FREEDOM JULY, 2006 - ELECTION 2007 EDITION #1 - Who Is Frank? - page 7 FLYER Ontario By-elections - page 10 1i37 - TIlE OFFICIAL i\:EWSLETTER OF Ute. liberty. Property. BILLBOARD Campaign - page 4 TilE FRHI)OM PARTY OF ONTARIO BILLBOARDS ANNOUNCE Fp 2007 ONTARIO ELECTION PLATFORM
"The Right Direction 2007... "
BOLD VISION, CLEAR POLICIES, FRANK APPROACH DISTINGUISH Fp PLATFORM
TORONTO - October 4, 2005 - Exactly two years to the day before the next expected provincial election, Freedom Party's 2007 election platform was released at a media briefing held at the downtown Strathcuna Hotel. The event coincided with Fp's first-ever launching of a provincial-wide billboard campaign (see pages 4-5) drawing attention to Fp's key platform issues.
Fp PLATFORM TARGETS TAXES, HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION
Freedom Party's full-color Right Direction 2U07 Election Platform is a unique political document on every front. It begins with an introduction by Fp leader Paul McKeever which establishes that values are what Freedom Party is really al l about: "Freedom Party is a uniquely principled organization formed for and by equally principled individuals (who) hold rationality, ethics, justice, democracy and freedom as values upon "WHO IS which (we) will make no compromise." For the com plete text of this introduction, see page 8. FRANK?" The rest of the platform consists of detailed descriptions and color illustrations relating to each plank in the platform: (I) Scrap Ontario's Income Tax, (2) SOLD-OUT Fp Legalize Faster Better Health Care, (3) Improve Educa tion through Choice, (4) Improve the Supply Of DINNER a BIG Electricity, (5) Restore Fair Auto Insurance, (6) Scrap Property Taxes, and (7) a final section on Budgetting Better Health Care And Education. More details, HIT! - see pg 6 reactions, and insights follow on the inside pages of this newsletter. {end} 2
Openers... SOME FRANK TALK ABOUT FREEDOM PARTY --- AND FREEDOM GREAT EXPECTATIONS vs NO EXPECTATIONS - Robert Metz
(Robert Met: IS a founding melllber alld pre~ldent of the Freedom Part)' of Ontano.}
From an objective point of view the name Freedom Party. Just about wards tyranny. Historicall y, freedom was al (namely mine), Freedom Party is the every other reasonable (and some ways won by civil disobedience, law breaking, revoluti on , and even war.) best political party ever invented. unreasonable) name yo u could think of Sure, I'm one of the founding members for a political party was already taken of the party, but I didn't invent or or reserved for official registration. On a television news broadcast create Freedom Party. Freedom Party But no one ever started a Freedom aired almost eighteen years ago, we let has evolved into something much Party. the media know that Freedom Party larger than anyone of us ,--______-, candidates only expected individually, thanks to "We fought tax increases --- and won. We to get one or two percent the work, support, and of the vote, but that the wisdom of people dedi fought government spending on grandiose important thing for any cated to the principle stadium projects and sports events --- and new political party to do that: won. We fought three entrenched and was to field candidates. I was quoted thusly: "Evely individual, in the elected Ontario political parties, each peacefi" pursuit of "There's the element of personal fulfillment, has vehemently opposed to Sunday shopping in political credibility. Can you be electable in the an absolute right to his Ontario --- and won. or her own life, liberty, immediate future? Well and pruperty. " But when it comes to Ontario elections, we that's something that when we started this still haven't won one yet." party we knew would be I had no idea, in 1984 '--______---' at least a decade or two when Freedom Party was away. Credibility in an founded , just where that moral propo election is (totally different from what sition would lead us. But I had I didn't expect that. (Today I know most expect). It isn't related to your expectations. why, but that's th e subject of another ideas - directly - it's related more to story.) the credibility of the organization be hind the ideas, and its consistency, and Only a few years earlier, and when its ability to be there election after However, there's one thing I did I was well into my late twenties, I was election." (November 3, 1988 - Behind expect from the very beginning, an vaguely aware that something was se The News - ChID London Ontario; you expectation that might deter most from riously wrong with the way we were can see the entire video clip available getting involved with a new political being governed. But like so many on line) others, I was a political illiterate, not party. Then, as today, I full y under knowing the difference between left, stood the enormity of the the task right, center, or which of Ontario's before us --- and its necessity. We Since the very beginning, Freedom political' parties fit into which co lor of were, and sti ll are, pioneers on a road Party has consistently increased its the political spectrum. (They're all never travelled --- one away from number of candidates in each succes 'red'.) I do recall, however, my abso more government control, higher sive election, starting with three in lute astonishment, in a country that taxes, ever-increasing government 1985 and reaching two dozen in the supposedly holds freedom as its high spending, and less of everything else. last Ontario election. But even field est ideal and which has sent its sol (Most are tragically unaware that freedom has mg a full slate of candidates, though diers to die "for freedom", to discover never been won within a majority ru le process. which ohl'O)'s moves away from freedom [0- that no political party or group wanted (conl'd all lIext page .. .) 3'
( .. COIII'dj ;'UIII pre>' page) 'too frank' with the public; why necessary, is not enough to reach bother? - it won't make any difference critical mass, the tipping point, the anyway." And so on. time at which Freedom Party will be perceived as an 'overnight success' and They've all got it wrong. Whether elect its first member to the true or not, and most are not, none of legislature. these things are relevant to the goal of getting elected. Today, we have the best platform ever offered by a political party, an The early vote totals of any new Freedom Party President informed, educated and articulate political party will tell you nothing party leader, Paul McKeever, who can about that party other than the fact that Robert Metz out-debate any of the other party lead a candidate was fielded in the riding. ers on any of the major issues. nevertheless an inescapable fact: Get ting elected has little to do with what a SOME FRANK TALK ABOUT candidate or party represents in terms Moreover, we have a track record GETTING ELECTED: of effective education and lobby ef of philosophy, policy, or direction. forts which are documented for all to Almost nothing. Philosophy and see in our past newsletters and on line: The inertia of incumbency and policy are important for other reasons, We fought tax increases --- and won . voter loyalty is difficult for most to but not directly for getting elected. We fought government spending on appreciate and requires a clear context grandiose stadium projects and sports and perspective. Given my corporate If I just wanted to 'get elected,' I events --- and won . We fought three and business background and probably could have done so already entrenched experience, I .