This morning, the Sun’s Christina Blizzard takes it upon herself to warn the members and executive of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party of the many challenges facing them during the time leading up to the next election. She finishes with this statement:
There is no doubt Hudak will one day be premier. The big question is, will it be two years from now — or will government be a two-term project?
Look. We cannot afford for the Liberals and their friends to have another consecutive term at the trough. It just can’t happen.
We must do whatever it takes to pull together and wrest power away from Dalton McGuinty and his cronies. Therefore I commend Darryl Wolk, who was a strong Klees supporter for getting behind the new leader in such a classy fashion. There can be no more infighting. I know Tim will reach out to his leadership rivals and welcome their input and expertise.
They are all wonderful people and represent some of the best politicians and good folks in Ontario.
And to the charge that Tim Hudak is a ‘Harris wannabee’, let’s celebrate that Ontario finally does have a conservative party alternative again and not merely Liberal-lite.
Even Blizzard remarked, “Well, let me think. Is that a bad thing? When Harris was premier, half a million jobs were created. We were still a have province. Now we’re hemorrhaging jobs and are revelling in our new have-not status.”
I agree. I’d rather have an Ontario like the Harris days than what we’ve got now.
But Tim can make it even better, having the benefit of historical lessons to draw on. Somewhere in the middle is the right approach.
Tim Hudak and the party faithful will find it. We all must help.
There cannot be another Liberal government after this one.
To quote our new leader, “It’s time for a change, let’s make Ontario Number One again!”
* * * *
Update: Video Tim Hudak Victory Speech – Darryl Wolk Blog
A Conservative leader for a Progressive Conservative Party - Russ Campbell’s Blog
Tim Hudak is a Mike Harris wannabe? So what? - Crux of the Matter
Tim Hudak proves HRC reform is a political winner – Ezra Levant
Tim Hudak and the PC’s will replace the Ontario Liberals once the dust settles from the next election. The Liberals only know how to feed at the trough and take care of their friends, they’ve never had any interest in what is best for Ontario.
There are really only two kinds of people in this country. Those that feed at the public trough in one way or another, and those that fill the public trough. The challenge is not letting the former group out-number or out vote the latter group.
Thank you for those kind comments. I think it is important that the membership unites behind the new leader. We have a lot of work to do in order to win the next election in 2011. I look forward to helping with that effort in any way I can. Thank you for your positive coverage throughout this leadership race. Social media and blogs played a major role during this contest.
It’s difficult to read Ontario voters after returning a proven liar to a second majority.
You can be sure McGuinty will blame the recession on his financial woes, by that time no one will recall too much of his handiwork, we’re talking about 2011, this is only 2009. He’s sucking up to the Federal Conservatives big time and smiling all the way.
The liberals will definitely be linking Hudak to Harris every chance they get because they have little else to criticize and NOTHING to brag about.
Congrats to Mr. Hudak. I’m sure he’ll be a great Premier.
But I have to say something about John Tory. Why is he still popping up as a contender in politics? I would think he would be damaged goods by now. Or does he seriously have a chance to become Mayor of Toronto??
I supported Elliot but will fully support Hudak in the next election, even though I think the human rights issue will lead to our demise (my thoughts are articulated in part at Crux of the Matter). I suggest that you stop the derogatory references to Liberal-lite, which are clearly intended to be a slap at Elliot (and Tory). It has always been a bogus charge and, frankly, pisses me off.
Off topic but;
Avoiding summer election showed Ignatieff’s ‘strength’: Liberal director
OTTAWA — Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff showed “huge strength” by resisting pressure to defeat the government and trigger a summer election, says the party’s national director.
In an interview, Rocco Rossi disputed critics who say Ignatieff’s election threat and subsequent deal with Prime Minister Stephen Harper left him looking weak as he hits the barbecue, festival and town hall circuit to prepare for a possible fall campaign.
http://www.timescolonist.com/Life/Avoiding+summer+election+showed+Ignatieff+strength+Liberal+director/1741763/story.html
Liberal delusion is boundless and Rocco Rossi doesn’t disappoint, displays a generous measure of Leftist Mental Disorder.
July is almost here, the federal parties must file their second quarter financial returns with Elections Canada in the very near future.
Mike Harris Tim Hudak is not, but he does have some common sense, something we all have in common, unlike Dalton McGuinty Liberals. The question is easy, are we better off now, or when a PC government was at the helm?
