Riding Talk

Steve - Actually we won't see the "true" Harper since he is in a minority gvt. I don't think he will present anything major, cause he knows that if he does, the Liberals, BQ and NDP will vote against him. I am not even sure he will bring back same-sex marriage on the table. If he does and even if he wins, this will become such a mess that I am not sure he will survive it. As for being "scary", he was 18 months ago and although he polished his image, I doubt his ideas have changed that much.

2 years is a good prediction, especially since the Liberals won't want to push for another election until they have a new leader (likely fall), so that would put a potential election around fall of 2007.

Guess time will tell, but in the meantime, we have an excellent representative here in A-P.

Now that the election is over, here is another prediction: Canadians will realize that Prime Minister Harper is not the scary man with a hidden agenda and he will unite our country of both the "left" and "right" elements. He will appease Quebec and Ontario by giving them more transfer money with Quebec having more international recognition. We will then go to the polls again in about 2 years time and the Conservatives will take about 30 seats in Quebec along with some more support from Ontario. If Harper delievers as he says he will, you can mark it down the next government will be a Conservative majority. If he doesn't, the Liberals will win a landslide in the next election. Stay tuned. Canadian politics just became interesting.

Rondo Thomas represented what many voters most feared about the Conservative Party and he was strongly rejected in Ajax-Pickering despite the desire for change. What is worse, is that Rondo never stood up for what he believed (MIA); even I know God hates a coward and apparently so do Ajax-Pickering residents.

I wasn't going to vote Liberal, but I did just to stop Rondo Thomas from getting to Ottawa.

Dear RÉjean - Don't disagree that the Liberals need a new leader, however, Gomery has exonorated Martin. So unless we start saying that Gomery is wrong, and I haven't seen anyone, any party state this, then we have to believe it is true.

Also, we need a strong opposition and Holland certainly can help provide this. If we all elect Conservatives, what good would it do. Martin will be gone after this election and the party will have to rebuild around a new team and new leader. In order to do this, strong people need to be there. That's why Ajax-Pickering ... and the Liberals need Holland in Ottawa. This without mentioning that I don't agree that backbencher have no power. Not directly, but certainly some influence. Holland would not have stopped the demolition of houses in North Pickering if he didn't influence Lapierre.

As you seem to agree on Holland, and knowing that we are going to have a Conservative government (majority or minority tbd), I hope you will consider voting for Holland.

Good Luck to all.

Hi Steve Goodchild, Since you brought it up let's talk about leadership and the correlation with the local candidates. Paul Martin was the senior member (next to the PM)of parliament from Quebec when the sponsorship scandal was in full swing, he was also the finance minister... people have already drawn their own conclusions. Unfortunately, the local candidates have to pay for the sins of their leadership. Politics is the only place where the leadership is not accountable to for their actions.

Let's locally now... I've met Mark Holland and he is a real stand-up guy. I don't disagree with the Ajax-Pickering Editorial this past week. Mark has always been responsive to my concerns, and I emphatically share many of his views, particularly on Gay marriage. If he wins tomorrow, I will not be unhappy. On the other hand, I have very little common ground with Rondo, as I've stated previously he is an "evangelical wing nut". Rondo and I will become fast friends if he starts up with his rhetoric. Nevertheless, I've also indicated that backbenchers have little say in our parliamentary system, Rondo will have to tow the party line. I share Wilfred Camilleri's views (see his latest post) on this issue.

Steve I'm not slighting Mark who is a great parliamentarian, just the Liberal party.

To RÉjean - maybe you have missed the header of this "Riding Talk" - it is about Ajax-Pickering, NOT Stephen Harper, and sorry but if a collegue of yours steal money from your organisation, do you fire everyone, including yourself? That wouldn't make sense, and it doesn't here either. I can see a parliement with 308 conservatives and no oppostion - what a nice democratie!!! Oh, and by the way, have you read the Ajax-Pickering Editorial this week? Although a "Conservative" newspaper, they broke with tradition and endorsed Mark Holland. Even they can see the results he has done in 18 months, but maybe you are too blind to see that!

To J. vanSydenborgh - Rondo missed 5 debates, not just 2. You have convictions, you debate them and answers the community questions.

This is directed to all the Liberals fear mongers and apologists.

During this last week all I have seen from the Liberals are comments on why people should not vote for the Conservatives. I get the feeling that they are devoid of any ideas. There are now commercials on the radio that tell people that a vote for Layton is a vote for Harper. People are sick and tired of the Liberal 'win at all costs' campaign. I find the Liberals cheap when they say that they are the only true defenders of federalism when they are the ones who put us in the mess we are in with the Bloc.

I agree that Rondo Thomas is an evangelical wing nut, but I have never seen Stephen Harper speak about religion or its role in government. Harper is simply a policy man who has excellent ideas on how this country should be run. Rondo will be a backbench automaton just as Mark Holland will be, with zero say on how things are run or policy. If Rondo starts up with his evangelical nonsense, he will also be shown the door.

Watching the polls and worry about the greens splitting the vote and letting the conservatives in? Fear not if you use your vote wisely; watch listen read, a bit, each riding is different. When you see a strong showing of the conservatives and few liberal signs it's a good chance that you're in a CONS. Verses NDP so voting green might not help you see your desires met voting GREEN they take from the NDP and liberals with very few very soft conservatives. The conservative party's history shows little regard for the environment or the poor. Just look at the main change of lowering the GST this does nothing for the poor or anyone making less then 50,000 a year.
Look around the world at countries that have conservative governments, the US in debt for generations in just 4 years, Australia violence and racial unrest because of poverty. Where would Canada fit, a police state to keep the masses in check?

Vote wisely

All the fearmongering, rethoric, innunendo, misquotes and outright lies about Harper will not result in another Liberal corrupt government! The Liberals DO NOT deserve to get re-relected after the scandals, corruption and broken promises of the past thirteen years, regardless of which other party forms the government on Monday.

Stephen Harper denies he is muzzling his candidates from expressing their true opinions on social issues.

FACTS:

A number of Conservative candidates have been muzzled by Stephen Harper and not attending debates or responding to media.

- Rondo Thomas - Ajax-Pickering: Conservative candidate Rondo Thomas skipped a debate in Toronto, but the anti-same-sex marriage comments he made on a controversial video resonated throughout Pickering Recreation Centre last night at a televised all-candidates meeting. Thomas also missed a debate on January 10, 2006.