------~ (and so could most of you who are and elected "Getting elected has little to do already reading this), by running for one of the Ontario po knew, some two most 'electable' parties. But my Iitical parties, with what a candidate or party eighteen getting elected with one of the major each vehe represents in terms of years ago parties would not only have destroyed mently op that it would any ability on my part to work for posed to Sun- philosophy, policy, or direction." be at least day shopp ing L...-______-' freedom, but would have forced me twenty years to actually work against freedom . in Ontario --- and won. before most Ontarians could even say they've heard of Freedom Party, let alone feel confident in voting for the I recall, after my very first election But when it comes to Ontario party. Let's face it, in any given 20 speech as a Freedom Party candidate elections, we still haven't won one yet. year period, political parties only get in London South (1985), incumbent four to five meaningful 'kicks at the and Conservative candidate Gordon With electoral returns barely can', that is, opportunities to field Walker, noticing how warmly the reaching I % for Freedom Party candi candidates. This alone should speak to audience reacted to my message, in dates in the recent Ontario by the reality of the time constraints in vited me to consider becoming a Con elections, it's easy to believe that Free volved in having so few pathetically servative --- right there at the all dom Party is not making any progress short election periods in so long a candidates' debates in plain sight for towards its goal of becoming an elect period of time. everyone to see and hear. If Walker able party in Ontario. really liked what I was saying, he should have been a Freedom Party Everyone has a theory: "You're Now here's something even more candidate, not a conservative. 'splitting the right'; you don't field daunting, and probably something you enough candidates to form a majority; don't even want to know, but which is (OPENERS ... conl'd on page I·L.) I haven't seen you in the papers; your candidates aren't high profile enough; Freedom Party your party's name is wrong; no one's ever heard of you; you can't win; your policies are too extreme; you're being Life, Liberty, Property. 4 TAX TARGETED
• > • . MIKE HENSON The London Free Press A::motorist drives past a new billboard on London's Horton Street yesterday that signals the coming etection season, with the Freedom Party of Ontario releasing the first plank in its platform - a vow to abolish provincial income tax. The alternative party says scrapping provincial income tax would go npird in glove with its policy to give Ontarians a choice between public and private health care and epircation, freeing up money in their pockets for that choice. The next Ontario election will be held in ~=~ober 2007. . 00f 7 2005
Above: reproduced (original size) from the London Free Press. pg A3, October 7, 2005 5
IN-YOUR-FACE BILLBOARDS SPEAK DIRECTLY TO ONTARIO VOTERS
TORONTO, LONDON - Octo The result of intensive research, other key policy makers. ber 4, 2005 - Motorists driving along preparation and planning, Freedom Between now and October 2007, the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto, Party's platform and marketing strat the number of Fp billboards seen by and along Horton Street in London egy for the 2007 election campaign are Ontario voters will be determined by were among the first to see Freedom complete and second to none. Fp's the leve I 0 f fi nanc ia I support Party's billboards announcing its 2007 platform, the Right Direction 2007, contributed. High-profile billboards Election Platform , The RighI has al so increased media attention and are an expensive proposition, costing Direction. coverage for Freedom Party on the approximately $2500 per billboard per For Freedom Party itself, the issues, as opposed to elections (see month. billboards also marked the first time samples on page 9). Calling for the elimination of Ontario's income tax It's an investment well worth this medium was being used to appeal making, especially in light of Free directly to voters. and property tax, along with a call to legalize faster better health care, Fp's dom Party's long-term vision for a platform is being given serious consid better Ontario and a freer society. The billboards serve two essential eration by major influential media and {end} purposes: (I) to by-pass the media as The early start is intended to the 'middle-man' between the party 4 draw attention to the party and and the public, and (2) to increase help it fmd candidates, said Paul public awareness and media reaction. McKeever, the Oshawa employ merit lawyer who leads the party founded in London in 1984. Freedom "We have two years to get our It should be noted that the two platform out," he said. separate London Free Press items ap The party had 23 candidates in pearing on either side of this column 2003 and McKeever is hopeful a party full slate of 107 can be fielded this represent more coverage of our up time. coming 2007 election platform than Main features of the platform the paper offered Freedom Party dur are the plan to kill off the Ontario ing the entire last Ontario general kicks off income tax, lower taxes and pro viding Ontarians a choice election. between public and private • health care and education. Freedom of choice is the essen Moreover, the billboards seem to campaIgn tial element in the party philoso have had the effect we were seeking phy, which decries too much gov on public awareness. Overheard by an ernment control on the lives of The tiny Ontario party individuals. Fp supporter in a London business McKeever said the party has office was the following unsolicited hopes to field a full slate stolen a page from the third-place comment directed by one fellow em of 107 candidates in the Progressive Conservatives of ployee to another: "Did you know that Mike Harris, who released their next election. Common Sense Revolution 18 seven US states don't have income months before the 1995 provincial tax?" Once voters perceive that this BY CHIP MARTIN election, promoted it heavily, possibility actually exists in reality, no Free Press Politics Reporter recruited candidates and went on further explanations are necessary -- to win the election. though they are available for the few The tiny Freedom Party of The Freedom party was Ontario has begun campaigning founded by former Londoner who ask. for the next provincial election Marc Emery and Bob Metz. slated for October 2007. Emery's long-standing opposi At Right: from the London Free The libertarian-oriented party tion to federal marijuana laws Press, October 9, 2005. Coverage of unveiled its platform and bill and his shipping of seeds to cus fering overview of Freedom Party's board signs - including one in tomers in the United States has London on Horton Street - that made him a wanted man south of 2007 election campaign ends on a de draw attention to that platform. the border. tour of irrelevancy. The flrst billboards promise to He is flghting extradi'tion. ban the Ontario income tax that was introduced to help fund lOOT 9 200S~ public health care in 1969. 6
FREEDOM PARTY 'MYSTERY' DINNER EXCITES, DELIGHTS ATTENDEES
