the London Ontario PC Leadership Debate:

Liberals will raise your taxes provincially and federally

2009-05-24T11:30:00.003-04:00

Liberals will raise your taxes provincially and federally

Credit: Toryboy1 on YouTube

Frank Klees gaining momentum!

2009-05-23T17:03:00.001-04:00

Frank Klees gaining momentum!

Klees signs up most members...close race for Ontario PC Leader

2009-05-20T19:05:00.004-04:00

Klees signs up most members...close race for Ontario PC Leader

Update: Yesterday’s Globe & Mail article went on to say, “Party insiders and his opponents said Mr. Hudak in fact recruited only about 7,000, compared with roughly 8,000 for Ms. Elliott and 9,800 for Mr. Klees.”

I think we are in a real race right now with no clear front-runner. Coronations are a thing of the past. PC party members are independent by nature, and they will make up their minds on who will be the best leader and who has the best chances of winning in the next Ontario election. I believe Frank Klees has the best experience to lead our party and become Premier in 2011.

Overall this close race will be good for the party and in the long run make us stronger because of it. I think it is a good sign for renewal and the grassroots policy process as well. Congratulations to all the campaigns for together getting the party up to 40,000 memberships in total. Thank you Team Klees for all of the efforts that resulted in having Frank Klees declared the leader in membership sales.
-Darryl

Ontario Tory leadership campaign now a neck-and-neck horse race
Hudak drops out of front-runner spot into a three-way contest, opponents say

KAREN HOWLETT

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

May 20, 2009 at 4:38 AM EDT

TORONTO — Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership hopeful Tim Hudak is trailing two of his rivals in the number of people persuaded to join the party, suggesting he is no longer the front-runner in the race, his opponents say.

Mr. Hudak, 41, is competing against three of his colleagues in the Ontario Progressive Conservative caucus to become leader. But to the surprise of many in the party, Frank Klees signed up the most new members by last Thursday's deadline. He was followed by Christine Elliott, Mr. Hudak and Randy Hillier, party insiders say.

Mr. Hudak had been the declared front-runner since the leadership campaign began in March. But party insiders now expect he will be in a three-way race with Mr. Klees and Ms. Elliott. It is widely assumed that Mr. Hillier will be last on the first ballot at the leadership vote on June 27.
"It's a horse race now," John Capobianco, Mr. Klees's campaign chairman, said yesterday.
"The game has all changed completely," a party insider added. "Any one of the three can win it now, but [Mr. Hudak's] got the uphill battle at this point."

Jeremy Adams, communications chairman of Mr. Hudak's campaign, declined to comment yesterday on how many members Mr. Hudak signed up. He also declined to comment on an e-mail sent from Mr. Hudak's campaign headquarters last Friday night that boasted of bringing in 14,000 new members. Party insiders and his opponents said Mr. Hudak in fact recruited only about 7,000, compared with roughly 8,000 for Ms. Elliott and 9,800 for Mr. Klees.

"We're extremely happy with where the campaign is at right now," Mr. Adams said. Mr. Hudak has the most support of any candidate from his own caucus, federal Tory cabinet ministers and presidents of riding associations, he said. "There's a lot of momentum for Tim and there's a lot of support for Tim in all corners of the province."

The Progressive Conservative Party had only about 8,500 members when John Tory stepped down as leader in March. Its ranks have grown to about 40,000 since the membership drive.

Ms. Elliott appears to be the clear winner on the donations front. According to Elections Ontario, she has raised $315,100 so far - all contributions exceeding $100 must be reported to Elections Ontario. "This is hands-on proof that this is a competitive race," said Catherine Pringle, a spokeswoman for Ms. Elliott. "We are extremely encouraged by the generosity of our donors."
Mr. Hudak has raised $154,940 in political donations, according to Elections Ontario. Mr. Hillier has raised $91,800 and Mr. Klees is in last place, with $62,600.

Frank Klees' official position on the Human Rights Commission

2009-05-19T15:35:00.001-04:00

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights commission is not working as intended. It needs to be fixed, not annihilated. People need access to a system that will help them against wrongs without having to enter into our expensive legal system.

But the abuses must stop. Section 13 needs to be repealed. Giving the Commission the right to investigate the views and opinions of the citizens of Ontario threatens the freedom of expression and is counter to the importance of that right in Canadian society. Freedom of expression is a core value of democracy from which all other rights naturally flow. Without that, our democratic system of government itself is at risk.

The message that needs to be sent is clear - the PC Party of Ontario is inclusive, not reactionary, and the Human Rights Commission needs to be refocused on it original mandate.

