On The Record!

Freedom Party in Action!

1984 - 1997

ON THE RECORD!

Since January 1, 1984, when Freedom Party officially became an Ontario political party, Fp members and supporters have been hard at work for freedom. Their consistent, principled approach to the issues has been the dominant factor in Freedom Party's growing success.

Freedom Party does not aspire to political standards set by other political parties. We set our own standard --- both a school and model of what we think a political party should be --- a party of principle.

Freedom Party's record of action is a testament to what can be accomplished by a political party even before it has members elected in provincial parliament. Thanks to Fp's volunteers and supporters, literally hundreds of millions of tax dollars have already been saved, and thousands of Ontarians have already exercised their new choice at the polls.

The following list of events, activities and accomplishments is by no means a complete accounting of Freedom Party's record of action, nor a complete demonstration of Fp's influence in the community. For a more detailed record and documentation of Fp's activities, including those listed here, back-issues of Fp's official newsletter, Freedom Flyer, are available on request. Page 4 FREEDOM PARTY ON THE RECORD 1984 1997

first provincial election, fielding three candi­ 1984 dates in London Ontario where the party is headquartered. Campaign strategy, geared January: Freedom Party is founded. towards increasing direct membership sup­ April: Freedom Party testifies before the port (rather than exclusively emphasizing federal government's Fraser Committee in votes), helps build a strong base of support support of freedom of speech. from which to expand. J.u.ne: Freedom Party launches a " No-Tax J.u.ne: Freedom Party's "No-Tax for Pan­ for Pan-Am" campaign with the delivery of Am" campaign ends in victory! We prompt 65,000 8-page brochures to London Ontario federal sports minister Otto Jelinek to households outlining the folly of spending cancel federal subsidy of the event, while $110 million tax dollars to host the 1991 pressure from our information campaign Pan-Am Games in that city; over 140 letters of forces Liberal leader David Peterson and support appear in local press; campaign London South MPP Joan Smith (Liberal) to attracts over 1100 London supporters. reverse their support of provincial funding for the event. J.1.ID.e: Freedom Party re-affirms its commit­ ment to freedom of speech by becoming Aug,u,st: Freedom Party supports the the only political party in Canada to go on National Citizens' Coalition's campaign to record supporting the National Citizens' help Merv Lavigne challenge compulsory Coalition's successful court challenge to the union dues. federal government's Bill C-169. The bill, October: Freedom Party launches educa­ supported by all three major parties, was tion campaign alerting public to encroach­ drafted to prevent anyone other than an ing censorship; over 5,000 copies of "Cen­ officially-registered political party from buying sorship Alertl" are distributed through retail political advocacy advertising during a federal outlets across Ontario. election campaign. November: Freedom Party leader Robert September: Freedom Party supports Metz condemns rent control legislation at a Eaton's employees fighting a union ratification major Toronto-area landlord conference. drive at Eaton's in London, Ontario; Freedom Party drafts and produces brochure which ends up distributed at Eaton's locations across Canada; the pamphlet is cited as the 1986 decisive factor preventing union certification April: Freedom Party organizes the largest in every location it is used. Result: hundreds public petition ever submitted to London's city of employees retain their freedom of associa­ hall in its history: over 5,000 Londoners sign tion. up to protest a 32% self-awarded pay in­ 1985 crease for aldermen and a 42% pay increase for public utilities commissioners. January: Freedom Party campaigns for August: Freedom Party launches its second freedom of choice in education. In an address major campaign against the establishment of to the Shapiro Commission on Private tax-funded BIAs, successfully blocking the Schools, Fp leader Robert Metz recom­ expansion of a BIA (Business Improvement mends that taxpayers be permitted to direct Area) in East London. their education tax dollars to the school(s) of their choice. Qc1o.ber: Our BIA Warning campaign expands across Ontario; Politicians start April-May: Freedom Party participates in its reacting. Freedom Party On The Record Page 5

December: Freedom Party launches public ing contracting out of municipal services are campaign favouring freedom of choice in distributed during campaign. Sunday shopping. Extensive media coverage of Fp activity in London, St. Tho­ JuI)<: Freedom Party pickets against postal mas, Toronto, and Mississauga generates strikers during violent postal strike; Fp cam­ national attention. paigns for competition in /postal services and condemns the violence and coercive tactics employed by postal union.

