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The official newsletter of the FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO! VOLUME 1, NUMBER 5 JANUARY-JUNE 1. • ree lIB In C iBn!
X H;;: ~:;o~~;;;~ Em.~;' gue~ on Open-Une ,how u,NcAJ'jNy-A.1 OF FREEDOM! r j
m Ottawa reo"" OR Sa .. _ _ of one of our local initIatIve ~I~::d The cover. . VICTORY! Your coPY en . EEDOM PARTY letters says It ~". campaign and Its IN ACTION CAN NOW ___ plus de~a~Is on our _ ••••••••• BE HEARD ON CASSETTE! successful finIsh. ¢E aft _-:: *~..:..~ - -:: ~_': ~'" • DETAILS INSIDE! = 2 We know that many of you --- particularly those outside the immediate London area --- haven't heard from us for a while, but no need to despair, we haven't forgotten abQut you. In fact, when you don't hear from us for a while, you can always count on the fact that Freedom Party is Openers channeling its efforts and resources towards intensive activities or campaigns aimed at promoting freedom of by choice in the community. And that's something we're FREEDOM PARTY PRESIDENT committed to doing on a full-time basis; after all, freedom of choice is what we're all about! In these, our fifth and sixth issues of Freedom Flyer, ROBERTMETZ we've done something a little different: we've recapped our activities over the past six months by segregating our election activities into a special Election Issue (Issue no. 6), while emphasizing our non-election issues and activities in Freedom Flyer no. 5. By no means do these two newsletters represent a total accounting of all our activities here at provincial headquarters. What we report here is merely the tip of the iceberg! For one thing, time and space limitations make it an impossibility for us to report everything; for another, it is impossible to report the amount of background work and preparation that goes behind every effort and campaign. And so much of our current activities are geared towards future campaigns and activities that it's not always easy to keep track of things to let you know about them --- at least, until the results of those efforts are in. To give you some idea of what I'm talking about (and to let you know where your money and support is going), here's a quick overview of what are essentially our "behind-the-scenes" activities and on-going efforts:
Municipal Elections: Lest we forget, Freedom Party Action Director Marc Emery will be running for alderman in the municipal elections in London this fall. Since he lost by only 500 votes three years ago, and given his current community profile, he stands a very decent chance of being elected to represent his north-east working-class riding. [cont'd next pagel
FREEDOM FLYER
"Liberty and good govern- Vol. 1 No.5; Vol. 1 No.6, January-June 1985: is published by the Freedom ment do not exclude each other; Party of Ontario, a fully-registered political party. Contributions* are and there are excellent reasons tax-creditable. why they should go together. Subscription Rate: $15 per volume (6 issues), or contribution* equivalent. Liberty is not a means to a Editor: Robert Metz; Layout & Design: Marc Emery; Photos: John Oliver. higher political end. It is in itself Contributors: John Cossar, Marc Emery, Murray Hopper, Robert Metz. the highest political end." LordActon FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO History of Freedom Statement of Principle: Freedom Party is founded on the principle that: in Antiquity, 1877 Every individual, in the peaceful pursuit of personal fulfillment, has an absolute right to his or her own life, liberty, and property. Platform: That the purpose of government is to protect individual freedom of FREEDOM FLYER choice, not to restrict it. the official newsletter of Freedom Party of Ontario Provincial Executive: Ontario President: Robert Metz; Chief Financial P.O. Box 2214, Stn. 'A', Officer: Murray Hopper; Action Director: Marc Emery; Action Co-ordinator: LONDON, Ontario Gordon ·Mood. REGISTERED CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATIONS: London N6A 4E3 North: President: Gordon Mood; Chief Financial Officer: Dean Hodgins. (519) 433-8612 London Centre: President: Marc Emery; Chief Financial Officer: Dean Hodgins. London South: President & Chief Financial Officer: Robert Metz; Vice-President: John Cossar. CLUBS: University of Western Ontario Freedom Association: President: Robert Rozanski. 3 Emery's election literature has already been drafted, Freedom Party's various audio and visual resources election signs are already in production, and a substantial (including its literature and publications) available to number of volunteers have already made their commit faculty and students on campus. The club is currently ment to support him. Needless to say, Freedom Party seeking the input of both students and faculty and will be and its supporters will be backing him on this effort so if appealing directly to both for that support. you live in London, you can expect that we'll be calling on Election Literature and Issue Papers: Accompanying you for your volunteer support. our fifth and sixth newsletters you will find, in addition to Recruiting Members and Supporters is an on-going the reprints and updates of some of our older issue papers, process that involves a great deal of time spent with our 1985 election literature and six new issue papers, individuals and groups who have expressed some interest including our expanded statements (We're In For A $hock in our ideas or activities. In addition, we're planning to with Ontario Hydro; Introducing Freedom of Choice to recruit as many new supporters as possible from the ranks Education in Ontario) on issues that simply cannot be of other political parties: our volunteers have already adequately covered in the space allotted on our entered thousands of names into our computer files, and regular-sized issue papers. Believe it or not, the process of we hope that our solicitations to these past supporters of developing an issue paper or statement can take as long as other parties may attract some attention to our efforts. six months per issue! With each statement being written, One new activist gained after Election '85 was a past re-written, edited, and marketed before we are satisfied supporter and active volunteer for a successful Progress with its release, we are confident that when it comes to a ive Conservative candidate in the 1984 federal election in statement of political philosophy and intentions, no