Libertarian Party of Canada attack ad against the Conservatives

2009-05-18T16:38:00.006-04:00

Libertarian Party of Canada attack ad against the Conservatives

Update: Additional videos added

Previously I posted the attack ads the Libertarian Party of Canada ran against Michael Ignatieff. Here is one they have now posted on YouTube about the Conservative Party.
-Darryl

...and one more on the Liberal convention I missed

What is a Libertarian

Darryl Wolk Blog

Queen's Park Staff Announcement‏

Happy New Year and all the Best in 2011

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Seasons Greetings

Tim Hudak GTA Leaders Dinner Speech - Nov 24, 2010

Rob Ford Victory Speech

Vote for Rob Ford on October 25

Rob Ford talks about free perks for Toronto council

Updating the Prime Minister on Rob Ford and 416

Photo of Next Premier of Ontario with Next Mayor of Toronto

Tim Hudak: 10 Ideas To Create Jobs In 2010

Stephen Harper YouTube Interview

Great NBC Video on US/Canada Relations

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!!

Stephen Harper Christmas Greetings

Seasons Greetings and End of Year Press Conference from Tim Hudak

Ontario PC Caucus Introduces 500,000 Amendments To HST Bill

Ontario PC Caucus Introduces 500,000 Amendments To HST Bill

New Evidence of Double Standards, Hypocrisy and Hatemongering at the Toronto Star

John Yakabuski's Holiday HST Carol

Dalton McGuinty Tries to Ram Through His $3 Billion HST Tax Grab Without Consulting the Public

Did “Cheque Republic” campaign backfire on federal Liberals?

Lest we forget

25 ridings the Conservatives should target for a Majority

By-election Analysis

Darryl on Rex Murphy (St. John's Telegram)

Photo of the Day: Macleans

Some interesting facts about agriculture and buying local

Tim Hudak calls for public inquiry into Liberal eHealth Scandal

Tim Hudak calls for public inquiry into Liberal eHealth Scandal

Mystery Ads show up in Aurora

Stephen Harper sings Beatles song with Yo Yo Ma

Stephen Harper sings Beatles song with Yo Yo Ma

Message from Jim Balsillie on NHL in Hamilton

The Casino Power Plant More Liberal Mismanagement

Social Media Revolution

Manning Centre School of Practical Politics Presents...Toronto Campaign Manager Program

Manning Centre School of Practical Politics Presents...

Photos from Prime Minister Harper BBQ in Oakridges-Markham last night

King Mayor Margaret Black to run against Lois Brown in Newmarket-Aurora

Liberal Party of Canada Announces Four New Women Candidates in Ontario

Hudak selects Frank Klees as Transportation and Public Infrastructure Critic

HUDAK SHADOW CABINET TO FOCUS ON JOBS AND ECONOMY

Tim Hudak works quickly to put team together

Tim Hudak names Chief of Staff

Ad in the United States attacking Canadian health care system

Random Thoughts: PC leadership, garbage strike, Fantino, Stimulus, Federal election, Dumont, Newmarket, Pride Parade, Emery, Iran, Leafs and more

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Video: Frank Klees convention speech

A MESSAGE FROM FRANK KLEES

Video Tim Hudak Victory Speech

Let’s leave Markham united and strong as a party

Let’s leave Markham united and strong as a party

Posted on 26 June 2009 Tags: 2011, Bloggers, competition, Elliott, fun, Hillier, Hudak, John Tory, Klees, McGuinty, rally, respect, strong, united

I love the Stephen Taylor Moby remix video

Congratulations Tim Hudak on becoming leader of the Ontario PC Party

Final ballot: Tim Hudak vs. Frank Klees

Please visit http://www.unitedandstrong.ca for convention coverage this weekend

A "tailgate" breakfast bash AND Klees Victory Party

Message from Frank Klees

A message from Jaine Klees

Video: People behind the Frank Klees campaign

Video: Frank Klees casts his vote in Newmarket-Aurora today

Klees News Release: Hudak Team Breaks 11th Commandment

Frank Klees Get out the Vote Campaign Song

Frank Klees Message of the Day - June 21, 2009

Vote for Frank Klees today in the Ontario PC Leadership Race!

Video of Last Frank Klees Campaign Meeting today

Video: TVO PC Ontario Leadership Debate

Frank Klees video about the HST

Bill Clinton: United Nations new Envoy to Haiti

Photo Slideshow of Frank Klees on the Campaign trail

Video from Focal Point on chances of federal election:

Iggy does the media rounds

Video: Harper on Fox News

Video: Frank Klees at Ottawa Debate

Pros and Cons from Iggy's Perspective of forcing an election

Photo: Klees with Supporters in Ottawa

With another week of connecting with Party members, Klees proves why people should mark a #1 by his name!

Klees second interview with Stephen Taylor

Posted on 26 June 2009
Tags: 2011, Bloggers, competition, Elliott, fun, Hillier, Hudak, John Tory, Klees, McGuinty, rally, respect, strong, united

Let Business Lead The Way:
Tax Incentives For Manufacturing