Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Federal Liberals

2011-12-11T08:20:00.001-05:00

Hello all, we are now publishing on http://lkm.liberal.ca

Please join us over there...

Thanks
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Federal Liberals

Some More Light Reading

2011-02-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

Geoff Stevens: Liberals could campaign on the 'character' issue
http://www.therecord.com/opinion/editorial/article/490475--liberals-may-need-to-campaign-on-character-issue

New EKOS poll shows falling Conservative support
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/02/23/ekos-poll.html

Carol Goar - Harper cutting off the lifeblood of democracy
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/943260--goar-harper-is-cutting-off-lifeblood-of-democracy

Oda debacle shows Harper government's seige mentality
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/debacle+reflection+Harper+government+siege+mentality/4330735/story.html

Religion underlies the battle over Oda
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/religion-underlies-battle-over-oda-116719289.html

The House in recess - Tories fan out bearing cheques
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/the-house-in-recess-tories-fan-out-with-cheques-in-hand/article1915893/

Lillian Szpak wins Liberal nomination in Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca to succeed MP Keith Martin, defeats former London fire chief
http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/116693069.html

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

Does Canada need an Election?

2011-02-07T17:38:00.000-05:00

Is a Stephen Harper government the best Canadians can aspire to?

Specifically, are we satisfied with a government that preaches accountability and padlocks Parliament rather than face opposition questions? A government in which all power is concentrated in the Prime Minister’s Office?

A government that has no foreign policy beyond what it borrows from Washington? A government that can’t win a United Nations Security Council seat that would have been a slam-dunk in years past?

A government that secretly negotiates a border-security agreement that will involve some sacrifice of Canadian sovereignty without allowing Parliament to examine its provisions? A government that accepts Washington’s dictate to purchase F-35 strike fighter aircraft that Canada doesn’t need and, at $20 billion or more, can’t afford?

A government that intends to spend billions to build new prisons for which there is no evident demand? A government that believes attack ads are the answer to all criticism?

Are Canadians content for their country to be as mediocre as their government?

Reposted from the KW Record, Geoff Stevens, Mon Feb 07 2011

Live Blog from Appin

2011-02-05T14:13:00.001-05:00

MP Gerard Kennedy speaking at Gayle's nomination meeting

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

New Feedback Form

2011-01-30T08:49:00.000-05:00

Our new Information Request Form is now electronic, and live at the following link: http://lkmliberals.blogspot.com/p/feedback.html

Or you can click the Feedback link at top of this page.

This will allow you to send us your feedback on the campaign and request information from us.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Live Blog from Crabby Joes Campaign Kickoff Party

2011-01-20T18:42:00.003-05:00

Gayle Speaking to the Crowd (with Bernd Stucke and Paul Weese)

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Powered by ShowMeBlogger.com

Lambton--Kent--Middlesex Federal Liberal Nomination Meeting

2011-01-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

A nomination Meeting will be held February 5th, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Ekfrid Community Centre, 48 Wellington Ave., Appin ON.

Please join us in celebrating the nomination of Gayle Stucke!

Guest Speaker is MP Gerard Kennedy, Liberal Environment Critic, and former Ontario Minister of Education.

Some More Light Reading

2011-01-18T10:09:00.001-05:00

Ignatieff holds Open Mike meeting in Kitchener (attended by nearly 400)
http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/474517--ignatieff-in-campaign-mode-at-town-hall-meeting
http://swo.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110116/Ignatieff-liberals-kitchener-fighter-jets-110116/20110116/?hub=SWOHome

Ignatieff skates and greets Liberals in London Sunday afternoon
http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2011/01/16/16911326.html

Great video from London
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS6ZhPmEXO0

Ignatieff answers Tory attack ads with own video (see above)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/prime-minister-michael-ignatieff-puts-his-critics-on-ice/article1873481/

Geoff Stevens: Ignatieff has toughest job in Ottawa
http://www.therecord.com/opinion/columns/article/474505--ignatieff-has-the-toughest-job-in-ottawa

