THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO
JULY 1995 - Vol. 5 No.4 Page 2 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 JUlyf 1995
Election Results. .. ONTARIO VOTERS TAKE NO CHANCES
ONTARIO (June 8, 1995) - Ontario OJ Fp ELECTABLE? voters expressed both regret and frustration with voters took no chances on having to their having to vote for the PCs, since Fp could endure another term with Bob Rae's With 45% of the popular vote, the PC victory not form a government with only 12 candidates on New Democratic Party by voting for once again demonstrated the principle that only a the slate. the most electable alternative that see minority of voters are required to elect a majority med the furthest removed from Rae's government under a "first-past-the-post" electoral Needless to say, between now and the next policies: Mike Harris' Progressive system. Voters also made it clear that unless a provincial election, Freedom Party will be hard at Conservatives. political party fields enough candidates to form a work to establish a full slate of candidates (99, if government, they are not likely to risk their vote on the PCs reduce the size of provincial parliament as For Freedom Party, the Conser such a political party --- even if that party's policies they promised; 130 if no changes are made). We vative victory was the bittersweet con are in full agreement with the voter. invite all interested readers to get involved by sequence of an election that, from the contacting Fp headquarters as soon as possible. very beginning, left voters with few This was reflected in calls to Fp's offices about The time to begin campaigning for Ontario's next options. With the PC platform sounding its Election'95 platform. Though received very election is NOW!
Freedom Party's 12 candidates averaged a vote return of 1.14% in lli85 19B1 J~.9.0 199.5 Election'95, down almost a third from the 1.70% Election'90 average. Though it ~ it ~ it ~ it ~ disappointing, this compared favour Don Mills *** 475 1.75 413 1.45 227 0.87 ably against the nearly 50% loss in votes collectively suffered by Ontario's Elgin . 546 1.68 1104 3.29 560 1.70 other alternative parties (See bottom of Fort York 174 0.83 chart, at right). When viewed against the backdrop of the NDP's destructive Halton Centre 731 1.89 fiscal and social policies, the voter's Lambton 398 shift towards Harris' "Common Sense 1.43 Revolution" was not entirely unexpec London Centre 403 1.58 587 1.36 491 1.41 519 1.70 ted. Both Liberals and New Democrats suffered vote losses, each contributing London North * 566 1.49 534 1.34 601 1.37 338 0 .77 to the doubling of the vote garnered by London South 614 1.27 430 1.01 614 1.61 336 0.83 the PCs. Middlesex 499 1.46 895 2 .34 448 1.21
OJ SETTING THE Mississauga East 767 2 .37 453 1.48 AGENDA Mississauga South 707 2.16
On the brighter side for Fp suppor Nepean 283 0 .78 ters, the PC victory was a sign that Ontario voters are starting to look for Oxford 341 0.93 148 0.42 the kinds of policies that Fp has been Perth 427 1.40 consistently advocating since its found ing in 1984. Whether or not the PCs are Scarborough North 657 1.97 philosophically willing or able to deliver Weiland-Thorold ** 396 1.23 285 0 .95 on their promises is another matter. Many of the policies in their "Common Sense Revolution" represent a direct turnabout on past PC policies, indicat TOTALS I AVERAGES 1583 1.45 4719 1.55 6039 1.70 4626 1.14 ing a total lack of philosophical consis tency for the party. * 1988 Byelection: # 548 I 1.67% 1987 As Fp vice-president and London PC 1,10-54,298 ,;·, 994 564 911,473 Centre candidate Lloyd Walker con ** 1988 Byelection: # 260 I 0.90% : !.in .1,231,119 " 1,302:134 '1,788.214 tinually reminded voters in his riding : NOr " &47,759 " 1,509,5G6 9~ O,813 *** 1993 Byelection: 0.92% o~ . 142,382) } 2!il,875 86,811 "The PCs, Liberals, and NDP brought Total ~.' 4,125,558 :4' , 4,018,079 . 3,171,311 us here. Does anyone believe they will solve the problems they created?" Ju~ 1995 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Page 3
Working For Freedom... FREEDOM BRIEFS ...
IIf GROUPS MEET WITH these are a warning sign that there is still a following week. It was clear from the response of attendees that everyone had a great time. HARRIS great philosophical division within the ranks of the PC party. Voters beware. TORONTO (March 28, 1995) - Fp pre OJ ARMSTRONG TO sident Robert Metz and Fp vice-president Lloyd Walker were among a small group of OJ MONTGOMERY TAVERN ADDRESS Fp organizational leaders, writers, and public SOCIETY FORMED SUPPORTERS advocates who participated in a closed-door TORONTO (May 13, 1995) - At a meeting SEPTEMBER 30 meeting with PC leader Mike Harris at the chaired by Fp president Robert Metz, leaders campaign office for the Progressive Conser "Canada is no longer the peaceful king of the various lobby and educational groups vatives. Most of the attendees at the meeting dom," says Canadian author and historian Joe who first met in January (see Freedom Flyer, were representatives of the various groups C. W . Armstrong in the introduction to his April/95 pg. 3) , voted to accept an informal mentioned in our last issue (Freedom Flyer, monumental 746-page work, Farewell the name under which they could meet to discuss April/95, pg. 3) . Also present were authors Joe Peaceful Kingdom (Stoddart Publishing, common goals and concerns without sacrific· Armstrong and William Trench. 1995). " In less that half a century, without a ing their own separate agendas and identities. military conquest, a civil war, or a natural Co-ordinated by Craig Chandler of the After much discussion and a round of votes, catastrophe, the northern half of the North Progressive Group For Independent Busi the name agreed upon was "The Montgomery America continent has devoured itself in a ness, the meeting was ostensibly held to give Tavern Society", in reference to the 1837 conflict over values," he continues. "Canada is meeting place for rebel leaders called the attendees a direct opportunity to discuss their a nation in name only." main concerns and issues with PC leader Mike Montgomery Tavern, just north of (then) Harris. However, most of the meeting was Toronto. Armstrong's book is a chronicle of "the taken up by PC organizers Gerry Redman, seduction and rape of Canada, 1963 to 1994," The name choice (suggested by John Leslie Noble, and Tom Long outlining PC and is punctuated with the wit and wisdom of Thompson of the Mackenzie Institute), cou election strategy and expectations. the author, making the bad news about pled with agreement on other organizational Canada easier to bear. It is with great matters discussed at the meeting, have PC organizers repeatedly emphasized pleasure that we are able to announce: that their " Common Sense Revolution" was cleared the way for the groups to work strictly a FISCAL plan and presented meeting together in greater harmony on an on-going attendees with copies of their PC "Ammo" basis. The nex1 meeting, the fourth since Author Joe Armstrong document, a five-point plan listed as: "(1) January and the first under the new name, is Lower Taxes, (2) Cut Spending, (3) Remove planned for September/95. will address Fp Government Barriers to Job Creation, (4) Doing Better For Less, and (5) Balanced members and suppor Budget." When asked questions about issues OJ BILL BOLT REMEMBERED ters on SATURDAY, that were included in their " Common Sense AGINCOURT (June 12, 1995) - It is with Revolution", the PCs were quite clear that they deep regret that we announce the passing of SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 would eliminate employment equity laws and Bill Bolt at his home in Agincourt. Bill was an at a $50-per-plate kill Bill 40. However they were incredibly vague enthusiastic supporter of Freedom Party and on social policy, referring only to a "sharing of many other freedom-minded groups and in reserved dinner event common values" that were left undefined. dividuals. Bill leaves his wife Hazel and their John Furedy of the Society for Acade four children. He will be sorely missed. in London. Readers are mic Freedom and Scholarship noted the encouraged to watch PC's silence on Ontario's Human Rights Com OJ 70 ATTEND ELECTION'95 mission (HRC) . He joined with Dick Field of for more details of the DINNER the Voice of Canadians Committees in event in an upcoming asking Harris what the PC policy on the HRC LONDON (May 26, 1995) - Seventy Fp would be. Harris stated his SUPPORT for the members and supporters attended Freedom mailer, or to contact us HRC, arguing that it was a handy mechanism Party's $50-per-plate Election'95 fund raising to "keep the courts unclogged" and to "pre dinner to hear leader Jack Plant, party by phone now to vent discrimination." {Ed: During Election'95, secretary Robert Vaughan, and ten of Fp's reserve. Copies of the PC's, in direct contrast to Fp's policy of other candidates offer their unique perspec abolishing the HRC , campaigned to STRENG tives on the election and their campaigns. Farewell the Peaceful THEN the HRC. apparently continuing in the Hosted by Fp president Robert Metz, all the direction already established by the NDP.} speakers managed to deliver their insights, Kingdom are available Most attendees left the meeting quite anecdotes, experiences, and feelings in a now through Freedom disappointed with the Harris' lack of commit fast-paced forum condensed into one hour ment to conservatism. Although PC organizers and fjfteen minutes. Party at $35 each. stressed that "we believe in something", Harris The event was one of the lead stories on Contact us for details! proudly boasted that the PCs have people the BBS television network that evening, and a who are "far-left from time to time, but that's taped interview at the dinner with Plant was (1-800-830-3301 ) the beauty of politics." Mixed signals such as aired on CFTO television in Toronto the Page 4 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Ju~ 1995
Election'95 ... FREEDOM PARTY FIELDS DOZEN CANDIDATES
ONTARIO (April 28 . June 8, 1995) - Freedom Party fielded 12 candidates in Election'95, each campaigning on Fp's 1995 election platform promoted as the " Top 10 Reasons to vote Freedom Party." (See summary on page 5.)
OJ CANDIDATES
Representing Freedom Party in Election'95 were our following outstanding candi· dates: (1) Jack Plant (party leader) in London North, (2) Lloyd Walker in London Centre, IFreedom (3) Maureen Battaglia in London South, (4) Barry Malcolm in Middlesex, (5) Ray Monteith in Elgin, (6) Jim Montag in Oxford, (7) Wayne Forbes in Lambton, (8) Robert Smink in Perth, (9) Paul Blair in Scarborough North, (10) David Pengelly in Don Mills, touts less (11) Barry Fitzgerald in Weiland-Thorold, and (12) Cathy Frampton in Nepean. Over 150,000 pieces of Fp election literature were delivered throughout the twelve 'Ontario ridings, but they did not take the form of a traditional election brochure. Fp's message was instead delivered by first-class mail in the form of a personalized letter to government voters, with a synopsis of Fp's 10-point platform, candidate photo, and background summary on the back of the letter.