LONDON - October 29, 2005 - tives --- and to freedom and Freedom 1800s, were intentionally denied Perhaps it was the great speakers. Per Party itself. knowledge about geography or direc tion lest they escape and head north, haps it was the dazzling multi-media Most importantly, attendees were McKeever told the tale of the song show. Perhaps it was the great food treated to some frank talk about with the words: "Follow the drinking and sharing in company of like politics, the voting process, and Free gourd; the old man's gonna take you to minded people. Perhaps it was the dom Party's role in future Ontario freedom." great gifts distributed at the end of the elections. event. Perhaps it was the story of Frank, the magnificent white tiger that The song was used as a means of has been adopted as Freedom Party's It was clear that McKeever was the helping slaves escape through the un mascot. Whatever the reasons, or any star performer for the evening. His derground railroad to Canada by teach and all combinations of these reasons, candor, sense of humor, and sincerity ing them which way was north. The it was clear by the reactions of those established a personal connection with "drinking gourd" was the big dipper who attended Fp's dinner event that the audience, most having never met constellation in the sky, and two of the everyone had a great time and was him before. stars in the big dipper point directly to excited about the party's plans for the the north star, Polaris, which had be next provincial election and beyond. "Most people will die never having come a symbol of freedom to many. read a political platform," McKeever Featuring Freedom Party founding observed, citing the necessity of using Through some great story telling member and president Robert Metz symbolism and branding as a means of (with some often humorous and Freedom Party leader Paul McK communicating to the public. anecdotes), McKeever weaved a path eever as the two keynote speakers, demonstrating how and why the star Freedom Party's 'WHO IS FRANK?' Polaris has now become Fp's symbol dinner event revealed the answer to "We live in a ten second sound of destination, the compass Fp's sym that question in an entertaining and byte world. We must be able to com bol of direction, and 'Frank' the white stimulating way. municate with the voter in ten seconds or less, what it is that Freedom Party is tiger as Fp's symbol of ethics and all about. We have to brand the party. values. Held at the Seven Dwarf's Restau A big part of branding is symbolism. rant in London, attendees were treated The golden arches will always be a Throughout it all, his captivated to a video performance of Fp leader reminder of McDonalds. A bell will audience seemed to be thoroughly en Paul McKeever in action, promoting probably always make us think of joying themselves. and defending Fp's platform during the telephones. last provincial election (2003). Video highlights included coverage by CTV, A transcript of McKeever's presen "There aren't very many symbols TV Ontario's Steve Paikin on Studio 2, tation will be published in the near associated with freedom. There are and Jim Chapman on Rogers Cable in future . It's an exciting story to hear plenty for communism. There aren't London. Attendees got to see tough again and again and goes a long way very many symbols of freedom that questions asked, expressions of disbe to explain what Freedom Party is all aren't purely American, like the Statue lief directed at either Fp's policies or about. the party's chances of success, and of Liberty or the American Flag backgrou·nd information on Paul McK itself. " eever himself --- as seen through the As to the definitive answer to the dinner's key theme and question for eyes of the media. They also got to And with that, McKeever went on the evening: WHO IS FRANK? see a an informed and articulate party to tell the tale of a symbol of freedom leader more than capable of answering with a uniquely Canadian connection. any of these questions or concerns, FREEDOM PARTY's FRANK! one committed to his goals and objec- Referring to slaves in the state of Mississippi who, during the early That's who. {end} 7
DINNER ATTENDEES MEET -FRANK- - FREEDOM PARTY-S NEW MASCOT
FREEDOM PARTY'S FRANK Meet Frank, th e white tiger: proof positive that some things are black and white. Frank is found only in nature. Having th e power both to nurture life and to defend it, he is a constant reminder that nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed. You cannot find Frank if you do not look for him. Hidden in the dark jungle of politics, Frank can be found only by the light of human reason. Some try to get by without finding him . Others try to deny hi s ex istence by telling themse lves that nothing is black and white. But the occasional nash of his penetrating eyes through the gray jungle mists betrays such efforts. Deep down , we all know one inescapable truth : the temporary feeling of sec urity and comfort that we get from avoiding the thought of Frank actually puts our lives and our happiness at risk. Yet those who find and befriend Frank know that his only agenda is justice, and that his only special interest is freedom . Indeed, the name Frank quite literally, means "free". Just as importantly, "Frank" also means "honest and forthright". So when you hear Frank roar "Some things are black and white!", respond to it as a call to choose freedom, and to be honest and forthright in defending it.
Who must You be to be Free?
FREEDOM: I can't be free wi thout being frank.
RESPONSIBILITY: I can't be frank without being responsible.
ACTION: I can't be responsible without taking action.
NOBILITY: I can't can't take responsibl e action wi thout being right.
KNOWLEDGE: I can't be right without knowledge of the world and , how one mLi st live in it.
lile. Liberty. Property. Who is FRANK? Freedom Party's Frank! 8
A message from PAUL McKEEVER Leader, Freedom Party of Ontario
Our early release of Freedom Party's 2007 election platform - a full two years prior to the next provincial election - serves several purposes. It provides a standard by which to judge the other parties' election platforms; it gives you time to investigate Freedom Party's proposals further; it demonstrates our confidence that this election platform will withstand criticism. Although no other party has yet released an election platform for Ontario's 2007 election, I believe I can already say with confidence that the proposals set out in this platform are different from , and better than, any you might eventually see coming from the Progressive Conservatives, the Liberals, or the NDP: three parties trying desperately to get elected without upsetting their union and point of reference. We seek govern corporate funders. ment that navigates a course to a more rational, good, and just society using That said, a political party's values, not its election promises, not the whimsical winds of public are your surest guide to the sort of government each party would form. It is at opinion, but a compass that points that level - the level of values - that Freedom Party is most clearly distinguish government in the right direction. able from the Liberals, the Progressive Conservatives, the NDP and other political parties. Freedom Party is a uniquely principled organization There are those who say that there is no such thing as right and formed for and by equally principled wrong; that what is right for one person might be wrong for another; that individuals, like you. It is an organiza everything is relative and subjective; that nothing is black and white; that tion whose members demand a gov everything is shades of gray. Tellingly, they feel absolutely certain that they are ernment that defends civilization: a so- right. ciety distinguished by its Such people are ,------, optimistic, peaceful and "It is at the level of values, not policies, that easily recognized in the political hope-filled pursuit of hap- world. They propose that feelings Freedom Party is most clearly distinguish- piness rather than a jungle should trump reason; that emo- able from other political parties." plagued by a pessimistic, tional whims should prevail over nasty fear of a worsened what reason tells us is ethical; that justice is "too judgmental" and "unfair"; that life. To proudly support Freedom democracy is just another word for majority rule; that freedom means not having Party is to te II the wo rid, to take