Peter Goldring: Drinking and Driving

After acting as the Vice-President for the Edmonton-East riding association for several years, prior to this year, I am deeply saddened by the actions of MP Peter Goldring.

Drunk driving is a dangerous act and many people are injured and killed, especially during the holiday season, every year. I am glad that proactive police work allowed a potentially deadly incident to be avoided and that thankfully no one was hurt.

MP Goldring has resigned from the Conservative Party and its cacaus.

I remind everyone this holiday season to please take taxis, call a friend, or sleep on a couch, rather than deciding to drink and drive and be a hazard on our streets.

Nathan Kotylak Escpaes to US

You would think, that since a person has a pending criminal investigation against them, it would be odd they would escape to another country...

In the case of Nathan Kotylak, I guess not.

We all remember Nathan, the individual who was caught on camera igniting a police car and participating in the Vancouver riots and also a hopeful for Canada's 2012 Olympic Water Polo team. I am glad the recent ruling by the Canadian Water Polo team has given Nathan a suspension and he can no longer participate in the 2012 games. This ensures that another more deserving person can attain to that spot vacated by Nathan Kotylak on the team.

Nathan Kotylak, the "crying" hero was quick to admit his guilt to attempting to ignite the gas tank of a police car; however, recent video evidence shows that he could also be found guilty for other incidents that he was not open about... He also has been spotted on video trying to ignite the backseat of a second police car, slapping a young girl on her bare breasts, and passing out beer bottles from a garbage can to rioters to throw at police officers.

Nathan Kotylak, no one believes you nor should they.

Nathan has left Canada to California to play water polo at a school there. Once he is demanded to return back to Canada, maybe he will have to be extradited, to face his charges (which I hope is soon) he should be considered a flight risk and not receive bail. He could very likely could escape back to his cushy life in California. I truly hope he receives jail time, a criminal record, and enjoys his future as a deep fryer mechanic.

A Canadian Film on Afghanistan

I have the great privledge of being the Director of an upcoming Canadian film, entitled Return, with Producers Curtis Petersen and Shaun Donnelly. The film is based upon the incredible true story of Paul Franklin and his experiences after suffering an attack of suicide bomber in Afghanistan and his return coming home.

View the above video interviews!

As Canadians and readers of this blog, you are probably thinking, this film is a good idea and will give justice and insight into the experience of our soldiers and a mission that Canada has been involved in for over 10 years now. We do too, that is why we are doing the film and we could use your help.

Currently, the film industry relies on production loans and private investment to get films to screens. We are currently working with several Federal, Provincial, and private funding partners to ensure this great story gets told. If you are interested in getting involved in this project and help us secure Canadian support, please don't hesitate to contact us through Coldspark Studios at www.coldspark.ca/productions.

A Fiscal Watchdog For Edmonton

Kerry Diotte, former Edmonton Sun Journalist, has announced yesterday, that he will be seeking the voter's confidence in the next Edmonton civic election, this upcoming October. I have been asked by Mr. Diotte to be his campaign manager, of which I have accepted.

Speaking with Kerry Diotte, I hear a lot about fiscal responsibility to the taxpayer and how Edmontonians deserve better core services.

I will continue to support this strong candidate as we direct our attention to city hall and the needs of the taxpayers.

To read more about Kerry Diotte, visit his website at www.KerryDiotte.com

To view Kerry's YouTube interview visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8epmS1Ikko

A Year In Review.... A Conservative's Tale

I have always been a grassroots conservative. I believe that you should be able to recall your elected official in a national election campaign (which we did in 2008) and should also be able to recall them within a party nomination. The people that respresent us are entrusted to do the duty of both the members of the political party and their constituents.

Any active person in a political party, should be able to stand next to the previously nominated candidate and challenge them for the right to be the party candidate, in an open and a fair nomination, at regular intervals. The members should then be able to use their judgement and have a free vote, with regards to keeping their current candidate or choosing a new opportunity with a new candidate. This is fundamental democracy. It is what being a conservative is all about.