The London-based party wants In addition to the delivery of litera more individual freedom. ture, each candidate's campaign inclu· ded Fp election signs bearing the By Jane Sims POSITION OF INFLUENCE: Instead, the party candidate's name and party logo, Can Free Press Election Team has lobbied and networked with other parties to pick up on their agenda. "We're qtjite happy to have any didates attended "All Candidates' paliy steal our platform," Metz says. "We figure as a Debates" in their respective ridings, position of influence, we tend to get very much more Choice, as we know it, does not go far enough for and campaigned door-to-door whene Robert M etz. deeply involved with issues than what you would get The pres ident and chief policy adviser of the Lon· from a political party. We don't do it on a swi'ace ver possible. don·based Freedom party says individual choices are level, we get right into it." restricted by too much government. "What we fmd unique in this election is that the Without exception, each Fp candi What you want individilally is important and act· other parties are talking like us," he says. "The last date carried Freedom Party's mes election they weren't." ing in your own self· inter est, without government in· sage to the electorate with a combined ter vention, i s not a bad thing, Metz says. While voters ponder their choices on the ballot, sense of professionalism and commit "If we want to have a society where people can co· Metz says, his party will continue its fight for univer· exist with differ ent beJiefs and different opinions, we sal choice. Success, he says, will be a growth in the ment to principle that was sorely lack· must, above all, protect our right to disagree with party's mailing list and vote total and a legacy after ing in the candidates of the other the election. " The election after this is the one where each other," he says. parties. This is the underlying philosophy of the lO·year·old we're going to get very serious in the sense of actually Freedom party, which embraces a a conservative ide· expecting some of our c~didat e s to get in." ology. some of it out! ined in the work of novelist Ayn Rand. While pOlitical pundits tr y to peg the party on ABOUT THE PARTY 0:;- EXPECTATIONS a political spectrum. Metz says what makes the Free· Leader: Jack Plant, a London fire prevention inspector. dom party different is that it defies political labels Although Fp candidates were all and exists outside the scale. Philosophy: Libertarian in the classical sense, the well aware that their chances of "get party believes in freedom of choice in almost every "If people per ce i ve us as righ t·wing, they would ting elected" were negligible, their hard only do so because of ow ' economic pol icies," he says . area of public policy and a minimal role for govemment "If they look ed at our social policy ... they certainly but with greater public accountability. Key policy posi- ' work combined with the warm res wouldn't see (us) as r ight·wing." tions include a balanced budget law; electoral reform; ponses received from voters neverthe " We see oW',el vcs on the r oad towards freedom, not privatization of many govemment services; an end to less caused expectations of at least away from i t. We regard both right and left philoso· universality in social programs; spending cuts to quickly twice the vote percentage than the phies as 1110Ving wward mor e government. " wipe out the provincial deficit; tax increases only with voter approval by referendum; and freedom for people 1.14% achieved. Past election trends PROPERTY RIGHTS: The Fr eedo m party want s to choose the type of education and health-care cover certainly indicated that votes for alter less government and mor e individual freedom - pr i· age they want rather than being limited to Ontario'S native parties were up dramatically, and vate property r ights. freedom of association. freedom publicly funded option s. of speech - "fundamental freedoms which each ofthl' polls early in Election'95 showed sup parties is systematically dismantling." Track record: Formed in 1984, the party won 0.2 per port for the alternative parties as high T he message of individual freedom is spreading. ce nt of th e Ontario popular vote in 1990, with candi as 7%. part y organizers Say. With 12 ret;istered candidates dates in 10 of 130 ridings, six in the London area. and a sl ick campaib'll plan, Metz says their mes<;age is However, those same polls ge tting st ronger through their constan t po litical ac· This campaign: More than a dozen candidates are ex tion, including tax fights. pected to run , including eight so far in the London area. showed a dramatic drop in support for the alternative parties in the final two "We've been involved in everything fr om human Quote: "The Ontario Human Rights Commission rights issues to labor issues to ta" issues to censor· (which th e Freedom party would scrap) is basically the weeks of the election. By that point, it ship and freedom of speech issues," he says. government's Gestapo," says party president Robert was becoming clear that the Conserva The Freedom party has kept up a pr esence between elections through newsletters and ac tivist causes. Metz of London. ''They exist to violate human rights - tives were pulling votes from those "The day after the election, we are still go ing to be not to uphold th em." parties perceived by the sympathetic here campaigning. We' ve got about 20 issues on the Information: 681-3999 or 1-800-830-3301 public to have a "conservative" leaning, bW'TIer right now." . Metz says the party has no unrealistic expectations parties like Freedom Party, the Fam about being elected. "When we started the party in ily Coalition Party, Confederation of AT RlG_HI~ ABQYE : Election'95 198-1 . we figmed it would be 20 years before we would Regions Party, and the Libertarian be a credible patty in the electable sense. We knew coverage from the London Free that not being elrctec!. it's hard to gain credibility." Press, Friday, May 12, 1995, pg A3. (DOlEN .. . cont'd on page 6 ) Ju~ 1995 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Page 5 Election ~5. .. TOP 10 REASONS TO SUPPORT FREEDOM PARTY
Freedom Party supports the equal treatment of all individuals before and under the law, effective law enforcement standards. impartial courts which dispense punishments that fit the crime. and judicial/provincial respect for private property rights.
Freedom Party advocates a Taxpayer Protection Act that incorporates maximum tax limits. a flat-rate tax system, a binding referendum on tax increases, and balanced budget legislation.
Freedom Party endorses lowering personal income taxes and retail sales taxes by reducing government spending and directing social assistance only to those in demonstrable need.
To ensure that government is able to guarantee health care accessibility and prevent catastrophic loss due to illness, Freedom Party supports health care reforms by emphasizing an insurance-based, actuarially sound system of health care funding.
Freedom Party supports the right of taxpayers to direct their education taxes FREEDOM PARTY to the school(s) of their choice, including private options. Within the public system, we propose clear education standards and objective student LEADER JACK PLANT: evaluations, with an emphasis on the basics, including: direct instruction, the systematic use of phonics to teach reading, standardized testing, and Many have been feeling cynical and effective standards of discipline. helpless about the political situation in Ontario. Yet, by consistently voting for the 'lesser of Freedom Party advocates a reduction of suffocating bureaucratic red tape three evils', we have continually elected the and regulations of the business sector, and an end to forced union member governments that produced the problems we ship as a condition of employment. find ourselves facing today. Freedom Party supports the elimination of government grants, funding. I want to offer Ontarians a choice they can subsidies, and preferential legislation for special-interest groups. multiCUl be proud of ... a different philosophy, platform, turalism, and business. and attitude ... one that supports what they believe in: freedom with responsibility. Freedom Party advocates the repeal of Bill 79 (Employment Equity Laws). Bill 40 (labour legislation), and Bill 8 (French Services Act). the elimination It's time to make a change for the better. of Ontario's Human Rights Commission and its political tribunals, and an Instead of encouraging voters to vote end to the censorship powers of Ontario's Film Review Board AGAINST the choices of the past, I will be Freedom Party advocates the privatization of government owned businesses encouraging them to vote FOR the choice of including Ontario Hydro, the LCBO, and Worker's Compensation. We also the future ._- Freedom Party. encourage private sector replacement of services currently provided by Freedom Party's 1995 election platform is government (e.g . daycare and public transportation) . tough, comprehensive, and principled; that's Freedom Party advocates eliminating MPP "super-pensions" and replacing why I support it. them with pensions in line with the private sector. We would also implement Ontario can too. a process of MPP recall, and fixed election periods.
~: Freedom Party's Election'95 message to Ontario voters as delivered by Fp leader Jack Plant. FREEDOM PARTY CANDIDATES IN ELECTION'95 ABOVE BIGHT: A summary of Fp's Election '95 platform. London North: Jack Plant Lambton: Wayne Forbes
AI EUGHJ: A list of Fp's candidates London Centre: Lloyd Walker Perth: Robert Smink and their respective provincial ridings. London South: Maureen Scarborough North: Paul Blair Battaglia Don Mills: David Pengelly Middlesex: Barry Malcolm Weiland-Thorold: Barry Fp Elgin: Ray Monteith Fitzgerald Oxford: Jim Montag Nepean: Cathy Frampton Page 6 Freedom Flyer 54 Ju~ 1995
( DOZEN conrd from page 4) Bad Press...... is NO press! Party. Combined with the fear that the NDP or Liberal parties would hasten the demise of Ontario much faster than the Conservatives MEDIA BIAS HAMPERS CAMPAIGN who we re at least preaching "fi scal restraint" and the repeal of some extremely unpopular EFFECTIVENESS policies (Bill 40, employment equity, etc.), these voters understandably opted once again ONTARIO (April 28 - June 8, 1995) - There is no doubt that the for the " lesser of three evils.·' most difficult challenge facing new political parties during an election is getting adequate media exposure to let the public learn about party Needless to say, Fp's reduced vote totals platforms, policies, and accomplishments. The importance of this were disappointing for most Fp candidates, cannot be understated, since perceptions of a party's electability are but the disappointment soon wore off and was formed primarily through --- and ~ --- the media. replaced by a stronger commitment to help establish a full slate of Fp candidates for the While readers may be led to believe that Fp media coverage next provincial election. reproduced in this newsletter is abundant, it must be borne in mind that compared to last election (1990), media interest in Freedom Moreover, with the Conservatives now in Party during Election'95 was greatly diminished and this disinterest power, it will become that much easier to was often highly suspect. From the very start of the election emphasize the differences between them and campaign, media coverage of Fp was skirted, inaccurately portrayed, Freedom Party. When positioned against the GORDON or evaded altogether. NDP and Liberals, fundamental differences between Fp and the PCs are negligible to SANDERSON This was the case even in the London area where Fp has had a most voters. However, with the Conservatives READER'S ADVOCATE relatively high profile between elections. Despite faxed and delivered in power, Fp will be better able to differentiate The London Free Press media releases, candidate participation in all-candidates' debates, itself from them, much in the same way that election signs, distribution of tens of thousands of pieces of literature the fede ral Reform Party was able to do when to the London-area ridings, and polls initially positioned against the federal Conservatives in indicating support for alternate parties as high as power --- something that would not have been RIDING PROFILES: The 7-8%, the media was surprisingly deficient in possible for Reformers had there been a Free Press was quick off the helping the public learn more about its political Liberal or NDP government in power. mark last Saturday, one day after alternatives. the election call, with the first (our in a sedes of riding profiles OJ GET INVOLVED! giving readers a quick look at VAUGHAN RESPONDS candidates nominated so far in The next election will represent a tremen Fp secretary Robert Vaughan was quick to dous opportunity for Fp. With four to five years this region. challenge coverage about Freedom Party in the to prepare, anyone interested or even just Using these snapshots show ing pages of the London Free Press by calling the thinkin g about getting involved with our plans who is running and where is a paper to account for dismissing Freedom Party is encouraged to contact Fp headquarters great idea, but it quickly resulted as a "fringe" party and for its omissions in in cries of ," Hey, we've been left today I