Sydney

The airport is already in Uxbridge and Markham and furthermore this is not a north Pickering issue whe the flight path is on all our doors. The question of safety will I do not see any old cargo planes flying within 2kms of the Pickering Nuclear Faciality at a ceiling of 600 metres Now!!DO YOU?

Lets talk about the Federal Government money well wrong again Sydney, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority are the ones forking over the bucks not the feds. And in fact one million dollars a year to be exact, Hell I would give Buttonville 1 Mil if the reward was 5 BILLION DOLLARS wort of land after I forced it to close. This is proof positive why this does not fly. If Buttonville can't make it how can this.

So let me just suggest to you my friend you should do some more research before you start racking and ravin on a issue that clearly you have no idea about! Or maybe just maybe you work for the GTAA Ha what about it SIDNEY?

Vote Mark Holland he cares and doesn't disappear.

Jeff

Mr. Sydney,

I cannot find anyone writing they don't want Rondo Thomas because he is a "clergyman, and has made his faith based beliefs public", it is because of his radical stand - declaring "war" on people that don't share his views and being called the "enemy", that is why I don't want someone like that in Ottawa.

This is without mentioning that he has missed all the debates - if you have convictions, you debate them and answer questions. You don't hide.

And, by the way, Rondo is also against the airport!

Finally, maybe I can suggest that next time the group VOCAL has a debate or forum on the airport topic, that you come and present your view, because I am not sure people from Markham and/or Uxbridge and that much more in favour of an airport either.

In response to Mr. Sydney, no, it is not because Mr. Thomas is a clergyman and has made is faith-based beliefs public. He declared all those in favour of same-sex marriage "sinners". In fact, it's a war between the righteous and the sinners, if I recall correctly. I support same-sex marriage. Am I a sinner? If so, why would I, a member of the Conservative Party, support Mr. Thomas? Why should I knock on doors for him? I won't, and, in fact, I'll actively campaign against him. I hope he gets defeated.

There are Conservative candidates in other ridings that support the traditional definition of marriage but aren't garnering the national media attention that Mr. Thomas is. Why do you suppose that is? Are they interested in what he may do for Ajax, or are they waiting for more vicious hyperbole that alienates Conservatives and others alike?

And, Conservative talking points aside, Mr. Holland was elected to Parliament after AdScam - I challenge you to prove that Mr. Holland has "no faith, no standards, or no principles."

I wish you guys would stop making me defend the Liberal Party. It gets me depressed every time.

Let me understand this correctly, because Rondo Thomas is a Clergyman, and has made his faith based beliefs public, some of you feel he is unfit to represent this riding in Ottawa.

Would you be more comfortable being represented by somebody who has no faith, no standards and no principles to live by.

Regarding the airport, those of you who are against the airport, should we keep the existing airport in Oshawa? Do you think it is safer to have the airport there than in rural North Pickering?

What about the airport in Buttonville, the Federal Government pays the private owners yearly to keep open. Do you want Buttonville to stay open, even though the owners want it closed? Would you force the owners to keep it open?

Those of you who are against the concept of an airport, should refuse to fly. That way there would be no need for any airports anywhere!

If you only object to an airport in Pickering, let's grant the land North of HWY#7 to York Region (Uxbridge/Markham)and the airport can go there and not in Pickering. Problem solved!

Don't forget to Vote

How many more excuses can Rondo come up with for his absence?

I called his office Monday and they confirmed he would come to the all candidates meeting in Claremont. Well, as we know he didn't make it. One of his representatives told me at the meeting that he had come but there were many members of the "national media" waiting for him, so in consultation with the Conservative Party, he chose not to participate and have the meeting overshadowed by the attention. How exactly that would happen was unclear since the media were not posing questions in the meeting. Now I have read that he had a previous engagement that could not be broken. Too many stories and nothing from the man himself. How can he ask for our vote if he won't show up to talk to us? Mark Holland isn't afraid to discuss his record or to face the people.

Aren't the Conservatives talking about bringing accountability into government. How does muzzling one of your candidates work with that?

Come on out Rondo - the truth will set you free!

After reading the rhetoric of these e-mails and the many inaccuracies contained therein, I was forced out of my silence to respond and put the facts straight in an objective manner. I am very angry that OUR money is wasted unnecessarily on this election. Each leader stated after the last election that they would make the last parliament work effectively. From my observation, each and every attempt by the Liberal government to conduct the nation's business was blocked considerably by the opposition parties to advance their own agenda. How can we trust them now? I watched all the hearings intently and observed the testimonies carefully. The media and the opposition parties maneuvered the facts to suit their own interests. Many statements made afterward were not factual nor were they objective. I was appalled at the lies that were broadcast and the media's failure to address these inaccuracies. All concerned have blown this entire sponsorship scandal totally out of proportion. When we consider the size of the budget for PWGSC, these monies represent less than 1% of their annual budgets. Let's place this situation in a proper perspective.

Prime Minister ChrÉtien was criticized extensively for his government's failure to act more effectively during the referendum. With the Bloc sitting in parliament, it was natural that a special effort was required outside of the normal government initiatives. The Gomery report absolved the government of any wrongdoing but criticized the PMO's failure to establish the necessary controls over this initiative. It was natural for the Prime Minister and his staff to draw upon people with whom he placed his trust. Other parties have done this in the past, including the Conservatives. The responsible parties violated this trust, the trust of the Prime Minister and Canadians! The people of Canada should heap their scorn upon these people, the politicians that manipulated this situation for their own benefit and the media that sensationalized this as well.

Paul Martin deserves our praise for his attempt to introduce greater transparency into the Ottawa circles of government; however, he is criticized for lacking the moral or ethical
Authority to do this. Let's examine the history of these critics. Jack Layton and his wife , Olivia, occupied a subsidized three bedroom apartment for $600/monthduring their tenure as Toronto councilors while earning $100K per year, for which they were forced to compensate the municipality. Does he have the moral or ethical character to criticize when he prevented more needy others from utilizing these facilities? Harpers past is fraught with many examples of his failure to support Canada and its values. He described Canada to a Washington right-wing business group as a 'European style Welfare state' and the people utilizing our social safety net as freeloaders. Is this someone who you want to be OUR Prime Minister?? Do we really want to return Conservatives to Ottawa and accumulate another $42B deficit? It took the Liberals 5 years to reverse this trend and create a surplus over the past 8 years. Canada is the only G8 country that is repaying its debt and eliminating the burden for future generations. Think before you vote!!!!

