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libThe Bruce Grey Owen Sound Women's Liberal Commission!Fri 10:29 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound- libA group of Liberal-minded women started a conversation in autumn 2011 – and that conversation led to a Big Idea: to start a Liberal Women’s Commission here in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. The goal: To demonstrate "living Liberalism" in our many communities. To support women in politics. To engage people in democracy in Canada. Interested in being a part of something new? Come out to our Founding Meeting: from 5 to 7 today, at the Owen Sound Public Library! More at www.liberalwomen.caMay 17, 2012 9:29 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
April
- libDoes anyone remember that this was the Party that ran on a platform of transparency and accountability? Oh... and economic management... which is a whole other sad story....Apr 29, 2012 5:34 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libGreat Letter to the Editor of the Stratford Beacon Herald:Apr 07, 2012 9:30 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libUntil very recently, anyone who challenged the Conservative numbers on the F-35 deal was either unpatriotic or a liar. But if it's possible, the real issue is even bigger than the $25 billion and the flouting of parliament.Apr 07, 2012 8:37 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libUntil very recently, anyone who challenged the Conservative numbers on the F-35 deal was either unpatriotic or a liar. Their refusal to turn over the real numbers actually resulted in a finding of contempt of Parliament (the first in commonwealth history against a sitting government) - and triggered the last election. But if it's possible, the real issue is even bigger than the $25 billion and the flouting of parliament:Apr 07, 2012 8:28 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libApr 04, 2012 7:11 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
March
- libAn interesting development by Council of Canadians. Important to understand that this is not "dirty tricks". That's the term used for the infamous Tory handbook on how to disrupt, bog down, and constrain the work of Parliament (the dirty tricks handbook distributed to Tory members and senators). Those "tricks" twist and manipulate the very rules designed to protect the democractic process. The work of government, as a consequence, has ground almost to a halt. What has happened in these elections is not "dirty tricks", but ELECTION FRAUD - calling voters and impersonating Elections Canada or the Liberal Party (eg. Frank Valeriote). Or telling outrageous fibs about the Liberal candidate (eg. Glen Pearson). And let's also be clear that robocalls are not the problem, per se, but only the medium by which election fraud was perpetrated. Who knows if the election fraud influenced the outcome? We can't be sure. But it makes Canadians look foolish as the election monitors in fledgling democracies - when we can't run a clean election ourselves.Mar 28, 2012 5:14 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libMar 05, 2012 11:21 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
February
- libYou might want to keep Martin's list handy until the next election: so we don't forget what kind of government we've endured these past years. These are dark days in Canadian history.Feb 27, 2012 6:13 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libIn my local campaign, my signs were vandalized: many simply stolen, some run over by vehicles, but - worst of all - several scrawled with profanities or disfigured with crosshairs over my photo or even with my face cut from the sign. I don't actually believe that my fellow candidates or their campaign people were involved. But I do fault Mr. Harper for creating a climate in which such tactics are considered permissible. It degrades democracy.Feb 26, 2012 7:10 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libMy morning laugh from Tabatha Southey. We always imagined that Mr. Harper called a caucus meeting by having John Baird shout out "Assemble the minions! " (a great line from Despicable Me). Now Tabatha gives us an imaginary glimpse inside this week's caucus meeting in Tory HQ...Feb 18, 2012 7:25 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libI caught a discussion on this subject on CBC Radio yesterday. I remember during the Stockwell Day years when Day, a creationist, was reminded gently that the Flintstones was not a documentary.... But this is serious, folks; our scientists in all fields need to be able to speak freely. The Harper government's behaviour here has become an international embarrassment.Feb 17, 2012 12:21 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libOriginally called the "Lawful Access" bill, someone in Harperland thought this would sell better as the "Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act". Not surprisingly, the online community - the twitterverse in particular - is having a field day with this one. My son's highschool law class devoted discussion to the false dichotomy of Toew's "with us or with the