The policies are based on principle with 'fringe' label Freedom party advocates a tax Freedom party advocates elimi and not cooked up by payer protection act that incorpo nating MPP "super-pensions" and the pollsters just to rates maximum tax limits, a flat replacing them with pensions in rate tax system, a binding line with ttie private sector. We get elected this time, referendum on tax increases, and would also implement a process of balanced budget legislation. MPP recall, and fIxed election By Robert Vaughan Freedom party endorses lowering periods. personal income taxes and retail If it's not our platform that is sales taxes by reducing government "fringe" perhaps it's the fact that It's time again for Ontarians to spending and directing social assis our London-area candidates consist choose representatives at Queen's tance only to those in demonstrable of a fIrefIghter (our leader, Jack Robert Vaughan Park and again The London Free need. Plant), entrepreneurs (Rob Smink, is secretary oj Press has chosen to play king To ensure government is able to Wayne Forbes), a retired railway the Freedom maker, endorsing the big-three po guarantee health-care accessibility employee (Ray Monteith), a com Party oj litical parties at the expense of and prevent catastrophic fmancial puter consultant (Lloyd Walker), a democracy, fairness and voter loss due to illness, Freedom party pollutiori-control plant employee Ontario and is a choice. trustee on Lon supports health-care reforms that (Barry Malcolm), and a retail sales don board oj emphasize an insurance-based, ac person (Maureen Battaglia). Not a SINCE 1984: The Freedom tuarially sound system of health son or daughter of an ex-premier education. Party of Ontario has been regis care funding. ' among the lot. Not a lawyer. No tered as an official political entity Freedom party supports the right leaders of special-interest groups at since 1984. Since that time, we have of taxpayers to direct their educa the government trough. Just nor- gained the support of thousands of tion taxes to the.school(s) of their mal, average working folk who Ontarians dissatisfied with the ex choice, including private options. cessive government intrusion into know the value of a dollar. Within the public system, we pro Perhaps we can be labelled their lives by all three of the "elect pose clear education standards and ed" parties. Whether Conservative, "fringe" because our party platform objective student evaluations, with is based on principle and not . Liberal or NDP, the voters have had an emphasis on the basics, includ their fill of vacant promises, op· cooked up by the pollsters just to ing: direct instruction, the system get elected this time around_ Unlike pressive taxation and outright in· atic use of phonics to teach reading, competence when it comes to man· the big three, our principles do not standardized testing, and effective change to the public's mood at any aging our finances. standards of discipline. Voter dissatisfaction makes for given election time. We consistent.' great copy in every edition of The ly base our positions on the follow-· : RED TAPE: Freedom party advo ing principle: Every individual in . _ ...... ,J ...... p ...... l"' ...... ~ ...... cates a reduction of suffocating bu the peaceful pursuit of personal f1.).1- _ Queen's Park reporter Greg Van reaucratic red tape and regulation ftlment has an absolute right to his 6 Moorsel continue to relegate credi· of the business sector, and an end to or her own life, liberty and proper- . "e ble choices like the Freedom party forced union membership as a con ty. A hundred years ago, newspa- · . 6v e. to a one-sentence comment about dition of employment. pers would have defended such a '. ~~o ~e. X~~ Iother "fringe parties." More atten Freedom party supports the elim principle to the death. Today they ~e. ~~ ~ .' ~ tion was given to the Natural Law ination of government grants, fund scoff at it as being "fringe." \~o ~o · ~'b' party's "Yogic Flyers" and the Re ing, subsidies and preferential leg O~ r:,r:" 9'::1' form Association for Ontario, islation for special-interest groups. DISSERVICE: The Free Press is . V~~e. '\~ which isn't even a registered party. Freedom Party advocates the re doing readers a disservice by con '\'\ ' What follows is the Freedom peal of Bill-79 (employment equity tinually supporting, through unbal party's platform for this election. I laws), Bill-40 (labor legislation) ami anced reporting, the big-three polit challenge The Free Press editorial Bill-8 (French Services Act), the ical parties, the very parties that staff to tell their readers exactly elinlination of Ontario's Human continue to spend taxpayers' money what they would call "fringe" about Rights Commission and its political with reckless abandon and play fa it and how it deserves to be lumped tribunals, and an end to the censor vorites with special interest groups. in a paragraph with the "Yogic fly ship powers of Ontario's Film Re It is incumbent on all of the ers" and the "no-government" view Board_ media to treat all candidates and Libertarians. Freedom party advocates the pri parties with the same respect and Freedom party supports the equal vatization of government-owned credibility they give only to the big treatment of all individuals before businesses including Ontario three. Anything less is partisan, un and under the law, effective lawen· Hydro, the Liquor Control Board of ci emocratic and disrespectful of the forcement standards, impartial Ontario and Workers' Compensa tradition the media have had for courts which dispense punishments tion. We also encourage private sec being standard-bearers for fairness that fit the crime, and tor replacement of services current and openness. judicial/ provincial respect for pri ly provided by government (for vate property rights. example, day care and public transportation). Page 8 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Ju~ 1995
Candidates and Campaigns ... Fp WELL REPRESENTED IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO
£ri' BllO,W: -from the London Free Press, June 3, 1995. With Freedom Party headquartered in London, it should come as no surprise that the London area was the best represented in terms of fielded candidates during Election'95. Eight geographically connected ridings radiating out from the London area were all represented by an Fp candidate, creating an awareness of Fp in the area that as yet does not exist in other areas of the province. Our eight London-area candidates appear below.
Age: 41 Occupation: Techni, cal support analyst at Jack Plant Kellogg's, Rob Smink Maureen Battaglia Freedom Freedom Freedom Community work: Middlesex,London Age: 44 Age: 40 Age: 43 Optimists, Occupation: Self-ern- Occupation: Sales Occupation: Fire- member/past director, ployed businessper- representative for a fighter. Neighborhood Watch, son in recycling and Canadian wine com- captain; Freedom entertainment. pany. Communfty work: I party vice-president have worked very since 1986; Canadian Community work: hard for seven years within the Freedom Society for Production Community work: Past day camp leader Wayne Forbes Ray Monteith Jim Montag London Chamber of party for the rights of and Inventory Control, at a community cen- Age: 40 Freedom Freedom Freedom executive member of Commerce, member, tre; HALT and Lon- the smallest minority active in pet therapy in society - the indi- Occupation: Supervi- the London Chapter. don Middlesex Tax- sor in pollution control Age: 54 Age: 74 Age: 65 for seniors; founding payers' Coalition sup- vidual; opposing the intrusion of special in- operations. Occupation: Busi- Occupation: Retired Personal achleve- member of Freedom porter; founding Occupation: Retired terest groups and nessperson. telecommunications party (1984). member of Freedom Conrail conductor. ment: Working with government into their Community work: technician. and watching Free- party. lives. Supporter of the Community work: dam party grow over Personal achieve- Community work: Strathroy Minor Soc- Founding member of Community work: the past 10 years; ment: Honors BA in Personal achieve- Local tax fighter and Personal achieve- cer League; ad hoc Grand Bend Taxpay- being a part of nearly philosophy and history ment: Extended and activist; charitable Founder and chairper- ment: Becoming the volunteer. ers Coalition; every party activity (University of Water- improved the quality welfare work in com- son of London Middle- during that period. 100). I have started of life for my mother leader of the Freedom past member of · munity. sex Taxpayers Coali- Personal achieve- Greatest personal four successful busi- by being personally party and helping it chamber of cor{.- tion. become a credible po- ment: Still striving' to merce; past candidate strength: Standing up nesses from scratch, involved in her pallia- Personal achieve- become the best fa- for Grand Bend vii- for what I believe in including a viable tive home care. litical alternative. ment: With wife Personal achieve- ther and person I can lage council. and working hard to wood recycling busi- Doris, who passed on ment: Thirty-nine Why voters should be. achieve it. ness. Why voters should in 1988, I was a foster years of uninterrupted elect me: People are elect me: I am vehe- Personal achieve- parent to 175 children work in the same oc- mently opposed to the Why voters should ment: I have been Why voters should Why voters should demanding a positive over a period of 20 cupation. overwhelming intru- elect me: Middlesex successful at any en- elect me: In a word: elect me: Govern- alternative to the years. sian of government voters need an effec- deavor I have been consistency. Over the ment isn't part of the three main-line par- Why voters should into our lives. The ad- tive, prinCipled politi- . involved in. Why voters should past 10 years I have solution any more, it's ties this election. Tax- elect me: I would vacates of such intru- cian to restore poli- elect me: Voters who been working with pan of the problem. payers have been left make every effort to sion can no longer cies that promote Why voters should are sick and tired of Freedom party pro- It's now to the point a $100-billion debt eliminate the waste of claim humanitarian prosperity and free- elect me: I am a the established politi- mating less govern- where taxpayers need that we'll have to live taxpayers' dollars. I motives now that we dom with personal re- practical, common- cal parties should have signed the tax- ment and more indi- protection from social- with for decades! As have seen the results sponsibility. To buy sense person. I talk krlow that the Free- payers' protection vidual freedom and ist politicians who your candidate, I rep- resent ordinary work- it has produced. Multi- votes for th emselves, with people all the dom party is an intelli- pledge. I believe any responsibility.. That think government has culturalism, official the big three parties time about our prob- gent alternative. tax increase should message hasn't all the answers if we ing people who are angry about what's bilingualism and em- have practised back- lems and find that 98 The waste of taxpayer be subjected to a changed. The voters only let them spend ployment equity are room politiCS in re- per cent of them are dollars is staggering, binding referendum. I know what I stand for. more of our money. happened in Ontario. Even Joan Smith I want to start unrav- but three of the most gards to which region, saying what I believe. and politicians should believe in freedom of Since all issues even- noxious government (then solicitor-general) elling th e mess politi- group, or special in- I don't listen to special be held accountable choice with responsi- tually become money policies. Innocent, said: "If people elect a cians have made of terest will get tax pay- interest groups, but I for making laws that bility. The biggest matters, Freedom law-abiding people lot of people from government. My top ers' money. The big listen to the common are so unnecessary in problem in Ontario is party would protect us are being ever more Freedom party they'll 10 reasons to vote three use universality people. Like them, I today's society. The the debt of $100 bil- with a Taxpayer Pro- consistently persecut- get less regulation." Freedom party in- to bribe taxpayers into am disgusted by the more laws we have, lion and I would un- tection Act that incor- ed by unjust and re- clude: effective law believing that the gov- abuses of our welfare the closer we get to dertake any effort that That thought was true po rates maximum tax strictive legislation in 1984, when the enforcement stan- ernment is providing a system and groups becoming a police could reduce and limits, a fiat-rate tax and regulation , while Freedom party was dards and objective net benefit. Taxpay- that take advantage state. Let's all stand eliminate this debt. I system, binding refer- criminals are litelally founded, and it's still courts, reduction of ers must be allowed of the generosity of together and oppose believe in equality for endum on any future getting away with true today. Many of bureaucratic red tape to retain as much of Ontarians. The major these infringements everyone and special tax increases and bal- murder. I encourage our platforms - fiscal to business - mean- their incomes as pos- parties have had their on our fundamental status for no one. anced budget legisla- everyone who is fed responsibitity on the ing fewer restrictions sible to provide for chance to run our freedoms or we rnay tion . Freedom party up with politics as part of the govern- and costs: a taxpayer their fam ilies, their province and have es- end up all falling to- also supports a usual and voting for ment, the need to re- protection act, choice communities and their sentially run it into the gether with a lot of voucher system for "the lesser of three move regulations that in where your educa- chOices, not to pro- ground. It's time for a unjust laws unaccept- education. Money is evils" to support Free- are damaging the tion dollars are direct- vide for a pOlitical change. Freedom able to all of us . always the most im- dom party. a princi- economy of OntariO, ed - public or private strategy implemented party and I believe the portant issue in any pled political party. and the desire of peo- - elimination of MPP to win the next elec- in dividual deserveG election, however it We believe the pur- pie to make rnore of super pensions and lion. I will continue to an opportunity to fight might be disguised. pose of government IS their own choices - more. In my opinion, work for Middlesex back against the ex- We would like to see to protect the indivld- have all come to the ordinary people striv- voters' right to choose cesses of big govern- more of it spent by ual's freedorn of forefront It's trrne to ing to improve the for themselves during. ment and we intend to those who earn It. not chOice, not to restrict make a change for the by governments that government is the fu- and after. thiS elec- offer them that future only con fiscate It . ture for Ontario. lion . chance. Ju~ 1995 Freedom Flyer 54 Page 9
Candidates and Campaigns. ..