Breaking with a tradition of "blanket" endorsement of only one party, the Ajax-Pickering News Advertiser urge voters to choose Mark Holland. "...our choice is Holland in Ajax"; "Holland our [choice] for Pickering".

This endorsement is certainly a reflection of the great work done by Mr. Holland in his short first term in office.

I have attended three all candidates debates in the last week and the
Conservative candidate, Rondo Thomas, has failed to appear at any of them.
I find it sad and laughable that this man could run for public office yet
not have the courage to face the very people he wants to represent in
Ottawa. Why are you hiding Mr. Thomas?

It's also frightening that a conservative sweep could put a man who doesn't even show his face in Ottawa as our representative. If Mr. Harper is hiding him so he doesn't have to defend his extreme views, then he should do the right thing and pull him. If he can't even speak publicly, how can he be fit to represent us??
My vote goes to Mark Holland.

As an environmentalist, heritage activist and defender of human rights, I am deeply worried that a conservative sweep will put religious zealot Rondo Thomas in Ottawa as our representative for Ajax-Pickering. At three all-candidates' meetings since his 'War on Immorality' was released he has failed to appear. Meanwhile all the other candidates have praised Mark Holland as hard-working and right-minded, the best representation we've ever had. It is a sad fact that under our current electoral system, green and orange votes by well-intentioned individuals may well elect an extreme right-wing fundamentalist -- who hasn't even the decency to emerge to defend his outrageous views.

I endorse the Conservatives to everyone I know in ridings outside of Ajax-Pickering. For the people in Montreal, I promote the Conservatives as a good choice to boost federalism and bring Quebec back into the fold. The more Conservatives Quebeckers elect, the less Stephen Harper will be inclined to listen to the social conservatives in his party like Rondo Thomas. Quebeckers are generally socially liberal and force any party in that direction. When the PC were previously in power the government had heavy Quebec representation, and their social views were very similar to the Martin Liberals of today.

The problems I have with boosting the Conservatives in Ajax-Pickering is Rondo Thomas. He is showing contempt for the constituents of the riding by missing the all debates. Due to his extreme views, I get the distinct feeling that the national campaign people have told him to zip it. Unfortunately, the Conservatives may lose this seat because of Thomas.

Where's Rondo?

Tonight was the fifth debate Rondo Thomas has missed.

Again, just like the 4 debates last week, Mr. Thomas didn't bother showing up at the Claremont Community Centre, even after Stephen Frederick, President of VOCAL, host of the debate, placed two phone calls to Mr. Thomas' campaign office - the reason this time was the weather. However, the other 4 candidates were there as well as about 100 people.

Certainly not what I am expecting of a M.P. Mr. Holland, you definitely have my vote.

As I wander through the CBC website reading posts from other ridings, I can only come to one conclusion: On January 23rd, Stephen Harper will be elected President, oops, I mean Prime Minister. In the Midwestern states, oops, I mean Provinces, the masses will rally and cheer as their man moves into the White House, oops, I mean 24 Sussex. After a while of Republican, oops, I mean Conservative rule, Canadians will come to their senses and realize that:

1)Paul Martin had NOTHING to do with AdScam

2)President Stephen Harper is not who he said he was

3)Canadians were wrong to vote Republican/Conservative for the stupid "change for the sake of change" reason

4)This was an election that the Republican/Conservative party won based on speculation, gossip, slander and downright lies. The mainstream media supported these actions, and the Canadian public fell for it, hook, line and sinker...

5)True Canadians, those who believe we are a liberal (the philosophy, progressive country will sigh, consider other Canadians ignorant, and pray for the next election.

What a very very sad day it will be on January 23rd. After everything that has happened in the United States, you would think that we would have learned. I would always look at events south of the border and say "Thank God, I live in Canada!". If Stephen Harper is elected, I will no longer be able to do that. Harper does not represent my values and he will never, never be my Prime Minister.

How very sad that many Canadians have to learn this leasson the hard way...

On a more humourous note: If Stephen Harper was a BEER.... He'd be BUSH LITE!

Tonight (Jan 17) in the Claremeont Community Center at 7:30 pm there is a meeting with Rondo concerning the Pickering Airport.

Be there and hear it straight from the candidates.

See: SITE for further details.

Excellent discussions above, and I have seen Mark change his tune depending on where it will get his career.
For Rondo, while most people can argue the separation of church vs. state, I see Rondo as having experience with native issues first hand, lives in Ajax, and is very well educated.
His ethics are light years beyond Marks. The video clip; mudslinging in my view. Bigger issues to fry that gay marriage.
Tempering my comments, I do have reservations because I have not heard directly from Rondo in any public venue. Very much leaning conservative, BUT I do need to see some real action and sweating in public from Rondo to positively get my vote.

Persons who think for themselves and make up their mind based on many sources of information will come to the following conclusions.
1. The current first-past-the-post FPTP system gives locally based parties such as the Bloc disproportionate representation. The Bloc will have about 80% of the seats in Quebec after this election with less than 50% of the votes cast. With rep-by-pop (RBP)they would only have about 35 seats.
So, RBP is good for national unity.
2. Our national voter turn-out is a disgrace. That combined with the FPTP system has allowed parties that receive 40% of the votes cast (i.e. 24% of eligible voters) to determine which party leader becomes our virtual dictator for 5 years. To get those who have never voted and those who cast a vote and lost it through the FPTP system to become voters again we need RBP as that system will allow smaller parties to represent voters with specific priorities to vote in the belief and knowledge that their vote will make a difference.
So, RBP is good for participation and thus for democracy.
3. The conflicting interests of groups of voters are now brokered in secrecy within the 'big tents" of the large parties. Union interests versus the environment or versus tax burden. Investors' interests versus the environment or versus safety measures.
Religious interests versus equality for women. The list goes on and on...
To educate voters about this process and to get voters involved in politics, what is needed is transparency, which will come when the results of a RBP vote lead to the deal-making that is needed to establish a cabinet with ministers from more than one party.
So, RBP is good for transparency.
Three good reasons for us to make the change to RBP.
FPTP is not a Canadian value we should be proud of. It is time for a change to a system that provides for national unity, for voter participation and for transparency.
After this election we will have to make sure that Stephen and Jack do the right thing and pass the legislation needed to have the next election based on RBP.
Cheers,

Cool. Democracy in action...
Love this airport thing.....GTAA is only pushing it to keep their jobs viable.
Considering that both Buttonville and Oshawa (incidently Oshawa was an international airport at one time about 7 years ago) have failed to attract any airline to operate long term out of them means to me that the project is a dead duck anyway.
As for our candidates...
Crazy Rondo will bring his right wing christian Stockwell Day agenda to our riding. You wanna be told to go to church on Sunday? Vote Rondo.
Mark Holland seems a decent enough kind of guy, young and ambitious and seems ready to help his constituents.
NDP put up their road signs last week nice and late. Why didn't Ecker run here federally, she probably would have taken the riding. Harper parachuting Rondo in is a big mistake...hes missed three candidate meetings..can't take the heat I guess.