1987 ~: On-going BIA Warning campaigns expand to over 30 Ontaric) communities. Ten February: Freedom Party publicly con­ proposed BIAs are prevented from being demns pay equity legislation before established, while three existing BIAs are Ontario's Standing Committee on the abolished, an Ontario precedent! Administration of Justice. August-September: Freedom Party partici­ February: "Yes to freedom of choice in pates in its second provincial election, Sunday shopping," says Freedom Party to expanding candidate representation to St. Ontario's Select Committee on Sunday Thomas, Mississauga, and Toronto areas. Shopping. December: Freedom PSlrty launches edu­ M.aam: Fp leader Robert Metz addresses cation campaign with the publication of the Toronto mayor and councillors, and con­ first issue of Consent, fE)aturing ideas and demns motives of those opposed to freedom opinions by writers and contributors from all of choice in Sunday Shopping. over North American. M.aam: Freedom Party helps defeat union December: Education campaign expands ratification at the University of Western with production of the 1988 Calendar of Ontario in London. Individual Freedom. April: Freedom Party honours Toronto fur­ rier and Sunday shopping advocate Paul Magder, whose personal fight for freedom of 1988 choice in Sunday shopping took him to the Supreme Court of Canada; 110 supporters February: Freedom Party launches public attend a $50+ per plate dinner; extensive advertising campaigns (including full-page media coverage generated. newspaper ads) for freedom of choice in Sunday shopping. Ma)': Freedom Party's BIA Warning cam­ paign draws unprecedented reaction by M.aam: Freedom Party participates in its Hamilton City Council which unanimously first Ontario by-election in the riding of passes motion to have Ontario's Attorney­ London North. General investigate the feasibility of charging April: Freedom Party leader Robert Metz Freedom Party with "spreading false news." goes head-to-head on the Sunday shopping One municipal councillor argues that Fp issue with Ontario Solicitor-General Joan literature is "changing people's minds on this Smith and Dresden mayor Les Hawgood. issue," thus representing a threat to munici­ pal tax increases. ~: Freedom Party supports freedom of choice in Sunday :shopping before Ma)': Freedom Party protests garbage strike Ontario's Standing Committee on the in London by providing Londoners with limi­ Administration of Justice.. ted free garbage pick-up service for the duration of the city's municipal garbage strike; November: Freedom Party participates in over 70,000 pounds of garbage from over its second Ontario by-election in the riding 5,000 London households is hauled away to of Weiland-Thorold. private landfill sites in the constructive protest December: Freedom Party education cam­ spanning 20 days. 5,000 brochures advocat- paign goes global; 1989 Clilendar of Indivi- Page 6 dual Freedom (Canadian and American ver­ its third provincial election. sions) ordered from as far away as India, Australia, Europe, and Japan. November: Freedom Party launches major media campaign linking socialist government December: Fp leader Robert Metz chal­ policies to a rise in racism; debate is sparked lenges Liberal Ontario Solicitor-General in newspaper editorial pages. Joan Smith on Sunday shopping; Smith's response provides an indirect endorsement of December: Freedom Party helps organize Fp: "If people elect a lot of people from the local chapters of the newly formed Ontario Freedom Party they'll get less regulations ... " Taxpayers' Coalition in an effort to help stop property tax increases in Ontario. 1989 1991 ApLi.l: At official public heari ngs, Freedom February: Freedom Party launches its own Party accuses Workers' Compensation Act of violating workers' rights. anti-tax campaign along with its own accom­ panying newsletter, the Tax-Ax. Ma)': Freedom Party moves to protect the environment. After exposing the City of M.arc.b: Freedom Party campaigns for free­ Weiland's practice of dumping raw sewage dom of choice in education; Fp leader Robert Metz challenges London's Board of Education into the Weiland River, Fp's Barry Fitzgerald trustees to defy Rae government edicts which gets the provincial ministry to order sewer hookups, but the city refuses. Fitzgerald needlessly force education expenditures to rise. publicly vows he'll "make sure" the sewage is cleaned up. Asuil: Freedom Party's William Frampton September: Freedom Party's BIA Warning submits brief to the Special Joint Committee on the Process for Amending the Consti­ campaign is attacked by Mississauga tution of Canada. mayor Hazel McCallion who lashes out against tax protesters by accusing Freedom April: Freedom Party condemns provincial Party of stirring up their discontent: "It's the NDP's rent control options; Fp leader Robert Freedom Party that's in action! That's what Metz accuses NDP of placing political inter­ we're up against ... " ests above housing affordability for Ontarians. November: Freedom Party expands educa­ Ma)': Freedom Party participates in a private tion campaign to public forums; fundamental daycare forum sponsored by United Voices issues of democracy, freedom, majority for Fair Treatment in Child Care; Fp leader rule, and individual rights are debated Robert Metz warns that the NDP intends to across the province. eliminate all private daycare options in Ontario.