Ignatieff interview - Southwest Conservative ridings are vulnerable
http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2011/01/16/16911261.html

London area candidates ready for federal election
http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2011/01/16/16911186.html

Ignatieff welcomes Marie Bountrogianni as Liberal candidate in Hamilton
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/474920--ignatieff-conjures-up-era-of-munro-copps-in-political-vision-for-hamilton

Follow Canadian politicians on politwitter (bookmark this page)
http://politwitter.ca/

Glen Pearson writes about his recent visit to Sudan
http://glenpearson.wordpress.com/

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

Stucke looking to run for Liberals

2011-01-06T20:13:00.001-05:00

David Gough
Reposted from Courier Press

Former Lambton-Kent District School Board Director of Education Gayle Stucke is seeking the federal Liberal nomination for the Lambton-Kent-Middlesex riding.

Stucke retired as director in June after a long career in education. She said running for office was something she never considered until she was approached a few months ago.

"I was quite enjoying retirement. I wasn't bored," Stucke said, noting she was travelling and taking part in a few home renovation projects.

The Wallaceburg resident said she has always been interested in politics, but has never been involved in party politics or even been a member of a political party before.

When first approached about running, Stucke said she was honoured, but turned down the possibility. When she was asked a second time, Stucke decided to look into it.

"Like anything I've done in my life I researched it," Stucke said. The former educator said she spoke to a number of current MPs and MPPs about campaigns and experiences and she became more and more intrigued the more she talked and heard from others. In her research Stucke also studied Liberal policies and positions. After her research and talking with her family, Stucke decided seeking the Liberal candidacy would be a good venture to take on.

"It seemed like a door opening that I never would have expected to open and so I should take advantage and try it," Stucke said. She said it will be a steep learning curve ahead for her, but everything she is learning is confirming that it's the right move for her.

A big challenge for Stucke will be getting a foothold in Strathroy. Lambton-Kent-Middlesex is a broad mostly rural riding with two major centres –Wallaceburg and Strathroy—that are about an hour apart.
"Strathroy and Middlesex is where I have my work cut out for me because my name isn't known there and I've already begun that."

Liberal riding president Mike Ferguson said Stucke is currently going through the green light process by the Liberal party. Ferguson said that once Stucke is approved to run for the nomination, a nomination meeting is likely to be called. A nomination meeting will be called before Easter, Ferguson said.

He said Stucke is so far the only person who has put their name forward for the nomination. Two previous candidates who put their names forward --Emery Huszka and Ken Filson, both withdrew to run in municipal elections last October.

If Stucke is successful is grabbing the Liberal nomination, she would likely face an election battle with incumbent Conservative MP Bev Shipley.

No other political parties in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex have updated the Courier Press with their nomination selections.

Christmas message from Harry Mortimer, CMA

2010-12-25T13:36:00.000-05:00

Hello,

I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. Joyeux Noël et une saison des vacances heureuse.

Take some time to relax a little and enjoy some time with your family and friends.

I would like to recommend a “must read” for anyone with a political interest. You may have already read “The Best Laid Plans” written by Terry Fallis. The sequel is now out and it is just as hilarious. You will not be able to stop laughing as you follow the antics of the characters in “The High Road”. I hope that you get a chance to read these books yourself or consider them as gifts for friends.

The story line is based on a Liberal riding association in an un-winnable riding. The books cover all of the familiar struggles from recruiting a candidate, organizing a campaign, running an election, the dynamics of volunteers and life on Parliament Hill. It provides a very entertaining look at Canadian politics from the perspective of the riding level. The “Best Laid Plans” has won the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour. You can read the book jacket below for more details.

I wish you the very best for a safe and happy holiday season and a happy new year!

Thank you,
Harry Mortimer, MBA, CMA
Email: harrymortimer@rogers.com

Links for Mr Fallis' books are as follows:

The Best Laid Plans podcast
The High Road podcast

Mr Fallis on Chapters Indigo website

A message from Michael Ignatieff

2010-12-08T19:55:00.001-05:00

The Liberal Party has fought for decades to build a Canada where every citizen, in every part of our country, gets a fair shot at the full promise of Canadian life.