I suggest that you stop the derogatory references to Liberal-lite, which are clearly intended to be a slap at Elliot (and Tory).
Chris, it was meant as a way to say that there needs to be a clear alternative to the Liberals and NDP. I haven’t seen that in the last few years, but I am confident that Tim Hudak and the rest of the party will work towards that end.
Regarding the HRT, I give Ontario voters enough credit to be able to understand the issue once the problems have been explained. We have time to do that.
Darryl, thank you. You are a total class act.
Based on what I’ve seen so far, Hudak is the favourable choice.
There are a few rough edges to fix, but at least he’s apparently a conservative. It’s now time to discuss and test policy, given that there are 800+ days until the next election.
I’m curious to see what he’ll come up with over the next few months. Faith-based education funding or HRC modifications (without a real explanatory campaign) had better not be on the list. The Ontario PC’s must propose a harmonized sales tax, without the complications of the Liberal version, to gain the trust of small business.
Hi Joanne,
As you know, I don’t really follow it in great detail. I liked Elliot mostlly because a) I didn’t know the others, b) I think the flat tax is a “social justice” issue that I strongly support, c) she’s married to Jim Flaherty.
But since you like Hudak, I am fairly certain I will like him too. So congratulations and good luck!
Also, since Warren Kinsella has given us a post where he defends all sort of minorities without once – give him credit – offending one of those minorities, Hudak is obviously rattling Liberal nerves.
The HRT is the only issue.
Just checking in ( the twins were in an all day soccer tourney) on all things fan-tabulous in Ontario conservatism and I think you guys will have a lot to celebrate very soon! I’m serious!
When you think about the history of Ontario politics, this has become the ‘perfect storm’ for things to be idyllic. It WILL BE up to you guys to sell this to the masses. You have a challenge when there are entitled hanger on-ers.
I am thinking of the teachers union, for one.
My husbands offices are owned by them out here, they are HUGE!!
So to work Ontario Conservatives, Ontario deserves to be back!
There you go Tim Hudak, your next slogan! lol
OT, but just watched the ctv news and saw the mess left by participants and on-lookers at the event in TO today. Iggy, Miller, Jack and wife were there. Now to reallly get the support of people, why don’t all those there get out and clean up the mess they left. Couldn’t Miller have ordered everyone to buy a bag and take home their garbage. Campers have to take their garbage home, why are they discriminated against.
If the conservatives financed this, why were they conspicious by their absence. Cheers to Premier in waiting Hudak and the PM for not showing up.
“Tim Hudak proves HRC reform is a political winner
I should have devoted more attention to the leadership contest for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. Four candidates ran in that election — Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, Christine Elliott and Randy Hillier. And — amazingly — reform of Ontario’s out-of-control human rights commission became the central policy debate of the race.
Stop for a moment to reflect on how incredible that is. That simply wouldn’t have happened two years ago, or perhaps even a year ago. That is a testament to the denormalization of Canada’s HRCs, and how politically-aware Canadians (particularly those of a conservative stripe) have taken a keen interest in the subject.
As I noted in April, it was Randy Hillier, the great libertarian MPP, who first raised the subject, with his simple call for the abolition of Ontario’s HRC. I loved his motto: real justice, real judges.
Tim Hudak saw the common sense of Hillier’s position — and its political appeal — and dittoed Hillier’s position. He had a few phraseological nuances — he’d simply refer such matters to real courts, and get rid of the more obscene counterfeit human rights, like the “right” not to be offended. I wrote about it here.
That’s when Elliott and Klees decided to use the issue as a wedge.”
http://ezralevant.com/2009/06/tim-hudak-proves-hrc-reform-is.html
The Liberal war room is going to do everything it can to make the HRC the “only issue” as the troll above suggests.
The Ontario Liberals right out of the gate are trying to define Hudak….the quicker the Hudak team works to dispell Liberal spin the better.
Bloggers have a huge role in doing that, in much the same truth-ad-style that the Tory bloggers have moved to the forefront federally.
That the HRC is the main issue for Ontario exists only in the fantasyland under the Liberal tent.
Hi Chucker!
I’m sure Christine Elliott would have made a fine leader as well. The party has many talented individuals and MPs.
I will be putting a lot of effort into the next election.
The Liberal war room is going to do everything it can to make the HRC the “only issue” as the troll above suggests.
‘Troll above’?
[...] Because, I’m backing Tim Hudak for premier of Ontario in October 2011 just as other conservative bloggers are doing. [...]