other London West. But after being disillusioned by the party can compare with the offerings of Freedom Party. provincial Conservatives' betrayal of free enterprise, and by the lack of actual substance being offered by the federal PC government, he made a choice --- and decided What is the to join and support Freedom Party. He first saw Marc Emery run in the 1980 federal election (H ... and I was impressed then") and dropped by our offices to pick up government . our literature early during the 1985 provincial election. After "thinking it over and over," he decided six weeks later to do some substantial amount of work for us and to aoing to your run in the next election CIS a Freedom Party candidate. That's all we can tell you about him right now, but you'll be hearing more about this development in later issues of neighbourhood? Freedom Flyer. Research and Information: Freedom Party has been discovered by an ever-growing number of students (elementary, high-school, college, and university) who are using its up-to-date newspaper and clippings files, books, and reference materials for their essays and projects. These facilities are, of course, also used by Freedom Party in the preparation of issue papers, newsletters, speeches, etc., and are also available to the general public. Need some information on freedom? Check us out! --- We make it our business to know about freedom. Fairs and Exhibitions: Freedom Party has been travelling on the road to help introduce the party to new communities by setting up booths displaying our literature and newsletters at various fairs and exhibitions around ' Freedom P.rty i•• gr... ·r oot. Ont.rio politlc.1 P.rty. You, root•. Ontario. Significantly, we will be present at Kitchener's It·. our job to work in n.lghbourhood•• nd communlti •• by addr.lling Central Ontario Exhibition to be held August 27 to local probl.m •. In you, n.lghbourhood. September 2, and at London's Western Fair, September 6 It's In you, n.lghbourhood th.t gov.rnm.nt could b. r.ising t ••••. adding to 15 inclusive. Look for us! n.w on ••. providing inf.rior .ervlce• . or simply getting .t your pockets via plain old political .kulduggery. Speeches and Debates: As part of Freedom Party's You can do .omething about It I A loti involvement in the community, President Robert Metz and F,..dom P.rty can helpl Plentyl Organize with you. Develop petition. with you. Pr.pare e strat.gy with Action Director Marc Emery have represented the party you. Off.r you our ta.·credltlble .tatua ( .0 your coata c.n be ta. and-or free market principles as public speakers on various r.fundabl.l. Freedom P.rty and you. Together we can ahow your n.lghbours th.t occasions. While Metz gave speeches and presentations freedom worlcs ... for .11 of u •. to various service clubs on the party's community activity Contact u.1 (5191433·8612. P.O. Bo. 2214. Stn. A. London. Ontario N6A 4E3. and its philosophy, Emery was featured in several media Newsletters: Freedom Flyer is not the only newsletter events, including coverage in the print media, on cec published by Freedom Party. Five issues of our No-Tax television, local television, and as a guest on radio talk for Pan-Am newsletter have gone to press and been shows in London. delivered to over 1,000 subscribers in London. In addition, Campus Club: Freedom Party's University of our first issue of Censorship Alert!, already in mid Western Ontario Freedom Association is already in the production, will provide an in-depth look at the process of gearing up for the 85-86 term. Its new censorship scene in Ontario, Canada, and the world -- president, Robert Rozanski, has already determined the and at its consequences. Censorship Alert! coincides with general direction of its activities; in addition to the Freedom Party's anti-censorship campaign, due to swing association's new campus newsletter, Freedom Forum, it into full gear early this fall with accompanying buttons, intends to present and sponsor speakers, and to make placards, etc. cont'd page 14 HEAR THE VOICE OF FREEDOMI For Only $4.95 4 Freedom Party, organized and officially-regist.ered for Party sets the philosophical direction of debate every only 18 months, has made significant. inroads into the time, and how our activists introduce the community political consciousness of Southwestern Ontario. These around them to the ideas of individual rights and a free cassette tapes, the first 3 of many more to come, will let society. Originally broadcast and recorded live on various you experience first hand the kind of coverage Freedom radio stations etc., the tapes also include our own Party activity has been getting. Hear how Freedom narrations to help explain the context in which each debate occurred. pAN-AM 1991 --- THE ISSUE IS PHILOSOPHY!
" Mr. Metz heads up a particularly radical political party and he is expressing a particular political philosophy. The simple reality is, that what that particular party represents is a very right-wing, radical, Dolitical philosophy that is generally not accepted by the majority of the people." Gordon Hume, Chairman of the Pan-Am Bid Committee June 7,1985
Is Hume right? --- or just left-wing? Find out in this compilation of the issue that Freedom Party brought to London!
FEMINISM vs FREEDOM!
Is the modern feminist movement a movement favouring an entrenchment of equal rights, or ha s it evolved into something quite different? For an insight into this controversial issue, listen to the opinions of Freedom Party Action Director Marc Emery and London Status of Women Action Group member Heidi Strasser as t h'y debate issues ranging from abortion to equal pay for work of equal value. Should pornography be regulated by government? Is there a difference betwf::e n obscenity, erotica, and pornography? Should housewives have pensions? Should prostitution be legalized? Entertaining, provocative, educational.
DEBATE '85!
Here's your chance to hear how Freedom Party represented the issues of the 1985 Provincial Electon. Freedom Party President and London South candidate Robert Metz debates with fellow candidates Gordon Walker (PC ), Joan Smith (Lib), and David Winninger (NDP) in a round table discussion recorded and aired by CFPL -AM Radio during the Electon '85 campaign. Contesting the common premises and philosophies shared by the other three parties, Metz clearly spells out why Freedom Party is different. Plus --- samplings of election coverage, and Freedom Party in the news!