Rondo Thomas is not a Conservative; he's a Christian fundamentalist who happened to win the nomination for the Conservative Party.

Mr. Thomas filled the nomination meeting with his congregation - and this congregation is nowhere to be found on the ground trying to get him elected. He subverted the democratic process to bring himself in as the Conservative candidate.

The ultimate problem with Mr. Thomas is he's a one issue horse (sure, he copy and pastes the CPC platform onto his website, but he's only got one agenda item on his head). Same-sex marriage is preoccupying his mind to the exclusion of other issues. Who cares about accountability, financial responsibility, and fiscal imbalances, as long as the gays and lesbians aren't allowed to marry.

As much as I want a Conservative national victory, I do not want Rondo Thomas in Ottawa. He does not represent a balanced conservative viewpoint.

In Ajax-Pickering, vote for Mr. Holland, Mr. Modeste, or Mr. Korus.

It won't impact the national vote, and it will send Mr. Thomas back, so the next election we get a better Conservative voice in Ajax/Pickering.

In respose to Pinball Wizard and T. Alexandrova, who commented below, let me point out the obvious. The last time we looked at the Charter of Rights, Religious Freedoms and Freedom of Speech were still in it. To those BIGOTS who would seek to suggest, by their comments, that the political arena has no room for such Free Speech, and Religious discussions as those of Rondo Thomas, on the issue of the definition of Marriage (remember the Conservatives are not suggesting the removal of any Charter Rights, in Law, only to restrict which forms of relationships can be called by the sacred term Marriage), remember this, it was the Liberal Leader, Mr. Martin, who said he would remove the "Not-Widthstanding Clause" thus ensuring the protection of the Mr. Thomas's of Canada from having his rights overruled by the likes of you, who I suspect don't represent all Liberals. As for the belittling of the history of the origin of man, as contained in the sacred scriptures of Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, you folks show your own brand of INTOLERANCE, and that against the majority of the polulation of the world. Any wonder you stir up the preacher in the man!! Any way, if you choose to discount the historical evidence of the 6,000 year origin of man and prefer instead to believe the THEORY that you came from an APE, you are welcome to your beliefs, personally, I have a higher opinion of myself than to believe we came from apes. If the Darwinian "survival of the fittest" (which I assume you believe in) is about the Ascent of Man based on the basis of his strengths, the current Liberal Party under Chretien and Martin and the likes of you two, appears to be about the Descent of Man to the depths of depravity, illegality, corruption and hypocricy, hardly strengths, wouldn't you say. Nice try, Pinball Wizard and T. Alexandrova, but the Conservatives already got my vote.

I can't believe the insolent garbage that Rondo Thomas had the nerve to say, that gay marriage was a war between the righteous and the immoral. And in the Star, it was reported Thomas' reply to questions about his views was "Show some Respect," before arrogantly driving away.

I think Mr. Thomas should be showing some respect to the voters of Ajax-Pickering by explaining himself and what he meant when he said what he said. They deserve to know. Not that it matters. On January 23, while other ridings in Durham would probably go Conservative, Mark Holland would sweep this affluent riding and send Mr. Thomas back to his pulpit where the only public speaking he'll be doing is every Sunday at Church.

David, I never suggested anything about Ms. Stronach. I wasn't even talking about the leadership "race" in 2004 (which was just a formality after the takeover of the PC party by the Reformers). I was talking about the race when Harper became the leader of the Canadian Alliance (formerly Reform Party, now Conservative Party of Canada). He did not release the names of his donors and these are the people/corporations who made him the leader. Besides the names of the donors for his 2004 corronation were released just recently, even though the it took place close to 2 years ago.

Check out Rondo's performance on www.traillervision.com. In it, he rallies the troops saying that "marriage was defined with Adam and Eve. That was 6,000 years ago for those who don't know." Then he asks his troops for money, a lot of money, so that he can fight this fight. Finally, he says that the "Facts don't count!"

So, in order to punish the Liberals for the $3 over 10 years that were stolen from you and for the airport, vote for some whacko who believes that the Earth is 6,000 years old, a woman's right to choose is an abomination and that gay relationships are crimes and, oh yes, he needs your money to fight against these evils. He should represent Ajax-Pickering well as the Minister of the Inquisition in Mr. Harper's cabinet. I can't wait for school textbooks to be replaced with bibles. Welcome, to the year 1006!

A very BIG question for all of you would-be supporters of the Liberal candidate, supposedly because he personally lobbied from the government back-bench to oppose the Airport, is this, Which party has had full charge of the Airport File as government for the last 12 years and done sweet nothing about it, to deal with your concerns, not-widthstanding your local candidate?, the Liberals of course. So, based on THEIR record, DON'T vote for them, they haven't taken your conserns to heart for more than a decade. You have lots of other choices. The Conservatives at least have Property Rights in their platform, to protect people from big, and bad government.

Why is it when this campaign started in this riding that all the parties said that the airport was a non- issue. I can tell you I have attended a number of debates and this is a Large Issue!!!

This is a issue for a number of reasons but the number one reason is the lack of Transperency within our system, why is it when the Government decides that its okay to give away public assets such as in this case they are not held liable for there actions! why is it that the public has to band together and beg and plead their case! Why do we pay these people! Are the people who work at Transport Canada EXPERTS if so why does it take community groups like Vocal, Land over Landings, and public interests groups to get involved before any consideration is given to looking at the options. In the real word of buissness heads would role. The facts speek for themselves This is a Bad Plan, Paid for by good people "US" the tax payers who will have to live with it.
Ask the canidates why Millions of Dollars of our tax Money has already been pumped into this!!
Enough is Enough
I hope and pray we all make the right choice.