OJ ON THIS PAGE: -from SUMMARY the London Free Press, Riding: London North May 31 and June 1, 1995. Fp candidates Participants: Dianne Cunningham, PC; field questions and Larry Crossan, liber debate issues during al; Carolyn Davies, NOP; Jack Plant, LONDON NORTH, Freedom; Graeme LONDON CENTRE, and Benedetti, Family LONDON SOUTH all Coalition; John Bev erley, Green party candidates' debates STEVE RUSSELL I The London Free Press held at London's London North candidates smile as NDP candidate Carolyn Davies (second from Key issues: Pro . Convention Centre and right) tries to answer a question from the floor above outbursts from spectators at posed amalgamation aired simultaneously on the debate held at the London Convention Centre Wednesday. The candidates are, of Victoria and Uni versity hospitals, em radio and Cablecast. from left, Greame Benedetti (Family Coalition), John Beverley (G reen), Larry Crossan (Liberal), Dianne Cunningham (PC), Davies, and Jack Plant (Freedom). ployment equity, jobs. the economy, the deficit. SUMMARY Riding: London Centre. Worth Repeating: "I know of no particu Participants: Marion lar issue at this time. Boyd, NDP; Ron Post But if I did, I would re ian, Liberal; Patrick search the issue . .. McGuinness, Progres to see what the pea sive Conservative; Jeff plewant." Culbert, Green; Lloyd Benedetti Walker, Freedom; Michael Dwyer, Family "My word of advice is Coalition. don't listen to promis es .. . If you're ex STEVE RUSSELU The London Free Press Key Issues: Non-profit pecting something from (political parties) Candidates from London Centre, who met In a debate Wednesday, are, from left: housing; work for wel fare; job creation and you should not count Marlon Boyd (NDP) , Jeff Culbert (Green), Mike Dwyer (Family Coalition), Patrick on it, period." McGuinness (PC) , Ron Postlan (Uberal), and Uoyd Walker (Freedom). deficit reduction. - Plant Worth Repeating: "We would stress pre SUMMARY ~ ''They don't have the time to look for work; ventative medicine Riding: London like good nutrition, in South they don't have the en cluding a shift away Participants: Joan ergy to look for work." from a meat-centred Smith, Liberal; David - Boyd, referring to Winninger, NDP; Bob the experience in diet." - Beverley Wood. Progressive U.S.southern states in Conservative; Mau· trying to use workfare reen Battaglia, Free as an incentive to get dom; Sven Biggs, people off welfare and fp Green; Rudy polci. into paying jobs. Family Coalition. ~ ''The PCs, Liberals Key issues: Dear and NDP brought us ness Home non-profit here. Does anyone be housing, workfare. lieve they will solve the job creation, NDP . problems they created?" anti-strikebreaker - Walker, in his open· law. financial climate. ing statement. Worth repeating: ~ On what-makes "We introduced this plan him qualified for the when we were at 15 per 'job' of MPP: "I don't cent in the polis. This is MORRIS LAMONT I The.London Free Press have any qualifica not an election ploy." Maureen Battaglia of the Freedom Party shares a word with tions at all, but I do - McGuinness, on the Sven Biggs of the Green Party at a LQIldon South all~and J. have a party offering Tory party platform that dates meeting at the London Convention Centre Tuesday night. a platform that was released more than makes sense." a year ago, taking an -Polci apparent dig at the lib ~ On Ontario's clio eral pl an released duro mate for job growth: ing the campaign People "come here to go on welfare and J UN 1 1995 they leave here to go Into business in AI· be rt a or th e U.S." - Battaglia Page 10 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Ju~ 1995
Robert Smink: government 'is causing more problems than it's solving,' Candidate: Freedom Party would guard individuals ~ freedom of choice To help readers learn more about the Perth candidates for the to life liberty and property are fundamental and notes that under June 8 Ontario election, Beacon Herald reporters have done iIi curre~t laws the government can expropriate land and there are , depUJ interviews with each of the contenders. Following is the really no limits to how much tax money the government can ex last of those profiles. tract. By Donal O'Connor As far as medical care in the province is concerned, he laments :staff reporter that doctors have been forced into being essentially employees of Robert Smink describes himself as a Randian, after Ayn Rand the state instead of the free enterprisers they once were. He notes the author of such tributes to laisez-faire capitalism as Atlas as well that the province is now spending hundreds of millions on 'Shrugged, The Fountainhead, and Capitalism: The Untried education for doctors and nurses who are heading south. "This is Ideal. a prime example - health care - in which the government has A founding member of the Freedom Party of Ontario, the 44- absulutely no business," he says. We'd be better off having ·year-old businessman and St. Marys resident is seeking election mandatory health insurance and returning the health care to the Ontario Legislature as representative for Perth riding. system and doctors back to the private sector as it was prior to The party's basic premise is that rights are held by indiViduals 1967. and not by groups or special interests and that government is "You don't create a whole system to look after everybody when , there to protect the individual's freedom of choice, not restrict it. only a few people need your help," he argues. "The growth rate in everything that government does has just "GQvernment has no business being in health care, they have , escalated to the point where it has become obtrusive and is caus no business being in education, they have no business being in • ing more problems than it's solving," he said during an interview day care." , • -a t his Victorian mansion where several portraits of Winston Most people don 't realize why governments were set up in the . 'Churchill are displayed. His admiration for the British wartime first place, he says. They were set up to defend the country from : leader spills over into the naming of his three-year-Qld son, outside invasion, to protect citizens from criminal actions and to - Winston. Consistent with his party's disdain for big government, ever institute a judicial system to settle disputes among citizens. higher taxes and more and more regula tions restricting freedom See "h" - page 11 ,,'of enterprise, Mr. Smink's election platform supports a flat-rate : ~ lax system as opposed to the current system in which higher earners are taxed at proportionally higher rates. As we ll , the Freedom Party advocates privatization of various government-owned businesses - Ontario Hydro, the LCBO and Workers' Compensation Board among them - and calls for a privately owned, insurance-based health care system. The party supports the individual's right to direct education taxes to a school of choice, including private schools, and would have anyone seeking social assistance take a means test to determine whether there's a demonstrable need for such as sistance. '.. It would end government grants and subsidies and all prefer ential funding for special-interest groups, would repeal employment equity laws, official bilingualism and labor legisla .tion which forces individuals to join labor unions in unionized workplaces. The party would introduce binding referendums on tax increases and balanced budget legislation. "Our position has not changed in 10 years on anything," says Mr. Sm ink. a former pro basketball player and winner four years ago of the World Pop-a-Shot Championship held in Chicago, "be cause we believe that everything we do is consistent with princi ples that the party is founded on. Ten years ago people thought that we were coming from outer space. Now , all the candidates are starting to sound a little bit like us ." But that's great. he adds, "because we love people to steal our olatform. " . You don't have to have political power, per se, to influence .: things, he points out. " What we want is for people to take our · ideas, similar to what the NOP has done federally. They haven't · had power, ever. But for the last 30 years the Liberals and Con servatives have been tripping over themselves trying to imple ment NOP policies." A progressive tax system is counterproductive, he contends. "What it does is it penalizes people for being profitable and suc cessful and it rewards those who are unproductive." Like the , overtime worker who is taxed higher on his extra earnings and : who therefore takes home less than his regular pay for his over , time work, he suggests, the current tax system kills the initiative for people to be more productive. • For those who have a legitimate reason for not working, Mr . . Smink said his party has no problem with a social safety net. ·"But the thing is, if you want to keep a sustainable safety net for those who either can't or won't look after themselves, you have to 'h<1\'c <1 svstem that has some limits to it." Altholigh the Freedom Party advocates "a reduction of suf fo cnting burenucratic red tape and regulation of the business sector" Mr . Smink acknowledges it 's government's job to set Robert Smink relaxes with a coffee a t his St. Marys home. "ren sonahlc guidelines so that people don't abuse each other or the en\'ironlllent." But he emphasizes that the individual's rights Photo by Donal O'Connor Ju~ 1995 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Page 11
CandIdates and Campaigns... Scarborough North
ALLE.E.TA~D BELOW LEFT: Article in the Stratford Beacon Herald, May 27, 1995, profiles Fp Perth candidate Rob Smink_ AT RIGHT: Article from the Scarborough Mirror, June 3-4, 1995 features a brief overview of AtV/NCURUNG(t) TA REK FATAH (fJDPJ MICHAEL mO'.AAS (PC) PAUL BLAIR (FP) election expectations in Scarborough North, where Fp candidate Paul Blair drew the largest It'll be tough to beat Curling vote total for an Fp candidate in Election '95_ 8y STUART GREEN key Issues that needs to be addrl!sscd as well as Fp candidate Paul Blair becomes Fp's SlallWrilt r prOlecti"'l of health care ro r the rldings l'ldcrly CENTER: population. With 10 yea rs of representation under hi s belt. Unive rsity student Mike T h omas is hoping that first candidate to be featured in a Chinese Scarborough No rt h'~ Liberal incumbent Alvi n Curl· hiS youthful outlook (although he's only 21, he's ;J 109 IS going to be tough to heaL.a nd no one !mows seasoned politiCO) o n the issues Will give tUIn the newspaper, Ming this more th a n his Conserva ti ve and New De moera edge when laking M i ke lI arris' Common Sense He'" I IC rarty oppo nents olullOn to the public Pao, May 28, 1995_ Li ke Ge r ry Phill ips. his neighbor in Sca rborough :-'Iasslve t~x cuts and h uge reductions in govern Ag in court, Curh ng, a forme r ho using ministe r. was ment spendlt1~ arc Just some of the th m !!s a Tory Paul Blair o ne of the few Liberals to survive the 1990 electi on go\crnmcnt h('lpe h) achieve. Thomas says LOWER RIGHT: beating the NDP challenger by a lmost 4.000 \·oles Ill' also set'S thc need fo r job creation and train :tc-@' ~ ffi *,~J . The riding, which used to include Philli ps Scar· 109 programs to hel p get people off u elfare Photo from the front (Freedom Party of Ontario) borough ,\gincourl riding unti l 1987, IS home to the Neu nemocrOlt Tart>k Fatah say:> his ye
first time the London-based par provincial grant for a major cap vince's budget within four years. t~ has run a candidate in Perth Ital project) because it generates Married to Sylvie, he has an r1din~ . "The whole Issue of any 80 much tourism? I generate honors BA in philosophy and his electIOn is who is going to sp,end tourism with The Forum. The tory from the University of Suggest to him that the reasons the money," he suggests. ' Is it government doesn't give me any Waterloo. But he says he learned fp governments became asjnvolved going to .be government or is it money. They just taKe it. TheX more from reading Ayn Rand's as they are in matters such as going to be the individuals who take over half of what I bring In. ' book on Capitalism than he did education and regulating busi earned it?" Mr. Smink says he believes It's during his four years at universi ness practices were because Mr. Smink owns two business. reasonable to balance the pro- ty. those private institutions were One is a wood recycling enter not necessarily doin~ the job of prise in Lambton which inakes sc hooling or protectmg the en wood chips used -in landscapin~, vironment as well some like to and animal bedding. The other IS think they were, and he says The Fabulous Forum strip bar, a those arguments are "red herr business he converted from a ings." money-losing sports bar which he " Wha t you're buying into is had established in London about that governments can create 10 years allo. . wealth, can create jobs, can Mr. Smmk and his party reject create a standard of living for a the idea of the government sub community. Well , if that's true, sidizing cultural groups or in why don 't they just pass laws stitutions (such as the Stratford which give everybody a car, Festival) lind any justification three meals a day, free medical · for such funding based on educa care, free educa tion." tional value or "public interest" " All governments can do is su ch as promoting tolerance or confiscate other people's money. un derstanding of cultural dif It·s called taxation. And what ferences. they'r e trying to sell you is a bill Funding various cultural of goods tha t says you can rob /lroups, he contends, fosters rac Peter to r.ay Paul and make Ism rather than promoting toler everybody s life better." He ance. "It actually Institutes a argues that without private government policy of racism that ownership there is no responsi we're trying to avoid .. It pits bili ty and that freedom and re one group a~ainst another group. sponsi bility work hand in hand. I believe in mdivldual rights, not " When everybody owns some in group rights." th ing, nobody owns it. " "You can't legislate cillture, " "The Freedom Party believes he says. " Culture happens by the that Il rivate enterprise can do people who live it. " anythmg the government can do And why should taxpayers at least twice as well and usually subsidize people who want to go at ha lf the cost," he says. to see a Shakespearean pla y t he Nepean Tory candidate John date Cathy Frampton called Mr . Smink ran as a Freedom asks. "Why should the Festival Fight all in get S3 million (the reference was Baird holds up his crib notes the plastic-c oate d card s Party candidate in the 1984 pro . during a debate yesterday damaging to th e e nv iron vincial election when he was a to a recently-a nnounced fede ral , ",,,I,,,, rr,irl('nl Btt t thi s is the .,;rant to the Festival matchin g a the cards after Fre edom party candi - ment. See story on Page 16 . Page 12 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Ju~ 1995 Candidates and Campaigns. __ Nepean's 'five' clash at all-candidates meeting