Pearson fought for universal health care. Trudeau the Charter of Rights. Chrétien and Martin kept our country together and restored it to fiscal health.

And from where I’ve sat at the front of the Opposition benches in 2010, I must say — we have never had to fight harder to protect our vision for Canada. And fight hard we did, all year long, as Liberals rallied together when it mattered most.

When Stephen Harper shut down Parliament over the holidays, your incredible response enabled us to launch an ad campaign against prorogation that forced the Conservatives back on their heels.

Later, when the Conservative government threw away the long form census, you helped us to hold them accountable for their reckless attack on an essential service that tells us who we are as a country. Liberals will bring the census back.

And when Jack Layton’s NDP waffled and Stephen Harper ignored Canada’s police forces, Liberal MPs stood united in the House of Commons to save the gun registry. Your support made that possible.

I entered politics to fight for Canadian families, to make Canadians’ lives better and bring us together as a country. That’s what Liberals stand for. But Stephen Harper is doing everything he can to tear Canadians apart.

That’s why, with less than a month left to make a political donation in 2010, I’m asking you to give, just as Liberals have at key moments all year long.

Please give $25, $100, or even $250 and get up to 75 percent of your contribution back at tax time. Along with your vote and your hard work, a political donation is the best way for you to choose the Canada you believe in.

Thank you.

Michael Ignatieff

Some Light Reading

2010-12-08T00:22:00.000-05:00

The Hill Times reports on alleged hidden scenarios in the recent by-elections
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/vaughan-12-6-2010

Latest seat projections show Liberal gain, Conservative loss, but still a Harper minority government
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-edge-back-ahead-of-combined-liberal-ndp-forces-in-seat-projection/article1826182/

Bill C-12 to give Ontario 17 more seats in Ottawa is languishing in House of Commons and may not be passed
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/901624--bill-c-12-parties-cheat-ontario-voters

James Howe is a Kitchener Liberal and a professional communicator. On his website, he analyzes websites and election signs from the recent municipal campaigns:
http://communicateandhowe.com/2010/11/04/5-lessons-learned-from-election-candidate-websites/

http://communicateandhowe.com/2010/10/14/what-does-a-sign-say-about-an-election-candidate/

Glen Pearson's blog:
Nortel pensioners get shameful treatment in House of Commons
http://glenpearson.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/thanks-for-coming/

A nation afraid of its people (a thoughtful commentary - for all politicians)
http://glenpearson.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/a-nation-afraid-of-its-people/

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

Upcoming Open Mike events

2010-10-03T20:34:00.008-04:00

The following Open mike town halls have been confirmed. Please share with friends in the area, or follow along online:

November 12th @ 10 AM PDT in Richmond, BC with Michael Ignatieff and candidate Joe Peschisolido

November 13th @ 10 AM PDT in Victoria, BC with Michael Ignatieff, MP Keith Martin, and candidates Chris Causton and Renee Hetherington

New Riding Executive Elected for 2011

2010-09-18T10:47:00.007-04:00

“Just like the local Rotary or Lions Clubs, we are just a group of volunteers and community members who want to make Canada a better place,” said Mike Ferguson, re-elected as President of the Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Federal Liberal Association. “The Liberal Party of Canada believes in fiscal responsibility with a social conscience to fight for those less well off. We are the ‘big red tent’ that welcomes left, right and centre viewpoints.”

Gary Martin of Wallaceburg was re-elected as Treasurer and given the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2010.

Gary Martin and Mike Ferguson

Also elected: Carolynne Griffith of Brooke-Alvinston, Executive Vice-President; Frank Kennes of Strathroy, Membership Chair; Ken Roberts of Melbourne, Policy Chair; and several directors.

Annual memberships are $10 for fellowship, community involvement and a good dose of politics, too.