Jeff

Mark Holland has consistently rushed and rushed others into changing the traditional definition of marriage.
SITE
He has consistently used such terms as "bigots", "hatemongers", and "hate crimes" to describe those defend it. These terms are matters of public record: "bigot" in a news release on his website SITE "hatemongers" and "hate crimes" in his riding debate on Jan 10 aired on the local Rogers station. Admittedly, he is specifically talking about a group which poses statements such as "The danger is imminent that politicians will force this anti-marriage legislation through a second reading immediately! The suicidal rush to fundamentally change a 6,000 year-old institution is the canker that will destroy the roots of Canada's 'living tree'." These statements are neither bigotry nor hate but a matter of concern. A bigot and one guilty of hate crime would be against civil unions and changing the traditional definition of marriage. It seems to me, the intolerance come from Mark Holland toward those who would like to keep the traditional definition of marriage, and those who actually speak publicly about it.

Don't split the vote the greens have had a good start but many feel, in the party exe, that they have lost their way. So vote to beat the conservatives.
Still haven't heard anything on the Cheryl Gallant story why's that?

James,

Thanks for your response. Am I suprised that Harper has a right-wing agenda? Not at all! What surprises me is the fact that most Canadians have either chosen to ignore his extreme right views, or simply not bothered to learn more about him. If they did, they would see just how much of a right-wing looney he is, going back all the way to his days as leader of the NCC. People need to wake up James, actually read up on the guy, and then make an INFORMED choice. As much as I don't like the sponsorship debacle, Martin was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Gomery report and he has taken enormous steps to clean up the government. I feel that he deserves the chance to lead, free from a scandal that wasn't his fault. And yes, the NDP has a left-wing agenda, that's why I won't vote for them either. Extremism, in any form, is bad for our country....look where it got the States! At the end of the day, the Liberal party represents mainstream Canadian values better than any other party. Do I agree with their whole platform or all of their past actions? No. Do I believe that, going forward, they will be the best party to represent my riding and the rest of Canada? Yes. Am I willing to take the chance on Harper, knowing what I know about him and his past? Never! And no one else would either, if they bothered to inform themselves. This whole campaign has been about Harper not revealing who he truly is. It'll be a dark day for Canada if he is ever elected.... Also, we all now know that Rondo Thomas is a close-minded, religious bigot and would be a HORRIBLE choice to represent this riding.

Some people have said that Rondo Thomas doesn't have strong stance on the airport lands, but nothing could be further from the truth. I pulled directly from Rondo's website www.rondothomas.ca:

"Unlike Mark Holland, who supported an airport in the past, or the Liberal Party who have continued to further the airport agenda through the GTAA I am opposed to the airport.

The Conservative Party believes that a business case has never been made for an airport and that an independent, third party study is needed involving all stakeholders and including area residents. When it is established that the airport is not needed the lands are to be returned to the original owners, their family's or current tenants.

The previous Conservative government began to address this issue. This Liberal government has not, but I will!

The residents of Ajax-Pickering don't need another Liberal backed Mirabel. "

Sounds pretty strong to me.

Alex,

Your comment: "...Harper is a liar that harbours a right-wing agenda...", I don't know that he is a liar, but I know the Liberals are liars. The remark about a right-wing agenda has me puzzled. Are you really that surprised he has a right-wing agenda? The Conservative Party has a right-wing leaning and always has. Just like the NDP has a left-wing leaning and always has.

Teodora.....maybe you should simply check your facts before you suggest Mr Harper, and Ms Stronach did not release their list of donors contributors.

SITE

Re: Peter

I saw this video and it is an incredible find indeed, you wonder why people are not speaking out about this. Is this the government you want? It's incredible that people are actually considering a vote for the Conservatives! THEY ARE NOT CONSERVATIVES, THEY ARE THE ALLIANCE PARTY!! KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!!

So as we approach election day we look at the options we have in our riding of Ajax-Pickering. The options are not good.

We have two religious zealots (K.Norng - CHP and R.Thomas - Con) -- I do not feel comfortable having either of these two as my representative as I do not believe they can maintain the separation of church and state. I do not trust them to vote in the interests of the riding without bringing their religious leanings to bear on the issues (naive to think they will vote as their constituents feel? yes bec they will tow the party line). Case in point, R.Thomas's recently distributed literature mentioning reinstating the definition of traditional marriage while maintaining the rights of same sex couples (paraphrased). Give it a rest already as the Supreme Court has spoken on this issue.

The Green Party guy (R.Korus) -- the Party's heart is in the right place, but they are a little naive about the realities of the real world. They are a little too "tree-huggy-world-is-black-and-white" for my liking.

Then we get to the NDP. Red tape was not created in private industry -- it is a government invention. Why then does the NDP constantly think that the most efficient way of running things is to have the government run them. I like the free market economy.

And finally we get to our incumbent who seems to be the best of the crop as an individual. Sadly he is representing Paul Martin's corrupt, sense of entitlement party.

The last thing I want is a Liberal government.

Conservative would be nice, but the religious zealots have turned me. Religion is a private affair so keep it out of politics.

None of the other parties are even credible.

And they wonder why there is voter apathy.

Here is a link to the video where Rondo Thomas declares his "war" against the supports of same-sex marriage:

SITE

Thank you Teodora! It's about time people around here come to grips with the fact that Harper is a liar that harbours a right-wing agenda. It's a real shame that nobody wants to take the time to learn about his shady past because if they did, he would have no hope, ever, of being PM. Also, I don't see how any Conservatives out there can be upset at the new Liberal attacke ads considering that the whole Tory campaign has been one long smear job, filled with half-truths and downright lies attacking the Prime Minister and his party. Pot calling the kettle black? Also, a quick search of Google or Nexus will tell anyone who bothers to look, that everything the Liberals state in the ads are TRUE! Even John Reynolds of the Cons admitted as much when interviewed about it. The Liberals may be down in the polls now, but these truthful, fact-based, powerful will ads help them bounce back. Harper, if elected, will prove a spectacular failure and Paul Martin and Liberals across the country can turn to their Conservative neighbours and say "I told you so!". Afterall is said and done we will just be voting again in 2 years max, probably 6 months if Harper is elected. People need to wake up, inform themselves and learn just how damaging Harper and his right-wing lunacy would be to our country. Paul Martin has done so much good for our country and he deserves the chance to govern the proper way, free from Chretien's shadow. Liberal majority!

Thank God someone spoke up against this antiquated law.

NOTWITHSTANDING is GONE!

Tyranny of the majority?

Legislative supremacy?

