Federal Liberal Candidate Chosen

Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 29 September 2014 09:04

The federal Liberals have chosen their candidate for the 2015 campaign in Okanagan Shuswap. Cindy Derkaz of Salmon Arm was selected on the weekend. She's a 55 year resident of the area, working at her parents shoe stores in Vernon and Salmon Arm, then opening a law practice in Salmon Arm. Derkaz says "We need to stand up for our democracy - get rid of the so-called "Fair Elections Act"; stop the muzzling of federal government scientists; stop the bullying of those who have responsibility to maintain our democracy" Derkaz says “Federal Liberal policies are a good fit for my world view: a country that is well managed fiscally, a fair and open society, well respected on the world stage and prepared to take a leadership role on climate change and the environment. Justin Trudeau is the type of leader I want to work with – collegial and inclusive. Not the top down, my-way- or- else show that we’ve seen for the past eight years of the Harper government. I look forward to standing up for the needs of our community in Ottawa as a member of the Liberal team.”

Meet Justin Trudeau in Polson Park Tuesday

Charlotte Helston July 22, 2013 - 1:55 PMInfo-Tel Multimedia


VERNON - Canada's new Liberal leader will be in Vernon's Polson Park tomorrow afternoon. Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie and their two children will be meeting with the public from 2-4 p.m. in the Japanese Gardens for a 'Conversation in the Park'. Trudeau and family will also be making stops in Kelowna and Kamloops throughout the day. The Liberal Party says the meet and greet is intended as a conversation about the country "we are building together through hope and hard work." Organizers are reminding the public to bring lawn chairs to the event.

MLA Cleared Of Conflict For Second Time

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM  Friday, 19 April 2013 12:44  
BC's conflict commissioner has dismissed a complaint leveled at Vernon's Liberal MLA about his constituency office, for a second time. Back in March, BC Conservative Leader John Cummins asked commissioner Paul Fraser to review his 2012 probe that cleared Eric Foster of conflict of interest over ownership of the office and renovations to it, with Cummins saying it was "flawed", and based on false or incomplete information. Fraser denied the request, and also dismissed Tory concerns about Foster moving the MLA's office, saying the cited reasons for better visibility and easier access are entirely legitimate. Commissioner Fraser says the Conservatives have provided no new information to warrant a review, and he now considers the matter closed. "You have suggested that the facts provided to me by the member were not accurate and complete. Principal among the new "facts" you assert is that the building "is owned by an immediate family member -- the husband of Mr. Foster's assistant." You have provided no evidence to support that statement. I can advise you that the member did, in the first instance, make me aware that the assistant's husband had a 25% minority shareholding in the company that owns the building, with the majority shareholding belonging to his parents. This information has been independently verified as correct from the company's records. It is, therefore, inaccurate to suggest that the building was "owned by the husband of Mr. Foster's assistant," writes Fraser in his reply to Cummins. (Click HERE to read the full news release) Eric Foster hopes this ends the issue. "It clears me of any wrong doing but it also speaks to the fact that the information being sent out by Mr. Cummins, there was no basis to them. I'm happy the commissioner has looked into it and the issue is closed," Foster tells Kiss FM. Conservative candidate Scott Anderson still has concerns. "I'm not really clear on why the conflict commissioner has chosen to take the tact he's taken. I guess the voters of Vernon-Monashee will have to make a decision." Anderson still feels it's strange the family of Foster's assistant bought the building four days before the 2009 election, and since then, he says $250,000 in taxpayer funds have been put into renovations.

Trudeau wins Liberal leadership

by The Canadian Press - Castanet Apr 14, 2013 / 5:05 pm

Let the Games Begin !!