J.u.l)': Fp leader Robert Metz challenges NDP 1990 premier Bob Rae on BIA legislation, citing January: Freedom Party takes a public the fact that BIAs are not democratic; Rae stand against Ontario's Bill 8 and official nevertheless supports the legislation, sug­ bilingualism. gesting that if a particular business does not wish to be conscripted into a BIA, it can move M.arc.b : Freedom Party helps save the out of the area. environment! City of Weiland finally forced to start treatment of the raw sewage being Aug.us.t: Freedom Party targets teachers' dumped into the Weiland River. Fitzgerald's union with door-to-door public information promise kept. campaign, generating front-page media coverage. J.u.l)': Freedom Party campaigns for lower taxes and reduced government spending in Aug.us.t: During his address to the Standing Committee on the General Government, Fp Freedom Party On The Record Page 7 leader Robert Metz accuses NDP of 'Bad Somerville and columnist Peter Worthington, Intentions' with its introduction of Bill 121 , the the book includes a Foreword by Fp leader legislation intended to tighten existing rent Robert Metz. controls. March: Freedom Party launches 'Just Say August: Fp leader Robert Metz addresses Know To Whole Language' campaign in the Standing Committee on Administration of London; campaign expands to Ottawa, Justice, challenging Bill 115, intended to Toronto, Sarnia, and Oxford county. entrench Ontario's Sunday shopping laws; all three major parties reinforce their opposi­ March: Fp executive members Robert Metz tion to freedom of choice in Sunday shop­ and Robert Vaughan address the London Board of Education, citing the tremendous ping. hidden costs of "whole language" buried in October: Fourteen Fp members and suppor­ its 1992 budget. Board reacts in outrage. ters set the political agenda in the London April: At a public forum attended by over and St. Thomas 1991 municipal elections for school board trustees. 1000 people, Fp leader Robert Metz addresses the Ministry of Community and October: Fp provincial secretary Robert Social Services panel on child care reform; Vaughan organizes special London-Middlesex Metz condemns government's attempt to in­ Taxpayers' Coalition trustee election event, troduce universality, a day care monopoly, exposing the issue of "whole language" as and the elimination of the profit motive. a primary cause behind growing illiteracy rates within the public education system; over April: Fp executive members Robert Metz and Robert Vaughan address the Ontario 200 attend meeting, four times larger than any other election event. Human Rights Code Review Task Force, condemning the concept of "systemic discri­ October: Hamilton's Jamesville BIA is finally mination" and the establishment of special defeated, after four years of persistent efforts police forces to enforce such legislation. by Freedom Party and Fp supporter Ron Burridge. April: Fp "whole language" campaign draws irate public response from London school November: Fp-supported municipal candi­ principal who distributes her lengthy written dates make a strong showing at the polls, rebuttal to local residents via the school's despite massive union-sponsored and media­ students --- much to the anger and surprise of supported campaign against them. the children's parents. Fp reprints her criti­ cism, using it as an illustration of the failings December: Shocked by the presence of an of whole language, and of the contradictory organized and effective opposition to incum­ arguments used to defend it. bent trustees, Fp-endorsed candidates are brought under attack by London Board of May.: Freedom Party assists London-Middle­ Education trustees and administrators. sex Taxpayers' Coalition in exposing the City of London's Project 2000, an official munici­ December: Fp executive Barry Fitzgerald pal policy discouraging the pursuit of known challenges mandatory cycle helmet law, welfare fraud cases. introduced as a private member's bill by London North MPP Dianne Cunningham, May.: Freedom Party joins forces with a before the Standing Committee on the coalition of Ontario's "alternative " parties to Resources Development. demand equal and fair treatment under the law for all officially-registered political parties.