By Steve Newman fice. • Oaigeler (Lib): Five per cent tax cut over next mandate of the government; drop five per Independent Staff "I don't believe the PCs have the cent tax on car insurance; cap rehab benefits except for serious cases. Andrew de Jong of the Green Party of ability... to decrease bureacracy at Queen's • Baird (PC): Repeal Bob Rae's taxes 10 extent that Nepean families save an average S170 per Ontario definitely made the most mileage Park," said Frampton, who also expressed month; eliminate welfare for 16- and 17-year olds. among those the five politicians participat concern about the illiteracy rate among ing in the May 16 all-candidates for the Ontario students. • Sullivan (NOP): NOP government created or maintained 60,000 jobs. These included provincial riding of Nepean. Oaigeler focused on defending his 20,000 formerly on social assistance, 2,000 in Ouawa-CarlelOn. But it wasn't while in front of a quiet second of two terms in office, noting his • DeJong (Green): Tax non-renewable resources, but other resources such as bicycles should audience of nearly 80 people, some of accomplishment included obtaining recent be tax-free. whom left before the 2 1(2 hour session $100,000 funding for the was over. Qualicum/Graham Park Community • Frampton (Freedom): "I don't expect the Freedom Party will form the next government, but De Jong, who doesn't own a car but Centre and fighting for the early comple I'd like (0 keep the other parties on their toes." admits he would if he lived in Barrhaven, tion of Highway 416. cycled 20 kilometres from his Ottawa Baird spoke several times about Conser Frampton had earliec rejected the notion for Barrhaven-based secondary schooling, home, to attend the all-candidates debate at vative leadec Mike Harris's intentions to that Ontario needs racially-balanced cur strongly suggested the public school would Kennevale Public School. right the wrongs of Premiec Bob Rae's riculum in the schools. be built by the fall of 1997-98 and the There was no clear winner among the NOP. "I was talking about an equality of Roman Catholic one for the fall of 1996. five candidates, who included Hans Sullivan primarily supported decisions values, not an equality of cultures, please Close to $15 million has been received Oaigeler, the incumbent Liberal, as well as of the Rae government and its "record of do not put words in my mouth: said an for the building of a Barrhaven-based John Baird (PC), John Sullivan (NDP) and achievement ... and taking action when it indignant Frampton. Roman Catholic secondary school, to Cathy Frampton (Freedom Party). was needed." In her handout entitled Body of which Daigeler responded: "I think they NO CLEAR WINNER DeJong criticized past govecnments for Knowledge, she wrote: "Many immigrant (the Roman Catholic School Board) is While there was no clear winner at the pumping million of dollars into what he . come to Canada to make a better life for right that it will not be able to accomodate Barrhaven Community Association-spon termed "sinkholes," instead of into themselves than they are able to find in the student population it has and will have sored event, a couple of spirited responses renewable resources such as the their native country. (without the extra $6 million)." from the audience were reserved for educational system. "To suggest that western civilization DEFENDING NDP'S TERM Baird, a communications consultant who "PUTTING WORDS IN MY must treat as equal to dictatorial cultures, Sullivan, a 26-year-Qld education officer has taken two months off work to run. He MOUTH" or cultures that abuse or treat women as with the Public Service Alliance of Canda, spoke about the NOP's ."unparailed record focussed on the Conservatives' promises to The most spirited candidate response posessions, is to give the ultimate insult to cut the heavy taxes and bureaeracy he said came from Daigeler, who accused the immigrants that have chosen by their of successsful maintenance and and crea tion of jobs in Ontario." He said the NOP the New Democratic Party has become Frampton of racist remarks. He was allud own free will to corne to Canada for a better re nowned for during its term of office. ing to Frampton's observation that western and, yes, Western life." government, despite the impact of Free Frampton quickly pointed out that it took society functioned more competently than SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDS Trade, trained and then created or main telephone calls to three different numbers other societies, including those run by Daigeler, responding to questions about tained 60,000 Ontario jobs. before she was able to contact Baird's of- communist regimes. the delayed provincial funding expected SLW'eme
AB.QYE •.ALBlG.H.J: Coverage in the school teacher. NOP government indicated that May 27/95 Barrhaven Independent pro Baird promised the PCs' all requests for capital funding for vides clear evidence of the fundamental Five repealing of Bob Rae tax hikes schools will be carefully difference between Fp and the others. From Page 1 would amount to $170 a month evaluated. savings for the average Nepean In responding to one question "There were at least 20 ,000 on family. He also called for the about Ontario's standards of social assistance now working elimination of welfare benefits to education, all candidates except FRAMPTON DEFLECTS and living with an average in 16- and 17-year-<>lds. Frampton generally applauded come of $21 ,000, of which 2,000 "If Manitoba and B.C. can the Ontario education system. ACCUSATION OF are in the Ottawa-Carleton balance the budget, so can 0n Frampton, in her earlier remarks, region." tario: said Baird, who pointed to expressed concern about high rate RACISM Frampton directed several Manitoba's example of replacing of illiteracy among students. comments at the past Liberal and its MLA pension plan with a She also said there should be NEPEAN (May 16, 1995) - Fp candidate NOP government and Ontario's RRSPplan. more efforts to have children "suffering through 24 progressive "No members of the legislature within wallcing, instead of busing, Cathy Frampton clearly distinguished herself tax hikes." from her political rivals by being the only should get 3D-year pensions,· he distance of their schools. De Jong, after cycling into the said. Baird criticized what he called candidate in the riding of Nepean critical of debate, talked about us living on PRESSING CONCERN the exorbitant number of non racially-balanced curriculum in the schools. a finite planet with fmite resour One of the more pressing con teaching employees in the educa She also went on record as the only candidate ces and the need to re-examine cerns of members in the audience tion system and the need to how we use sustainable and un was the lack of funding for Bar down-size administration and not pleased with Ontario's education stan sustainable resources. rhaven-based high schools, par focus more spending 011 activity dard s. One of 60 Green Party can ticularly for the Separate School in the classroom. didates, de Jong called construc To support her position, Frampton had Board, which has already Sullivan defended the NOP tion of Highway 416 unnecessary received $15 million toward what government's employment equi earlier written and distributed an article enti and a terrible waste of money. it says is a required total of $21 ty policy. He called it one best tled " Body of Knowledge" which refutes the "What the Green party is all million. types of such legislation in the philosophy of official multiculturalism. Her about is looking at a green Daigeler, reading a letter world and denied preference is econom y and not a grey position prompted Liberal candidate Hans received May 12 from the Ontario given to minorities when ftIling economy," said the 39-year-<>ld Ministry of Education, said the jobs. "There is no quota: he said. Daigeler to accuse her of ra cism, but as the article above and at right illustrates. Frampton deflected the accusation with ease. Readers may be Interested to note that Frampton's Fp article, " Body of Knowledge" will be featured in the next issue of Consent
Candidates and Campaigns... MONTEITH PROVOKES Freedom's star of '90 CONTROVERSY returning to the polls ELGIN (April 28 - June 8, 1995) - Free dom Party's candidate in Elgin, Ray Mon teith, was already known for his ability to stir controversy. In the last Ontario election, Mon • Ray Monteith becomes fifth name teith was Fp's star candidate, drawing over By ERIC BUNNELL he failed to capture 10 per cent That made him the star of the 1100 votes and becoming the first Fp candi TIMES-JOURNAL STAFF of the vote in Elgin, Mr. Montei party's 10 candidates in the '90 date to break the 3% vote percentage. th did pick up 1,104 votes, or election, Freedom Party presi There's going to be a fifth 3.24 per cent. dent Robert Metz said Tuesday. Disappointingly, this election his vote total name on the ballot June 8 in El and percentage were halved, in keeping with gin. the over-all trend for alternate party votes. But Ray Monteith of St. Thomas what breaks the trend in Elgin is the fact that said Tuesday he'll stand for the Campaign HQ: 8 County Rd. 45, St. Thomas. Freedom Party for the third Telephone: 631-7712. the winning candidate, Peter North, is time in a provincial election. Ontario's only elected independent. However, Heading campaign: Self. Mr. Monteith, 74, a retired Official agent: Robert Metz, London. North's victory may be less a sign of the railway conductor, said the par Personal: Age 74; life-long St. Thomas resi- public's willingness to vote for something ty wants. to cut government dent; widower; father of 4, gTaJldfather of six. besides the big three, than it is an illustration down to SIZe. Employment: Retired Contrail/Amtrak "I know the system isn't of the principle that people vote AGAINST. conductor. working. We're wasting our Education: Declined by candidate. money. We have too much bu Political experience: Freedom Party candi As a past NDP MPP who rejected his reaucracy, too much red tape. affiliation with that party in the middle of his date in 1987 and 1990 provincial elections. It's time to act sensibly." The issues: Is running on Freedom Party term, North became an ideal candidate The Freedom Party's plat platform that government is too big and too '---'''--''-....<....;'---' I through which Elgin voters could express their form includes planks to chop involved in lives of Ontarians. "I believe the RAy MONTEITH vote AGAINST the NDP, which they readily did. governmentprogTarns and re- purpose of government is to protect us as indi- auce taxes. . viduals and not restrict us." Freedom Party advocates budget re This placed Monteith in the same relative The party opposes universal situation as the rest of Fp's candidates whose form, and tax- and spending cuts; health-care funding through health-care ana social services. insurance; needs-based social services; privatization of Crown vote totals decreased, but Monteith was the It says health care should be corporations and public services. only Fp candidate to lose votes to a NON paid through insurance and Quote: "The system isn't working. We're wasting our money. wellare should be needs based. Conservative. (Fp candidates performed better We have too much bureaucracy and too much red tape. It's time Although he lost his $200 de only in those ridings where a Conservative to act sensibly." posit in the 1990 election when candidate was not seen as being electable, such as London Centre where incumbent NDP Marion Boyd easily retained her seat.)