child pornographers" declaration. Have we heard this before? Oh yeah... in 2004 when Harper accused Paul Martin of supporting child pornography....Feb 16, 2012 8:06 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libFor more information, visit http://letstalk.bell.ca/. Click here for some fast facts on mental illness and its impact. Follow the campaign on Twitter at @Bell_LetsTalk. Today, for every retweet of the Bell Let’s Talk Day message, Bell will donate 5 cents to mental health programs. Applications for the Bell Community Fund are also open until March 31. Through this fund, Bell will distribute grants of up to $50,000 for community-based mental health initiatives. Registered not-for-profit organizations, charities, local hospitals and social services are encourage to apply for funding.Feb 08, 2012 7:31 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libFeb 07, 2012 3:39 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
January
- libJan 12, 2012 7:53 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
December
- libKimberley Love is part of the Shadow Caucus and has started her own Women's Commission in BGOS! Like the page here:Dec 30, 2011 8:30 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libDec 17, 2011 9:51 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libHonoured to be invited as a TED speaker on food and farming earlier this month. Gist of the talk: family farms are not relics of the past but the farms of the future!Dec 06, 2011 7:36 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libIt’s as George Orwell said: “During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” Indeed.Dec 04, 2011 11:01 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
November
- libI've seen this first-hand. I spent a full day in the House last winter. The only guest in the gallery that day, I was also the only person in the cavernous, almost-empty room who seemed to be listening to a Cons. MP, who droned on while his colleagues snored and chatted, and the Opposition read the newspapers or chuckled over coffee in a group – their backs turned. None of the Leaders were present. The Speaker chatted amiably with someone leaning casually against the arm of his chair, then – without fanfare, actually left his seat for about 10 minutes (bio-break?). The MP continued his monotone address - without any apparent audience. Doubtless, the MP's next newsletter will report proudly on his recent address to the House. Ironic, I thought; the only person listening is the one individual who is not permitted a pen or paper. I had to leave my bag and even my belt at the checkpoint, and empty my pockets. I persuaded security to permit me to take in a single, unwrapped cough drop. Five minutes before Question Period, the seats began to fill, and by the time the cameras came on, the House looked almost full. Cameras off, the place emptied once again. Make no mistake. In a Harper government, power rests almost entirely in the office of one man. Parliament – the voice of the people -is merely window-dressing. A House-cleaning can't come soon enough.Nov 24, 2011 6:58 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libWarm thanks to the fabulous folks at TEDX Waterloo for the invitation to speak on Food & Farming at their lively, provocative, tasty TEDX salon last night. And a special shout-out this morning to my friend, political colleague and fellow farming advocate Grant Robertson for coming to my aid with some great pithy statistics on the demise of the family farm in Ontario. We spent some time in a gorgeous venue with great guests - imagining a post-industrial food system in which family farms are not relics of the past, but the farms of the future. Ended the night in the Hacienda courtyard with Nick Benninger's fabulous Maple-Candied Bacon: featuring my family's own traditional maple syrup and local bacon.Nov 23, 2011 6:55 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libSmackdown on Keystone: Jeffrey Sachs tells Canada to get serious about a climate and energy policy.Nov 21, 2011 3:07 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libGetting started on your holiday shopping? Here's a great little stocking stuffer: the Stephen Harper Colouring Book. Includes lots of fun activities: Build a G8 Gazebo, Pick a Supreme Court Justice, Re-Brand Canada, Complete a Tar Sands Pipeline…and much, much more!Nov 21, 2011 1:15 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libGreat session with some wonderful Liberal friends today. Appreciate the kind words of support, and the (fabulous!) ideas for our work here. Some great things happening; stay tuned! As a member of Shadow Caucus, I'll be heading to the Liberal Biennial Convention in January. Got any ideas you want to share with the Liberal Party or my caucus colleagues? Share your ideas with me directly and I'll gladly pass along... or if you'd rather, get your say on liberal.ca!Nov 20, 2011 6:00 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- lib"Keep the Home Fires Burning, While your hearts are yearning, Though your lads are far away They dream of home...." Many of our older Canadians will recall the old British wartime