J.un.e: At a $50-per-plate dinner event, Fp 1992 member and author William Trench warns Fp members and supporters that "this coun­ January: Freedom Party member and try is in a far worse condition --- and I'm not author William Trench publishes Only You kidding you --- than anybody in this room Can Save Canada - Restoring Freedom and even suspects, and that includes me." Prosperity. Endorsed by NCC president David Page B

J..un.e: The staff of a public school in London February: Fp leads; Robl3rt Metz volunteers accuses Fp of publishing "hate literature" to represent London Landlord Elijah Elieff because of its campaign against "whole before an Ontario Human Rights Commis­ language". To evade Fp scrutiny of the sion Board of Inquiry. As part of his defence controversial teaching method and philoso­ that the landlord was falsely accused of racial phy, one local school principal withdraws his discrimination against his tenants, Metz public invitation to Fp to observe classes in argues that the Human Rights Commission his school. itself promotes an openly racist agenda. J..un.e: At public hearings, Fp leader Robert April: Fp participates in its third Ontario Metz demands an end to the London Board of Bi-election in the Toronto riding of Don Mills. Education's intimidation tactics directed Candidate David Pengelly reaches thousands against those who oppose " whole of voters with Freedom Party message, while language". voters oust NDP.

J.u.Iy: In a written submission to the Ontario April: Fp joins with alternate Ontario political Law Reform Commission's review of the parties in a demonstration protesting federal Ontario Film Review Board (censor board), Fp Bill C-114 at Queen's Parlk. The Bill, suppor­ says 'No' to censorship. Surprisingly, in its ted by federal Liberals, Conservatives, and 134-page report, the Reform Commission New Democrats, essentially prohibits lobby agrees. groups and private individlUals from purchas­ ing advertising to espousEI their views during J.u.Iy: Fp leader Robert Metz addresses a a federal election. crowd of over 1,000 on the grounds of Toronto's City Hall citing the failures of Can­ April: Fp calls for an end to universality in nabis Prohibition and Canada's counter­ social programs, the privatization and selling­ productive and expensive War on Drugs. off of crown corporations, and flat taxes in its public address to the Ontario Fair Tax September: Fp launches campaign to sup­ Commission. port the 'NO' side of the Charlottetown accord referendum question. In public M.a)t: Fp leader Robert Mletz participates in forums and on televised debates, Fp leader televised debate on cannabis prohibition. Robert Metz argues that the "referendum is Joined and supported by former public fraudulently being sold to Canadians as a school teacher Jeff Schurie (who as a con­ unity package, when in fact it has nothing to sequence of his conviction of cultivating can­ do with unity." nabis in his home founded HEMP Canada) , Metz debated London Police Force super­ November: Despite a CRTC ruling that alter­ intendent Jim Balmain. Though invited to native parties are not given equal air time participate, representatives of the Addiction during elections, Mr. Justice Borins dis­ Research Foundation refusisd to send a parti­ missed an application by Ontario's alternate cipant to help Balmain with his case. parties to prosecute the three major parties for violating the law. He went one step further Augwit: Fp ieader Robert: Metz repeats his by accusing the alternate parties of advancing message on the failure of c:annabis prohibi­ their own political agendas. tion at the second rally held at Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana 1993 Laws (NORML) : "Drug traffickers," warns Metz, "are among the (big~lest) supporters of January: In separate meetings with Progres­ drug prohibition." sive Conservative leader Mike Harris, and with ~tember : During on·-going testimony officials of the NDP government, Fp leader before Ontario's Human Rights Commission Robert Metz joins education delegation at Board of Inquiry, a retroactive publication Queen's Park to protest the teaching policies ban is placed on Fp's June 1993 issue of of the Ministry of Education. Freedom Flyer. The party newsletter reported a deal the Commission tried to strike with Freedom Party On Tile Record Page 9