More Tapes to Follow on topics as varied as our issue papers --- and guaranteed to be as controversial and entertaining as politics can get! Over 100 hours of recorded material featuring Freedom Party and its activists are available --- including many hours on video! Of course, your purchases are tax-creditable as well! Watch for them! Order today! Cheques should be made payable to: Freedom Party of Ontario. NO-TAX for PAN-AM CAMPAIGN 5 results in NO TAXES for PAN-AMI
It all began in June 1984 when Freedom Party Action We lost the vote, but we gained the respect of the Director Marc Emery sent a letter to the editor of the public and a good deal of long-term political credibility. London Free Press which was critical of London City By this time, Freedom Party President Robert Metz Council's attempt to host the 1991 Pan-American Games assumed the role of "chairman" for the No-Tax for in London. The event would have cost municipal, Pan-Am Committee, and he used the position to focus his provincial, and federal taxpayers over $100 million. efforts on deflecting comments and opposition criticisms Emery's letter, lengthy because of its many facts, statistics that insisted Emery was nothing more than a "one man and philosophical arguments, was printed by the paper band" who was out to make a political reputation for but edited significantly enough to leave anyone reading it himself --- despite the fact that the No-Tax for Pan-Am only partially informed as to the economic and political Committee was the only group offering any documented significance and long-term effects of London's hosting evidence of the support behind it. such a large government sponsored extravaganza. In fact, every straw poll taken on support for What to do? How could he make sure that Londoners tax-funding Pan-Am 1991 averaged a 75% rate of had all the facts necessary to base their decision on, a opposition to the idea --- which meant a rate of 75% decision that would affect the future of the community of support for us. One supporter, Stan Hall, became so irate London for many years to come? So, on the advice of his when he watched a local cablecast program promoting lawyer, Emery decided to reprint his original unedited the Games that he called the cable company up himself letter in the form of a pamphlet and after gathering a team and scheduled Metz and Emery to be his "guests" on a of volunteers to help him with deliveries, 15,000 pamphlets talk show presenting the other side of the issue. The were delivered in the immediate area around his home. program was re-broadcast regularly during the period that In addition to his original statement, Emery's pamphlet a decision on Pan-Am was still pending. encouraged citizens to call their aldermen and to write As the campaign continued, over 1,000 cards of support letters to the editor of the daily paper. Sure enough, and over $2,000 in donations were received by April 1985, within two months, over 50 letters of support showed up which helped to offset Emery's personally incurred costs in the pages of the London Free Press, prompting the of over $10,000. media to focus attention on his efforts. City Councillors Our fourth newsletter mailed to supporters contained were swamped with calls protesting the tax-financed two cards addressed to government representatives: one Games, while Emery himself received over 100 calls of to Gordon Walker MPP, and the other to Otto Jelinek, encou ragement. federal Minister of Fitness and Amateur Sport. After Clearly, Pan-Am 1991 was an issue with long-term receiving over 600 cards and letters from No-Tax for political potential. Pan-Am supporters, Jelinek sent letters acknowledging By October 1984, Emery, in conjunction with Freedom their receipt to everyone who mailed in their cards. Party, printed an 8-page, much more sophisticated It was Jelinek, of course, who was the minister brochure (enclosed in past issues of Freedom Flyer) to responsible for calling a halt to federal funds being used to deliver to every home in the city of London. Though not host Pan-am 1991. And it wasn't long afterwards that promoted as an official Freedom Party publication, the London City Council conceded defeat on the proposal. party was given credit on the brochure as the supporting By the time our No-Tax for Pan-Am campaign wound organization behind Emery's efforts. Donations were down, over 45,000 homes in London had received a copy solicited and post-paid cards were enclosed to obtain an of our brochure, over 140 letters of support appeared in active and current list of donors, volunteers, and the editorial pages of the London Free Press, and Metz supporters. and Emery received extensive media coverage on the Response to the campaign was generated so quickly issue, including C.B.C. radio and television, local that by November our first issue of the No-Tax for television, radio talk shows, cablecasts, and public Pan-Am Newsletter was printed to keep respondents debates and presentations. updated and informed as to developments on the issue. It took exactly one year, $10,000, and the efforts of By December, our second newsletter encouraged its many committed supporters --- but we did it! Freedom over-500 subscribers to attend a City Hall Council meeting Party, Marc Emery, the No- Tax for Pan-Am Committee where an important vote to commit tax dollars to Pan-Am and its supporters can share in the knowledge that they 1991 was coming up. Supporters packed City Hall's public played an effective and significant role in saving $10 gallery, despite having to wait for over three hours for the million of Londoners' taxes, and over $90 million in federal issue to be motioned. Throughout the entire event, and provincial taxes. By helping convince the federal including over sixty minutes of debate on the issue, government not to subsidize another gigantic money loser Freedom Party supplied free coffee, banners and and by keeping City Council clearly on the run for over a placards for supporters in attendance. With obviously year, there's only one way to judge the results of our nervous and agitated glances cast back at the packed efforts --- we won! --- and against all the odds. gallery, municipal politicians nevertheless chose to vote in Remember, much of the print media and broadcast media favour of the tax-funded scheme, though this was was definitely against us on this issue, yet the ultimate certainly not unexpected. decision still worked in our favour. [cont'd next pagel . 6
This is just the beginning of things to come! to issue press releases, raise money, get lists of supporters How about you? Freedom Party's Marc Emery or and volunteers, how to pack City Hall, how to Robert Metz will be glad to come to your community to philosophically control the direction of public debate, etc., help you out in a similar style campaign for freedom! It etc., etc. Our experience will be invaluable to you in does not have to be a "partisan" issue for us to be saving money, making efficient use of your time, getting involved. the issue across and winning the battle! W~ II show you how to o~ganize for the long-term, how Call us!