 Justin Trudeau called for an end to internal Liberal party divisions and an end to the partisan politics of division Sunday night as he was anointed party leader in a landslide, first-ballot win. Trudeau, eldest son of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau and the Liberals' undisputed star, swept more than 80 per cent of the available points in a final field of six candidates. (more)

Kyllo to carry Liberal banner in Shuswap constituency

By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 05, 2013 5:00 PM
Sicamous Coun. Greg Kyllo has won the nomination to represent the B.C. Liberals in the Shuswap constituency in the spring provincial election.  Kyllo has lived in Sicamous for 34 years and is the president of Twin Anchors Marine Group. “The past few months have brought great energy to the Shuswap riding,” said Kyllo. “We had five strong candidates come forward here in Shuswap, and I’m very humbled to have won. Any one of the other four candidates would have been great as well.” The other individuals seeking the Liberal nomination were Salmon Arm businessman Mel Arnold, former Salmon Arm mayor Marty Bootsma, former Spallumcheen mayor Will Hansma and Salmon Arm businessman Jordan Ross. Retiring MLA George Abbott believes Kyllo will be a strong representative for Shuswap. “He is a well-known, respected member of the community, and he will provide great leadership in this area for years to come," said Abbott.

Hansma Joins Shuswap Liberal Race

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 13 November 2012 17:13  
A former North Okanagan mayor has thrown his hat into the ring for the Liberal nomination in the BC riding of Shuswap.  Will Hansma is a former five term mayor of Spallumcheen who left municipal politics last November to concentrate on his Okanagan Advertiser newspaper business in Armstrong. He says he will stand up for the farming community, and bring business to the North Okanagan Shuswap. A news release states, "Building and sustaining the largest industrial park in the North Okanagan was a proud accomplishment for him. He believes maintaining free enterprise in the province is critical and can't believe that anyone could forget the horrendous mess we found ourselves in when the NDP was last responsible for sustaining our viability in this world and country." Hansma is up against former Salmon Arm mayor Marty Bootsma, Sicamous businessman Greg Kyllo, and Salmon Arm resident Jordan Ross, a member of the Liberal executive association,  for the nomination. No date set for the meeting which will be in either December of January. The winner will replace George Abbott, the Liberal MLA since 1996. Steve Gunner is the NDP candidate for Shuswap, while Tom Birch will run for the BC Conservatives.

Justin Trudeau to run for Liberal leadership

 CBC News Posted: Sep 26, 2012 7:30 AM ET 

The long wait for Justin Trudeau's difficult decision appears to be over: Radio-Canada is reporting that the Quebec MP and son of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau will announce early next week that he will run for the leadership of the federal Liberal Party.  Trudeau is expected to make the announcement at a news conference in his Montreal riding of Papineau on Tuesday. (more)

Liberals vote to legalize marijuana, support monarchy

Susana Mas, CBC News Posted:Jan 15, 2012 10:49 AM ET

Liberals have voted in favour of legalizing marijuana, against severing ties with the monarchy, and in favour of a preferential balloting system.  Passionate arguments were heard on both sides of each policy debate, but in the end Liberals voted 77 per cent in favour of legalizing marijuana. This motion states that "a new Liberal government will legalize marijuana and ensure the regulation and taxation of its production, distribution, and use, while enacting strict penalties for illegal trafficking, illegal importation and exportation, and impaired driving." Quebec marijuana activist Marc-Boris St-Maurice urged Liberals to support the motion, adding "legalization is a good policy, prohibition is not." Liberals voted 67 per cent to reject a motion that would have seen Canada severe its ties with the monarchy. One young Liberal speaking against the motion, called it a "fringe issue," while another said it would be very "divisive" for the party. (more)

Election Q&A with Liberal Janna Francis

Published: April 20, 2011 Salmon Arm Observer:
 Q: Can you comment on accusations from the Conservative government that the Liberals have caused an unnecessary and wasteful election at a time when Canadians don’t want it?
A: I think this is the perfect example of the contempt the Conservative Party has for our democratic institutions. On two occasions, the Conservatives refused to give Parliament the information it needed to make good decisions, what kind of respect for democracy is that? I think it is really sad when you have people in positions of power who refuse to take responsibility for their actions.