London landlord Elijp.f, Elieff in exchange for Ma)': In a public address to trustees, Fp dropping the complaint against him. leader Jack Plant warns; London's Public School Board of the eventual and unavoid­ September: Fp leader Robert Metz presents able "end of public edu(:ation as we have his closing arguments to the HRC Board of come to understand it." Citing a provincial Inquiry. Arguing that London landlord Elijah deficit that is increasing Ontario's debt at a Elieff was an unsuspecting victim of a "calcu­ rate of over $1 million per hour, Plant lated, fully orchestrated lobby effort" to gain emphasizes that school boards across the control of his apartment buildings, Metz cites province can soon expect drastic reductions past Board of Inquiry decisions as evidence of in provincial education transfer payments. the Human Rights Commission's own pre­ judice towards the minorities it purports to August: Ontario Human Rights Commission protect. The Board promises a decision within Board of Inquiry clears London landlord three months. Elijah Elieff of racism complaint, in a long­ awaited decision on the arguments put iorth October: Fp addresses Ontario's Royal by Fp president Robert Metz. Commission on Learning, challenging the $3 million public hearing to live up to its September: Fp manager of special projects, stated objective of 'giving Ontarians "a say" in Murray Hopper, draws the attention of Finan­ the province's education system. Arguing that cial Post editor Diane Francis, with his Ontarians cannot really have "a say" until suggestion of applying the "Dutch clock they have a choice, Fp leader Robert Metz auction" principle to Canada's welfare sys­ cites the government's commitment to pre­ tem. While saving taxpayers money, it would serving its monopoly and control over edu­ also provide a positive incentive for welfare cation as evidence that the hearings are a recipients to abandon dependency and seek useless and wasteful exercise. employment without being penalized by the system. November: Fp assists London taxi reform coalition with its campaign to expose discri­ October: Fp president IRobert Metz finds minating licensing practices and to introduce himself embroiled in a debate with gay more competition in the industry. Minister of activists opposed to parental input on "alter­ Municipal Affairs, Ed Philip, refuses to order a nate lifestyle" workshops in the public school formal inquiry into the London taxi industry. system. The debate is aired across Ontario on the BBS television network in the midst of municipe.1 election campai\;ln periods. 1994 Q.m.o.b.e.r: Fp president Robert Metz attends London Symposium 1994 expecting to debate January: Fp executive Robert Metz steps a representative from MPP Marion Boyd's down as founding party leader, clearing the office on the subject of censorship before a way for Jack Plant to take the helm as group of Ontario students attending the con­ interim leader. M~tz continues as party ference from around the province. At last president, policy sp6kesman, and newsletter minute, Boyd's office withdraws its represen­ editor. tative saying that they "could not commit the ~: In a public address to A.P.E.C. suppor­ time." ters, Fp president Robert Met~ lets them know October: In a radio debate with representa­ that Freedom Party supports their position tives of Much Music and anti-violence against official bilingualism and on co.1stitu­ groups, Fp president Robert Metz blames tional change. C.R-T.C. regulations for being behind Much ~ : Fp leader Jack Plant and secretary Music's decision to slot rock band SFH 's Robert Vaughan attend Queen's Park for the music video, Mourning Suicide, into its "Too tabling of the NDP's 1994 Ontario budget. Much For Much" program segment. Citing the Plant expresses his concerns to PC leader issue of C.R.T.C. regulations as being "very Mike Harris and to members of business !:ensitive" to Canadian broadcasters, Much community and media. Music's manager of communications, Sarah Page 10