[cont'd next page]
By Bert Marotte and LuAnn leSane 01 The Frt:'€' Pre-55
H"i!dt'r" "' hn rt>~po nd l -d 1O it f" rff Pn.-ss mail In "un t'" un t h t' POl n -Amer ican (;.lnlt'" ..Iot'n ' o\t'r \4 ht' lm i n ~ l y oppo:-.Kt - but Imh •• bulit 1'\0\.11 pt'f (:ent of the pott'ntial til.Otltl r,-ad"r" in the dty ('m:ulation a rea f illt-d In Iht, lOUptlO~ . Th,') "H'r" a .. kt"d in a l'O Upon promine ntly But Alderman Andy Grant. 8 key oppo dl .. p l a~"d '" tht' papt.'r v.ht.,t ht>f they e n· nt'nt to the Games. said the n' ~pon !t(' was a do ..... ,.d tht' "11\ ',dt'ci~ i on to bid for the Pan "~ood kick in the I S!t to the two ~o ld dust Am t;al1w' In \!191. ' ....· in ... at ('ity hall - the mayor a nd the \nd II:! p..-r n·nt said Ih ('~ didn 'l lhlnk tht" dl' put\' ma\or (Controill' r Orlando Zam '" ~·ttl~II'tn\· ~ ~').~ .~~\ i} I ~~~ ..~! l~x£~l~ ' ~rogn'a ).:,:~Y don't ~tc't'm to be Ii~tt' n injl( to
JUDYHESK HENRY W1llIAMS LOUISE BROWN SCOTT ADAMS DALyeE PARSONS GORDON MOORE • •• _ Iown would ~ • - .Iw'dohlp lor ~ ••• rejects plebl8c1te · · · SIOmllllonlschMp • •• good IIdvertillng ' .' • tacilltl.. poorly UMd Pro or can, views expressed are strong (reproduction is 60% Of orioinal SiZE!) I .. ____r UIMIUII NIUUJIII.... JUS, Wf'rea-' re.-cfy &0 sa.are 1Mm. eM P ..AIMrit_ CameL No Gee c&alDled Loodcwr's .... ,,0.;-'''' ~n . .. - - 7
In the second editorial cartoon on the issue, Emery has been reduced to playing the role of a local detractor to Pan-Am 1991, but nevertheless continues to maintain his firm grip on the public purse.
In the first cartoon editorial acknowledging the existence of local opposition to the tax financed Pan-Am Games, we are portrayed as one of two major threats to the scheme. The cartoon, incidentally, was a direct take off on our own 'Let the Games Begin' cartoon appearing on the cover of our No- Tax for Pan-Am brochure.
Finally, the last editorial cartoon on Pan-Am illustrates the result of our consistent organized action --- part of which included lobbying federal Min ister Otto Jelinek to withhold federal funds from the scheme. makes you feel like you're living in a democracy again!)
[cont'd next pagel 8
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He r,," fllr Ih(' thrt"t" milijor 1<>pon~ ... ,hi' ('fluntry ,c·;mdul",,· , ·,,/,I.t· h"d 1I1"11i ' r~. t lIul III d dMnlt'd hurn rh .. n', .. ,j· ft'"l'linlo: II · .. 111111 ' I"r till" lI,jmll'lllt, I .llnd,,,, hil' bt·,·" nI,ro'(/ II r tl .... tlllllg ..... 11 gil dll .... n Ih;' '11\ tn g,·t ...: .., nlo: .lI1d ,,,k,· a t",ld 11i~.~~~:·,r' .. ~h·:'~\~\ '~;~1111·~,:,·:( · ~;;::.~ ~ior ~~: 'G~m~~ t!~I!e':. ~~':t!;II~:·~rl:.~(>C~~~~·~ /IIr M 11';Jr '" I ","roH"r" "'I'r Ih,' lut... ~ " 111111 ,.1/\,· 1 hr.'" ~' ·, Ir' ,.g" II .... ,'ule! ~,,~, h, · d", .. ""I ",,, ...... llI'lh.· and !ooays his aim ls to encoaage the I\ .... m .. aH' $7 million, but I prop;,.' til ~"'k thl' (".;nI.·, /-,.. 1 It M ...... i ~I ' ,jr m:trkt'tll) dlfft'r('nt hd\1' 1.It'l·n /I... . 11..i11l 11l'.1I .... '11 11 ... \1·".' 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" .. 111 allral I ;1I .. lIil ;,111) " I'" ""pporl fur Iht' {;anU''' (Jnl~· aD,"· :! - Aldf'rman Ju.. ' rllnta Ma,or \1 (;1""'1111 " blul'rlbbon 'II~ .... lIuld ~h·ld ,I ot · oI~1 111111"," (I ' 'l;tb .. l~ III ~p'"· I '" 111.·1'111"111" ullt1 .. r b.llltlr,,1 "Pllllw. 1I11"11It111'~ Blakl' dnd Ward J t.:ull('a~Ut' V'Urlt:n lei Pln·Am ("tllIl'!'> ('tllllmiUI't' lurn In .. pin IIrr'lpt'lIdlOlo: III th.· In, ,II 11 u,", Lundun buukJOotllft' 11\100'" t"<'ooomy Thf' (·tllnmll!+·,·, fI'pt'rt ~:',;,i:;'~~~' f'I:';"III'~ ·~.\II' I ~~::~~ \ 1'\f~ll:I\~ ~'~"":I;: II:~ ' (l"~t ;~,I.:~ui~~·I~~:::ltal pull tu ~~ 1;'C:t~~\:~:!~~ . I~o~~t~~~ a: Mue Enwr\ ck'(.'liln· Itn unn'lt'lll T"f't.·ommrnds (;.nll·,' 1·"I ... nl1itU(l ·~ til" f,.lm.·" 11.1 I - Bill " .. rdli·. a nal1\1' IIf th('y.re not re.dy to (".",t volH In~ otIf'·m.l.{ In Vlhu h ht' fin-d of ISH millinn. In ~ . I+ t, .... , It\ nil "'II' JUIU' ti - Tht' (·.Inadian t ·y, ling off thnu ...md .. 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I""nl !hl' prllJt'ct .. hould bc' London rannot oUf'r m.ny of I druppt'd " If thl'rt:'", .n f'lf'm"nl or ~purt~ fuilltlf'O; "m.lIer ("t'ntf :C:~~» .':~~~;lot.'~~n~~I · ~,j~~,',t~.. • •• sees huge beneflls rrntrl'. a S21') ntllll .. n I1IUIII IlItrPl"" fit'ldhou"" and. ':'~llHillt(ln . IJ . OOO t'lImllilinity ptldt" gil for It. If Iflo 'lIfh a .. Tililoonburg .nd Dr.nHo trolk-r .\rl Carll('r ami ,\III1'rllll'n (rum,j ',Udrll·r "' II It'nlury ('.rlit'r ... ·_I .. t.dlum (Jpt·r.lIinlo: 1"'" .. , IIf Ih~ ' nul IllI'rl'. dun' t ~II fur It. Don',,lCo takl' fur ~ranled , An(h (;r,jnl . f'rilnk Fillilln, ,\If Orll·J,,,uJ.lr~ 111&.:111111 W~!ldl) t·llun (;aml'" .... lIuld bt· S:III 111I11I"n and d half ...... y,.. Dec, 3- Thirty protf'sten In I J.m('~ .nd WllmH Bolum c'd ""lIk un'~ IlIn'" minlllf'''1fI qu ... h SIO,milll"n t'ndu\Io m"nl r" ...... , '!t Bv yr.r· .. I'nd, .pp.rt·n!l~' Io(rll'olo H utllp".. al In ,ht'll m.)1It J AU ... " h. .. -- . ."~~~la~~CI; ~~e I~!~:.:::~.~~~~~~ ~~I~a~r:~ o:h~~::~~~!ln~h:c Ing publk n· ... ·ntm'·nt dc!>plte- uf Juhn .. lun (IIr • ~-~' - ' t·halrman J.m .. •.. Worrall of Toron· 13·510 set up the resen'e fund w ncl.I.".... nlon .. \t w ... thf' loud Hl:W -- -~ · 2 1984 to W