Just a clarification — Hudak is NOT suggesting getting rid of the HRC. Only the HR tribunal in favour of the courts.
Hoarfrost — HRC the only issue? You wish.
Where would we start? Human Rights? The HRC would be strengthened to educate people on fairness and equity. The HR tribunals? They will be shown for what they are, anti-human rights — because complainants are guilty before proven innocent, where there are no rules of evidence and no legal aid — and that is just for starters.
Then, there is the misuse of public funds for E-Health, tax increases such as the health care premium (and the fact that even after a second mandate, our health care system is no better) and PST/GST harmonization.
And, oh, there is our education system — where there is a so-called success strategy to increase graduation numbers purely for political purposes, while reducing academic standards and student behaviour.
A single issue in 2011? Not a chance.
No, we bloggers will make sure it is NOT the only issue — count on it!
Liberal Sheila Copps:
*”Our citizens do not have to take to the streets to seek justice and freedom.”
The Big Lie from Liberal Sheila Copps.
…-
Flashback:
“Feathers still flying over Shanly egg raid
By Tom VanDusen – AgriNews Staff Writer
SHANLY – Feathers continue to fly in the wake of an eight-hour standoff March 23 between members of the Ontario Landowners Association and two agencies bent intent on stripping a Spencerville area farmer of his chickens and eggs.
Like the chickens in packing crates deployed at Shawn Carmichael’s farm that day, newspaper letters pages have been jammed with comments, mostly against the actions of the Ontario Egg Producers and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
“We are disgusted by the unethical treatment of the Carmichael family during the raid,” wrote Herb and Allison Dangerfield of Kemptville. “To invade this family’s farm as though they were harmful criminals was unjust and insane.”
And this from Landowner Richard Berube of Charleston Lake: “A gasp of horror was heard from the crowd when it saw the caged birds. Chickens were incarcerated topsy-turvy, many with wings and legs bent outside of the wire mesh in every position possible and they were unable to even twitch a muscle. It appeared to have been cruelty at its worst.”
The OEP is a founding member of the Ontario Farm Animal Council which advances responsible care of livestock.
As it turns out, the CFIA was only on the scene to collect a few flats of eggs to check for alleged grading infractions. However, that agency has been painted with the same brush as the OEP which was there to haul away Carmichael’s 9,000 chickens.
The OLA, which was able to broker a deal allowing most of the flock to be returned to the barn, says it’ll be back angrier than ever should authorities conduct any further crackdowns on the Carmichael farm.
It’s the OEP tactics the association objects to, said OLA president Randy Hillier. Should the egg marketing board have a legitimate complaint against the producer and prove it in court, the OLA will let justice take its course.”
http://www.agrinewsinteractive.com/archives/article-7501.htm
*urlm.in/craz (hilltimes)
“CFRA Polls
The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party has chosen Tim Hudak as its new leader. He is a decidedly right of centre candidate who has vowed to fight the Harmonized Sales Tax tooth and nail – disband the province’s human rights tribunals and focus on “middle class values”.
It’s good choice. Hudak offers a clear alternative to the McGuinty Liberals and Horwath NDP 85.3%
A bad choice. Hudak is a Mike HArris protege and will not suceed in winning “centrist” support. 12.7%
Other – Please vote first and then send comments to mornings@cfra.com 1.90%
Total Votes: 1209″
http://www.cfra.com/polls/default.asp
Hi I,m new here so please bear with me if I don’t make a lot of sense first time around. I was pleased to see Tim Hudak win the leadership of the Conservative Party. the other candidates had some very good ideas and suggestions as to what should be one or two of the planks in the next election platform. I only hope that it is clear and concise and easy to sell to the province of Ontario. I am sure 4 or 5 items ake; Mike Harris style would. I think being compared to Harris is not so bat a thing…. Steve
Thanks Steve. Always good to hear from a new voice.
I only hope that it is clear and concise and easy to sell to the province of Ontario.
I totally agree. KISS. (Keep it simple, stupid)
may 7th/2010
dear people of ontario:
the last time we saw RED, well the People of Ontario saw the FEDS. just give our MONEY$$$ away to their LIBERAL cronies!!!