Q: The Conservatives have been tarred with their own scandals, but what about the Liberal sponsorship scandal?
A: That was a very dark time for the Liberals in this country and particularly in Quebec, but you have to remember Paul Martin, the prime minister at the time said he was going to get to the bottom of this and initiated the Gommery inquiry. Ultimately, as a result, Martin lost the job of prime minister over it, and it was a job he wanted and worked hard for. I wonder what would happen today under the Harper Government? Would he have the same sense of responsibility to the Canadian people? I don’t think so.

Q: What’s your prediction on voter turnout? Do you think people are sick of going to the polls?
A: Certainly when I am knocking on doors people are saying they don’t want continued elections, but they are also worried about the state of democracy in Canada and our leadership. And they are saying they plan to vote...

Q: We’ve heard a lot from the Conservatives this election about the problems with coalition governments. What do you think of the Liberals forming such a coalition?
A: In my mind, a coalition is where people co-operate in the best interests of each other. In a minority or majority government, there are always coalitions, co-operation to represent a wide range of interests. I credit Mr. Ignatieff for saying, “come into the big red tent and we will work with everyone.” Mr. Ignatieff jokes that on his kindergarten report card it said, plays well with others. Well Michael Ignatieff still plays well with others and he’s got the leadership skills, the team and we’ve got a plan that will benefit all Canadians.

Q: What is it like running for election in a riding with such a long tradition of voting Conservative and Reform?
A: It is a lot of hard work and I’ve certainly improved my debating skills at the door. But the face of the riding is changing, I think a more progressive attitude is developing. I think we all believe in the institution of democracy and people see this being threatened, and, make no mistake, it is being threatened by the Harper Government — It’s not the Government of Canada anymore, it’s the Harper Government. That offends a lot of people.

Q: Do you feel like you have a chance to win?
A: I always feel I have a chance, but this is the third time I’ve run and I’m more optimistic now that I have ever been before. I have a stronger team, more people are calling to offer support, more people are volunteering.

Q: How would this riding specifically benefit from going Liberal?
A: Because there is such a split on the left, we want to work with NDP voters, Green voters and take action on issues that are really important to Canadians. We would do some work on climate change, implement the most progressive plan for supporting families at every stage, with child care spaces, post secondary education funding, pension improvements and a family care plan that will help people cope when a family member is sick... To the voters of this riding, I say come on in, let’s make this happen.

Q: How would this riding specifically benefit from having you as our member of Parliament?
A: What I see is offering this riding leadership, in economic development, in getting this region involved with green technology businesses, so this riding can become part of the knowledge-based economy. I know how to bring people together and to solve problems. I don’t want people to have to seek me out, I want to be where the people are to hear them — not just show up and be seen signing cheques and cutting ribbons.

Q: Should you be elected, what would your personal commitment be to this riding?
A: In Salmon Arm, the plan is to create a downtown college and I think that is an excellent initiative that is going to need help and support from government... I am passionate about work with issues of violence against women, with problem-solving around health care and home care. We have to make changes, to do things that are more affordable and give better access to health care and we’re on a timeline with our aging population.

Q: If elected what specific infrastructure goals would you have for the Shuswap?
A: I want to hear local concerns and talk to local mayors about what they would like to see. In my mind, too, the Trans-Canada Highway is where they need to be putting money. It is a real issue, both economic and in terms of safety.
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Election Q&A with MP Colin Mayes

Election Update; Rae Visits

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 08 April 2011 11:12

No surprises yet as for the candidates officially running in the Okanagan Shuswap for the May 2nd federal election.  Four have filed papers and been approved to run by Elections Canada including two term incumbent Colin Mayes of the Conservatives, Greig Crockett of the Green Party, Janna Francis of the Liberals and Nikki Inouye of the NDP.  Candidates have until 2pm on Monday April 11th to enter. Six people ran in the riding in the last federal vote in 2008.  For more information on the local vote, click HERE  Meantime, a high profile federal Liberal comes to Vernon this weekend as part of the election campaign.  Bob Rae, MP for Toronto Centre, will be at the Schubert Centre Sunday morning at 10 to 11:30 for a meet and greet session in support of local candidate Janna Francis.  He will be in Kelowna for a function at 2 that day.  Rae is the Liberal's foreign affairs critic and a former Ontario premier.