Because Freedom Party assisted the downtown identification by the public was possibly the most London Eaton's employees in their successful attempt to significant aspect of the Eaton's strike and did more to resist union certification last fall, our reporting on the promote public opposition to strikers rather than support. outcome of the highly publicized Eaton's strike is more Considering the number of lobby and · special interest than just a passing interest. It is a testament to the groups that found it necessary to become involved in the ever-eventual collapse of any "movement" that abandons Eaton's strike, the company fared extremely well -- the spirit of voluntarism and reason in favour of coercive proving where public support actually was. tactics. As a consequence, the Eaton's strike proved to be a During the closing months of the Eaton's strike, tremendous blow against the very "Iabour movement" left-wing interest and lobby groups were out in full force that all the left-wing lobby groups hoped it would displaying their "support" of Eaton's strikers to the public enhance. The labour movement's inablility to deal with --- a necessary move prompted by the reality that real economic and political reality has exposed it to be seen as support for the strikers was extremely low, both within the a privilege-seeking movement that is even incapable of ranks of non-striking Eaton's employees and with the recognizing what "rights" are, let alone capable of general public. advocating any of them. Thus, it finds itself resorting to Of course, strike supporters could never admit it. coercive tactics (Le., plastering stickers on the private CanBdian Labour Congress President Dennis McDer property of Eaton's, creating physical blockades to mott, in an effort to make the strike appear more prevent customers from shopping at the store, etc.) significant than it actually was, openly challenged Eaton's which, even though always having been an intregal part of during a press conference in December: "1 say to the T. the "Iabour movement", were made far more visible by Eaton Company and the rest of them: You are not taking the inexcusable behaviour of those who chose to on just a few hundred or a few thousand employees in participate in displays of "support" for strikers. As a your own enterprise, you are taking on the entire labour result, the movement has been left with less money, less movement in this country." credibility, and even less public support --- results the Given the validity of McDermott's comment, the opposite of those its own supporters worked so hard to "Iabour movement" in this country has some interesting attain. components. In addition to the Retail Wholesale and To add insult to injury, the five and a 'half month strike at Department Store Union (the only union with a legally Eaton's resulted in the signing of the same contract that justifiable interest in the Eaton's strike), Eaton's has been was turned down by the Retail, Wholesale and subject to the lobbying, criticism, and charges of the Department Store Union last November. As usual, the Ontario Federation of Labour, the United Auto Workers, people hurt most by strike action are always the strikers the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the National Action themselves, leaving one to ponder why it is that so many Committee on the Status of Women, the Womens Strike people join and support "movements" that invariably Support Coalition, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, work to their own detriment. Half a year of lost wages, Bob Rae and the New Democratic Party, and the tarnished reputations as desirable, competitive employees, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. and a promise of more of the same in the future are but a But does the "movement" know where it's going? The few of the prices that union members must pay to be above-mentioned groups all share one thing in common: a regarded as part of the "Iabour movement." left-wing ideology that scorns economic freedom, It's a high price to pay, but for abandoning reasonable competition (particularly in labour), and the profit motive. argument and negotiation in favour of coercive tactics, To achieve their ends they all appeal to or use the same one could argue that even when -it appears that legal and agency --- government --- thus revealing the coercive political justice seem lacking, economic justice eventually , nature of their means. The spectacle of all these lobby visits even those who cannot recognize it for what it is -- groups a1i9ning themselves-so-clearly for easy ideological an (economic) expression of the public's freedom of choice .
... AND Freedom Party helped!