In addition to this omnibus invocation of s. 33, 'it was used FIFTEEN(15) other times in Quebec, ONCE(1) in Saskatchewan, and ONCE(1) in Alberta'; the other provincial legislatures, as well as Parliament, have never used the 'notwithstanding clause'.
The subject matter of the fifteen acts in Quebec which invoked the use of s. 33 were back-to-work legislation, pension plans, education, agricultural operations, the language used on signage and same-sex marriage.

Quebec (1982-85): Aftermath of the Patriation

Saskatchewan (1986): Back-to-Work Legislation

Quebec (1988): French Sign Laws

Alberta (2000): Definition of Marriage

"Moreover, the courts are understood as institutions that protect and empower people - especially, the vulnerable and less powerful. The majority may be in favour of limiting a minority group's rights (such as same-sex couples, or those with political or social views outside the norm). However, as the courts have the last say on Charter issues, it is able to stand against the majority and protect those that are vulnerable."
Governments are elected by a majority and are more likely to trample the rights of the few.

Alex, Harper didn't call Canada just a "European welfare state". He called Canada a "North european welfare state in the worst sense of the word." On top of that he lied in yesterday's debate that he had released the names of the donors to his leadership campaign. The other three didn't call his claim a lie, but that's what it is - he never released those names. That was a shameless lie he told the millions of viewers.

As for the Pickering airport, I know Rondo Thomas is completely against it having asked him personally and knowing it is one of his major platform planks As for Mark Holland, he seems to do or say anything which would advance his political career which would mean towing the liberal party line of moving forward with the proposed and unnecessary Pickering Airport, despite his personal convictions about it. My vote will be for a party which respects the free vote of it's members.

At a time when it would appear that neither of the big two parties are appealing to citizens in the GTA, why not concentrate on the individual candidates? Holland is fresh and has been in parliament for nearly a year and a half. Comparing his record in the Hansard to Judi Longfield in neighbouring Whitby-Oshawa (who has been in parliament seven years longer), he has spoken roughly the same amount of time. As an individual its clear that he's working hard, and given his stance on topics (I suggest everyone looking into the Hansard to see what he has said and done) I know I will give him my vote on January 23rd. I would also like to know where Dieter Schaffner is getting their information regarding the opinions of constituents in this riding regarding same-sex marriage.

Re Pickering Airport.
Don't believe that Holland is your answer to blocking any further developments regarding another airport. The land still belongs to the Federal Government, and if a futer Liberal Government wants to proceed with an airport, no matter what size, little Mark will vote with the government on this issue. He has already proven this when voting with the Government on the Same Sex issue, dispite overhelming objections by his constituants! Holland would put his political career ahead of his constituants!
All parties are against further developments, not only Holland.

The Federal Liberals have already involved the GTAA in the Pickering Airport project. You will have an airport in North Pickering. First small then big. Vote for integrity not corruption. Harper all the way.

If Paul Martin likes Canada so much why doesn't his company pay taxes here?

the most pressing issue is development or rather over-development. the riding, especially in the south has experienced huge growth, and does not seem to be subsiding. we need candidates that understand the need for planned development and not runaway tracts of subdivisions filled with monster homes and 3 cars in each driveway. we are seeing farmland gobbled up at an alarming rat, and the lingering notion of an airport and subsequent building of the uber-community of seaton, also weigh heavily on voters minds. the pace of change is too fast and the infrastructure of the area cannot sustain it. public transit is modest and really caters to the commuter crowd. if we really want to replace car culture with sustainable green culture, we need intergrated publice transit to allow residents to leave their cars at home when they travel inside the region. we must protect our environment. candidates need to recognize the importance of the rouge/duffins watersheds and the oak ridges moraine to the overall environmental health of the region. all these issues are interconnected and i'm not sure they are being addressed by the simple cut taxes approach we seem to get every election from the major parties. we need to key on environmental issues if we really want to move forward. it is the core to our future economy, and personal health. if we don't deal with it, all the tax cuts in the world won't matter.

In response to Paul:

Harper is not dishonest? Puh-leeze. We are talking about the same person here right? The Stephen Harper I know has quite the backround of dishonesty, hiding from his past as part of the National Citizen's Coalition, a right-wing group. Also, last election he was against gay marriage, and now he's for it? Flip-flop. Not only that, but a speech from his past comes back to haunt him, a speech where he called Canada a "European welfare state." But he loves Canada and wants to lead the country? If that's what he thinks of my country, and yours, not only is he dishonest but his personal character is highly suspect. Say what you want about the Liberals, but at least Martin is a proud Canadian. Harper is not, and never will be, fit to lead this country.

All should express that they will stop the airport. It could not have gotten this far without the support of the Federal Liberals. Lowering taxes is the single most important thing. Stephen Harper knows this is the most important thing and he will do something about it. The Liberals feel they know how to spend our money best and show contempt for anyone who thinks differently. If you don't think your overtaxed, look over you paycheck carefully; and note the additional 15% when you spend the amount that has been left for you. Last year the Liberal's signs said "TAX CUTS HURT HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION" They won't say that this year because those tax cuts are proposed by Liberals. What hurts health care and education in Ontario is taking 23Billion out and not sending sufficient monies back. Honesty is a major factor. I know Harper is not dishonest.

I agree with many of the above residents re- absolutely no need for another airport. However, my biggest concern is the unnecessay evictions and demolitions that are taking place on the airport site. Mark Holland has been a huge help and a real influence in trying to resolve this important isssue. There is a golden opportunity here for the Feds to leave tenants in affordable housing and let them get on with their lives without being afraid that some bungling bureaucratic decision is to put them out of their homes. This is one time that Iwill vote for the person who has been working diligently to help many of the residents on the airport site. Thanks Mark.

The candidates SHOULD be talking about the proposed airport. Once Mark Holland was persuaded of the folly of pursuing an airport, he worked hard on many fronts to stop it, and to preserve the historic homes on the site. That is the kind of representation we need in Ottawa.

Mark Holland has my vote! He is the only candidate to publicly denounce the proposed Pickering airport. He is a good guy, one who is an asset to the community. Why would anyone want to vote for Rondo? 5 words for you: Separation of Church and State. 'Nuff said.

Resident Of Pickering.
I will vote for the candidate (party) that stops the ill fated attempt by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority's (GTAA)to construct an airport on the federally owned land in north Pickering. This public land is valued in the Billions and the Government elect must show fiscal responsibity. Its time for our elected officals to stop playing Russian roulett with our lives. Who in their right mind would allow large aircraft who's flight path is within 2kms of a nuclear power plant some 12kms away from with a ceiling of a mear 1500 feet. This is down right Dangerous! do you think? (Draft Plan GTAA Maps) I value the everyday things that make our soceity great like health care and old age security but what good is that when the risk of security is a micro flight away.
I will vote for the candidate that protects our fundimental right to live in a safe and secure environment.
(Charter of Rights and Freedom)
This is not a North Pickering issue this issue affects all Canadians.