song, "Keep the home fires burning ('til the boys come home)". Composed in 1914, the song was popular through both world wars - reminding those at home of the sacrifices of those who fought so far away. Canadians are deservedly proud of our national reputation for peacekeeping and diplomacy. Today - at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, let's spare just two minutes of silence for those who have given their lives in service of the freedom that we treasure.Nov 11, 2011 7:10 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libAlmost a year ago, I joined our (marvellous) Kaisha Thompson for the launch of the Carleton chapter of Equal Voice. We may have come a long way, baby... but we still have miles to go.Nov 05, 2011 10:59 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
October
- libRed bustiers. Plastic swords. Good manners.Oct 28, 2011 1:16 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libOur veterans need more than yellow ribbons and empty promises. Veterans groups were deeply distressed to lose Pat Strogran last year; he had a terrific reputation. He stood up for those.. who stood up for us.Oct 23, 2011 7:26 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libAlmost a year ago, Mr. Harper fired Pat Stogran: the outspoken veterans ombudsman who had some harsh things to say about how our veterans were being treated. This week, his replacement, Guy Parent, also blasted the Harper government - for slashing the budget for Veterans Affairs without any kind of assessment about what those cuts would mean to our vets. I spoke to a young vet last summer, who had a disturbing story about what he called the "roundaround" he's had from the government after he was injured in Kandahar. I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear that, few days ago, Liberal MP Sean Casey caught the Tories asleep at the switch: and passed a motion to study the impact of proposed cuts to Veterans Affairs. Chalk one up for the vets!Oct 23, 2011 1:55 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libSix years ago this morning, a cherished young family friend of ours was killed in the workplace: leaving his family, friends and community in a state of profound shock and grief. Jesse was kind-hearted, generous, loyal, intelligent, powerful but gentle... and a wonderful cook who loved to share his passion for food with everyone around him. In Jesse's honour each year, his family and friends organize a Food Drive. As the weather turns cold, it's a good time to make a "Jesse gift" : a donation of food or money to a local food bank. I've had the chance to see some of these organizations in action. In particular, I watched the Wiarton food bank struggle to keep pace with the needs on the Peninsula. Sharing food is part of our family tradition; give generously! You can get more information on our local food banks at www.oafb.ca, or by calling: Wiarton: 519.534.035 Hanover: 519.364.3450 Meaford: 519.538.4550 Durham: 519.369.6860 Owen Sound: 519.371.0957Oct 19, 2011 9:34 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libCleaning the pantry for Thanksgiving, and decided we should capture Isabel's summer "fridge poetry" on what might be the last, truly lovely day of the season.Oct 08, 2011 5:43 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libOr maybe the friend of a Tory... Seriously, I think the Conservatives - especially the old Progressive Conservatives - are the ones that should be angriest about this behaviour.Oct 06, 2011 3:04 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
September
- libI watched the drama of 9/11 unfold in real time from my financial offices: on the video screen where we always kept the stock ticker going. By lunchtime, with crisis communications in full drive, I retreated for 20 minutes to my church chapel for a quiet reprieve. Whether we like it or not, this week has been a time of reflection. I enjoyed Glen's meditation, and wanted to share.Sep 13, 2011 6:15 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libBig theme of the Liberal Summer Caucus: Let's see a return to evidence-based policy making. Canadians want pragmatic leadership: not ideologically driven government. Gutting Statistics Canada was an important clue that this government wants to suppress data that could contradict their spin.Sep 03, 2011 9:01 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libOur Young Liberal president, Kaisha Thompson joined us for Women's Caucus on Sunday. This dynamic young woman has been a wonderfully energizing force here in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. So very proud of her! Had a great, productive few days in Ottawa!Sep 01, 2011 2:03 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
August