[cont'd next pagel 11 Eaton's • strike's a scam VOTE GARTH TURNER Business Editor NO TO UNION RULEI he Eaton's strike is a scam. In fact, .it shouldn't . exist - and probably wouldn't, If other Unions Tweren't pulling the wool over our eyes. This is organized labor's finest hour. It has picked a very liS FIIIIOfJ/UT/Shf IINP II,fBIT,fIl,fY visible, consumer-{)riented target and then manufactured a strike. The support among Eaton's workers is miniscule and the attempts to turn this charade into a workers-ver sus-rich or (more laughably ) a "women's issue" border on MI/NI/CEMENT PECISIONS F/.0f!,fISH, fraud. Not to mention irresponsibility. It's no wonder the Retail, Wholesale and Department IT BECOMES I/rPI/,fENT THI/T Store Union is losing. It couldn't organize a sock drawer. Doesn't anybody else see what's happening~. Why does the media concentrate on the few bandit strikers and their ,fESPECr: I/NP PICIIITY HI/liE BECOME bussed-in supporters~ Why did 1,500 workers join the union PROTESTERS harassing and 30,000 didn ' t~ innocent shoppers and And while the papers report 1,500 workers are on strike, workers at a store not it's not true. Eaton's employees tell me a great many of involved in the strike were 1/ THINC OF THE PI/ST. •. the unionized souls either never went out or have drifted acting illegally and unfairly, back to the shop. One informed estimate puts the number says Business Editor "',rs "'''E TO TAKE A " ALK IN TO TIlE FUTURE'" on the pavement outside the six struck stores (of III in the Turner. There also are two AfT"l. WHOLES.,. chain) at only 300. - sides to the propaganda 'NO O •••• T .... T STO •• U"ON Worse, a majority of those people are said to be part war (though we usually ORG A NIZING CO""ITnE time employees, who work only 12 to 24 hours a only hear about the union D~~ ",.~~:;I';, e:~~~o week - and don't have as much to lose as full-time work ers. fromside), opposingas these groupspamphlets 01 .-~:----:--:--=~~------_J So, if just 1% of Eaton's workers are on the outside and workers indicate. (Reproduction: 70% or original size) 99% are on the inside ; if 95% of the company's stores are not affected by the strike - then where do these people come from and why are they media darlings~ "Unions refuse to compromise their position. Unfortuna Last Saturday, in a spectacle I couldn't believe, more tely, over the past several years they did get it their way than 3,000 people stormed the Eaton Centre, and paraded initially, and now they're finding out that business can get through the store disrupting business, offending shoppers along without them very nicely." and slinging verbal abuse on the workers. Meanwhile, the current issue of Toronto Life carries a But that store isn't unionized. The workers who took the huge story on the Eaton's strike written by David Olive. It slurs aren't involved in the strike. And neither were the is tremendously slanted towards the union, does not point people marching through the aisles. out that the overwhelming majority of workers rejected it, No, they were participants in an International Women's and does not include the company's view. Day parade, made up of women's groups, various left-wing It also implies that my opposition to the union, its ta ;tics splinter political groups and unions ..There may have been and its unsavory fiends is somehow influenced by the com 50 legitimate Eaton's strikers, but the other 2,950 were pany. women downtown for a good time. This, natch, is a crock. I admire Fred Eaton. I like What right did they have to bust up Fred Eaton's Eaton's. I like to see a family succeed on hard work, store~ value-for-money and entrepreneurial guts. They had none. I do not like to see half-truths or innuendo. DitLO for TtlRleuow it's going to .hi!ppeil./igajl}._ .. . li~tl~s and lu~emmin~ parrotting empty slogans and Sixteen striking f~~~l~ Eaton's employees will lead an dirtYIng M1' .•Ea s ca~\"lo! \, \ • \ '. • . ' • assault on the Eaton's store at Scarboro Town Centre. But . 'Hey, felW ters: ~"-"..~,~ • , , when they get there at 11 a.m. , their numbers will be swelled by followers of the United Auto Workers, t~e Ontario Federation of Labor and the Metro Labor COunCIl. On at least three occasions already, stores have been Even though the press ignored Freedom Party in its coverage of the entered or forced to close - which is illegal. . Eaton's strike, it didn't completely ignore the results of our efforts. In Like the Eaton Centre, the Scarboro Town Centre IS private property. fact, in his March 15 Toronto Sun column, Business Editor Garth Turner Jack McGee, a car dealer in Peterboro, represents the went so far as tb proclaim the strike an outright publicity "scam" by view of the majority of decent people. . "I grew up with Eaton's, and a better family you showing how much opposition to unionization within the company couldn't find, " he writes me. "My father too,k three pay actually existed among the majority of employees themselves. As part cuts during the Depression ~nd still Eato.n s kept him on - as they did most of their employees In those dark of his evidence that this was the case. Turner used the piece of days. literature produced by Freedom Party for the employees of Eaton's in "Every Irishman that got off the boat had only to ~ppear at Eaton's door and he was immediately hired by Timothy downtown London. (Ours is the one on the left: 'Vote NO .. .') Ea~ When, in December 1984, the Commission on Private Schools in Ontario comment upon existing and possible relationships between private schools and requested submissions by placing ads in many Ontario newspapers, Freedom publicly·supported school boards. Perty seized an opportunity to address what will undoubtedly be one of the Anyone who understands the nature of government "commissions" or major political issues facing Ontario residents over the next decade --. the public forums of this type, knows that they are usually a prelude to some funding of education. intended government action. In this case, it was evident by the Commission's The Commission, headed by Dr. Bernard Shapiro, was given the mandate that the Ontario government seemed intent upon expanding the responsibility to: (a J document and comment on the contribution of private "principle" of "public funding" to private, independent schools and that the schools to elementary and secondary education in Ontario, (b J identify possible commission was looking for ways to rationalize or justify such a move. Sad to alternative forms of governance for private schools and to make say, many independent, privately·funded schools submitted briefs indicating recommendations for changes deemed to be appropriate, (cl assess whether that they were more than eager to accept public funding with, of course, the public funding, and its attendant obligations, would be desirable and could be stipulation that their "independence" not be threatened. compatible with the nature of their independence, and (d] identify and Their willingness to accept such a contradiction may ultimately prove to be their undoing. 12 FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY IN ONTARIO'S EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM Brief to The Commission on Private Schools in Ontario January 15, 1985