Despite his reduced vote total, it is clear that Ray Monteith had a definite impact on Just call him 'Mad Dog' voters and the media during his election campaign, as can be evidenced by the repro By TIMES-JOURNAL STAFF duced news coverage on this page and next. Gaining notoriety ... There w~re far more all-candidates' debates in Freedom Party's Ray Monteith is (pictured, Waste not, want not .. -:-\ Elgin than in most ridings, and Monteith often Freedom Party candidate found himself attending two or three fun ctions right) he only candidate so far recognized by his peers Ray Monteith isn't one to in a single day. with a nickname. After mince words. When he was telling the crowd at St. asked why people should From observed reactions and responses Joe's May 17 all-candi vote for him he said why to Ray 's outgoing style and personality, Fp dates meeting he would not? "I voted for all the other supporters can rest assured that they are be a watch dog at Queen's parties for years before 1 realized it was a waste of being well represented in Elgin. < END > Park if elected, incumbent MPP Peter North referred to him as "Mad Dog time," he said. . Monteith". • Was it the medicine? ... Mr. Monteith, after explain Bottom line ... In re ing to the Golden K Kiwanis [1J AT RIGHT: -Reproduced sponse to a recent question Gub about a recent injury from the St_ Thomas Times about third-party liability and subsequent pain, said (eg., tavern owners) in the individuals should be able to Journal, May 10 - June 16, event of an accident involv bypass physicians and walk ing a drunk person, Ray 1995. into a pharmacy and sign for Monteith had a sinlple their own prescriptions. answer: "You're not sup "This would save OHIP posed to be drinking and millions of dollars, and that's driving in the. .first . place ." just in my case. . alone." . Ju~ 1995 Freedom Flyer 54 Page 15 THE AYLMER EXPRESS SECTION B-1BPAGES, No. 23. June 7, 1995 • 390TAl.BOT ST . EAST , AYLMER. ONTARIO PHONE . 713-3126 • Where it will stOl!., no one knows Election wheel
by Rob Perry nrThc A:-lmt'f' Exprc .... IS• spInnIng• • ------M onteith--Freedom Elgin, in the last election, showed a willingness to vote IJJ AT LEFT. for an unusual candidate. Ray Monteith, who ran for BELOW: the Freedom Party in E lgin in -Reprinted from Our 1990, garnered 1,104 votes, leads," said Mr. Williams. the largest number for any of "It 's been excellent run Community his nine party candidates in ning with Ray," said Mr. News, St_ Ontario. Fitzgera ld. Mr. M o nteith Thomas_ Mr. Monteith is an effu pro vided some badly-needed sive fellow who blasts away levity a t the a ll-ca ndidates Ray Monteith: signed up for Freedom Party. at all three mainstream par forums. ties with equal vigour, saying Mr. N o rth said he always IJJ ABOVE. AT Monteith: controversial and provocative none of them is doing a good tried to sit beside Mr. M o n Ray Montheith's entry into politics was an acddent waiting to happen, RIGHT: job. teith at po litical meetings. he says. -Reprinted Despite his criticism, he is " He really enjoys it," and, while Mr. M onteith was sin "I saw an advertisement in the newspaper for the Freedom Party acci- from the well-liked by all the o ther dentally and called. Once I heard what they candidates in this year's cere about the messages he were about, I knew it was for me. I thought Aylmer electio n. Eye-ro lling at some wanted to convey, "He this party made sense," he says with a boister- Express, of his suggestions, such as doesn ' t take himself too seri ous laugh. o usly." Now .running in his third provincial cam June 7. 1995 increasing speed limits o n paign as a Freedom Party candidate, highways and eliminating Mr. North c redited M r. Monteith is becoming well-known in Elgin for ______photo-radar, has turned into M onteith with running what his outspokenness, and at times outra· admiratio n fo r his bravado, was virtually a one-man geous comments. He says he isn't offended good humo ur and open heart. campaign, and doing so quite to be considered "comic relief' ra ther successfully. Mr. M o nteith has been a than a legitimate candi date while in the throes Mr. M o nteith, who is of a provincial political NANCY campaign. He feels in popular fi g ure at the nine a ll making his third run a t MPP, time. more and more SHEPPARD people will see past his candidates forums in Elgin said he has been pleased how personality and dis cover the freedom Par- Monteith during this election, with his audiences have accepted his ty's platform. persona l anecdotes, straight Continued from page 16 words about how government Monteith, who will celebrate his 75th birthday this summer, talked forward talk and the sheer was getting too big and con about some of the party's platforms with this reporter in his home just Monteith sees himself as a joy he exudes at just being outside of 51. Tho mas's city limits. trolled too much in the pri hardworker, personable and a good part of the democratic proc vate lives of Ontario' s peo· The Freedom Party was founded in 1984 on the prinCiple that every listel}er and says he is encouraged by ess. pIe. individual, in the peaceful pursuit of personal fulfilment, has an abso the response he's been getting, par lute right to his or her own life, liberty. and property. It believes the pur· ticularl y since the all ·candidates Mr. Williams said th at " I think I g o t just as much pose of government is to protect individual freedom of choice, not to meeting hosted by Chamber of Com while Mr. Montei th was response as anyone," he said. restriCt is, says the party literature. merce and London-51. Thomas Real c ritical of the mainstream " I 'm doing quite well fo r a Montei th supportS the party's stance on education taxes, which states Estate Board. parties, there was nothing one-man band. each taxpayer should be able to direct taxes to the school(s) of their His non-convemional o utlook on mean-spirited in what he "It's fun. I make it fun for choice. The Freedom Party also would repe-JI employment equity laws, life and sometimes' controversial said. everyone e lse, even if I get labor legislati on making it illegal to hire replacement workers during comments were conSid e red high. He admitted he was sur carried away sometimes ." stri kes. and official bilingualism. lights of the event by many. An ex prised at how easy he found He said he was afraid th at "We'd end grJnts and funding for special in terest groups and Cut ample would be his belief that televi Mr. Mo nteith to take, since spending. lhe other parties have nothing to offer but debt. We should sion is the way of the future for edu· in this electio n, he would be ashamed of ourselves to have the debt \ve have. People have to pinch cation. he could himself be an in lose some of his traditional their pennies and live more carefully," says Monteith. "1 think we should be using 1V to tense campaigner on the po protest votes against main He believes he's a better chOice than Independent candidate, Peter teach children. They'd learn more off litical trail. stream parties to Mr. North, Nonh. because he has a pany to back him and says he's prepared to a 1V than some teachers and let's " It 's neat to take some o f but expected to take at least win , should thaI happen. He acknowledges, however, that it's unlikely. face it, we can't afford more teach· his statem ents and th ink them as many new o nes fro m the "If I did ... boy, I would really go to town. I want to be a watchdog and ers. This way one teache r could through, and see where that o ther candidates. I'd get busy!" teach the whole province!" Monteith senses an general attitude of frustration among voters, some Controversial, yes. Amusing, cer of whom have tolc! Monteith they're "sick of the three (main) panies." tainly. "The NOP wa lk around saying they did all these things for us, but they But his comments are often pro did it all on credi t. " vocative too. Page 16 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Ju~ 1995
Candidates and Campaigns... Don Mills Hopefuls try to David Pengelly "You may have noticed there arc not too many jobs around," com mented David Pengelly, who is running under the Freedom Party wrest seat frolTI Johnson banner. He said the party seeks a peace ful , harmonious society that's not based on force. The purpose of government. he argued, is to pro tect indi vidual rights, adding this is a moral society and it works. "Freer societies work better," he declared. Pengelly charged the NDP has brought in tax hikes and raci>t laws, as he stressed the need to get government back to basics. He called for tax cuts to leave more money to individuals so they can support the causes they choose. Social programs, he added, arc not the job of government and are DAVID PENGELLY (FP) DAVE JOHNSON (PC) J. BALA-KRISHNAN (NDP) RICHARD GOSLING (L) responsible for tax hikes that destroy jobs. These programs can be run by private charities. "What we need are plenty of 4 - St. Thomas TImes-Journal, Friday, June 9,1995 jobs, not plenty of legislation," he • l.ocAt. NEWS EooO! R. MARK BumRWtO< declared. PH. 631-2790Exr. 251 - FAX: 631 -5653 Pengelly called for an end to rent controls, noting they just dis courage people from building good, affordable apartments. He also opposed the province Election of independent mandating programs for education. The Freedom Party would allow people to direct taxes to the schools of their choice. "Those schools will may aid Freedom cause be able to have any kind of pro gram that you want," he said. He also opposed government • ... 'You don't have to belong to a big party' involvement in day care. "The gov ernment's job is to protect individ By TOM F ROESE ual rights, not to baby s it their TIMES-JOURNAL STAFF kids," he remarked. The man known as Mad Dog to some and the "star" of Elgin's election campaign to others was OJ ABOVE: Coverage of his usual colorful self Thursday. Dressed sharply in a pin Fp Don Mills striped blue suit and white tie, and without an election office to candidate David call his own, Freedom Party Pengelly from the candidate Ray Monteith walked in and out of his competition's Zeaside Advertiser, headquarters enjoying the com June 1, 1995. Photos pany and showing no regret while conceding sound defeat. of Don Mills And he says having an inde pendent MPP in Queen's Park candidates with may eventually help the Free headline above from dam cause. t he North York Mirror, "In some ways this has proven that you don't have to [T.) June 3 -4 , 1995. belong to a big party to win. It means my party has a better CHECKING Our ANALySl5. •• Freedom Party candidate Ray chance to make it big," he said. Monteith sits in his County Road 45 home, watching elec In his home poll (#78), Mr. tion analyzes on Thursday night. 0":>' ALBlGl:IT: Post Monteith received three votes, as the low numbers showed by good as anyone did." election reflection and his numbers never broke the Freedom Party. Mr. Monteith was the first to double digits at any poll. He got He also said not having his concede defeat to incumbent from t he Sf. Thomas less than two per cent of the own office made him feel MPP Peter North. Times-Journal, June vote, less than the 1990 election. "cheated" by the system. . But win or lose, Mr. Monteith As polls were closing he was Mr. Monteith's team consist- saId he was still m the party 9, 1995 features Ray at his County Road 45 home ed of one volunteer, a Freedom spirit. He planned to join other Mo nte it h at his home watching pre-election analysis, ca ndidate from London who Freedom party candidates at a before making his way to the re helped get him put some of his gathering with party leader in Sf. Thomas. turning office on Talbot Street. 40 signs up. Robert Metz tn London. "I don't think people know "I think I put my best foot ''I'm glad it's over. It was d how good this party is," he said forward, and came across as hard grind." Ju~ 1995 Freedom Flyer 54 Page 17