To volunteer, or to get involved, click the links on the left side of the blog, or email us at lkmfedliberals@hotmail.com.

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

Bob Rae in Wallaceburg Sept 7, 2010

2010-09-10T03:00:00.002-04:00


Meeting with local media, Chris Prince of CKXS FM, Trevor Thompson of Country 92.9FM and David Gough of SunMedia (Wburg Courier Press/Chatham Daily News)

Bob making calls to local Liberals

Informal gathering for a great Q & A session...

Bob answering questions...

Bob with Carolynne Griffith, Chair of the Ontario Egg Producers

Bob with Mike...

Photos by Gary Martin

Bob Rae tickets now available!

2010-08-31T14:15:00.009-04:00

Victory Fund members: always FREE, just email us and let us know you`re coming...

Even if you can't attend, please donate to the LKMFLA and help the cause!

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

Ignatieff's old-fashioned bus tour to continue into fall

2010-08-28T18:39:00.005-04:00

Links from The Toronto Star:
Ignatieff's old-fashioned bus tour to continue into fall

Liberals lay groundwork for a campaign of contrasts

Brunch on the Nauvoo live blog

2010-08-28T14:40:00.003-04:00

Our host thanking our guest ...

Photo by Gary Martin

Brunch on the Nauvoo live blog

2010-08-28T13:48:00.003-04:00

Doug Ferguson speaking among the walnut grove ...

Photo by Gary Martin

Brunch on the Nauvoo live blog

2010-08-28T13:42:00.003-04:00

Doug Ferguson speaking among the walnut grove ...

Photo by Gary Martin

Brunch on the Nauvoo live blog

2010-08-28T13:38:00.003-04:00

Doug Ferguson speaking among the walnut grove ...

Photo by Gary Martin

Brunch on the Nauvoo live blog

2010-08-28T13:13:00.003-04:00

A well attended event ...

Photo by Gary Martin

Brunch on the Nauvoo live blog

2010-08-28T12:04:00.003-04:00

Gathering in the shade on a wonderful summer day ...

Photo by Gary Martin

Brunch on the Nauvoo live blog

2010-08-28T11:49:00.003-04:00

Photo by Gary Martin

Brunch on the Nauvoo live blog

2010-08-28T11:23:00.004-04:00

Gathering at the farm of Carolynne Griffith. Eggs are at the ready ...

Photo by Gary Martin

Reminder: Brunch this Saturday, Bob Rae next month!‏

2010-08-27T08:58:00.001-04:00

If you can't attend, please try and sell as many tickets as possible! We rely on you, the Liberal membership. The Brunch is at 4091 Nauvoo Road, Alvinston, Aug. 28, 11am-2pm with guest speaker Doug Ferguson, federal Liberal candidate for London West, and son of our own Ralph Ferguson. It would be great to have a good showing of people for Doug.

Tickets are only $10 (Victory Fund members of course, are always free of charge). For eggs/bacon/tomato.

View Larger Map

And on Sept. 7, we have Bob Rae at the Oak's Inn in Wallaceburg for a reception, 6-8 pm. Tickets are $50, meaning your actual cost is only $12.50 after the 75% tax credit.

View Larger Map

If you can't attend our events, please consider a donation! It can be done online at www.liberal.ca, specifying Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.

And you can also renew your memberships!

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

Reception with Bob Rae, MP

2010-08-15T18:07:00.001-04:00

YOU ARE INVITED…

Reception with Hon. Bob Rae, M.P.