Without doubt, Dr, Bernard Shapiro has correctly THE LEGACY OF "PUBLIC" EDUCATION identified his task as Commissioner of Ontario's Commiss HIGHER COSTS --- LOWER STANDARDS ion on Private Schools in Ontario as one of dealing with "the age-old problem of freedom and responsibility." But Businesses and institutions that are exempted from the beyond any statement of such intentions, his Commiss necessity of having to earn their revenues on a voluntary ion's mandate reveals that any discussion of freedom or base of exchange (the free market), will as a natural responsibility has already been seriously compromised. consequence find themselves increasingly unable to With a government policy firmly in place that states compete with their private counterparts, either economic "quality elementary and secondary education should be ally or in the quality of service they provide. Our public available to all residents without direct charge," it is education system is no exception to this rule. blatantly obvious that the "responsibility of providing For example, even though the marketplace is glutted education in Ontario has been assumed by the with unemployed and underemployed trained teachers, government itself. Unfortunately, whenever governments these teachers continue to command excessive salaries. "assume responsibilities", the citizenry from whom the With a public service monopoly on the services of burden of such responsibilities is lifted also suffers a teachers, parents and students can easily be used as corresponding degree of loss of freedom of choice in the pawns in labour disputes, while other students and exercise of those responsibilities. teachers who would be willing to buy and-or offer services Freedom of choice does not exist in Ontario's at market rates are effectively prevented from entering educational system, despite official government proclama into voluntary transactions. The problem is intensified by tions to the contrary: "Individual rights are protected in the existence of a single monolithic government education that there is no limitation on the voluntary choice to be system, leaving those affected without alternatives to turn made between an education in the public system and to --- alternatives that would readily be available in an attendance at a private schooL" To claim that "individual environment where private schools flourish. ' rights" have been protected by citing a single option The current public school system is also top-heavy with available (only to those who can afford to financially non-teaching personnel. For example, in 1984 London's support two educational systems) within the govern Board of Education employed 1,075 non-teaching ment's educational framework is an affront to the nature personnel and 2,070 teachers and principals --- a ratio of individual rights. exceeding 1 non-teacher for every 2 teachersl Since 1959, Legitimate "individual rights" cannot impose obliga the increase in non-teaching staff has outstripped the tions or restrictions upon others. Individual rights increase in teaching staff by a ratio of 2 to 1. encompass all choices --- but only those choices for which The lack of competition and excessive bureaucracy in individuals are willing to accept the responsibility. the public school system has resulted in a system that has It is disturbing to note that the mandate of this too many large schools in certain areas that can't be filled Commission appears to be less concerned with discover (although the taxpayer is still committed to their upkeep ing "the one and only right position," and most concerned and maintenance), while in other areas, availability of with finding "a public policy that responds to as many school space comes at a premium or is non-existent, priorities as possible, maximizing the benefits and requiring bussing with its attendant increase in expense. minimizing the costs." Given such priorities, it would With a decrease in the birth rate, and with changes in appear that the Commission's role has less to do with the the residential character of certain neighbourhoods, the challenge of providing "quality education" than with public bureaucracy is sadly behind the times in reacting to dealing with an age-old political problem: to whom should market realities. Small independent schools in a the "benefits" accrue, and to whom should costs accrue? competitive marketplace would be in the best position to Freedom and responsibility must go hand-in-hand. To cater to areas where larger schools find they can no longer claim that "quality education" should be available to all economically exist. without direct charge totally violates any and all principles If nothing is done soon, taxes will continue to increase dealing with "responsibility." while educational standards will continue to decline, Freedom Party contends that the current problems making the possibility of students seeking alternative facing Ontario's educational system are a direct result of methods of education even more remote. separating freedom of choice in education from the necessity of having to assume direct financial responsibil [cont'd next pagel ity for that education. 13 IMPLICATIONS OF PUBLIC FUNDING Independence from Government on THE PRIVATE ALTERNATIVE HIGHER EDUCATION
Independent [Private] Schools: As many university admissions officers will attest, high-school graduates are more than ever unable to read Independent schools are, as a general rule, much or write correctly. In addition, current youth unemploy smaller schools than those existing within the public ment statistics at the secondary school graduate level are school system. They employ fewer staff, pay lower a compelling indictment against the government's ability salaries, offer more flexible styles of teaching and are more to train youths to be competent, independent, or versatile. intimately in contact with parents. But the problem extends beyond the mere "quality" of As a consequence, they are able to anticipate and react education being offered. Because the state has to new advances in technology, information, teaching "provided" them with an education at no direct cost to techniques, etc., without the necessity of having to deal the parent or student, the value of that education has with the unwieldly political and bureaucratic processes virtually lost all its meaning. As a result, the state has that the current public system is faced with. However, deprived individuals of the necessary incentive to seek a because of "double taxation" , these developments are marketable education. generally out of the reach of the majority of parents. Economic: "Double Taxation" If already stretched tax-dollars are further stretched to Destroys Effective Freedom of Choice: encompass private education, fewer dollars will be left for post-secondary funding. At a time when university Currently, parents wishing to send their children to an students have been publicly marching for increased tax " independent" school must pay, in addition to the fees support of their schools, it is most inappropriate to necessary for their children's attendance at such schools, confront them with increased taxes in addition to the compulsory education tax. increased fees. Freedom Party regards this as unacceptable. Since children should have access to the best education Social: available, and since parents should have it available at the most affordable price, compelling these parents to (a) Government funding of private education will contribute to an education system with whose standards necessarily lead to government control of private and objectives they obviously do not agree, is blatantly education. This will result in a removal of the diversity of wrong. education now available (though limited) in the province, a Worst affected by this policy are the children of poor-, diversity vital to the university environment. low - and middle-income families who are financially (b) Public schools suffer a greater degree of severe d isc ~uraged from seeking alternative private education by discipline problems, drug and alchol abuse, vandalism, the knowledge that there i. ~ no legal escape from having to and other similar problems. These problems often support the " public" school system. Least affected by continue after high-school into university and can be the policy are the children of high-income families, whose traced to a lack of respect for both education and parents can obviously afford the extra burden of property. Since parents do not directly pay for their supporting two educational systems: the one of choice, children's education, such a result is not to be the other of compulsion. unexpected!