,MEDIA conl'd from P9 6) three London candidates (Battaglia, Plant, himself as the candidate from Freedom In fact, all registered political parties and Walker) virtually monopolized the debate with Party, The conversation went like this: powerful arguments and personal insights candidates must go through a formal nomina RADIO WESTERN: " Mr. Plant do you tion and' registration process with both Elec directed at an audience that was pre dominantly hostile to Fp's point of view, Most have a point you'd like to add to our conversa tions Ontario and the Commission on Elec tion?" tion Finances before they can be regarded of the questions asked were directed at Fp's as official candidates on the ballot. Even if the candidates, PLANT: "Yes I would, I'd actually like to media was not informed by the party of who Sponsors of the debate included the know why I wasn't invited tonight." their candidates are, this information is readily Cross-Cultural Learning Centre, Students RADIO WESTERN: "I must say I don't available through either of the two registration for a Green Society, and Life Spin, a group have a good answer for you on that one but if bodies, that had just received $250,000 from the Rae there is an ISSUE that you'd like to raise, that On the very page opposite Sanderson's government. Their questions to the candidates you'd like to have aired in this forum while column addressing Vaughan's concerns, were geared towards social and environmental you're here with us .. ," Freedom Party was once again dismissed as issues --- and continued funding of their PLANT: "Yes there is an issue, actually, an 'established fringe party" by Queens Park groups. Several personal attacks were direc We're finding that there's quite an evasion of Free Press reporter Greg Van Moorsel ted at Fp leader Jack Plant in an attempt to the Freedom Party out there by the local (,Party strategies to watch'), There was no demonstrate some sort of conflict between his press, by the radio, and by some of the mention of Fp's platform, record of action, or support of privatizing municipal services and groups that are holding all-candidates' meet campaign strategy, while attention was given his employment as a London firefighter. ings. We find this happening quite a lot. We to the Family Coalition Party, the Natural After the event, Fp president Robert Law Party, and the Reform Association. Metz remarked, to the disbelief of many (Van Moorsel was the reporter whom Fp present, that "Freedom Party's candidates did president Robert Metz challenged to produce so well that you can bet there won't be any an audio tape of alleged racist remarks made coverage of this event in tomorrow's paper by London landlord Elijah Elieff, The tape (Free Press)," True to his prediction, the Free proved not to exist, but the Free Press has yet Press did not report a single word on the to correct it's reporting of it. See back issues event, but did manage to add insult to injury of Freedom Flj.'erior details.) by running a lengthy editorial the following This prompted Vaughan to write the day by a member of Life Spin (one of the London Free Press a long letter challenging its groups that sponsored the debate), lack of coverage on Freedom Party, To his surprise, Vaughan found his complaints reprin OJ NO TIME FOR FREEDOM ted in the paper as an editorial column, complete with photo and by-line (see page 7) , Resistance to giving Freedom Party exposure by the media often took unexpected Unfortunately, despite improved expec MORRIS LAMONT I The London Free Press and proactive forms, During the last week of Jamie Harris of the Family Coalition, left, listens to Freedom tations following the appearance of Vaughan's the election, Fp president Robert Metz was Party candidate Barry Malcolm answer a question during the editorial, Free Press coverage was the same or Middlesex all candidates meeting, informed by a TV Ontario representative that worse, although the network was aware of Freedom ~: -from the London Free I1J HOW COME WE NEVER Party, and acknowledged that its program Press, May 31, 1995 HEAR ABOUT Fp IN THE 'Studio 2' had already featured interviews with the leaders of ALL the other alternate parties, MEDIA? Freedom Party would not be granted the have to phone up and invite ourselves or whatever, but it's the job of the media to Anyone of the 300 people attending May same privilege, The reason given was that present these alternatives, We sent you a FAX 15th's all-candidates' debate on health care "other stories" were more pressing, yesterday, We're in the phone book, We've sponsored by the Thames Valley Placement In London, Radio Western's CHRW has been around in London for eleven years and Coordination Service would have expected long had a record of displaying a particularly we have quite a track record in the London news coverage of the event to ,give prominent cool reception to Freedom Party, When Fp area, I don't know how anybody up there mention to Fp's presence, Two Fp candidates president Robert Metz, as a representative of cannot be aware of us, but I was wondering if (Plant and Walker) were on the discussion Freedom Party, appeared as a guest speaker you had any advice or comment on thaP" panel and contributed a great deal to the on at least three separate past occasions, debate, while two other Fp candidates (Batta program hosts incorrectly introduced him as RADIO WESTERN "Actually, the pur glia and Malcolm) were on hand to greet "a community member interested in this issue" pose of this show is to provide candidates with people. With all four relevant riding candidates and it was left to Metz each time to clarify his an opportunity so I would invite any of the present, and with an impressive information position with respect to Freedom Party and candidates who are here with us tonight if they display at the event, Freedom Party had a to properly introduce himself to the listening want to respond to Mr. Plant's comments .. ," high profile and was the best represented audience, party in attendance, However, the only men There was, of course, no response to the tion of Fp's presence at the event in the Free On May 25, 1995, the station hosted an question and an attempt was made to deflect Press on May 16 was that Plant and Walker all-candidates' debate for the riding of London the conversation to other topics, but Plant happened to be " other members of the paneL " North and invited all the candidates of all the persisted in getting his point across by asking parties excepting Freedom Party's candidate, the other candidates if they might have any At a June 5 all-candidates' debate chaired party leader Jack Plant. Since the debate was advice to offer with regards to getting some by the Reverend Susan Eagle, and participa a call-in radio program, Plant took advantage semblance of equal treatment by the media, ted in by representatives from the Free Press of the situation by phoning in and introducing and other electronic media, Freedom Party's (MEDIA .. conrd next pg) Page 18 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Ju~ 1995
MEDIA conrd from prey pg.)
Once again, their silence was broken by the host suggesting that everybody was still waiting for Fp's "literature to hit the streets", THANK YOU! although no attempt was made to explain how this had any bearing on Plant's question. Fp leader Jack Plant and our candidates wish to extend a hearty "THANK YOU" to the following people whose contributions and "Mr. Plant," concluded the program host, volunteer help made their Election'95 effort a success. "I regret to say that I'm going to have to offend you all over again and move on to Jeffrey Adam, Bob Adams, Jim Allan, Eugenia Allen, Marc Baker, another caller so thank you for your contribu Chris Balabanian, Ted Banks, David Bawden, Elizabeth Bendell, Ron tion to the show tonight and best wishes in Bendell, Tom Borrowman, Mike Braley, Michael Brandt, Bruce Braund, your campaign .. . " Carol Bridgelal, Harold Burrows, Noemi Byrnes, Vaughan Byrnes, Joe Byway, Kathy Byway, Sara Byway, Bob Cape, Franz Cauchi, Craig On June 1, only a few days after Plant's Chandler, Sandra Chrysler, John Cossar, Mike Davidson, Gord Deans, conversation, Fp secretary Robert Vaughan Sylvie Desrosiers, Frank Doberstein, Lynda Doberstein, Gordon Domm, was tuned into Radio Western to listen to Erich Donisch, Bill Downe, Elija Elieff, Marc Emery, John Ferguson, Dick commentary about the election. One of the Field, Sandra Forbes, Jay Forhan, Dave Fortner, Bill Frampton, Morris speakers repeatedly tried to bring up Free Gates, John Gaul, Edward Gil, Morris Goldenberg, William Goodman, dom Party, against the objections of the Frank Gue, Mary Lou Gutscher, Lyle Halverson, Andrea Hanington, program host who successfully cut off any Stephen Hayhurst, Ken Hilborn, Murray Hopper, Shirley Hopper, Helen discussion of Fp. Irwin, Greg Jones, Ivan Kasuriak, Doreen Kimura, David Kohlsmith, Other media disappointments involved Dusan Kubias, Paul Lambert, John LeBlanc, Rick Leir, Ken Lewis, expectations based on past election Steven Lotz, Lou Lumani, Paul Magder, Kim Malcolm, Joel Mayne, Paul experiences which did not repeat themselves McKeever, Dan McRae, Bill Metcalfe, Mary Metcalfe, Danielle Metz, in 1995. During the last election in 1990, Frances Metz, Kathy Metz, Gary Milani, Rick Minto, Gordon Mood, Rogers Cable in Toronto featured a pro Laurie Mood, Trudy Moody, Brad Morosan, Sheila Morrison, Barbara vince-wide leaders' debate between the lea Newham, Ivor Nixon, Dorothy Nother, Tom Ofner, Sandra Paquet, Lynn ders of all the alternate parties. Radio stations Payen, Sieg Pedde, Gary Penn, Patti Plant, Conrad Ranzan, Rick like CFRB and CBC in Toronto conducted Redman, Ken Reffell, Mavis Reffell, Joe Renaud, David Rodman, John extensive and well-researched interviews with Runge, Linda Runge, Jack Sands, Karen Selick, Peter Sergautis, Steve then Fp leader Robert Metz. None of these Sharpe, Dave Southen, Jack Southen, Louise Spanics, Philip Spicer, opportunities were extended to Freedom Todd Spurrell, Craig Stevens, Frank Stevens, Barry Swane, Joan Party in 1995. Swane, Maurice Temoin, Adam Toth, William Trench, Stephen Turner, Silvio Ursomarzo, Greg Utas, Andrew Vandenberg, Carol Vandenberg, We have been asked by a number of our Peter Vandenberg, Ted VanKool, Jeanette Vaughan, Robert Vaughan, London-area supporters why Freedom Party Wally West, Peter Zathey. was not featured on CKSL Radio's "Jim Chapman Show" during the election, which is London's only local phone-in talk show. We can offer no explanation, particularly in light of the station's publicized commitment to bring all the alternatives to the attention of voters, and in view of Chapman's awareness of Freedom Party. Once again in contrast to past experience, this was the first time in four elections that Fp was not offered an oppor tunity to af9pear on an open-line talk show in the London area.