responsibility for ones own life and happiness. They are the first to unequivocally, that you hold demand that nobody judge them, and that nobody be judged. Indeed, their wish rationality, ethics, justice, democracy to do wrong without being held to account is the very reason why they pretend and freedom as values upon which you that there is no such thing as right and wrong. will make no compromise. Not everyone shares that dishonest and self-serving view of As we approach the how society should be. There are those of us who believe that rationality is the election of 2007, your proud support essence of civility. We believe that right and wrong is black and white, and that for Freedom Party is more important there is only one word for a compromise between right and wrong: corruption. than ever. When you have finished We do not fear judgment because we do not wish to do injustice to anyone. We reading Freedom Party's platform, I advocate democracy for what it truly is: a system in which government must be hope that you will lend it to others judged by the same ethical code as the governed because it is comprised of the with your full and confident governed, and acts on no other authority; a system in which government cannot endorsement. Word of mouth, coming make unjust laws, even when a majority wants it to do so. We advocate freedom from those who demonstrate a belief because we acknowledge and accept personal responsibility for our own lives in the honest and peaceful pursuit of and happiness, and because we know it is ethically wrong and unjust for us to be happiness, is our greatest and most forcibly deprived of our lives, our liberty or our property. powerful tool for freedom. Thank you. We are as the white tiger, whose stripes make no corrupt compromise between right and wrong. Freedom is our unmoving pole star and Toronto, October 4, 2005 couraged to do their shopping and selling out of town. 9 Consumption tax Similar proposals have more re cently found their way into recom mendations by non-partisan entities, such as the Toronto Board of Trade. cure or revenue "gap GAP-OSIS fi Yet, despite the broad appeal of these proposed reforms, the McGuinty gov PAUL McKEEVER rassing situation: He cannot very well ernment has decided to proceed with At Left, Above: from the Fi argue that diverting provincial rev legislation that aims to resolve its own nancial Post, January 6, 2006: enues to municipalities is wrong while political dilemma by exposing taxpay ap-osis has become an all too com arguing that diverting federal revenues ers to the possibility of even more irre Freedom Party's Election'07 Gmon and embarrassing syndrome- A to Ontario is right sponsible, unsustainable and unac plank promising to scrap government in one jurisdiction allows its McGuinty's problem has unmistak countable taxing and spending by the expenditures to exceed its revenues, then ably Influenced the province's newly in government of Toronto. Ontario's property tax by replac blames its delicit on "under-funding" by troduced Bi1153, which facilitates gover By titling Bill 53 the Stronger City of ing it with a consumption tax a senior level of government The asking nance and financing reforms for the Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act, government claims there is a "gap" City of Thronto. The bill is purportedly 2005, McGuinty has made a transpar was billed as a 'tax cure' in the between the total tax paid by people who the result of consultations and research, ent attempt to bolster his bid for federal Financial Post's commentary Jive within its jurisdiction and the commenced in 2004, to ensure a fiscally cash. He is suggesting that he walks his amount ultimately spent there. Asserting sustainable and accountable gover Ottawa talk about a "stronger province roundup on the 'State of Cities' in that it is the "engine that drives" the nance of the province's largest city. Yet it of Ontario for a stronger Canada" How Canada. Fp leader Paul McK economy, the asking government has long been obvious that the most ef· ever, the bill does little to improve the demands its "fair share" of tax revenues. fective way to make a government lot of taxpayers. It does not remedy mu eever expands on Freedom Canada's gap-os is poster boy has nicipal reliance on property taxes, Party's position by introducing most certainly become Ontario Pre which are both economically unsound mier Dalton McGuinty who - with the RFBPONSmLE and unjust. It does not impose any the syndrome of 'gap-osis' and by politically correct approval of the checks or balances on excessive munici stressing that "the most effective province's Progressive Conservative GOVERNMENTS PAYWITH pal taxation or imprudent municipal and NDP parties - has been demand spending. way to make a government spend ing a share of federal tax revenues to THEIROWNREVENUFS Rather, the bill functions primarily in a responsible way is to ensure make up for a $23-billion "gap." to reduce the likelihood of further de However, gap-os is is also running mands by Toronto for provincial rev that it pays for those expendi amok at the municipal level in Thronto. spend in a responsible, sustainable and enue. Once Bill 53 is passed, any Toron tures with its own resources." City councillors, welfare advocates, the accountable way is to ensure that it pays to demands for provincial revenues can Thronto Board of Trade: None are able for those expenditures with its own rev be met with a response from McGuinty (i.e., willing) to escape a politically ad enues, and raises those revenues re that the city does not need provincial vantageous gap-osis affliction. In addi sponsibly, sustainably and accountably. funds. He will argue that, unlike other Below: from the Toronto Star, tion to more autonomy for Thronto Since the election of 2003, my party municipalities, Toronto now wields council, they have all been demanding has proposed a set of municipal fi some of the province's taxing power, April 23, 2005: Adding a 'gap' provincial cash to close a gap between nance reforms that acknowledge the such that the city now has a broad the provincial taxes paid by "Throntoni effectiveness of that approach. Specifi enough tax base to satisfy its own bud· in logic to the issue of federal ans" (by which they mean everyone liv cally, we propose that municipal prop getary needs. provincial 'gaps' in transfer ing in or around the City of Thronto) and erty taxes be eliminated and replaced, Given that McGuinty wants federal the provincial funds spent in Thronto In each municipality, with a consump cash even though the province's taxa payments, columnist Ian Urqu (by which they mean only the city). tion tax. In particular, we propose that tion powers are already quite broad, it hart suggests that Freedom Party What is more, the city's demands are each municipality be permitted to im will be a hypocritical response. How is "on the side of (fonner prime actually more justifiable than the pose, within its boundaries, a munici ever, that response may function to province's when one considers the nar pal premium collected as part of the quiet the city's council. With Toronto minister) Martin and the federal rowness of the city's tax base and the Provincial Income Tax (PST). Munici quieted, McGuinty will be able to con Liberals," arguing that the "right breadth of the province's. pal taxes, hence municipal spending, tinue playing the gap card with Ot As a result, with the province too would be kept low by market forces. tawa without Toronto calling him on leaning Freedom Party ... wants strapped to continue shelling out Each municipality would determine his hypocrisy. Ottawa to cut taxes instead." provinCial revenues to municipalities its own premium with knowledge Paul McKeever