Well; the LIBERALS in our province now and even when they were elected have taken us for a crappy ride!!! H.S.T. tax on every thing starting July 1st/2010 will cripple our economy, because nobody will spend any of the little dollars they have on any-thing!!! BASIC NEEDS will be paid, and for many; do they eat?, or pay the gas bill? WE elected these so called humans??? Our BIG MISTAKE! I SAY WE GET THEM OUT OF OFFICE!!! 1929 DEPRESSION WILL HIT US; IN A BLINK OF AN EYE LASH!!! WHERE IS “NOAH’S ARK”, BECAUSE A BIG PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WILL DROWN WITH THIS LIBERAL ATTITUDE!!! IT TIME FOR THE ‘DALTON McGINTY GOVERNMENT/REGIME TO GET OUT OF “QUEENS PARK”!!!!!!!! I A’M FED UP WITH THEM!!! I’M SURE MORE PEOPLE WILL NOT HAVE A DECENT CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR. LET’S TAKE OUR VOTE SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! IT’S TIME!!!
SIGNED: A ONT./CANADIAN BORN WINDSORITE LIKE YOU! HEALTH-CARE???; H.S.T. ETC. ETC. NO MORE LIBERALS SO CALLED GOVERNING! THATS WHAT I THINK!
may 7th/2010
dear people of ontario:
the last time we saw RED, well the People of Ontario saw the FEDS. just give our MONEY$$$ away to their LIBERAL cronies!!!
Well; the LIBERALS in our province now and even when they were elected have taken us for a crappy ride!!! H.S.T. tax on every thing starting July 1st/2010 will cripple our economy, because nobody will spend any of the little dollars they have on any-thing!!! BASIC NEEDS will be paid, and for many; do they eat?, or pay the gas bill? WE elected these so called humans??? Our BIG MISTAKE! I SAY WE GET THEM OUT OF OFFICE!!! 1929 DEPRESSION WILL HIT US; IN A BLINK OF AN EYE LASH!!! WHERE IS “NOAH’S ARK”, BECAUSE A BIG PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WILL DROWN WITH THIS LIBERAL ATTITUDE!!! IT TIME FOR THE ‘DALTON McGINTY GOVERNMENT/REGIME TO GET OUT OF “QUEENS PARK”!!!!!!!! I A’M FED UP WITH THEM!!! I’M SURE MORE PEOPLE WILL NOT HAVE A DECENT CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR. LET’S TAKE OUR VOTE SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! IT’S TIME!!!
SIGNED: A ONT./CANADIAN BORN WINDSORITE LIKE YOU! HEALTH-CARE???; H.S.T. ETC. ETC. NO MORE LIBERALS SO CALLED GOVERNING! THATS WHAT WE THINK!
may 7th/2010
dear people of ontario:
the last time we saw RED, well the People of Ontario saw the FEDS. just give our MONEY$$$ away to their LIBERAL cronies!!!
Well; the LIBERALS in our province now and even when they were elected have taken us for a crappy ride!!! H.S.T. tax on every thing starting July 1st/2010 will cripple our economy, because nobody will spend any of the little dollars they have on any-thing!!! BASIC NEEDS will be paid, and for many; do they eat?, or pay the gas bill? WE elected these so called humans??? Our BIG MISTAKE! I SAY WE GET THEM OUT OF OFFICE!!! 1929 DEPRESSION WILL HIT US; IN A BLINK OF AN EYE LASH!!! WHERE IS “NOAH’S ARK”, BECAUSE A BIG PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WILL DROWN WITH THIS LIBERAL ATTITUDE!!! IT TIME FOR THE ‘DALTON McGINTY GOVERNMENT/REGIME TO GET OUT OF “QUEENS PARK”!!!!!!!! I A’M FED UP WITH THEM!!! I’M SURE MORE PEOPLE WILL NOT HAVE A DECENT CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR. LET’S TAKE OUR VOTE SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! IT’S TIME!!!
SIGNED: A ONT./CANADIAN BORN WINDSORITE LIKE YOU! HEALTH-CARE???; H.S.T. ETC. ETC. NO MORE LIBERALS SO CALLED GOVERNING! THAT’S WHAT WE THINK!
may 7th/2010
dear people of ontario:
I’M SORRY WE MADE SOME GRAMMAR MISTAKES AT THE END OF OUR LETTER. WE TRIED TO FIX THE GRAMMER, AND SUBMITTED DUPLICATE COMMENTS,WHEN WE FIXED OUR ‘S. WE ARE SORRY FOR THAT.
SIGNED: AN ONT./CANADIAN BORN WINDSOR,ONT. HUSBAND/WIFE COUPLE.
THANK-YOU!
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Asmar – You might try dispensing with the caps. Many thanks.
(However I hear your frustration.)