Crawford, refuses to publicly speculate on the to assist federal Reformers in developing a possibility of a different decision in the solid, defensible policy on aboriginal affairs absence of the regulator. for their party. Using property rights as the cornerstone of his position, Metz urges Refor­ November: Fp secretary Robert Vaughan mers to avoid race as a grounds for political becomes Fp's first executive member elected status, and argues that all Canadians, abori­ to public office as a public school board ginals included, should be treated equally trustee in London. before and under the law. December: Gordon Domm, the ex-OPP February: Fp president Robert Metz officer convicted of distributing published becomes the focus of the Objectivist Club of information on the Karla Teale murder trial, Michigan's international Objectivist publica­ speaks to Fp supporters at a $50/plate dinner tion, Full Context. In a seven-page interview, held in his honour in London. The event, Metz reviews his personal involvement in calling for the public's right to access informa­ politics, and criticizes ObjectiVists themselves tion pertaining to fundamental issues of jus­ for adopting "an armchair philosopher" pos­ tice and public jurisdiction, drew media atten­ ture with respect to effecting change. tion and support for Domm's on-gOing fight over the publication ban and his pending February: In an address to the London East appeal of the conviction. Reform Party Association, Fp president Robert Metz urges Reformers to adopt a 1995 policy of abolishing Canada's Human Rights Commission, arguing that "these commis­ January: In a first meeting attended by sions exist to entrench the racist policies of representatives of numerous advocacy both the federal and provincial governments." groups, including Ontarians For Responsible February: Ontario's Commission on Election Government, Progressive Group For Indepen­ Finances rejects Fp executive member Robert dent Business, Alliance For the Preservation Vaughan's request to have observer repre­ of English In Canada, Ontario Taxpayers' sentatives from the alternative parties Federation, Society For Academic Freedom attend commission meetings. Citing a change And Scholarship, Employment Excellence, to the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, the Voice Of Canadians, and many others, Free­ commission cites a preference for "paper dom Party executive members Metz, Vaug­ hearings rather than face to face hearings" han, and Walker play key roles in helping all and emphasizes that matters of concern to discover common ground on which to plan Ontario's political parties, "particularly policy future activities. matters", will "continue to be conducted in January: Fp leader Jack Plant supports private." freedom of choice on the issue of year-round M..ar.c.b: Fp leader Jack Plant addresses the schooling. In an address to the London London Board of Education on its 1995 Board of Education, Plant supports the option budget, but describes the budget process of year-round schooling, but not "if it is itself a "futile and frustrating experience". In unaccompanied by choice". addition to his call for a comprehensive audit January: Though supporting the repeal of and for a clear segregation of provincially Bill 40, Progressive Conservative MPP Eliza­ mandated expenses from those which are not, beth Witmer offers an evasive response to Plant challenges the basic premise of the Freedom Party's advocacy of a 'right to Board's 'vision paper' which states that the work' law which would "guarantee that no aim of the board is to prepare students for a person can be compelled as a condition of "post-capitalist" world. employment, to join or not to join, nor to pay M..ar.c.b: At a meeting called by Ontario's dues to a labour union." Commission On Election Finances and atten­ February: Fp president Robert Metz delivers ded by representatives of all of Ontario's a strong message to a Reform Party of alternative political parties, Fp president Canada Aboriginal Affairs Task force formed Robert Metz objects to regulations which Freedom Party On The Record Page 11 handicap new political parties in the advance­ defended London landlord Elijah Eli eff against ment of their causes. Exercising its regulatory a contrived complaint of racism. power to pick and choose the issues on which September: Fp president Robert Metz is Ontario political parties may raise tax-credi­ keynote speaker at a merger meeting bet­ table contributions, the Commission makes ween the Progressive Group for Indepen­ clear its opposition to political freedom by dent Business and Voice of Canadians in informing Metz that Freedom Party will not Burlington. "Because Ontario's political and be allowed to raise such contributions for any moral environment is still a socialist one political campaigns against Ontario's Human despite the election of Mike Harris and Rights Commissions. However, if Fp would th~ PCs," warns Metz, "I'm not quite ready for any advocate 'gender equality' in the legislature post-revolution celebrations yet." (something that Fp could never support on principle), the contributions for such a cam­ December: Fp leader Jack Plant publicly paign would be permitted. calls upon Ontario Federation of Labour's (OFL) Gordon Wilson to cancel a planned Marc.b: In a closed-door meeting with Pro­ illegal labour walkout in the city of London. gressive Conservative leader Mike Harris, Freedom Party supporters deliver 15,000 Fp president Robert Metz and vice-president information bulletins to residents of London Lloyd Walker join with other group leaders and activists to support Harris on five key condemning the actions of an "impotent platform issues: (1) lower taxes, (2) spending union leadership". cuts, (3) removal of government barriers to December: Freedom Party supports the job creation, (4) doing better for less, and (5) London-Middlesex Taxpayers' Coalition in a balancing the budget. counter-protest to a union-organized shut­ down of the city. National media attention is ~ : Freedom Party becomes a founding group of the newly-named alliance of group focused on London when organizers and leaders and activists: the Montgomery volunteers form "Londoners Transporting Citizens" by providing drivers and vehicles to Tavern Society. help compensate for a cut to bus service on ~: Fp executive member Robert Vaughan D'3cember 11 . generates controversy when, as London Board of Education trustee, he accuses the board of adopting a "racist and sexist 1996 equity policy" in its hiring practices. January: For the first time in its 12-year Jun.e: Promoting a ten-point platform, Free­ history, Freedom Party is refused an oppor­ dom Party fields 12 candidates in its fourth tunity to address the government in power provincial election. through government-sponsored public hear­ Sep.tember: Author Joe Armstrong (:=arewell ings. The issue? Bill 26. the Peaceful Kingdom) addresses 60 Fp January: Though Freedom Party is turned attendees at a $50-a-plate dinner in London. away, the Ll)ndon-Middlesex Taxpayers' Coa­ His theme, 'Racism Rampant In A Victim lition (LMTC) is offered TWO opportunities to Culture', demonstrates how Canadians live addres,> the Standing Committee on General with a "victim culture constitution" that is Government on Bill 26. Fp president Robert undermining the fundamental values on which Matz, speaking on behalf of the LMTC, attacks Canada depends for its continued existence the principle of 'universality' as being the very as a free nation. Says Armstrong: "Canada thing that destroys government's ability to does not suffer a leadership crisis. She suffers help those most in need. a crisis of citizenship." february: Fp president Robert Metz tells 85 September: Fp president Robort Metz warns Voice of Canadians supporters in Toronto that members of the London Chamber of Com­ Canada's census takers are collecting infor­ merce about the dangers of Ontario's mation that will be used against Canadians Human Rights Commission, citing his own through the implementation of government experience before a Board of Inquiry when he Page 12