is the leader oj the that are spending more than they take that, if the premium is raised too high, Freedom Party oj Ontario. in, McGuinty has been put in an embar- customers and businesses will be en- www.jreedomparty.on.ca Scoring points in battle ofthe gap * Make mini-deais. Martin has proposed meet McGuinty government gains ing McGuinty halfway with deals on a range of supportfor fight with Ottawa outstanding issues, including federal subsidies for resettling of immigrants, retraining of workers, remier Dalton McGuinty appears to have complying with the Kyoto accord and enhancing won a war of words with Prime Minister border infrastructure. Paul Martin over the "$23 billion gap" be McGuinty won't stand in the way of such deals, Ptween what Ontario taxpayers send to Ot Ian Urquhart but their combined value to the Ontario treasury tawa and what they get back in federal programs is likely to be far short of the $5 billion target he and services. At Queen's Park has set as a minimum to redress the province's Three months ago, McGuinty and the provincial grievances. Liberals started out on the gap campaign pretty So, what is the exit strategy for Martin and the * Appoint a royal commission. This is the old much on their own. But along the way they have federal Liberals on this issue? fashioned way for governments to deal with net picked up support from an impressive range of Essentially, they have four options: tlesome problems. sources, including: * Wait out the storm. That is, Martin and his But Martin has resisted it on the ground that a The opposition parties, both at Queen's Park and crew can hunker down and hope McGuinty loses royal commission might somehow become a tool in Ottawa; former premier Bob Rae; a wide array steam. for the separatists in Quebec. of interest groups in the province, from the uni The problem with this scenario is that McGuinty However, ' the provinces are going ahead with versity faculty unions to the Toronto Board of is showing every inclination to stay the course their own plans to establish a panel of pre-emi Trade; the editorial pages of most newspapets in and, indeed, to make the gap an issue in the up nent Canadians to study the current ''fiscal imbal the province; and such neutral observers as the coming federal election campaign. ance" that sees Ottawa basking in budget surplus Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.' And why wouldn't he? It beats taking the heat es while the provinces struggle to make ends meet And the polls suggest the general public agrees from Ontarians for brealringhis own promises: . The provinces are still wrestlingwith the compo with McGuinty. * Capitulate.' This lw been Martin's approach sition of the panel, but! have learned the names of Meanwhile, on the side of Martin and the federal to other files, notably the campaign by Newfound two confirmed members: Janice Gross Stein, pro Liberals are: the editorial page of The Globe cmd land to have its cake (retention of offsh9re oil rev fessor at the University of Toronto. and world Mal7; the left-leaning Canadian Centre for Policy enues) and eat it, too (no offsetting decreltse in renowned expert on conflict management; and Alternatives (which sees the gap as a ~sideshow" equalization payments). Indeed, it was Martin's Peter Meekison, professor emeritus at the Uni to help McGuinty avoid keeping his election decision earlier this year to cave into theprovinc versity of Alberta and a former deputymihister of promises); the right-leaning Freedom Party e', demands that helped to prompt Ontario's gap intergovernmental affairs in Alberta. (which wants Ottawa to cut taxes instead); and campaign. These are impressive individuals. The report some Ottawa-centric columnists. But in the Newfoundland case, Martin had a pri they produce will become the focal point for de On such a slender base does not a political party or campaign commitment to live up to. He has no bate on this issue, whether Martin likes it or not win an election campaign. such promise to keep on the Ontario gap. If, indeed, he is still Prime Minister by then. 10
ONTARIO BY-ELECTIONS A SOBERING REMINDER OF VOTER AND MEDIA INERTIA
ONTARIO - March I - March What makes the media's resistance virtually nothing about the polarized 30, 2006 - On March I, Ontario's to Freedom Party particularly curious performance of Fp's candiates or the Lieutenant Governor General dropped is that the voting public seems abso audience's reacti ons. Ignorance the writ for three Ontario by-elections, lutely starved to hear a different voice prevails. each held on Thursday March 30. in the political marketplace. One can imagine the surprise of Fp Freedom Party fielded a 'full-slate' Referring to his experience with the leader Paul McKeever when he re of candidates in the by-elections: Ollawa Citizen as an example of the ceived a phone call from the producer Franz Cauchi in the riding of 'democratic deficit' faced by voters in of the Rogers Cablecast program First Toronto-Danforth. Jurgen Vollrath in his riding, Vollrath notes: Local. After airing the Whitby-Ajax all candidates' debate, McKeever was the riding of Nepean-Carleton, and Fp "1 used this exclusion as a precur informed that First Local's on line leader Paul McKeever in the riding of sor in my opening statement to the poll showed McKeever's polling at Whitby-Ajax. All three candidates re distinguished crowd at the (Cedarview 48%, with PC Christine Elliott at 35%, ceived less than I % of the vote totals, Golf and Country Club all candidates' and Liberal Judi Longfield at 13 %. a result entirely consistent with vote debate) and for the most part, the invi totals of any new political party. tees were alarmed that the major news But that's not what First Local paper in this area could act in this reported on its 6pm election eve news coverage. Instead, First Local re However, thanks to Fp's early fashion. 1 drove home the point that versed McKeever's and Elliott's totals, launch of its 2007 election platform, we are allowing democracy to slip into declaring Elliott the winner. Subse the by-elections produced unprec a back seat position and the dangers quent checks of Rogers' poll online edented media coverage in some major that are presented if this is allowed to right after the broadcast confirmed that media outlets which have never cov continue. 1 got a standing ovation. the results had not changed signifi ered Freedom Party campaigns before, "Many other positives happened cantly since McKeever received the most notably the National Post (see during this debate and when it was call from First Local's producer. reproduction at left) and the Toronto over, I had more people wearing lib SIal' (reproduction on next page). eral and conservative pins on their Readers can view the entire lapels surrounding me than Whitby-Ajax all candidates' debate by (surrounding) their actual candidates. downloading a video file from Free Nevertheless, general media What a tremendous feeling' Having dom Party's website. But there is one resistance to Freedom Party and its used 'Frank' and the coincidental thing that viewers will not see: Be candidates is still the main challenge analogies that coincide with his exist fore the debate was broadcast live, facing us. TV Ontario's Studio 2, a ence as our mascot has an amazing each of the riding candidates was pro critically important source of informa effect on people. " filed in a pre-recorded video short. tion for Ontario voters, excluded Fp But not candidate Paul McKeever. candidates from its by-election Conservative. Liberal. NDP. Green. - coverage, while the Ollawa Citizen did Vollrath's experience as a Freedom - but no Freedom Party. Yet despite not invite Nepean-Carleton candidate Party candidate is typical of most Fp this 'omission', McKeever scored hi gh Jurgen Vollrath to its editorial board candidates during election campaigns. est on the poll conducted by the broad meeting with the candidates. When voters get a chance to actually caster after the debate. see and hear Freedom Party candidates in action, their positive response can be Nor did the paper print Vollrath's overwhelming. Regrettably, voters Toronto-Danforth Fp candidate written response to the paper. (See who attend all candidates' debates, or Franz Cauchi did not report any me Openers by Robert l"let~ for more details about dia misrepresentations as serious as this issue, and for the complete transcript of who even take the time to watch a /'ol/rath's response to the 011011'0 Citizen.) debate on cablecast, are few and far our other two candidates, and in fact, between. Worse, the media reports (cun/'J 011 next page .. .) 12