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010

6-8 pm

Oak’s Inn, 80 McNaughton Ave.,

Wallaceburg, ON

$50/ticket

75% tax credit on donation portion

Victory Fund members Free

Cheques only, payable to:

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Federal Liberal Association

Advance Tickets only:

Mike Ferguson, 627-3606; Frank Kennes, 245-2758; Carolynne Griffith, 847-5500; Gary Martin, 401-2603; Eric Kilbreath, 541-9343; Ken Roberts, 289-5380

Facebook Event Invitation / RSVP:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143856925636660

Ignatieff and Martin Aboard the Liberal Express in Windsor Essex

2010-08-09T02:31:00.001-04:00

In Windsor today, former prime minister Paul Martin joined Michael Ignatieff aboard the summer-long tour. They met -- where else? -- at a Tim Horton's, along with Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, and then they all headed to a big Liberal rally. Click the link below for some YouTube clips of the event.

via thestar.blogs.com

2010-07-30T12:16:00.001-04:00

You are invited…

Brunch on the Nauvoo
August 28, 2010
11 am – 2 pm
At the Farm of
Carolynne Griffith
4091 Nauvoo Road, Alvinston

View Larger Map

$10/ticket
(Victory fund members, and
Kids 15 & under free)
Bring a lawnchair

Guest Speaker: Doug Ferguson,
London West candidate

Tickets: Mike Ferguson, 627-3606; Carolynne Griffith, 847-5500; Gary Martin; Eric Kilbreath, 541-9343; Frank Kennes, 245-2758; Ken Roberts, 289-5380

Federal Liberal Local News

2010-06-24T21:21:00.001-04:00

1. Annual Meeting in September. Have you renewed your membership for 2010? You can do so online at www.liberal.ca
2. With an election coming, we need executive and directors on the riding association. Please put your name forward for the annual meeting.
3. The "Liberal Express" bus tour with Michael Ignatieff will be travelling to every province and territory starting July 13. Do you have any suggestions for a local stop/event?

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

Next federal Liberal meeting, Sept. 12, Ailsa Craig. All are welcome!‏

2009-08-31T00:35:00.001-04:00

LAMBTON-KENT-MIDDLESEX FEDERAL LIBERAL ASSOCIATION
NOTICE OF MEETING

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 9:00 AM
Pinewood Restaurant, Main St., Ailsa Craig

We are entering a very exciting time for the nation, and we need you.

Liberal Party members play a vital role throughout the year. Members shape policies at the national level, work within their neighbourhoods and communities to drive action on the important issues of the day, and choose the candidates who carry the Liberal banner on Election Day.

During elections, our party members make up the front lines of the battle to turn Liberal candidates into Liberal MPs, and to make Michael Ignatieff the next Prime Minister of Canada.

The broader and more diverse our Liberal membership is, the better we can do all of those things. Join us. Be a part of the Liberal Party as we build the Canada of tomorrow, today. We have just eclipsed the 100,000 member mark!!

Memberships are $10 per person for anyone ages 14 and up. You can sign up online at www.liberal.ca or call one of the executive members for our riding and they’d be pleased to get you membership forms; or come to our September 12th meeting, all are welcome.

We look forward to hearing from you!

What it means to be Liberal: Check out Michael Ignatieff's speech 'Liberal Values in Tough Times' delivered on July 8, 2009 at the National Liberal Club in London, England, to deliver the annual Isaiah Berlin lecture of the Liberal International.

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

2009-08-14T23:53:00.001-04:00

New executive elected for local Federal Liberals

2009-07-01T13:28:00.001-04:00

FOREST – Federal Liberal members in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex elected a new executive at their Annual General Meeting last weekend in Forest, as the possibility of the Harper government calling a national election in the Fall looms large.

Re-elected as President is Mike Ferguson of Wallaceburg; Carolynne Griffith of Brooke-Alvinston as Vice-President; Gary Martin of Wallaceburg as Treasurer; Frank Kennes of Strathroy as VP Policy; Marie Baker of Strathroy as Membership Chair; and Eric Kilbreath of Dresden as Secretary.
A number of directors were also elected from each of the three counties in the large riding.

The riding association also launched a new website, www.lkmliberals.blogspot.com to keep local Liberals, and others, informed about party events and policies.

The Liberal Party of Canada’s website is www.liberal.ca, with www.onprobation.ca helping to keep the federal Conservative government in check as they have dropped a record $50 billion deficit on voters.

