Heroes, Criminals, and Holy Terrors

On today's agenda...

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First, and most importantly, you all need to sign this petition.

Some background:

Constable Chris Garrett was killed in Ontario in the line of duty protecting the lives of his colleagues and civilians. His fellow officers waited to apply for a medal of valour from the Governor General until the trial of his killer was finished to ensure a fair trial. His killer was convicted and the application was sent off to the GGs office. Where it was promptly denied because it was too long after his death. There is a petition circulating online for Canadians to sign to pressure the GGs office to reconsider. Please follow the link to sign the petition.

This brave Canadian deserves better than a bureaucratic runaround.

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Speaking of runarounds, it seems that Karlheinz Schreiber wasn't ready to talk after all... then promptly started to answer questions.

The latest spin in this intricate web is that the deal he made with former PM Brian Mulroney was for $500,000 not $300,000 as has been so widely reported.

I suspect there will be a number of contradictions, clarifications, and re-fabrications as this saga continues to unfold.

I'll admit that i'm neither a staunch defender or critic of the former PM. But I do have to wonder why so much credibility is being given to Mr. Schreiber, a convicted criminal?

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My patience is growing very thin surrounding this whole uproar in Calgary Egmont.

I understand that this debate is going to be heated with some logical arguments on both sides. What drives me nuts, though, are the radical and highly charged statements that are coming from certain individuals and organizations. Namely, Concerned Christians Canada.

Jim Blake, a spokesman for the group founded by Craig Chandler, said recently "This is not an issue of Craig Chandler being an intolerant person, it's a party that's saying we don't want people of faith in our party that are going to speak their values in any way, shape or form, even if it's not in the political forum."

What utter nonsense! People of faith are no longer welcome in PC Alberta?

I look at our caucus and I see many people of faith who are darn proud of it, too. A quick glance at PC caucus bios and you will many people who are active members of their Churches, some who have served in leadership roles within their faith community... even a Reverend!

The issue is not whether people of faith are welcome in PC Alberta. The answer to that question is a clear and resounding "yes". The issue is whether or not people who take their views to an extreme that warrants intervention from the Human Rights Commission are welcome.

The answer to that question should be clear to you, me, the PC executive, and the Premier.

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Quickly before I go, one of the best lines i've heard in Alberta Question Period in a long time. It was delivered by Energy Minister Mel Knight in response to yet another accusation from Liberal Energy Critic Hugh MacDonald that Alberta is "secretly" planning to export power to the United States:

"Perhaps the member wants to climb a pole someplace and watch the
electrons. They can go both directions."

Odds and Ends

UPDATED with results from Calgary North West!

The hotline from Calgary North West informs me that technology worker and community activist Lindsay Blackett has won a competitive race against law enforcement officer Vince Caleffi. This was the last of the big races in Calgary and, given the population of the riding, had a very impressive turnout.

Some people have suggested that the ghost of Frank Bruseker (former Liberal MLA for the riding) may yet rise and see this riding fall to the Liberals in the election. Something tells me that ain't gonna happen.

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Congratulations are to be extended to Robin Campbell, winner of last night's PC nomination in the constituency of West Yellowhead.

Mr. Campbell is currently the head of the local chapter of the United Mine Workers and has been a staunch supporter of PC Alberta (and Ivan Strang) ever since the government took a stand in support of the Cheviot mine. In an interview at the time of his announcement, Campbell said "we understood that the PCs supported us and helped us keep our jobs. That goes a long way with us, and it goes a long way with me.”

Sounds to me like he's very much in touch with the people of West Yellowhead. I'm sure he'll make a fine MLA.

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Finally, a few brief words about the ongoing saga in Calgary Egmont.

The PC Alberta executive, a body to which I was elected 3 times, will be meeting this weekend to decide the future of Craig Chandler as the party's candidate in Egmont. I can completely understand the position in which the executive has been placed.

My best advice to PCAA exec members is to carefully consider the ramifications of allowing someone with a history of remarks that are contradictory to the party's Statement of Principles to be a representative before and during an election.

In many ways, the horse has already left the barn when it comes to the media frenzy surrounding this story. No matter how PCAA proceeds, it will be news and will result in some very intense scrutiny. What needs to be weighed is which group we should be more concerned about accomodating... Chandler's supporters or a broad cross-section of the Alberta public who are still undecided voters?

One more thing. Speaking of Chandler's supporters, I wish this man would go away. Mr. Crutcher is not reflective of the average PC Alberta member, nor does he have much of a history in the party.

He was thrust into the spotlight when elected President of Calgary Egmont as part of a takeover attempt in the lead up to the nomination. Mr. Crutcher can huff and puff about the party and its processes all he wants, but I don't think he has much credibility in the party or amongst the general public.

Should he chose to resign if the PCAA decision isn't to his liking, I think your average Alberta Tory would welcome the move.

The albertatory drops in

On my way back to the left coast, I made an impromptu stop in Calgary. Surely, it doesn't take much to bring me back to a city I so dearly love, but I dropped in for a very important reason.

Seven years ago at the PC AGM in Calgary, I met a young and ambitious lawyer (only a few years my senior) who had recently moved to the Stampede City from Regina. We became friends very quickly and have shared many good times as active conservatives over the years. We have been keenly aware of each other's ambitions of public service and, naturally, very supportive of them.

I am speaking of my friend Jonathan Denis who was contesting the PC Alberta nomination in Calgary Egmont. I know first hand how nerve-wracking the nomination process can be for a candidate and I wanted to be there for support and, hopefully, to celebrate.

As has been reported, Craig Chandler was the victor of the Egmont nomination. The results were, out of a total of 1670 ballots cast:

Craig Chandler - 945
Jonathan Denis - 485
Rick Smith - 227

Jonathan and his campaign team worked tirelessly in their cause and have every reason to be proud of their efforts. They spoke of a positive and inclusive vision and managed to attract a wide array of new members to our party. And, although I will not share the percentage, I was amazed at the number of people who honoured their committment to vote for Jonathan. If I had had the turnout of ID'd supporters that he did, I would be a Member of Parliament.

Much like my friend Mr. Denis, I will take the high road and congratulate Mr. Chandler on his victory. Speculation of what his candidacy will mean for our party is something that I will stay away from for the time being.

In the meantime, I tip my hat and say bravo to Jonathan for the supurb fight he put up.

Briefly in closing, I was very pleased with the results of the other nominations I was watching over the past week. Bill Donahue, Kyle Fawcett, and Arthur Kent will all get the chance to carry the PC torch in the next election. To them I also extend my sincere congratulations and look forward to watching their respective campaigns take shape.

More on the upcoming nominations tomorrow... stay tuned!