( .. c{)n/'d from P"(! \, pag!!) dates (including that of Fp candidate on party members and supporters are was the candidate who scored big for Wayne Simmons who was fielded in more challenging than ever. Money. media coverage, twice melltioned in the November 25 , 2005 provincial by Candidates. Organizers. Volunteers. the pages of the National Pust (see election in Scarboruugh-Rouge River, Constituency Associations. All are page Io.[or repruLiuct ion 0/ March 23 with similar electoral results), the needed if we are to achieve our / ealllre). It is a remarkable media oc simple fact is that most voters still objectives. currence for a provincial by-election to have not heard of Freedom Party. For One more time: Election cam be given coverage in a national further commentary and insight on paigns require candidates, organizers, newspaper, let alone with a focu s on a electoral prospects, readers are invited and cost money. All the other essen new political party candidate. to review this issue's Openers com tials (leader, platform, strategy, mentary by Fp president Robert Metz. Despite these advancements, it is marketing, administration) are already understandably disappointing for Fp in place. With your support, we can members and supporters to learn that For Freedom Party, the recent by make a big difference to our candi electoral results for each of our candi elections were an important step to dates and workers, both now and in dates remain so low (under I %). Why wards our goal of getting Freedom the fall of 2007. voters would reject Freedom Party's Party better known and recognized by clear, hopeful, and positive vision of the voting public. That effort does not Admiration and congratulations 'Lower Taxes and A Better Life' in slow between elections. are extended to each of our by-elec favor of the dismal and depressing We are in the midst of the most tion candidates for their hard work and agenda of high taxes and rationing ambitious election effort ever under excellent representation on behal f of being offered by Liberals, taken in Freedom Party's history. Freedom Party: Franz Cauchi, Paul Conservatives, and New Democrats With four Ontario by-elections under McKeever, Wayne Simmons, and alike, is difficult for many to our belt, with a current provincial Jurgen Vollrath. understand. wide billboard campaign, and Yet, as illustrated by the campaign Ontario's next general election ex experience of our by-election candi- pected on October 4, 2007, demands Pioneers for freedom. {end}
he focus today is on the federal election, > Nepean-Carleton: but just over the horizon are three pro- This suburban Ottawa riding has also been sol- vincial by-elections. idly Conservative since 1995 under Baird. He T The provincial ridings of Toronto- trounced Liberal candidate Rod Vanier, a local Danforth, Whitby-Ajax and Nepean-Carleton lawyer, by almost 11,000 votes in 2003. have been vacated by members making the jump The only announced candidate for the Conser- to federal politics (respectively, Marilyn Chur- vative nomination is Lisa MacLeod, a young leY,Jim Flaherty and John Baird). I U h rt mother and aide to the local MP. The Conserva- By-elections to fill these vacancies have yet to an rq u a tives tried to find a more high-profile candidate At Left: - from be called, but candidates are already lining up for and, among others, approached Catherine Clark, the Toronto Star, the nominations and spirited contests should · sicalguitarist, high-school music teacher, and re- daughter of former prime minister Joe Clark ensue. The results will tell us something about . al estate agent. and host of a local TV show. But she declined. January 23, 2006. how the provincial Liberal government under > Whitby-Ajax: For their part, the Liberals have approached Columnist Ian Premier Dalton McGuinty is faring in three very . This 905 riding has been solidly Conservative : the former Ottawa police chief, Brian Ford, to different parts of the ·province. . since 1995 under Flaherty. But in the 2003 elec- run in the riding. "I'm not going to deny it," Ford Urquhart reveals Here are thumbnail sketches of each riding: tion, the Liberals cut Flaherty's majority by told the Ottawa Sun this week. ''You already Freedom Party > Toronto-Danforth: more than half (from 11,388 votes to 4,647). know it's true." This east-end Toronto riding has been an NDP Running for the Conservative nomination are plans to field by stronghold since 1964 and has been represented Ian MacNeil, a banker and the party's 2004 fed ***** election candidate in the Legislature for the last 15 years by the re- eral candidate, and Dan Carter, host of a popular It's tough for a governing party to win a by doubtable Churley. local TV show. election, where voters can register a protest by and Fp party Contesting the NDP nomination, which will be Another possible candidate - she is being coy backing the opposition without worrying about decided on Feb. 15, are Pete,Tabuns, a former . about her intentions - is lawyer Christine El overturning the government. In normal times, leader Paul city councillor and fprmer executive director of . liott, who is also Flaherty's wife. Her candidacy then, all three of these would remain opposition McKeever, long Greenpeace Canada, and Barbara Warner, a legal : could cause some bad blood among the Conser ridings - NDP in Toronto-Danforth and the oth aid lawyer and daughter of a former Speaker of : vatives. er two Conservative. before election the Legislature. Further complicating the picture on the right But these are not normal times. If Stephen was called. Despite the NDP pedigree of the riding, the Lib- side of the political spectrum is the expected Harper and the federal Conservatives win today erals aren't concedingjust yet. Expected to carry : candidacy of Paul McKeever, leader of the right and then stub their toes in their first months in the Liberal banner into the by-election is Ben . wing Freedom Party. office, that could give a boost to the provincial Chin, a former high-profile TV journalist now On the Liberal side, local school trustee Eliza- Liberals in the by-elections. On the other hand, if working in McGuinty's office. . beth Roy has already announced her candidacy Harper has an extended honeymoon, that would The Conservatives approached another per- . for the nomination. But bigger names are being help the provincial Conservatives. sonality of the airwaves to be their candidate mentioned as possible candidates, including in -Peter Silverman of CITY-TV. But he declined. cumbent Liberal MP Judi Longfield (if she loses Ian Urquhart writes on provincial affairs. His Their likely candidate is Rouly Antonopoulos, a . to Flaherty today) and Whitby Mayor Marcel : column appears Monday. Wednesday and 35-year-old with an eclectic resume: he's a clas- Brunelle. , Sat~'rday. [email protected].