Clark wins B.C. Liberal leadership

By Tom Fletcher - BC Local News Published: February 26, 2011 6:43 PM
Former deputy premier Christy Clark won the B.C. Liberal leadership vote Saturday, with a narrow victory over Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon.  On the third and final ballot, Clark received 4,420 votes using the party's weighted voting system. After third-place contender George Abbott dropped off the ballot, Falcon finished with 4,080 points.  Clark held the lead after two rounds of voting in the B.C. Liberal leadership contest, with 3,575 points, followed by Falcon with 2,564 and Abbott with 2,364. The point totals after the first round were 789 for de Jong, 2,091 for George Abbott, 2,411 for Kevin Falcon and 3,209 for Clark.

Falcon Flies Into Vernon

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 22 February 2011 17:45 107.5 KISSFM

 

 

One of the Liberal leadership candidates says the polls don't tell the true story about what could happen when party members vote on Saturday.  Kevin Falcon made a stop in Vernon Tuesday, and disputed suggestions that Christy Clark is the one to beat. "I think people are really confused because they're looking at polls that have nothing to do with the membership. Our membership is who will make this decision, not polls talking about name recognition and things that are completely unrelated to this race."  The ten year MLA from Surrey was greeted by about 40 people during his visit to the Schubert Centre.  Falcon says his plan to cut the HST down to ten percent over several years is resonating with the public.  "Certainly a lot of people have been attracted to that commitment because I think it's one way that we might be able to bring aboard a majority of the public to support what is, at the end of the day, really good public tax policy."  The Liberal leadership hopeful realizes Shuswap MLA George Abbott is popular in this area. "George is a great candidate and I like George a lot and frankly a lot of his supporters are my supporters and vice versa, but at the end of the day, this isn't about individuals so much, it's just about which amongst these individuals is the best to take the party forward."  Falcon says he has 19 MLA's and 11 cabinet ministers supporting him for the leadership which will be decided on in a phone and online vote Saturday. Photo: Kevin Falcon speaks at the Schubert Centre in Vernon Tuesday (P.McIntyre)

B.C. Liberal hopefuls raise big campaign bucks

CBC News Feb 22, 2011 5:37 PM PT

DOCUMENT: George Abbott donations list (PDF)

DOCUMENT: Christy Clark donations list (PDF)

DOCUMENT: Mike de Jong donations list (PDF)

DOCUMENT: Kevin Falcon donations list (PDF)

 

All four candidates for the leadership of the B.C. Liberals have now revealed who has donated to their campaigns.  Kevin Falcon appears to be the most successful of the four, raising a total of $708,665, according to a document on his website Tuesday.  Christy Clark has received $519,040; George Abbott, $427,842 and Mike de Jong $266,450.  Kevin Falcon had some generous donors, including The Keg Restaurants who sent a $40,000 cheque — the biggest donation received by any of the four candidates. Aquilini Development and Construction Ltd., controlled by the owner of the Vancouver Canucks, gave Falcon $25,000.  Aquilini also gave $25,000 to Christy Clark's campaign, $10,000 to George Abbott, but no money to Mike de Jong.  Clark also garnered a few other $25,000 donations, while Abbott's biggest cheque of $25,000 came from McAllister Developments Ltd. of Vancouver.  The race does not end until Saturday and candidates might still attract more donations before that time. Liberal party rules dictate that candidates can spend a maximum of $450,000 on their leadership campaigns.