For further information contact Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

Harper Conservatives must make Parliament work

2009-06-15T20:15:00.001-04:00

Local federal Liberals in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex hope that the Harper Conservatives accomplish something they’re not very adept at–working with the other parties in Parliament–to put Canadians first and not politics, said Mike Ferguson, local riding president.

“Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has reviewed the government’s accountability report and presented four questions that Canadians need answered,” said Ferguson. “He made it clear to Canadians that the Liberal Party is not seeking an election. We want Parliament to work. We want to replace confrontation with co-operation.”

“In January, Liberal MP’s voted for the budget because it promised to get needed stimulus into the economy. We did so on the condition that the government would submit regular reports to Parliament on its performance. After reading the government’s latest status update over the weekend, we still have serious questions about this government’s performance and have requested answers on some key issues affecting Canadians.”

“We have consistently shown that we want to make Parliament work for Canadians. The Prime Minister can show that he also wants to make it work by responding honestly to the concerns we have raised,” said Ignatieff. “ If Mr. Harper requires more time to answer these questions, we are prepared to give it to him by extending the current session of Parliament.”

“A cooperative parliament is one where a prime minister would meet with the leader of the opposition to encourage collaboration, yet there’s been no meeting of this kind since January. This approach makes it difficult for Parliament to work.

We know Canadians don’t want an election. But Mr. Harper should not expect us to support the government on the basis of his report unless we get more information.
Let me be clear: there is no coalition. The Liberal Party is simply doing its job as the Official Opposition. That means standing up when it’s in the best interests of Canadians to do so.

• There are four questions Canadians deserve to have answered:

Employment Insurance - On Thursday the Prime Minister said the government had plans to introduce further changes to employment insurance in the fall. Canadians need help now – what is the government’s plan for EI?
Infrastructure - The report claims that “80 percent of the measures are either flowing or there are commitments in place that will allow the funds to flow to specific projects and initiatives.” This is playing with words. Canadians want the facts. How much money was spent in the critical first 120 days and how much money does the government anticipate will be spent over the next 120 days? Not “committed”, not “authorized”, not “announced” but actually spent?
The deficit - The report has dropped the government’s earlier promise to get us back to balance in five years. What are the government’s deficit projections for the next five years and what is the plan to return Canada’s finances to balance?
Isotopes health crisis - Last Friday, the Minister of Natural Resources said “the five (other) reactors in the world are not the solution to have a secure level of isotopes in this country.” What is the government’s plan to find an alternative supply for Canada?

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

Federal Liberals continue to gain ground: CBC/EKOS poll

2009-06-11T20:54:00.001-04:00

Link to original story

"EKOS conducted the poll from May 29 to June 9, surveying 6,259 Canadians over the age of 18. The polling company conducted an identical poll, with identical questions, between May 7 and May 28.

EKOS found that support for the Liberals grew since the earlier poll while Conservative support has shrunk. In the first poll, the Liberals had 33.5 per cent support while the Conservatives had 32.3."

2009-05-28 LKM Federal Liberal Newsletter

2009-06-07T15:23:00.001-04:00

Greetings everyone!
First order of business:
1) Our annual general meeting will be held on June 27th at 9 am, Huron Cove Restaurant, Forest (just west of the Forest Standard on the main street). For those who have never attended an AGM, it is the time to elect an executive for the riding association to organize and coordinate the "business" of the association.
Official notices were mailed yesterday with all the details. If you do not receive one, that either means, you're not a member for 2009, or someone didn't do their job in Toronto. Either way, please let me know.
2) A new position being mandated on the Executive by the Liberal Party is that of "Fundraising Chair." If anyone is interested in this position, please let me know. It is not onerous, but will be working with the entire executive on increasing the number of "Victory Fund" members in the riding association.
For only 20 cents a day, you can help defeat Stephen Harper and make sure we have funds available for election campaigns. That's a minimum $5/month to LPC + $5/month (or more) to the LKM riding association from your bank account or credit card.
The benefits? Your membership is automatically renewed each year; you help the party combat the Conservatives' huge fundraising lead; and you get a 75% tax credit on the donation. (so it really costs less than 20 cents/day!)
More information and to sign up, check www.victoryfund.ca.
3) As President, I believe it's vital that you as members know what's going on in the Party; on policy, local meetings, etc. An informed membership helps create an involved membership.
However, we all get many e-mails each and every week from many sources. If you only want to be informed of upcoming meetings, let me know and I can take you off the main local e-mail list.
4.) Provincially, we are active as well. For those interested in a provincial membership, we can send you a form, or go online to www.ontarioliberal.ca.
5). Vancouver convention update. All policy resolutions that were voted on are all online at www.liberal.ca. For the first time in history, all party members got a say on the policies that were approved or rejected.
6.) An election may be possible in March 2010, so we need to get ready.