Public Funding for Private Education -- THE MEANING OF "EDUCATION" A Contradiction In Terms:
There has long been a general misconception of the It is no mere coincidence that from the government's meaning of the word "educate." The dictionaries have perspective, when it comes to private education, "the only not aided in the elimination of this misunderstanding, restriction in the exercise of choice rests in the fact that because they have defined the word "educate" as an act the schools are not government assisted." As a glaring of imparting knowledge. example of how the government is attempting to provide The word "educate" has its roots in the Latin word " choice" without its attendant responsibilities, such educo, which means to develop from within; to educe; to statements are merely an extension of the philosophy draw out; to grow through the law of use. employed in the public system. It is a philosophy that, if An "educated" person is one who knows how to practised, will , assure that the problems currently facing acquire everything he needs in the attainment of his main public schools will spread to the private sector as well. purpose in life, without violating the rights of his fellow Any attempt to " assess whether public funding, and its men. It might be a surprise to many so-called men of attendant obligations, would be desirable and could be "learning" to know that they come noyvhere near compatible with the nature of their independence," is an qualification as men of "education." It might also be a attempt at trying to prove a contradiction. In particular, it great surprise to many who believe they suffer from a lack is those "attendant obligations" that will ensure the of "learning" to know that they are well "educated." destruction of any such independence. I Napoleon Hill,' Laws of Success, Success Unlimited Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1969]
[cont'd next page] 14
ON THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION OU R PROPOSAL
Private funding (i.e., payment for services rendered Freedom Party contends that the key to solving most of directly from the education recipient --- the student o~ the problems currently facing Ontario's educational parent) encourages excellence in teaching. Under our system lies in restoring freedom of choice to parents and current public system, seniority, not excellence, deter students --- a freedom that cannot possibly exist under mines employment. any system of direct "public funding." To that end, we Worse than that, the government-controlled education advocate a "voucher" plan (see Introducing Freedom of system is evolving more and more into a part of the Choice to Education in Ontario) through which all government's political agenda rather than being an education recipients could direct their education taxes to institution of education. Courses that would never be the schools of their choice, and through which their taxes justified in an educational system geared to meeting the would be limited by the amount of actual education needs of its students are now the main staple of primary expense incurred. and secondary education students. As a political party that advocates individual rights and Moreover, with the two levels of government (provinCial responsibilities, we must insist that the beneficiaries of sny and municipal) constantly at odds over funding, service be required to bear the responsibility of paying for affirmative action hirings, cutbacks, French instruction, such services. etc. , both the Ministry of Education and the local school Freedom Party believes that the purpose of govern boards have become highly politicized. ment is to protect our freedom of choice, not to restrict it.
Brief prepared and edited by: Robert Metz, President, When a militant teacher's union finds itself in opposition Freedom Party of Ontario to the political party in power, the political manipulations Additional Contributors: Marc Emery, Action Director, of the education system that ensue clearly indicate that Freedom Party of Ontario; Mike Gillespie, President, "education" must be taken out of the hands of the University of Western Ontario Freedom Associstion political process as much as possible. cont'd from page 3 rnquiries: Election '85 produced no less than 300 new The more people that are willing to help us out, and the inquiries and contacts, and in addition to sending these sooner they are willing to help, the sooner success will be people their requested issue papers and information on waiting for Freedom Party. Tell your friends and Freedom Party, they will be invited to attend our meeting relatives about Freedom Party. Spread the word. Help in September which will kick off our campaigns and distribute literature. Help write literature. Write us letters activities for the 85-86 season. The meeting will feature to criticize or compliment us. speeches from our candidates, audio-visual presentations, It's all part of getting involved. and a re-cap of Freedom Party's progress to that point. Do it nowl And of course, members and supporters will be invited to the event as well; we hope to see as many of you there as ..• Ieft-rlght-Ieft-rlght-Ieft-rlght-Ieft-rlght.•• possible. ...Wrongl
GET INVOLVEDI MARCHING TO FREEDOM
As you can see, there's a lot of activity going on around One of the more popular misconceptions generated by here at Freedom Party --- and a lot more planned for the the philosophy of Freedom Party revealed itself in much future. However, critical to the success of our efforts is of the public's coming to regard it as a "right-wing" party. your support. We're well aware that many of you don't Given the issues of our times --- primarily economic --- this always have the necessary time available to fully perception is an understandable one. No _doubt, had participate in each of our campaigns, and it's not Freedom Party come into existence during the social something that we realistically expect. But support can be upheaval of the sixties, it would have been labelled a given in many ways: In addition to offering your time on "Ieft-wing" party because of its support of civil liberties whatever limited basis possible, financial contributions are and opposition to censorship. always welcomed and always put to good use. If it has Of course, as a political party dedicated specifically to bee~_hile sin~ ~ I~_st..{!ave a _ fin~ncil!l contribution to the preservation and protection of individual rights, not Freedom Party, consider that option of involvement right interests, Freedom Party cannot objectively be defined now. Any amount (within provincially-established limits) as either "Ieft-wing" or "right-wing." Nevertheless, is welcomed, as is any method or arrangement of payment objectivity has rarely been a consideration in determining support (i.e., post-dated cheques). public perceptions of the political spectrum, so the onus Though Freedom Party members and supporters have has fallen back on us to help shape those perceptions. always come through with enough contributions to Define or be defined I sustain our high-priority campaigns, many other projects To that end, Freedom Party will be publishing and initiatives (which we haven't even told anyone about literature in- the near future to address the differences yet) are still waiting on the shelf for that financial input between "Ieft-wing", "right-wing", socialist, capitalist, that will make them a reality. And if you've got some free anarchist, communist, fascist, and the many many terms time available, by all means, let us know. used to describe political philosophies. Watch for itl