I totally agree with the residents voicing their disapproval with the proposed airport in North Pickering. I, like many others, feel that we do not have the need, business case or desire for an airport in Eastern GTA at this time. The politicians tend to see this type of proposal as an opportunity for growth within the riding they represent. What they forget is that although growth is often used as a measurement tool for the success of a politician (mostly to other politicians), it is not the 'be all and end all' for most of the residents they represent. There are many who put 'quality of life' above the all-mighty dollar.

Hamilton wants this business; they already have the infra-structure (as well as the ability to expand current facilities) and the desire. I and my husband (and most of my neighbours) will be voting for the candidate that will help to quash this unneccessary and unwanted airport.

Krista.

I'm an Ajax resident and didn't even consider the Pickering Airport an issue until reading this thread. I took a look at Holland's and Thomas' website. Holland has been vocal by far against this issue and I agree whole-heartedly. I actually remember reading about this back in 2004, so I know he has been steady in this cause. Urbanization is destroying our agriculture and ruining our environment. I'm voting Holland. End of story.

STOP AIRPORT.

To me the main issue in this riding in which i live is the proposed International Airport located in Pickering.
I will vote for the canidate who will stand up and fight to stop this unnecessary airport.
When Pearson is at full or even near full capacity and Hamilton airport is also being fully used then is the time to have another airport. Lets plan for this eventuality first then plan for a third airport .
Mr. Mark Holland Liberal member of parliament who has stood up against a new airport in Pickering will receive my vote and i will encourge others to vote to elect him back to parliament as well.
I hope the NDP and Conserative canidates will have the courage and good sence to make their positions known. And that it will be the same as Mr.Hollands. Then we can have a good debate on the other lesser issues in this riding and all 3 canidates can compete on a level playing field.
In my opinion anyone voting for an airport in Pickering dosen't deserve a single vote.
Chuck Lamrock

As for the past 30+ years, the issue facing the northern part of this riding is the proposed airport as well as the evictions of people who live in these houses and have maintained them in spite of the government's lack of support. Mark Holland has taken on this cause with success and it would be a shame now to loose any ground that has been won.

There is only one issue to citizens of Ajax/Pickering and that is the proposed airport. Everyone is against it for the simple reason that there is not one single compelling argument that supports an airport here. It seems that the Feds have all this land that they wish they didn't have but feel that pressing ahead with the airport will be less negative then unwinding the land bank. The dilemma is we have this oozing, festering cancer in Ottawa called the Liberal Party who have lied to us, stolen from us, treated the public purse as their own piggy bank, over taxed us in the extreme and are now bribing us with our very own money in an attempt to get re-elected. If the Liberal Party was a corporation Enron would pale by comparison and Paul Martin would be in jail along with many of his accomplices. So here's the dilemma. The most attractive candidate in this riding is Mark Holland (Liberal). He is a 'stand up' guy who has lent his rookie MP weight in the fight against the airport. While its too bad he didn't choose his party affiliation better when he went federal I have to admit I'm undecided at this point.

The biggest issue has to be the future use of the 18,600 acres of prime agricultural land left hanging in the balance for three decades since the cancellation of the ill-planned Pickering International Airport. The future of these lands should be of paramount importance to all residents of Toronto and the GTA, as they are the proverbial bread basket -- or salad bowl, if you will -- on the doorstep of Canada's largest metropolis. As we enter the next millenium what we most need is fresh water, fresh air and fresh food -- not an airport literally within striking distance of a nuclear plant. I wish Mark Holland was an independent, but the fact is I'd vote for him if he was a party of one. Politicians seeking power can & will say anything -- but Holland has had the intestinal fortitude to take on his own government, its bureaucrats and even cabinet ministers in a no-holds-barred struggle to protect these lands and the people on them. Meanwhile the Tories are working up a sweat over consenting adults saying "I do"...

My vote is definately with the candidate who makes the most compelling stance against the development of the Pickering Airport. To date, Mark Holland has vocally supported the actions of VOCAL and Land Over Landings who, along with myself and the majority of my neighbours are dead against any airport in our back yard. I will be looking for commitments from candidates to halt the Pickering Airport before I'll cast my vote.

Dean - Claremont, Ontario

To go through with the proposed Pickering Airport is backward thinking. The paving and polluting of valuable farmland goes contrary to progressive and responsible use of land. We need a government who will set a definitive standard by protecting this farmland for perpetuity so that it can once again be used to its potential. Enough developement and sprawl that creates eyesore and congestion. One only has to look at the chaos of the surrounding industrial zone around Pearson to envisage the pastoral "airport lands" in 10 years and weep. So far only Mark Holland seems to have come to his senses on this issue.

My issue is taxes. I am sick to death of the government taxing everything under the sun, wasting the money they get and sitting around looking for new ways to increase revenues. Everybody wants everything for free -- consider free day care. The problem with free is that people do not appreciate it. My view is that if you cannot afford to have children, then don't have them. Don't expect the government (ie me and everybody else) to pay to raise your little brats. I have no kids and that is my choice and if I did, you can bet that I wouldn't want the government to tell me how to raise them. What the government needs to do is to get their hands out of our collective wallets and let us have the money so we can afford to raise our own kids. The taxation system destroys the drive to get ahead and fosters mediocrity and laziness. It should that you work hard to get ahead and you do, but no. Here the government taxes the industrious and gives hand outs to the lazy. In a perfect world, the taxation system would be backwards with the lowest tax bracket at 50% and the highest at, say, 25% -- there is your incentive to get ahead you work hard and you take more home. That could even help curb drug related offences and crimes. Think of this logic: why should a person work their butt off at a fast food joint for minimum wage. If they work harder, they earn more and the government not only just takes more, but takes a higher percentage. So where is the incetive? The easy solution, sell drugs -- don't kid yourself because this is exactly the gangbangers' thought process. Now have a nice day.

For me the main Federal issue in the area is the proposed Airport. The GTAA has submitted a proposal that will destoryed acres of pristine land to add a second airport to an already under utilized airport system in Toronto. The Party that promises to kill the airport and provides a long term plan for the land, has my vote.