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

2009-05-07 Convention Update

2009-06-07T15:12:00.001-04:00

VANCOUVER – Riding presidents from Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent-Essex and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex were among the 3,000 delegates attending the federal Liberal biennial convention in Vancouver last week, all calling for a new politics, as Michael Ignatieff reached out to Canadians with his vision for the future of the country as delegates voted 97 percent in favour of confirming him as the new leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

"As the Harper Conservatives prepare millions of dollars worth of negative attack ads to be shown this summer attacking Mr. Ignatieff, we call for a new politics of hope and vision," said Mike Ferguson, president of LKM federal Liberals, joined by Gloria Cayea, president of Sarnia-Lambton, and Dominic DoForno, Chatham-Kent-Essex (pictured).

"If you ask what I want for my Canada, it is this – that we surprise ourselves. Astonish ourselves. That we astonish the world," Mr. Ignatieff said to a packed convention hall of over 3,000 delegates and observers.

Mr. Ignatieff called for a new politics replacing spite and spin with civility and common purpose, laying out an inclusive vision of economic recovery that leaves no Canadian out in the cold by unlocking the creativity of every citizen.

He spoke directly to Stephen Harper, condemning him for failing to unite Canadians by setting province against province, group against group, region against region, individual against individual.

"All our efforts will be focused on one task – to unite our people again, to feel the strength that comes when Canadians know they are acting together," said Mr. Ignatieff. "We will turn crisis into opportunity and become more competitive than ever, by becoming the most adventurous and entrepreneurial people on the planet."

Mr. Ignatieff called for measures to unite Canadians and treat everyone fairly, delivered by a government that is as competent, courageous, co-operative and creative as Canadians themselves:

A common national standard of eligibility for Employment Insurance.
Investing in scientists, researchers and the green economy to create the jobs of tomorrow.
An equal start for every child with world class early learning.
A renewed commitment to women for equal pay for work of equal value.
A promise to every student that if they get the grades, they get to go to the best higher education in the world.
World class, not a second class education for every Aboriginal child.
Hope and opportunity for farming communities, small towns, northern and remote regions.

"The Canadian way is a way for the whole world," said Mr. Ignatieff, speaking of Canada’s longing to lead rather than follow on the world stage. "This is the moral purpose of our country – to teach tolerance, diversity and citizenship to a troubled world."

Following nominations by MPs Bob Rae and Dominic LeBlanc, Young Liberals Mona Kassis and Yasmine Abdelfadel added their names to those of over 3,000 people who nominated Michael Ignatieff online before he was declared leader by convention chair, MP Justin Trudeau, Bobbi Ethier and MP Ujjal Dosanjh.

"Let us dare to dream but let us also dare to act," Mr. Ignatieff concluded. "Let us get back to the Canadian way. We deserve a government that does not make us feel any less than a great people with a great future - and to a great people, given great leadership, nothing is impossible."

Cheers...Mike Ferguson, President, LKM Federal Liberal Association. 519-627-3606

2009-04-13 Ignatieff in Chatham

2009-06-07T01:14:00.001-04:00

Agriculture Meeting at Roesch Meats

Lunch Meeting at Crabby Joes
Photos by Gary Martin