- libPresident of BGOSYL Kaisha Thompson write about Women's Caucus. Also there was our Federal candidate Kimberley Love!Aug 30, 2011 1:50 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libCan you bail me out of the slammer? I'm scheduled to be tossed into the clink on Thursday afternoon... and I'm going to need bail money! We had great fun last year - hamming it up, and raising funds for a wonderful cause: Habitat for Humanity of Grey Bruce! So far, I've got $150 this year, but I"m hoping to double that by the time the cops throw the cuffs on me at about 3pm this Thursday at Heritage Mall. Can you help? If so, post or message me! I'll come by and collect. Donations over $20 are eligible for a tax receipt. I'd be deeply grateful for a chance to get out of the lock-up!Aug 23, 2011 6:29 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libThe last time I saw Jack was Nov17. I was in the Gallery when Jack rose in the House - purple with rage: the newly stacked Conservative Senate had killed a serious environmental bill… before 2nd reading! Let’s remember Jack: "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.And we’ll change the world." Jack Layton, 1950-2011Aug 23, 2011 8:56 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libThis is not a small issue. The CWB was an organization of the people: mostly smaller farmers. Ursula Franklin observed that good government or governance must be “fair, transparent and take people seriously". The saga of the CWB is an example of a government which treats its people with contempt. We should never take our democracy for granted.Aug 15, 2011 12:06 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libSo much for the voice of the farmer. The CWB has been instrumental in protecting the livelihood of small western farmers - by ensuring that they were treated equally, regardless of acreage. It has been a great democratizing force in agriculture. In fact, what small farmers need is MORE organizations like the CWB. This government is already axing the CWB, while pretending to hold hearings.Aug 15, 2011 11:53 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libAnother great session with Carolyn Bennett and the women candidates' group today. Carolyn sent me a copy of the book "Women Who Care" - which explores how women differ from men in the reasons they seek office. She covers the issue, too, in her piece in the HuffPost.Aug 09, 2011 12:48 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libI felt obliged to respond to a recent article about the "Shakespearean tragedy" of my recent candidacy for the federal Liberals. While the article included some flattering bits, I felt that it deeply misrepresented both the campaign and my involvement with the federal Liberals. There was much more that I wanted to say (hard to know where to start), I tried to keep it brief.Aug 09, 2011 9:23 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
July
- libHarper’s “tough on crime” agenda: Wait for some huffing and puffing from Harper & Toews about the dangers of grandmothers and used motor oil, and possibly the need for extra border security. She was strip-searched. Twice. They actually shredded the poor woman's incontinence pad looking for drugs. Then they jailed her for 12 days. Good thing we spent billions to lock up these criminals. Feel safer today?Jul 27, 2011 5:31 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libIn the "you've got to be kidding" category.... So I think we could have a great Canadian sitcom - called "His Worship" - based on the daily tinkerings of Mayor Ford and his little coterie. Every so often, he could take a call from his buddy Steve On The Hill, and they could cook up another scheme. It would be like Hogans Heroes only funnier. Now who could we cast in this little comedy of errors? Hmmm...Jul 26, 2011 6:57 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libFrustrating. Everything this government does is reactionary. Legislation is built, piecemeal, based on some newly whipped-up fear (often unsubstantiated). We don't have an immigration policy, we have more fear-mongering. As for Tamils arriving in boats (Kenney's "terrorists"), let's remember that many of us - like my Irish ancestors - also arrived, desperate, in what were aptly called the "coffin ships" from Ireland.Jul 25, 2011 9:09 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libGlen Pearson was defeated in the last election based on a telephone campaign that spread outright lies about his activities outside of the House. We're lucky as Canadians - and especially as fellow members of the Liberal shadow caucus - to have a voice like Glen's still with us. He continues his thoughtful analysis of our current political climate.Jul 18, 2011 10:11 am | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
May
- libMy friend Kathie said it best: "For Harper, transparency is the two-way glass in police interrogation rooms. He gets to watch us and we have no right to see him."May 18, 2011 1:56 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
- libDelighted to be a part of the OS Art Banner Project again this year! This is a brilliant concept to beautify our downtown and celebrate our talented local artists.This year, I sponsored the gorgeous "Tanglewood" by artist Cathy Byberg. It is reminiscent of the style of Lawren Harris: one of the artists who inspired my talented mother-in-law, Wilda (Scarrow) Drummond, who was raised in Tara and Owen Sound.May 11, 2011 1:08 pm | Ontario, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
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