Liberals set to introduce bill to save mandatory long-form census

The Canadian Press Posted: 23/09/2010 3:00 PM
 OTTAWA - The opposition saved the gun registry, now they're trying to rescue the mandatory long-form census.  The Liberals are set to introduce a private member's bill that would make the long form mandatory under the Statistics Act.  Right now, the act only refers to the requirement to hold a census every five years.  The Conservatives axed the mandatory long-form in June and replaced it with a voluntary survey.  They said many Canadians found the long form intrusive, and they objected to the threat of penalties for not filling it out.  Leaders of the NDP and Bloc Quebecois say they would support a bill to bring the long-form census back. The Liberal bill would also remove the threat of jail time for those who do not fill out the long form.
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Don Quixote Solution:
The simple way out that will save face for the Tories (and some of my blogreaders who are to the Right of Attilla the Hun) is a combination of minimum fines (to help finance the program) for those that fail to obey the rule of law and tax breaks or incentives for those who readily fill out the MANDATORY long form census.

Each Canadian would view the receipt of the Long Form Census from the Government as an opportunity to get an additional tax credit and perhaps the opportunity to be a lottery winner in the Patriotic Census jackpot.

• The Long Form Census (like the Income Tax Filing) would remain mandatory.
• Save the advertising Money by only sending out the same number of forms as before. (Some of this money say 25% could be added to the jackpot available for the people who actually complete and return the long form census.)
• ALL lucky people who received the forms would be advised that their taxes payable had been increased by $50 and a t5 type slip is attached as part of the form.
• ALL people who returned a valid Long Form Census would be eligible for a $150 tax credit and a ticket into the Patriotic Census jackpot drawing.
• The 25% from the saved Advertising money and the $50 from each person who refused to submit a valid Long Form Census would form the Patriotic Census jackpot amount that would be available to be distributed to a lucky ticket holder.

Hopefully this would appeal to the law and order Government base and have the added incentive of tax cuts for a broad and representative segment of the population who were lucky enough to be chosen to receive the Mandatory Long Form Census.

Grits pushing census law

Toronto Sun: By LAURA PAYTON, Parliamentary Bureau

OTTAWA – The Liberal party will introduce a bill to bring back the census when the House of Commons returns next month. “(This bill) will enshrine the long-form census in law and do so without the threat of jail time,” said Liberal MP John McCallum. The Tories quietly announced at the end of June they were turning the long-form census into a voluntary survey, eliminating the threat of fines or jail time for people who don't fill it out.

Experts were almost unanimous in condemning the change. They argue a voluntary sample is useless for gathering information and won't be comparable to other censuses. There is no law that orders a mandatory long-form census. The Liberal bill, however, faces a long path through Parliament. Because it's not the government tabling the bill, there are few chances to present it. Once it's tabled, it has to get through the House of Commons, Senate and two parliamentary committees before becoming law.

Ignatieff Visits Vernon

Peter McIntyre Monday, 23 August 2010 14:16107.5 KISSFM

More than 100 people came out to meet federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff as his cross Canada tour rolled through Vernon. The 63 year old M-P from the Ontario riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore was dressed casually in jeans and cowboys boots as he addressed the crowd of mostly party supporters at the Turtle Mountain Estate Winery, calling it a memorable location. "I have spoken in many beautiful places but I think we should pause and observe that this might be the most beautiful stop on the whole tour. It's just absolutely spectacular." "I'm on the 106th or 107th stop. I'm on the 26,000th kilometre. The bus isn't tired, and I'm not tired, and we're going all the way through." Ignatieff ---who was joined by B-C M-P's Ujaal Dosanjh and Joyce Murray --- touched on the need for the government to address climate change, saying the forest fires and warmer temperatures are evidence it has arrived. "I don't want to be alarmist. I'm not alarmist. The minute you identify a problem, you're halfway toward a solution, but let's at least have a government that thinks it is a problem."