social engineering programs. deal with his employees according to con­ tract." The comments follc)w Manning's sus­ February: Members of the Montgomery pension of Reform Party MPs Bob Ringma Tavern Society, including Fp president Robert and Dave Chatters for making allegedly racist Metz and Fp vice-president Lloyd Walker, comments. meet with Reform MP Ed Harper in Toronto to urge Reformers to focus on five key September: At the Ministry of Citizenship, platform issues: (1) Charter of Rights and Culture, And Recreation in Toronto, Fp pre­ Freedoms, (2) Official Multiculturalism, (3) sident Robert Metz privately meets with Pro­ Taxes, Debt, and the Deficit, (4) Canadian gressive Conservative MIPP Tony Clement unity, and (5) Justice. to discuss the lack of due process under Ontario's Human Rights iCommission, and March: Electronic editions of Consent maga­ to bring to his attention thl3 plight of London zine, programmed to run under a 'Windows' landlord Elijah Elieff. format, are made available for the first time. September: Freedom PlIlrty publicly sup­ Ma.rc.b: London Board of Education Budget ports government initiative on referenda, hearings grind to a halt when Fp president subject to the condition thiat a referendum's attempts to quote from the budgetary philo­ outcome cannot infringe upon fundamental sophy of Board chairperson Bill Brock as freedoms (including property rights) . delivered in his inaugural address. It is the second time that Metz is prevented from September: Fp executive member and Lon­ continuing a presentation before the board. don Board of Education trulstee Robert Vaug­ han generates more con11roversy when he Ma.rc.b: Fp vice-president Lloyd Walker sub­ accuses board officials of hypocrisy in their mits specific recommendations to Ontario's 32 refusal to hear from parents who wish to have Progressive Conservative government, in res­ their children taught how to read using ponse to its discussion paper on Workers' phonics. Compensation Reform. Privatizing Workers' Compensation is the ultimate solution, says September: Freedom Party launches its Walker. World Wide Website at the following address: http/lwww freed()mparty org. Ma)': Fp CA president (Weiland-Thorold) Barry Fitzgerald tells attendees at a public September: Ontario's Commission On Elec­ meeting (sponsored by the Etobicoke Board tion Finances relents after Freedom Party of Health) that smoking bylaws violate pro­ refuses compliance --- twice --- with arbitr­ perty rights. ary rulings imposed by the I~ommission .

Ma)': Fp manager of special projects, Lloyd October: Freedom Parry' files an appeal Walker, boycotts the Canada census. In an with Ontario's Information ;and Privacy Com­ open letter to Prime Minister Jean Chretien, missioner to force the Ontmio Human Rights Walker informs the prime minister that filling Commission to comply with Fp's Freedom Of out the census would require adopting a Information request. racist perspective, something which he October: Ep president IRobert Metz dis­ regards as "abhorrent". cusses Workers' Compensation with mem­ J.u.n.e: Freedom Party files a Freedom Of bers of the Progressive Group For Indepen­ Information request with the Ontario Human dent Business at a $40-per-plate dinner event Rights Commission, for a list of expenses in Hamilton. incurred with respect to its actions against October: The Ontario Human Rights Com­ London landlord Elijah Elieff. The Commission mission appeals the Board of Inquiry Ruling says no such records exist. (1994) which found that there was no evi­ Aug.um: Fp political issues analyst Murray dence to support a racism complaint against Hopper criticizes Reform Party leader Pre­ London landlord Elijah Elietf. Elieff was defen­ ston Manning for missing "a golden oppor­ ded before that board by Ep president Robert tunity to spring to the defense of capitalism Metz. and to support the right of every employer to Freedom Party On The Record Page 13