JItN 2 ?006 13
CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATIONS Every Candidate Needs Dne! - Carol Vandenberg do they disappear after election-day is over. A CA takes
I( 'o ro! "olll!ellberg IS on exec lIll\'e lII elllher or,he Freedolll POrlyof time and electi ons are about deadlines. A CA can onl y work ()/l/or/IJ os lI'e!! o,\' being on Ih e boord of Londol1 lJ'esl's Freedolll Pari), effectively once a group of dedicated members have worked COI1,\' l/llIellc)' ;/SSOc taI/OIl (CA).} together for at least a year, A new CA's first pri ority is to establish th eir presence and recruit more members, because Suppose that a snap by-election has been called in 3 it is from thi s membership that they can nominate and elect ridings in Ontario. The writ has been dropped, the candi th eir candidates. It is from thi s membership they can collect dates have 16 days to register and collect their signatures. donations and create an election fund , th e mon ey with Eac h candidate needs 25 signatures of eligible voters from which they can produce flyers, signs, and advertising. The their riding. They need to pay their deposit. Now they have bigger the membership is, the more likely the best face for only 14 days to campaign, print flyers, deliver flyers, Freedom can be found. arrange advertising, print and put up election signs. Then, it is the election-day and that 's it. Thirty days and it's over. Besides money and membership, a CA's job is one of action and education. It is their job to help bring Freedom Sound like an impossible task? That's exactly what Party of Ontario's platform to the people in their riding. happened in the last three Ontario by-elections. Sure, HQ has the Freedom Flyer, Consent Magazine, and those fabulou s dinners, but there are many other things a CA can do, writing letters to the editor being one. Come It is close to impossible for a lone Freedom Party on, you've seen them ... the same people seem to always get candidate to do all that is necessary in the small time their letters printed, over and over. Do you think they ' re just allotted. Well, "so what?" you say, "that's what Headquar irate individuals? No, some are just party loyals showing ters is for .. . " Well , did you know that by-elections are their support. We have to make Freedom Party an everyday rare ly called at the convenience of the opposition parties? word, not an occasional novelty! Odds are, headquarters will be busy with 'real-time reporting' or sending out income tax-receipts, or some such essential but desperately boring task. Sure, they ' ll make Counter protests are another way CA 's can put the su re the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed for the message out th ere . "Oh look, farmers are blocking the roads candidates' registration forms and if the money flow is good aga in and what do they want? More subsidies! " at that time, they might help publish the candidate's litera " Farmers feed citi es", we're told. Well I say " Farmers ture and signs, but HQ is in London and the by-elections is bleed cities" by lobbying for su bsidies. A well organ ized in Ottawa or even Wawa. Who's going to help deliver CA can pull off a campaign to demonstrate how farmers . those flyers? Who 's going to pound those signs into the would reall y be able to "feed cities" --- if th ey didn't have to permafrost? pay income tax , property tax, and weren't forced to farm by government edict.
CA mem bers! That's who' Of course, a Constituency Association 's ac ti ons are not limited to what I' ve talked about here. Freedom Party of A Constituency Association 's job during an election Ontario has provided the blueprint for its CA's but it 's up to campaign is to support the candidate. CA members show you, the members, to get up off your. .. well you know' what up and cheer their candidate on at all-candidate debates. I'm talking about ... and get to it! A Freedom Party of They will pound in the signs and put them back up when Ontario CA is an ongoing organization dedicated to they're knocked down . They' ll deliver or hand out the Recruitment, Action , and Education of the Freedom Party of flyers. They' ll collect the donations. They will make sure Ontario's platform and principles. Freedom Party of Ontari th eir candidate is prepared for the debate, get th ere on time o's CA's are frontline Freedom Fighters! and have their Frank button on right si de up' They will be there when the results come in. Now gol Start a revolution! Register your CA today!
But Constituency Associations do not appear out of Contact Carol Vandenberg or Robert Metz at: nowhere; they do not appear th e day the writ is dropped nor cva nden [email protected] or [email protected] 14
(OPENEHS ... conl'd from pg 3) Here's why: Consider the options: Party stands for. They give freedom and capitalism a bad name, and make It's a good thing I didn't take him our job all the harder. up on his offer. After running (up to Liberals don't believe in anything that point) the most expensive riding and Liberals believe in everything. election campaign ever held in With broken promises littering their Then there's the New Democrats. Ontario, he lost his seat to Liberal Joan yellow fib road to power, the Liberal whose tyrannical belief in the tyranny Smith, and the Progressive Conserva Party is proof that you can fool most of majority rule has also become the tives sank into near oblivion until of the people --- at least long enough standard of the other two parties as Mike Harris briefly charnled voters to get them to put their 'x' on the well. That's their 'new democracy' -- with his mild dose of 'common sense.' ballot. After that, who knows? Any the old mob rule presented as political bad thing could happen - and always recipe. Tyranny is not democracy, does. even if a majority supports it. New Democrats? Who needs them Today, Ontario - and its three "The ONLY way to put freedom on when we have Liberals and 'electable' parties - continue Conservatives? drifting left into the socialist seas the political agenda is to financially of record-setting deficit support and vote for Freedom Party financing, bloated government Make no mistake! All bureaucracies and whopping tax - a party of principle." three parties are vehemently L-______~ opposed to each and every rates, all accompanied by cut backs and rationing of just about plank in Freedom Party's 2007 Elec any service offered by government. tion Platform, the Right Direction. Then there's the pitiful so-called The trend that existed in 1984 when 'conservatives'. Progressive Freedom Party was founded. continues Conservatives, they say. Socialist unabated to this very day, regardless of So guess what? For anybody even conservatives, I say. Because that's which socialist party has ruled the remotely concerned with freedom at what they are. Theirs is the party that province: Liberal, Progressive all, supporting Liberals, Conservatives introduced income tax to Ontario. Conservative, or NDP. or New Democrats simply isn't an Theirs is the party option. Unlike all that created the other 'isms' in So if you just want to 'get elected' Ontario's health the political world, in this political climate, be my guest care monopoly and freedom is not an and go join one of those parties. But banned private 'ism' nor is it an don't have any expectations about be health care. Pro ideology. It is the ing able to change anything for the gressive Conserva condition in which better. Not only is freedom not on their tives gave us rent human beings must agenda, freedom is the very thing that controls, phoney live --- if they are collectivist parties fear the most. In Human Rights to be human beings. codes, mono po fact, no matter how well intentioned To achieve this I ized Ontario one might be, by joining or supporting condition, there's Hydro, etc., --- all any of those parties, one will have only one political choice in Ontario - under the guise of being a participated in the destruction of free - Freedom Party, a party that actually dom and contributed to the continued 'conservative' party supposedly inter cares about freedom! decline of Ontario's standard of living. ested in protecting private property, There is no middle ground here. It's free markets and capitalism. black and white. I have witnessed first Conservatives have become Which brings me back to politics hand how quickly a well-intentioned freedom's worst enemies, because they and the secret of getting elected, so freedom oriented candidate must aban practise socialism in the name of please allow me to be really blunt don any principle of freedom when freedom. Freedom is the very thing about this (J know most of you don't working with any of the other parties. that they restrict and destroy to like to hear this): It's unavoidable and inevitable. The achieve their political ends. On every ONL Y way to put freedom on the count, Progressive Conservatives sup The vast majority of voters know political agenda is to financially sup port the philosophies and objectives of nothing about anything I've discussed port and vote for Freedom Party - a the Liberals and New Democrats and party of principle. oppose every principle that Freedom (cont'd on next page .. .) 15