In Toronto, Global TV featured a series on Ontario's alternate political parties and Freedom Party was well repre sented by Chris Balabanian. Unfortunately, Global had its own agenda, leaving anyone who watched its coverage of the alternate parties com pletely in the dark about what those parties may represent.
Experiences such as these are continual disappointments , and hard learning experiences, about the power --- and bias -- of the media. It may well be that much of the dramatic decline in support for the alternate parties was due, not only to the majority Conservative victory, but to dramatically decreased media exposure, and thus, drama- tica ll y-decreased public awareness. < END > Ju~ 1995 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Page 19
Freedom Party_ __
ONTARIO ELECTION AlteTI1ate parties deserve voters' attention
The Freedom party the Ontario government get out of the gambling business, but would and Family Coali sell off the Windsor casino to the private sector. tion offer contrast That's typical of the Freedom ing and well-consid party_ It ma intains, as Malcolm explained, "that the purpose of ered views. government is to protect individ ual freedom of choice, not to re By Rory Leishman strict it. We believe," he empha sized, " that everyone has the right to life, liberty and property, Although the three main politi and that these rights should be cal parties in the Ontario election protected from fraud or phySical campaign get most of the atten force on the part of any individ RORY tion, and properly so, voters ual or group, including any might well also ponder the well government. " LEISHMAN considered and contrasting views On this basis, Malcoirn said the ~;ATIONAl AFFAIRS of the Family Coalition Party FP would close down the censor (FCP) and the Freedom Party of board of Ontario, legalize the sale Ontario (FP). of marijuana and license private Two of the leading candidates . sector brothels. In the judgment for the FCP and FP are running in of the FP, government should not Middiesex: Jamie Harris for the coerce people into doing, or re FCP and Barry Malcolm for the fraining from doing, anything FP. Irene Mathyssen is seeking to solely for their own good_ hold the seat for the New Democ Harris and the FCP fundamen rats, Doug Reycraft is attempting tally disagree with this lalssez- a comeback for the Liberals, and fa ire, individualist, libertarian .Bruce Smith aims to regain the ism of the FP. They also scorn riding for the Progressive ,·the weathervane morality" of Conservatives. government, we need less govern· kind of tax reduction is irrespon the Conservatives and the "pro ment spending and ultimately re sible," he contended. "We must gressive" morality of the Liberals POSITIONS: At an all-candi duced taxation." balance the budget as soon as pos and New Democrats. Alone dates meeting in Strathroy last Malcolm could not have agreed sible because as Barry (Malcolm) among the parties, the FCP in week, all five demonstrated an more. If government-funded job was saying, all we are doing is de sists that government should COIl impressive ability to articulate creation really works, he asked, ferring taxation for every dollar sistently promote marriage, the the respective positions of their why did the NOP not hugely ex we borrow." procreative family and the sancti parties. But since the general pand JobsOntario with a view to Harris and Malcolm also agreed ty of human life_ policies of the NOP, the Liberals wiping out unemployment alto on the merits of workfare for able While the FCP and the FP and the Conservatives are gener gether, instead of piecemeal? bodied welfare recipients, the would both abolish funding for ally well known, this column will In Malcolm's judgment, taking ev ils of employment-equity dis abortions, the FP is otherwis(' focus on the contrasting view money out of the pockets of tax crimination, and the desirability pro-c hoice. Only the FCP res points of the FCP and FP as repre payers so it can be funneled of giving pa rents freedom of olutely upholds the right to life 'of sented by Harris and Malcolm. through a team of government bu choice in education through a all innocent human beings from On many issues, the two parties reaucrats and back into a so voucher system. conception to natural death. are indistinguishable. Both, for called Job-creation program is a Likewise. the Fep and thp FP "The one f~ c tor that has le(1 to example, are profoundiy skeptical hugely wasteful ~nd in emcient both favor abolition of the On moral declille. more than anv of government job-c rea tion procedure. He holds that govern tario Human Rights Commission. thing else in this provinc(' ~nrl ill programs_ ment can only solve thp problem this continent. for that malter. is Harris suggested to his Strath of unemployment. by taxing less MORAL ROLE: Where thes!' r1i srespect for liff'." insists !J arr" roy audience that the NDP's and allowing consumers to spend parties part comp;IIlY is on th e The educational three Rs willl1n1 J obsOnlario program is. at best, more on thin!!s ofthpir ow n m oral 1'01(1' of govcrnmr n t. IIfl ITi:-;, SRV(' liS, Iw Wflrl\S: "'vVC" [trf' going ;lNY l,;,'sn man's COl· '; an intcn:st illg tnkrn" for the choice. for e'~ mpl e, , aid the Fer is hOI" tn tl1rn this province inlo LA (/.'" chronically unemployed thai pro· r-. lil lco tl11 also nlsisierilhal. ,.iti"c1 hy the ";IS 1110 g~mhling ,\ngl'ie, ) north." UIl Ie'SS rUIur\, t:mn a~oea rs Tuesdays, vid,', only Ilngf'I\' e:'i,,-, " sive anel " \\'ha t Wl' ncpd is a limltrd gn" hu~incss and would ~ hllt It down, gC' ll er:ltlons ofchlldn'll call le;,rl) nlllfSC::,(S and Satur· temporary benefit!:». To generate erlllllent that will PLltll ~ I "cal hecause II f,»lcrs gamblll1g addlc' OIKC :lgalll to appreci.ltl' \\ hat lw jll'(~; ""u can reach 1l1On', I a "," ing Johs, hl' inslstPd. hOllst' in ordcr in a r p:;pon'iiblt' tion, dC' strovs famJiiC's and under, apllv calls, "thl'II1I1 <1 ;lInl'I1I:11 '111ll n, :a11l09 51 9- "hasically, we need "nailer go\' Ill AB.QY.E: from the London Free Press, June 1, 1995. National Affairs columnist Rory Leishman's editorial comparing Freedom Party with the Family C oalition Party provides an accurate assessment of POLICY similarities and differences between the two parties. However, Leishman's assessment of Fp 's position on the " moral role of government" reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the principles on which Freedom Party is based. His implication, by comparison, that Fp's " laissez-faire, individualist" philosophy has no base in " morality" is, unfortunately, a false impression shared by many today --- and publicly admitted to by the FCP. Because this belief does a great deal of damage to the cause of Individual freedom and ultimately, to morality itself, it will become an issue we must critically address in future Freedom Party efforts . Watch for our response to this perception in an upcoming issue of Consent l Page 20 Freedom Flyer 5. 4 Ju~ 1995 Freedom Party... PARTY MISSION TO RESTORE FREEDOM AND PROSPERITY TO ONTARIO "Restoring freedom and prosperity to In its first public campaign in 1 985, to distribute the information, and is now Ontario is our fundamental mission," says Freedom Party successfully prevented the preparing to go on the offensive in bringing Freedom Party Leader Jack Plant. "To do spending of $110 million provincial, federal, the dangers of the HRC to the attention of that, we have to be able and willing to work and municipal tax-dollars to fund the 1991 Ontarians. with people from every walk of life and Pan-Am Games in London Ontario, where the political background. People have every party is headquartered. The campaign inclu Freedom Party believes that the pur· good reason to be suspicious of new politi ded six months of intense lobbying of federal, pose of government is to protect individual cal parties. We respect that. We intend to provincial, and municipal governments, and freedom of choice, not to restrict it. Founded EARN their support." the door-to-door delivery of the party's 8- on the principle that "Every individual. in the page brochure outlining its stand on the peaceful pursuit of personal fulfilment, has Freedom Party is an officially-registered issue. an absolute right to his or her own life, Ontario political party that has been working liberty, and property," the party has taken its for individual freedom, lower taxes, and free Freedom Party has gone head-to-head philosophy to the streets by leading and enterprise since 1 984, when the party was with various powerful unions, and has even supporting many successful campaigns founded. Far more than "just a political assisted in the successful prevention of favouring lower taxes, freedom of associa party" which fields candidates during Ontario union ratifications. tion in labour relations, freedom of speech, elections, Freedom Party lobbies, educates, choice in education, and objectivity in the and supports groups and individuals working Most recently, Freedom Party has administration of justice. towards these common goals on a full-time attacked what it regards as the "racist man basis. date" of Ontario's Human Rights Commission "Regardless of your political affiliation," (HRC). Volunteering his services, party pre says Party Leader Jack Plant, "Freedom Since its inception, Freedom Party has sident, Robert Metz. successfully defended a Party has something to offer you. Check us been documenting its record of action in its London landlord who was falsely accused of out. Surprise yourself." official party newsletter: Freedom Flyer. A "discrimination" before an HRC Board of sister publication, Consent, is the party's Inquiry in 1993. During the course of hear For more information, call or write: forum for opinion, discussion, and debate on ings, the Board of Inquiry placed a publica FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO P.O. many controversial issues and ideas. tion ban on one of the party's newsletters Box 2214, Stn. A., LONDON, Ontario Because the party likes to demonstrate that which reported details of a deal the Commis· N6A 4E3 (519) 681 -3999. it practises what it preaches, back·issues of sion tried to make with the landlord in both newsletters are always available to exchange for dropping the complaint against memb ers of the public and media. him. Despite the ban, the party has continued FREEDOM FLYER , Volume 5, Number 4, July, 1995, is published by the Freedom Party of Ontario, a fully-registered Ontario pOlitical party. Editor: Robert Metz; Subscription Rate: $25 per year (six issues). FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO Freedom Party of Ontario is a fully·registered Ontario political party. Contributions are tax-creditable. Statement of Principle: Freedom Party is founded on the principle that : Evety indi vIdual. in file peacefulpursulf 01personal fulfillment. has an absolute right /0 his or her own life. lIberty. and property. Platform: that the p urposeolgovemmen/is to pro/ee/individual freedom of choice. nol1o restrict it. Annual Membership & Support Level: $25 minimum (tax-creditable); Provincial Executive: Ontario PresIdent.· Robert Metz; Vice-presIdent. On/aro: Lloyd Walker; Ontario Seere/sty·Robert Vaughan; Regionsl Vice-presIdent. Eas/em Ontario: William Frampton; ChielFinsncialOfficer:Patti Plant; Executive Officer: Barry Malcolm; Party Leader: Jack Plant. We are aware that, due to their reduced size, many of the reproduced articles or letters in this newsletter may be difficult for some to read. FULL-SIZED REPRODUCTIONS ARE THEREFORE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. TO ORDER TRANSCRIPTS, REPORTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIONS mentioned or published in this newsletter (or simply to request more information on Freedom Party) please call or write: FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO, P.O. Box 2214, Stn. 'A', LONDON, Ontario N6A 4E3; Phone: 1-800-830-3301 (Ontario only); Outside Ontario, or in the London area, please call: (519) 681-3999; OFFICES: 240 Commissioners Road West, LONDON, Ontario, N6J 1Y1.