In this riding, the first and foremost issue at the Federal level is probably the proposed airport in Pickering. There is absolutely no need for such a waste of land and money. There is about a dozen airports in the world which have a much heavier traffic than what the GTAA estimates will require relief for Pearson. I will vote for a candidate and a party that clearly opposes this airport. For the time being, only MARK HOLLAND has taken a clear and praiseworthy stand on the issue. We need a PARTY commitment.

The dangers of the proximity of the nuclear plant. The environement issues, (near the Moraine area and vulnable creeks) The sprawling,boring suburb divivsions eating up precious farm land. The danger of losing our identity to the USA. I will vote for the Liberals in the hope that Holland is a man of integrity

The most important issue for us in Ajax-Pickering is definitely stopping the proposed airport, as mentioned by many writers to this forum. Beyond this, the future of the so-called Airport Lands must be secured, for all time. This was a land-grab by the Liberals in 1972, and here is their opportunity to redeem themselves and protect 17000 acres from joining the urban nightmare happening on on all sides. This is Class A farmland and should be growing food and fuel - as indeed much of it is already. But no farmer can produce economically on an annual lease.
Land Over Landings is a group committed to stopping the evictions and demolitions which have been and still are being carried out by Public Works and Government Services, seemingly to sytematically depopulate the area. Mark Holland has put himself in a very vulnerable position by supporting us and our mission, after making personal visits to the site. My vote goes to him as a caring. concerned and proactive MP.

The candidate that will win this riding is the one whose party will definitely, once and for all, put a stop to this not- required airport. The entire party has to be against the airport, and willing to utilize the land to its utmost potential - agriculture, green space. NO AIRPORT!

The one overriding issue for the residents of this riding is cocerning the airport proposal. This issue has been hanging over the residents of this riding for more than 30 years and it makes no more sense today than it did 30 years ago. How much more money is this government and the GTAA going to waste on pushing for an airport that clearly is not needed now or in the future. The time has come to put this matter finally to bed and cancel the airport zoning and return the land to the residents.

In North Pickering the main topic is the proposed Pickering Airport. No one here that I know wants an airport. The Toronto airport is not at capacity even 20 years after the initial land grab which was done then in the name of needed capacity. There will still not be a need 20 years from now if the existing airports in Hamilton, Buttonville, Oshawa etc are used correctly. I will vote for the candidate who is against a pickering airport, and so say many of my friends.

Intersting responses.... I have to agree that Mark Holland is publically opposed to the Airport in Pickering. He also mentioned a bill against animal cruelty, which is not very important, but okay. I also have heard nothing on Rondo Thomas, but I did 'google' him and some people are right about him being very 'neo-con'. The fight against gay marriage should be over, what are his proposals? There's a 85% chance I'll be voting Liberal for my riding.

The most pressing federal issue this riding faces is the proposal to build a third International Airport in the GTA. This unwanted and unneeded proposal amounts to a tremendous waste of taxpayer dollars and resources. Why build a third airport when the two existing airports (Pearson & Hamilton) operate at 35% of capacity. If the Federal government focuses on achieving system wide efficientcy rather than allowing the GTAA to be an empire builder this entire proposal would disappear.

I will stand and vote for the party and candidate that promotes a viable and responsible airport infrastructure system.

So far none of the parties have declared their policy on this issue while the individual candidates thump the table in opposition. Party policy decides the day in Canada not individual candidates.

I believe Mark will win but we will have to see.

Unfortunately I believe Mark Holland will win the riding. I say unfortunately because I believe that the incumbents should try to represent the Riding NOT the party. I will be voting for the conservative for one main reason. The conservative will allow more free votes and less party votes. That at the very least is a step in the right direction

I'll be supporting the candidate that is committed to stopping the proposed pickering airport. This whole proposal is just a big land grab by the GTAA, there is no need for an airport in Pickering. Mark Holland is publicly against the airport, but I've heard no official statement from Rondo as to his position.

I have voted for all the party,s in the past.But I can,t forget what PC party done with free trade,as I watched factories close and jobs move south.This great country went through hard times ,and when the going got tough Brian quite.As I watch the news ,I see the same old boy,s in the back rooms of the new Reform party ready to sell us out again.Today Iam working again and proud ,but I will never forget or forgive the PC,s or the NEW REFORM party .Note case in point soft wood lumber and GM.

I am going to vote for the party that is going to put Canada first and Canadians first over the Liberals who only care about holding on to power at the cost of our hard earned tax dollars. The fact that the Liberals can illegally waste the taxpayers money "Adscam" without anyone going to jail for it is frightening to say the least. Canadians need to wake up and not be duped again by these arrogant, wasteful, power hungry Liberals. Send them a clear message with your vote and hold them accountable!

I am a Pickering resident and own handguns. Non of my leagaly owned and registered handguns have ever killed or wounded anyone. For 33 years, I carried a loaded handgun on the streets of Toronto as a Police Officer and never had to shoot at anyone. Our first olympic gold medal was won by Linda Thom with a handgun many years ago beating the Americans at their own game. I am in favor of raising the penalties for using illegal handguns in crimes to 10 years minimum taking the penalty decision away from the Judges. Banning handguns will only make the sport of handgun shooting die along with any more chances for gold medals in the olympics.

I live in Ajax, and I want to vote NDP because they are close to my ideals. However the NDP candidate probably has little chance in getting in. I am DEFINITELY not voting for Rondo Thomas. He believes in the break down of secularization and the fact that he was a vice president of the Canadian Christian College. I am Catholic, so I'm not anti-christian, but I believe that religion should remain private and that our politicians need to represent all people (including non-christians, homosexuals and atheists). This is one candidate who is wholly against same-sex marriage and I am sick and tired of this issue. Get over same-sex marriage, we have more important things to deal with.

I am not happy that we are being forced to go to the polls. I would be happy to vote for a government that puts the people first. I would like to be rewarded for being proactive on my health. I want a MPP who will focus on all people in their riding. I do not want to hear about traditional marriage especially given our divorce rates. Lets stamp out poverty.

Personally, I want to support whichever party will best preserver and build Canadian identity. There are many issues that contribute to our identity: the work of our military abroad, our role in NAFTA, our disagreements with the U.S. over missile defence and the Iraq war, our belief that all Canadians are entitled to good education and health care regardless of status or situation, etc.
I will follow the campaign closely to see which party will best support the Canadian military, best defend Canada's interests in disputes with the U.S., and best maintain the systems and institutions that I value, specifically health care and education.