It has been nearly a year since the Conservative Party of Canada decided to hold an opportunity for nomination contests throughout the Conservative held ridings in Canada. Ballots were mailed to all members, in all the ridings of Canada. When members recieved the ballot it asked them if they wished to retain or remove their Member of Parliament. In all Conservative ridings in Canada, no nominations were opened. The ballots required 2/3's of member's to agree to hold a nomination; any unreturned ballot counted against holding a nomination.

I realized that holding an open nomination was important in my home riding of Edmonton-East; where I live and work. I attempted to see an open nomination held. I truly felt that if there was not another candidate running for in the pre-nomination ballot, people would feel that there were no other options and no reason to have a nomination. I decided it was something worth taking a stand for. I decided I would run out of principle and was determined to fight for the continuation of open nomination practices.

The road was bumpy and in the end I learnt more about democracy, I met more wonderful people and supporters for the issues I believe in. There is now a nominated candidate in Edmonton-East for the next federal election. This year I was elected with 29 other individuals to once again represent the issues of the members and sit on the Electoral District Association of Edmonton-East. I will not waiver in my beliefs. I am comitted to serving the board and its members and I hope for a beneficial year to follow.

Conservatives Supporting Amputee Veterans

It was an honor and privledge to speak at the Freedom event on Friday, November 13th. The Concordia Conservative Association wanted to give back to the soldiers that give so much in the name of freedom.

Today we have the pleasure of sitting down and talking with (ret) Master Cpl. Paul Franklin at our latest board meeting. We handed over the cheque from the proceeds from the event, totalling $1,250! The Conservative students at Concordia made this event a huge success and my thanks goes out to them.

The $1,250 was given on behalf of the Concordia Conservative Association to the Northern Alberta Amptuee Program, which will be becoming the Franklin Foundation in a few short months.

Paul Franklin and some of the members of the Concordia Conservative Association

NAAP

http://www.naap.med.ualberta.ca/

Freedom... with Ezra Levant, Paul Franklin, and Laurie Hawn

On Friday, November 13th, I had the pleasure of being the Master of Ceremonies for the big speakers event in Edmonton, "Freedom: Worth Fighting For." The event showcased speakers (ret) Master Cpl. Paul Franklin, Member of Parliament Laurie Hawn, and Ezra Levant. The event explored what Freedom means to Canadians and the courage and sacrifice of our Canadian military in giving the gift of freedom to not only those of us at home, but people in many countries around the world.

Matt Altheim, Paul Franklin, Laurie Hawn, and Ezra Levant, along with the members of the Concordia Conservative Association.

Master of Ceremonies Matt Altheim

The first speaker was Paul Franklin. (Ret) Master Cpl. Paul Franklin served honorably in the Canadian Armed forces as a field medic, through his struggle Paul has turned sacrifice into inspiration, he decided to be a helping hand to others and by using his talents and abilities, Paul Franklin started the Northern Alberta Amputee Program which offers above and beyond care and support for those who suffer life changing injuries. This past week, Paul officially retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and also recieved the first Sacrifice Medal on behalf of the government and people of Canada.

Brett Gignac and Paul Franklin

We are so very proud of Paul and we wish him so much success and blessings in the future as his charity goes national to become the Franklin Foundation.

Our second speaker this evening was also a member of the Canadian Forces. He served as a pilot for the Royal Canadian Air Force for thirty years. Before deciding to run for Parliament, Laurie Hawn was a community leader and in 2006 we were truly blessed when he was elected to be the Member of Parliament of Edmonton-Centre. Since being elected, Mr. Hawn has served on the Standing Committees of National Defence, Public Safety, and National Security. In 2007, Mr. Hawn was named as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence and since then has done a remarkable job on behalf of the people of Canada.

Member of Parliament Laurie Hawn

Laurie Hawn gave a great speech on the history of the Canadian Armed Forces and how we have given freedom to many countries in the world through great sacrifice and honour.

Ezra Levant

Our keynote speaker for the evening was Ezra Levant, who is known for being a political activist, author, journalist, and someone who speaks him mind and stands up for what he believes in. Ezra was such a delight and he gave us an insight about his challenges with the Canadian Human Rights Commission and what he thought was really unfounded censorship against what he had published in a political magazine (the Western Standard) in Canada, which is a country that prides itself on free speech.

I salute and thank the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who have given so much for the freedom of not only Canada, but haven given so much for the freedom of people around the world! God bless you.