The party leader since December 2008 also criticized the Harper government for recently spending 17 billion dollars on a joint strike military fighter plane. "Do we need this plane? Do we need that many planes? And do we need to spend 17 billion dollars at a moment when we are in a 54 billion dollar deficit? This is the kind of question Canadians are asking me as I go across the country." The author, journalist and academic will also make stops today in Penticton and Kelowna. He started the day with a visit to Kamloops, and arrived in Vernon about 45 minutes behind schedule.

He answered local media questions for five minutes, saying he felt the tour was having a huge impact on the Liberal's popularity, more than anything he's done as a leader. He dodged a question about when we may see a federal election, preferring to talk about his agenda. When asked how the Liberals could win a Conservative dominated riding, Ignatieff replied, "You show up. You show up everywhere."

Top photo: Michael Ignatieff speaks with Vernon area media while at Turtle Mountain Estate Winery Bottom: Ignatieff with his wife Suzanna greet one year old Cash Andrews of Kelowna upon arriving in Vernon (P.McIntyre)

Ignatieff in Vernon

Kate Bouey 8/23/2010 105.7 SUNFM:

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Federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff stops in Vernon around the noon hour today as part of his whistlestop tour across Canada this summer. To date, the Liberal Express has made over 90 stops with Ignatieff pledging to ``listen'' and ``share the Liberal vision.'' His stop at the Turtle Mountain Estate Winery is expected to last 90 minutes before he heads to Penticton and Kelowna.

Local Liberal Janna Francis says she will be formally selected as the party's candidate in the Okanagan-Shuswap at the event.

Ignatieff To Visit Vernon

Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 10 August 2010 13:43 107.5 KISSFM

The leader of the federal Liberal party will try to win some votes when he makes a 90 minute stop in Vernon this month. Michael Ignatieff will the guest at a party function August 23rd at the Turtle Mountain Estate Winery on Agnew Road from 11:30 to 1. Local Liberal association president Janna Francis says it's a chance for the public to meet the leader face to face. "His goal is to connect with everybody that shows up so they have an opportunity to see who he is, and to see what a dynamic and committed person he is, and that he will make a great prime minister." The stop is part of the 63 year old historian and author's Liberal Express Tour, and he is expected to bring several Liberal M-P's with him. Meantime, Francis' name could again be on the ballot for the Liberals when the next election is held. She's vying for the nomination, and at this point, is the only candidate. Francis placed fourth in the 2008 vote. She says a fall election is possible. "Who knows? In a minority parliament it can happen at any time so we're ready and if that's what happens, then we will have an election."

A new poll indicates Stephen Harper's Conservatives are six points up on their Liberal rivals.
The Canadian Press Harris-Decima survey gives the Tories the backing of 34 per cent of decided voters. Michael Ignatieff's Liberals got 28 per cent support. The N-D-P got 15 per cent support in the poll and the Greens got 12.

IGGY gives his blessing to Stevie's and Gordies HST message.

Former top Liberal official gets 15 months in jail

By Irwin Block, Canwest News ServiceDecember 4, 2009

MONTREAL — Benoit Corbeil will spend Christmas behind bars after the once powerful federal Liberal Party official was sentenced to 15 months in jail on Friday for pocketing kickbacks. Corbeil, who ran the Quebec wing of the party from 1999 to 2001, was also fined $20,000, which he has a year to pay, and ordered to refund the Liberal Party of Canada $117,310. Corbeil hung his head as he learned his fate. He pleaded guilty in June to one count each of influence-peddling and fraud. The defence had sought an absolute discharge if he repaid the outstanding money. The Crown had asked for 24 months behind bars. In court it was revealed Corbeil accepted $50,000 from the owner of a quarry and paving company, who was looking to purchase land from the federal government. Corbeil signed fake invoices totaling $117,310, transferring money from the Liberal wing's account to that of Giuseppe Morselli, a party fundraiser. But his crimes were not related to the federal sponsorship scandal.