(. .. com'djrolll prev page) to offer hope. Remember, I used to Will uninformed and indifferent be one of the vast majority that I just voters ever get fed up enough with the in this article. Not only do they know described and I was eventually able to three socialist parties to try a new, and nothing about Freedom Party, they think and act for myself. If I can do it, different option, like Freedom Party? know nothing about the philosophies anybody can. Yes --- if they know we exist. Yes -- or platforms of the parties that they If we have a voice that can be heard. DO vote for. They know nothing about their own candidates. So what of Freedom Party? Will this happen in 2007? 20 I I? 20 IS? I have no way of predicting an It's important to understand this. First, it is important to recognize unpredictable future. But Ontario's Ask the average Liberal, Conservative, that Freedom Party is not for every three recent by elections may offer a or NDP voter what the party they body and does not pretend to be. clue. voted for explicitly stands for and they People interested in getting something will not know! They cannot know for nothing will not find a home in Although media breakthroughs because their parties themselves do not Freedom Party. People who want poli were made (see the rest of this know what they stand for --- until ticians to 'protect' them from labor or newsletter), most of the media either voters tell them what they stand for. business competition will not find a ignored Freedom Party's candidates, That's why polls, not principles, are home in Freedom Party. Racists are actively evaded them, or outright mis what form the policies of the other not welcome. Censorship advocates represented them. parties and why they are all so much and others who demonstrate intoler Take, for example, Rogers Cable alike. It's a vicious circle from which ance of peaceful behavior are not in the riding of Whitby-Ajax where they cannot escape. The other parties welcome. Freedom Party is not a fear Freedom Party leader Paul McKeever follow; they do not, and cannot, lead. oriented party. clearly made an impression. (You can view a video of this debate on Free dom Party website.) Worse, not only do most voters Second, it is only by choosing to not know anything about the parties become part of an informed indepen they vote for, they know nothing dent minority that one can ultimately After the debate, Rogers polled its about the nature of governnlent --- or command majorities. All parties are viewers on line: McKeever came out of the voting process itself. Their run by tiny minorities. on top, polling as high as 48%. This scant attention to politics, if any at all, was documented and confirmed by the is comprised of the few moments ev cable broadcaster. Yet, in their news ery four or five years that they spend Third, voters are not informed and coverage of the debate and the poll in a voting booth. Is it surprising at all do not under- r------, results, Rogers' that the vast majority still have never stand the na- "It is important to recognize newscasters ture of the heard of Freedom Party? that Freedom Party is not for falsely reported, parties and on the eve of the cand idates everybody and does not election, that Does any of this scare you? It they cur McKeever came should. rently pretend to be. Freedom Party in second, after IS In their political vacuum, most support. The not a fear-oriented party." PC candidate irony of this '-______--' voters are not only unwittingly de Christine Elliott stroying their own well being, but the is that the (the wife of Jim Flaherty). well being, freedom and security even people who are voting for parties they of those few who DO understand free really know nothing about will also dom and government, like you and me. vote for a new party like Freedom Meanwhile, TVO's Studio 2 (the It is simply the nature of our increas Party --- when their faith (which is all most influential media source for On ingly undemocratic majority rule sys they have, in the absence of tario voters) critically damaged Free tem that the vast majority will AL understanding) in the parties they usu dom Party leader Paul McKeever's WAYS remain uninformed. Unin ally support is weakened or destroyed. campaign by eliminating him from formed action is always destructive. That's how Bob Rae's NDP won an their coverage and by putting a sexist election by default --- when enough spin ·on the byelection. Host Steve voters held their noses and refused to Paikin (who did interview McKeever This is not cynicism talking, and vote for the Fiberals and the purpose of my making you aware Conningservatives. (cont'd On next page .. .) of this reality is not to depress you, but 16
(. .. cont'df rom prev page) they do? self a wrong, and you. in the last general election - see video To speak for the voter himself, I After watching the debate, I am now clips on line) characterized the by leave you with the heart wrenching wishing you were the Conservative election as a three-way, all woman comments of 'Ken', a voter and resi member. I just want to apologize for race, outrageously excluding all four dent of Whitby-Ajax who wrote to Fp not knowing who you were and what male candidates trom the debate!!!! leader Paul McKeever after he had you stood for before making my vote. " already cast his ballot for another candidate: And in the riding of Nepean Next election, Ken, and others like Carleton, Fp candidate Jurgen Voll him, will likely vote for Freedom rath was excluded from the Ottawa "1 have to say you totally impressed Party. His understanding that he has Citizen's editorial board meeting with me with everything you had to say at done both himself and Freedom Party the candidates. In a follow-up letter to the debate. I think the other party 'a wrong' is an epiphany still awaiting the editor which was never published, representatives fell way short of com most Ontario voters. Vollrath wrote: ing off knowledgeable, compared to you. I have to admit, before I watched "As the Freedom Party candidate for the debate, I didn't know you existed. It's our job --- yours and mine -- the upcoming by-election in Nepean From the issues of Property Taxes to to speed this process by continuing to Carleton, I should have been contacted your answer to the lady from China, do what we have set out to do and to to voice an op/mon. Your newspaper you are right on the money. I have never stray from our path. has contributed to the growing demo been looking forward to a change in If you want to live in a tree cratic deficit where people are moving government, since the Gomery Inquiry society, you are currently in a away from the polls as the political came to light, with all the corruption minority. That chilling fact alone process is constantly undermined by in the Liberal Party. I voted stops most people cold. such arrogant refusal to acknowledge Conservative, hoping my vote would al/ the voices, however small, that pick So get over it. Take action. Do count. It did. Unfortunately, for this up the gauntlet and strive to make a the right thing. local election, to replace Jim Flaherty positive difference in our society. Our I voted last weekend at the advance Before we realize it, and after many city and our country deserves better. polling station at the Whitby Mall. So years of hard work, we're sure to be Shame on you. " yes, you guessed it, I voted come an overnight success. Conservative. Christine isn't who I Ken is counting on us. {end} With media coverage like this, is it would like to have representing me, any wonder that voters vote the way bllt she is the Conservative rep, so she ,....------, got my vote. I am now wishing I hadn't voted early, be cause I have done my-
life. liberty. Property.
FREEDOM FLYER # 37 (July, 2006) is published by the Freedom Party of Ontario. Editor: Robert Metz. FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO Freedom Party of Ontario is a fully-registered Ontario political party. Contributions are tax-creditable for Ontario residents. Statement of Principle: Freedom Party is founded on the principle that: "Every individual, in the peaceful pursuit of personal fulfillment, has an absolute right to his or her own life, liberty, and property. Membership: Basic: $10 per year; Provincial Executive: President & CFO: Robert Metz; Vice-president: William Frampton: Executive Officers: Paul Blair, Paul McKeever, Gordon Mood, Wayne Simmons, Carol Vandenberg; Party Leader: Paul McKeever. Freedom Party of Ontario, 240 Commissioners Road West, London ON , N6A 4E3; Phone: 1-800-830-330 I; FAX: 519-681-2857; Web Site: www .freedomparty.on.ca; E-mail: [email protected]