October: In an editorial published in the drug policies. Monteith suggests that Cana· london Free Press, Fp executive member dians should "tell Washington to buzz off" on Robert Vaughan, a trustee on the london Canadian drug policy. Board of Education, decrys the state mono­ April: Jack Plant steps down as interim party poly on education and supports the provin­ leader; Lloyd Walker assumes the helm. cial government's elimination of school boards. "Parents should have the final say in April: In a private meeting arranged through education," says Vaughan. "If that means the Montgomery Society, Fp leader Lloyd there would no longer be a need for school Walker and Fp president Robert Metz meet boards and trustees like myself, so be it. " with Reform Party leader Preston Manning in Toronto to discuss issues of common November: Freedom Party sends two concern. Manning assures Walker that Reform representatives (Fp president Robert Metz and Regional vice-president Bill FramptoOl) to has no plans to field provincial candidates, despite the official registration of Reform in the Conference For Concerned Cana­ dians held in Napanee. More than 24 organi­ Ontario. zations outline their agendas and discuss April: Freedom Party supports Hemp areas of common agreement. Nation owner Chris Clay when Fp CA November: In a one-hour open-line debate in president Ray Monteith (Elgin) twice presents london, Fp president Robert Metz debates him with $500 cheques to help defray legal Dr. Terry Polovoy of Physicians for a costs incurred In his constitutional chal­ lenge to Canada's marijuana laws. Says Smoke-Free Canada and Garfield Mahood of the Non-Smokers Rights Association. Metz Monteith: "Drugs should be legalized." condemns a proposal by the Ontario Medical Ju.rut: Ron Leitch, president of the Alliance Association to legally prohibit smoking in For The Preservation Of English in private homes. Canada (APEC), addresses Fp audiences at December: In a bizarre decision, an two separate $50/plate dinners held in lon­ Ontario Divisional Court judgement over­ don and Ottawa. Drawing a parallel between turns a 1994 Human Rights Commission the erosion of the monarchy in Canada with Board Of Inquiry decision which found that the erosion of individual rights and free­ there was no evidence to support a racism doms, leitch suggests that Canadians have complaint against London landlord Elijah lost their freedoms by abandoning an institu· Elieff. tion which was quite effective at limiting government power. December: Fp manager of special projects Lloyd Walker launches Freedom Party's 1997 Calendar Of Canada, which notes hundreds of Canadian historical references and high­ lights exclusive quotes taken from the pages of Consent magazine.

1997 January: The Ontario Human Rights Com­ mission is forced to comply with Freedom Party's Freedom Of Information Request. Records formerly said to have not existed are produced, but figures provided are suspect. February: Fp CA presidents Ray Monteith (Elgin) and David Pengelly (Don Mills) appear on CBC Newsworld's Ralph Benmergui Show in Toronto to voice opposition to Canada's Page 14

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CreatIng A CooIce --- Ear Fre,edom!

For full details of every event recorded in this booklet, plus much more, visit Free­ dom Party's official World Wide Web Site at:

www.freedomparty.or~l ON THE RECORD! is published by the Freedom Party of Ontario, (July 1997) FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO Freedom Party of Ontario is a fully-registered Ontario political party. Contributions are tax-creditable. Statement of Plrinciple: Freedom Party is founded on the principle that: Every Individuat In the peacefulpurswl ofpersonal fulfillment; has an absolute right to hIS or her own ute, uberty, andproperty. Platform: that the purpose ofgovernment is to protect individual freedom of choice, not to restrict it. Annual Member­ ship & Support Level: $25 (tax-creditable to Ontario residents) ; Provincial Executive: Ontario President: Robert Metz; Ontario Vice-president: William Frampton; Ontario Secretary: Barry Malcolm; ChiefFInancIal Officer: Pattii Plant; Executive Officers: Robert Vaughan, Gordon Mood, Paul Blair; Party Leader: Lloyd Walker. TO ORDER TRANSCRIPTS, REPORTS, OTHER REPRO­ DUCTIONS, OR BACK-ISSUES OF OUR PARTY NEWS­ LETTERS, CONSENTand FREEDOM Fl YER, (or simply to request more information on Freedom Party),please call or write: FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO, Box 2214, LONIDON, Ontario N6A 4E3; Phone: 1-800-830-3301 (Ontario only); Outside Ontario, or in the London area, please call: (519) 681 -3999; Website: hup:f/WWW.freedomparty_org; E-mail: feedback@freedomparty,org; OFFICES: 240 Commissioners Road West, LONDON, Ontario, N6J 1 Y1 ; Fax: (519) 681-2857.